The Best Invoicing and Billing Software for September 2024 (2024)

We chose FreshBooks as the best invoicing and billing software because of its value, accessibility, and scalability for business owners, regardless of the size or nature of their businesses. The software also comes with a suite of accounting tools and award-winning customer service.

Invoicing software streamlines and automates creating and sending invoices to customers. User-friendly billing software can save a lot of time and ultimately lower the cost of the invoicing process. The right invoicing software for you depends on several factors, including your budget, your industry, the size of your company, and any personal preferences you may have.To help you decide, we reviewed over 20 invoicing apps and narrowed them down based on pricing, ease of use, additional features, and integration capabilities.

The Best Invoicing and Billing Software for September 2024

Best Invoicing and Billing Software for September 2024

Best Invoicing and Billing Software for September 2024

  • Our Top Picks
  • FreshBooks
  • Square
  • Invoice Ninja
  • Invoice Simple
  • Zoho Invoice
  • QuickBooks
  • See More (3)
  • Final Verdict

  • Compare the Best Invoicing Software

  • FAQs

  • Methodology

Best Overall : FreshBooks

Why We Chose It

FreshBooks offers a scalable invoicing option with polished templates, convenient payment processing solutions, inventory tracking, and a bevy of other accounting tools and services.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Integrates with over 100 apps

  • Recurring invoice & auto payment

  • Robust reporting

Cons

  • Limited functionality on mobile app

  • Limited template customization

  • More expensive than basic invoicing software

Overview

FreshBooks gives users customizable invoices with options for recurring invoicing and auto payment. Clients can make credit card or ACH payments, making it a winning combination for business owners and customers alike.

Invoicing and other services can be accessed via desktop, tablet, or mobile, though some users report that the mobile app lacks some features offered by the desktop version. Fortunately, you can still send and review invoices with the FreshBooks mobile app.

In addition to invoicing, a FreshBooks account also gives users access to time and expense tracking, project management, payments, and reporting. The software integrates with over 100 third-party apps, including Gusto and Zoom.

FreshBooks offers a 30-day trial, and if it’s a good match for your business. You can select one of the following paid plans:

  • Lite:$17 per month for up to five billable clients
  • Plus:$30 per month for up to 50 billable clients
  • Premium: $55 per month for unlimited billable clients
  • Select: Custom pricing and features, generally for larger companies

Best for Payment Processing : Square

Why We Chose It

Square has a reputation for helping small businesses manage online and point-of-sale purchases. Their streamlined approach to payment processing is mimicked in their invoicing services, making Square the perfect option for business owners looking for software that does both.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Real-time invoice tracking

  • One-click payment option for customers

  • A no monthly fee plan option

Cons

  • Transaction-based fee can add up

  • Limited invoice customization

Overview

Since 2009, Square has become a mainstay for small business owners who need simple and streamlined payment processing.In 2014, Square also added a free invoice functionality. Today, a free plan remains and a paid subscription version with more features is also offered.When combined with some of the additional features covered below, we think Square Invoice is one of the best apps for business owners who want to centralize their payment and invoicing needs.

Square Invoice lets users create and send customized invoices, schedule recurring billing, and track the status of an invoice in real time. One-click payments make it easier for customers to pay online from their phone or tablet, and over 75% of Square invoices are paid within a day.

While many other invoicing apps require a monthly payment, Square Invoice has a free plan. You’re only charged when an invoice is paid. There is also a paid plan that costs $29 per month for extra features.Each Square Invoice is charged a fee between 6% + $0.30 and 2.6% + $0.10 depending on payment method. As such, Square may not be the best option for high-volume or high-risk industries. However, since fees are standardized, Square can offer you some predictability without a commitment.

Best Free Option : Invoice Ninja

Why We Chose It

Thanks to Invoice Ninja’s Forever Free plan, users can send unlimited invoices and estimates to up to 20 clients and access a number of features that can make account management easier.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Many gateway options

  • Unlimited invoices and quotes

  • Integrates with over 1,000 apps through its many integration partners

Cons

  • No phone support

  • Free account only accommodates up to 20 clients

Overview

Invoice Ninja is a 100% open-sourced development invoicing company that was designed to give freelancers and small business owners access to premium accounting services without a hefty price tag.Since 2014, the company has succeeded at reaching its goals and today over 200,000 businesses rely on this unique software application.

Invoice Ninja earned our pick as best free invoicing software because of its generous Forever Free plan. Once enrolled in this plan, users can send unlimited invoices and quotes to 20 clients, set up auto-billing and recurring invoices, manage projects and tasks, and leverage a dozen other features. Invoice Ninja also offers access to a huge selection of payment gateways and supports over 100 currencies and 20 languages, making it ideal for business owners with a global reach.

If your business grows and you need to invoice more than 20 clients, you can still take advantage of Invoice Ninja’s services by signing up for one of their highly affordable paid plans. The Ninja Pro plan ($10/month) will let you send an unlimited number of invoices to an unlimited number of clients, and it will also give you access to other features, like a custom URL. If your needs extend beyond that, the company also offers an Enterprise Plan ($14/month), which provides further enhancements, like a fully branded client portal and multiple-user access.

Best for Mobile Invoicing : Invoice Simple

Why We Chose It

Invoice Simple is an easy-to-use app that was designed for business owners who are on the go.Its mobile app offers full-invoicing functionality, including payment options, all at an affordable price point.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Accept payment via debit and credit card

  • Customizable templates

Cons

  • Free trial is limited to one invoice

  • Single payment gateway for credit card transactions

Overview

Most of today’s most popular invoicing software platforms offer desktop and mobile access, but many mobile invoicing apps lack the same functionality as their desktop companions. That’s not the case with Invoice Simple, which lets users create, customize, manage, and track invoices and estimates right from their phone or tablet. The app also makes it easy to accept credit or debit card payments. They have partnered with PayPal to process payments.

If your goal is to find an efficient way to send invoices from your smartphone, Invoice Simple will meet your expectations without draining your bank account. The app is easy to use and is a top-rated choice for Android and iOS users. The app, however, only offers a limited range of accounting functions and reports, so if you’re looking for an all-encompassing app to manage all your accounting needs, it may not be the right one for you.

If you’re considering Invoice Simple, you can send an invoice for free to try it. After that, you can choose from three monthly subscription options. There is Starter with three invoices per month for $6.99. Next up is Pro with unlimited invoices each month for $13.49. Lastly, you can opt for Premium which adds mobile app access for $19.99 each month. There are annual rates to save money as well. Overall, the low price-point combined with the ease of use and overwhelming customer satisfaction make this an affordable and efficient app for invoicing clients on the go.

Best Automation Solutions : Zoho Invoice

Why We Chose It

Zoho Invoice offers business owners access to excellent automation and invoicing functionality for free. That makes it one of the best invoicing software applications for those who want to streamline payments and workflow, while saving money at the same time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Set up recurring invoices and payments

  • Automations for internal and external needs

  • Invoice in multiple currencies

Cons

  • Custom automation requires some developer skills

  • Automation is limited to 10 workflows per module

Overview

Zoho offers a wide range of business services designed to help users with everything from sales and marketing to finances. Zoho Invoice, which is a standalone invoicing application, offers customizable invoicing and payment services. It also offers some solid automation features, making it our favorite invoicing software for business owners who also want to simplify and automate common invoicing and client relation activities.

Zoho users can set up recurring invoices as well as automatic payments, but the automation benefits extend past sending invoices. Zoho Invoice also allows users to set up workflow scenarios that trigger email alerts, field updates, and in-app notifications. Users can also customize automation for specific scenarios, like order discounts or late fees.

Zoho Invoice is totally free. They make money from other services. Zoho limits you to 1,000 invoices a year which is quite generous and should serve most users. If you need more, you can contact them about your options.

Best for Detailed Reporting : QuickBooks

Why We Chose It

The QuickBooks suite of business management tools has long been the go-to resource for individuals, small businesses, and not-so-small businesses alike. Its powerful data collection, organization, and reporting capabilities make it especially attractive to those seeking to wrangle their business's metrics.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Customizable reports

  • Access to other QuickBooks accounting tools

  • Robust resource center

Cons

  • Not as affordable as other invoicing software

  • Some users find interface hard to navigate

Overview

QuickBooks is known for offering comprehensive accounting tools, and its invoice functionality doesn’t disappoint. With a QuickBooks account, users can customize and automate invoices, add billable hours, and duplicate similar invoices to send to multiple customers. The program also offers a wide range of bookkeeping and record-keeping services, making it the best option for business owners looking for detailed reports that provide insights on invoicing and other important financial metrics.

QuickBooks users can focus on invoice-related metrics or expand reports to cover an abundance of financial metrics that, when combined, lead to improved efficiency and more educated decisions. Reports are readily accessible through the QuickBooks dashboard, which makes it easy to obtain information fast.

Access to reporting, invoice or otherwise, depends on the plan you select. The Simple Start plan ($30/month) allows you to run general reports (e.g., profit and loss, balance sheets, cash flow, etc). Each subscription tier will give you increased access to reporting functionality, with the most comprehensive reports available under the Essentials plan ($55/month), Plus plan ($85/month), and the Advanced plan ($200/month). Discounts are often available.

The price tag associated with QuickBooks can be a deterrent, but if reporting is your primary goal, then this software can be well worth the investment. That’s particularly true when you factor in the other accounting tools that are available to QuickBooks users. You can try QuickBooks invoicing and reporting services for free for 30 days, and you can easily upgrade if you decide you want further enhanced reporting.

Final Verdict

Regardless of what type of business you own, invoicing software will help you save time and get paid faster, but not all invoicing software is alike. Before you choose, it’s helpful to consider your needs. If your primary goal is to find a quick, easy, and affordable way to send invoices, companies like Invoice Simple, Invoice Ninja, and Zoho Invoice may be your best options.These apps have a single focus—invoicing—and are often affordable, if not free.

If you want to manage invoices but also gain access to a suite of additional accounting tools, invoicing software from FreshBooks and QuickBooks may provide the most benefits. These apps may have higher price points, but they can provide a single point of reference and management for all your business needs.

Compare the Best Invoicing Software

Invoicing SoftwareKey Benefit
FreshBooks
Best Overall
Full suite of accounting tools Integrates with over 100 other apps
Square
Best for Payment Processing
Real-time invoice tracking, no monthly fee plan offered
Invoice Ninja
Best Free Option
Full-featured software for free unlimited invoices for up to 20 clients
Invoice Simple
Best for Mobile Invoicing
Full-featured mobile app Affordable
Zoho Invoice
Best Automation Solutions
Automated workflows Recurring invoices and payments
QuickBooks
Best for Detailed Reporting
Customizable reports Reports extend beyond invoicing

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is QuickBooks Good for Invoicing?

    QuickBooks offers a variety of accounting tools, including invoicing. As a QuickBooks user, you can send customized invoices, set up recurring payments, and automate payments.QuickBooks also provides a wealth of reporting that can lead to insights that extend well beyond a single invoice. However, QuickBooks does not offer a standalone invoicing software application.

    Instead, invoicing is part of a larger suite of accounting tools.Business owners that are looking for full-service accounting software will find this beneficial, but it does come with a cost. Basic access to QuickBooks, including the invoicing tool, is often more expensive than premium plans for invoice-specific software.

  • Is Invoicing Software Safe?

    Storing information online will always have inherent security concerns, but many of today’s popular invoicing software applications take several precautions to ensure the safety of user data. Here are a few things to consider before you sign up for any accounting service, invoicing or otherwise:

    • Storage: Most invoicing software companies rely on cloud storage to give users quick and easy access to data no matter where they are. Reputable invoicing software companies should make sure your data is both physically and electronically secured. That means storing servers in a location with limited access and leveraging backup servers to prevent loss in the event one set of servers is damaged.
    • Transit: Data can be compromised in storage, but it’s also vulnerable during transit. To prevent that, your invoicing software company should encrypt sensitive data (e.g., banking information, SSN/EIN numbers, etc.) while it’s being sent and received.
    • Password Protection: Protect all your invoicing accounts and any device you use to access them by creating strong passwords. Passwords should be at least 12 characters and include a mix of numbers, letters (capital and lowercase), and symbols. Cybersecurity experts also recommend avoiding “dictionary words,” names, and dates that can be easily guessed by a malicious entity.
  • Are There Free Invoicing Options?

    Many invoicing software companies charge for their services, but there are a few that offer free access, often with limitations and usage caps. If you’re looking for free invoicing options, here are a few questions that can help you determine just what “free” means:

    • How many invoices can I send before I have to pay for the service?
    • Are limits based on clients or the number of invoices?
    • If an invoice results in payment, how much is the transaction fee?
    • What, if any, invoicing services are excluded from the free plan?
  • Can You Make Invoices With Microsoft Office?

    Yes, you can use Microsoft Office to create invoices.Both Word and Excel include a number of business-specific templates, including ones for invoices. Templates can be customized according to your needs, invoices can be saved, and files can be sent to customers via a third-party platform (e.g., email, Dropbox, etc.). Unfortunately, you cannot send invoices, receive payments, automate invoices, or gather reports directly from Microsoft Office, making invoicing a manual process.

How We Pick the Best Invoicing Software

We researched over 20 invoicing software companies and evaluated each based on factors such as affordability, customization options, usability, mobile access, and integration options. First, we considered features availability and pricing to determine which applications were affordable and most likely to meet the needs of business owners with various needs (e.g, startups, freelancers, seasoned businesses, etc.). Then we reviewed customer feedback and software limitations to determine which applications offered the best user experience for the price. Finally, we identified unique benefits or features that made the invoicing software best for a specific audience.

The Best Invoicing and Billing Software for September 2024 (7)

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy.

  1. Freshbooks. "FreshBooks App Store."

  2. Square. "About Square."

  3. Square. "Square Adds Invoicing to Its Powerful Register Service."

  4. Square. "Free Invoicing App."

  5. Invoice Ninja. "Pricing."

  6. Invoice Ninja. "Free Invoicing Software for Small Businesses."

  7. Invoice Ninja. "Our Story."

  8. Invoice Ninja. "Languages & Currencies."

  9. Zoho. "Pricing."

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The Best Invoicing and Billing Software for September 2024 (2024)
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