The 6 Best Invoicing Software for Freelancers
Searching for the best invoicing software for freelancers? Invoicing software can significantly streamline your business operations, allowing you to focus more on what you do best – delivering excellent work for your clients.
In this blog, we’ll explore what freelance invoicing entails and why it’s crucial for every freelance business. We’ll also review some of the top invoicing software options to help you decide which is best for you.
Let’s get started!
What Is Freelance Invoicing and Why Is It Important?
Freelance invoicing is the process of billing clients for services rendered. A standard invoice documents the work that has been completed, as well as the agreed compensation and payment terms.
Effective freelance invoicing is essential because it:
- Reduces the likelihood of incorrect or late payments
- Protects you in the event of payment disputes
- Helps you track your earnings, expenses, and overall financial health
- Simplifies tax filing and makes it easier to meet your legal obligations
- Shows professionalism, enhancing your credibility with clients
While invoices can be created manually, invoicing software makes this process faster, more consistent, and less prone to error.
Which Software Is Right for You?
Choosing the right invoicing tool starts with understanding your business needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the best option for you will depend on your goals, work style, and budget.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself before reviewing the tools below:
- How many people will need access to the software?
- What do customer reviews say about the service’s reliability and support?
- Which invoicing features matter most to you (e.g., recurring payments, time tracking)?
- Does the tool offer a free trial or demo period?
- How many clients do you invoice each month?
- Can you customize templates to reflect your brand?
- How do you prefer to contact customer support?
- Is the software easy to learn and use?
- Does it integrate with tools you already use (like accounting or project management platforms)?
Most platforms offer more functionality on paid plans, but trial periods and flexible cancellation policies can help you test them risk-free. Don’t hesitate to contact support during your trial to get a feel for their service quality.
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular invoicing tools and what each one does best.
6 Great Examples of Freelancing Software
Below, we’ve reviewed six of the top invoicing tools for freelancers. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your freelance business, these platforms offer something for every kind of workflow. Note: all paid plans are listed in US Dollars (USD).
1. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is a popular tool for freelancers and small businesses. It’s known for its customizable invoicing templates, which allow you to incorporate your own branding (like your logo and color palette) into the design. You can set up automatic payment reminders and late fees, as well as recurring invoices for repeat clients. The tool also allows users to generate useful reports for profit and loss, expenses, and more.
Plans start at $19 a month if billed annually, and you have the option of signing up for a 30-day trial.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ User-friendly interface ✅ Wide range of invoicing features, including invoice customization ✅ Unlimited time and expense tracking ✅ Mobile app option (iOS and Android) for on-the-go invoicing ✅ Payment options include VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and Apple Pay ✅ Integration with over 100 partner apps ✅ Customer support available from 8am to 7pm on weekdays | ❌ The Lite plan only allows unlimited invoices for up to five clients ❌ The Lite plan doesn’t include accountant access, bank reconciliation, or double-entry fundamentals ❌ Additional users cost an extra $11 per month |
2. Harvest
Two small business owners launched Harvest in 2006. Today, it serves the time tracking and billing needs of over 70,000 clients. These include freelancers, small businesses, and departments within Fortune 500s worldwide.
Harvest boasts a wide range of invoicing features. Users can create invoices from timesheets, track project and task expenses, and set up automated invoices and reminders. It also allows you to generate detailed reports, which can be exported to other project management tools (like Asana or Slack) or shared with an accountant.
A limited version of the software intended for individual freelancers is available for free. However, this version only allows for one user and two projects maximum. Users can access unlimited invoices for unlimited projects on the Pro plan, with prices starting at $11 per month if billed annually.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Beginner-friendly, intuitive interface ✅ Wide range of invoicing features, including payment tracking ✅ Offers time-tracking and reporting tools ✅ Integration with payment tools like Stripe and PayPal for seamless payments ✅ Mobile app option (iOS and Android) for on-the-go invoicing ✅ Paid plan can be canceled at any time | ❌ Free version limitations might be restrictive for some freelancers ❌ Customer support is limited to email and X (formerly Twitter) ❌ Limited advanced accounting features ❌ Limited integration capabilities with some project management systems ❌ Fewer invoice customization options than other software |
3. Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is a great option for new freelancers or those on a budget. Invoices can be created quickly using customizable templates, with instant notifications when an invoice is viewed, due, or paid. Payment information is automatically synced with Wave’s accounting feature, making bookkeeping much easier.
The starter plan is completely free, or you can go for the Pro plan starting at $16 per month if billed annually.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ User-friendly and easy to set up ✅ Unlimited, customizable invoices available with the free plan ✅ Invoices can be sent automatically, or via links or PDFs ✅ Dashboard shows invoice statuses and performance reports all in one place ✅ The Wave app (iOS and Android) allows for on-the-go invoicing ✅ No contract, hidden fees, or charges | ❌ Recurring payments, auto-reminders, and deposit requests are only available with the Pro plan ❌ Live-person chat and email support is not available for free users ❌ Mobile app doesn’t offer the full functionality of the desktop version ❌ Fewer third-party integrations than other software |
4. Bonsai
Bonsai is particularly popular for end-to-end management. As well as financial management tools, it also has client and project management tools. When it comes to invoicing, Bonsai can run automated invoice creation, payment reminders, and recurring payment cycles. Users can receive credit card and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments in over 100 currencies.
The Essentials plan is $19 per month if billed annually, with additional pricing tiers at $29 and $49. If you want to try before you buy, Bonsai offers a seven-day trial period.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Unlimited clients and projects (for all plans) ✅ Ability to automate the whole invoicing process ✅ Ability to send proposals and contracts ✅ Multicurrency and multilingual support ✅ Plans can be changed or canceled at any time ✅ Mobile app for iPhone and Android users | ❌ Some features locked behind higher-tier plans, such as advanced billing and customization options ❌ Mobile app lacks some of the functionality of the desktop version ❌ Customer support is limited to email and in-app chat |
5. HoneyBook
Founded in 2013, HoneyBook is an all-in-one clientflow management platform used by over 100,000 independent businesses. Professionally designed invoice templates can be customized to match your branding and scheduled to be sent at a specific date and time.
Plans start at $29 a month if billed annually. Like Bonsai, there’s the option of doing a seven-day free trial.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Quick setup and easy to use ✅ Extensive library of customizable templates available for all payment plans ✅ Invoices and payment reminders can be pre-scheduled ✅ Integrates with a wide range of popular small business tools ✅ Mobile app can perform invoicing functions as well as share files and track task times ✅ Chat and email support available seven days a week ✅ Users can change or cancel plans anytime | ❌ Transaction fees for credit card and ACH payments can add up over time ❌ Some customization and collaboration features are only available with the Essentials and Premium plans ❌ Some app integrations (e.g., QuickBooks) aren’t available with the Starter plan ❌ Requires the use of its payment processor to accept online payments |
6. Square
Square is known for its user-friendly design, making it easy for not-so-techie users to navigate its invoicing platform. The free plan allows you to send unlimited invoices, estimates, and contracts. You can also track invoices in real time from the project dashboard and schedule recurring invoices.
Square is free but does offer a Plus plan starting at $29 a month if billed annually for growing businesses that need advanced features.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Allows you to send unlimited invoices, estimates, and contracts ✅ Personalize invoices with your brand and logo ✅ Invoices can be sent via email, SMS, or hyperlink ✅ Real-time invoice tracking from your laptop or mobile device ✅ Integrates with accounting software such as QuickBooks Online and Xero | ❌ Many features are only available with the Plus plan (e.g., saving and reusing custom invoice templates) ❌ Invoice processing fees, even with the Plus plan ❌ Must use the platform’s in-house payment processing system in order to accept online payments |
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the top tools to help you choose the best fit for your needs:
| Tool | Best For | Free Plan | Paid Plan | Standout Features |
| FreshBooks | Branded, professional invoices and financial reporting | No (but offers a 30-day free trial) | $19+/mo (annual) | Customizable branded invoices, financial reports, and automated payment reminders |
| Harvest | Time-tracking and project-based billing | Yes | $11/mo (annual) | Integrated time tracking with invoicing and exportable project-based reporting |
| Wave | Budget-conscious freelancers and basic accounting | Yes | $16/mo (annual) | Unlimited free invoicing with built-in accounting and real-time payment tracking |
| Bonsai | End-to-end freelance business management | No (but offers a 7-day free trial) | $19/mo (annual) | All-in-one platform with invoicing, contracts, proposals, and automated workflows |
| HoneyBook | Client communication and workflow automation | No (but offers a 7-day free trial) | $29/mo (annual) | Easy-to-use templates and tools to manage clients, send invoices, and stay organized |
| Square | Simple, scalable invoicing with flexible payment options | Yes | $29/mo (annual) | Straightforward invoicing with real-time tracking and the ability to send invoices by email or text |
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