8 Best Invoicing Software for Freelancers in 2024 Expertly Tested

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Freelancers must handle various business aspects, such as searching for clients, maintaining a client base, invoicing, and following up on payments. Despite not enjoying it, we are often forced to become problem-solvers and take on the role of accountants for our businesses.

The task of invoicing is a major responsibility when running a freelance business. Although it may be considered complex and bothersome, remaining organized is crucial and can make it less hassle.

This guide offers valuable insights into the top invoicing tools for freelancers. Each tool has undergone testing and evaluation. Rather than simply presenting a list of the best and worst options, the guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the various choices available for invoicing as a freelancer.

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Best software tools for freelancers: summary

• Freelancers have many tasks, such as searching for clients, maintaining a client base, invoicing, and following up on payments.
• Bonsai offers an all-in-one product suite for proposal management, time tracking, expense tracking, and invoicing that features automatic invoice reminders and a late fee system.
• FreshBooks is adaptable to different markets with an all-in-one solution for accounting and invoicing.
• Wave Invoicing is free but charges a percentage on each transaction plus added fees for specific use cases.
• Honeybook provides a comprehensive platform for project management and payment processing.
• AND.CO offers a user-friendly platform with a quick invoicing system and payment tracking notifications.
• PandaDoc utilizes eSignatures to enable freelancers to collect payments seamlessly with global payment processing options.
• Zoho Invoice offers versatile invoice templates, time/expense tracking, project management tools, and currency integration.
• Invoicely provides freelancers with necessary invoice features plus advanced features available at $9.99

What are the advantages of using invoice software for freelancers?

For freelancers, traditional software such as Word and Excel are adequate for invoicing as they are easy to configure and produce satisfactory results. However, these tools may seem outdated, particularly when handling large amounts of data that require manual input.

Fortunately, invoicing software, particularly SaaS invoicing, offers greater efficiency and ease of use. These software often come with payment integration, simplifying the payment process for clients, and reducing the hassle.

While a stunning design is unnecessary, a professional layout can create a positive impression on clients and prospects.

Moreover, automation is a significant benefit that comes with invoicing software. With the ability to schedule recurring invoices for all clients, figures are updated automatically, saving time and reducing the need for manual input.

To sum up, invoicing software provides freelancers a streamlined way to track, record, write, and send invoices without manually updating rows and columns in different Word or Excel sheets.

How to choose the best invoice tool for freelancers?

It’s important to note that there is no “one size fits all” solution for freelancers’ invoicing software. As a freelancer, you need to consider your unique needs and what you seek from an invoicing system to determine which software best fits your small business.

Choosing the right invoicing tool for your freelancing business requires thoughtful consideration of the following questions:

1. How many clients do you have? This is crucial in determining the scale of invoicing required. Some invoicing tools may limit the number of clients managed within the software.
2. How many recurring invoices do you plan on sending monthly? Some freelancers have clients that require monthly or quarterly invoices. Invoicing tools that allow for automated recurring invoices can save time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
3. How do most of your clients prefer to pay? Consider your clients’ preferred payment methods like credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. Ensure that the invoicing software you choose supports these payment options.
4. Do you need the software to be integrated with other tools? If you use separate tools for project management, time tracking, or bookkeeping, it’s crucial to confirm that your chosen invoicing software has the capability to integrate with these tools. Doing so will enhance the efficiency of your workflow and prevent any duplication of tasks.

In addition to these questions, it’s essential to consider factors such as pricing, ease of use, customer support, and security features when choosing the best invoicing tool for your freelance business. Evaluating your needs and researching different invoicing software options carefully will help you make an informed decision that will benefit your business in the long term.

Read Also: The Best Accounting Software For Freelancers To Manage Your Taxes

What are the best invoicing tools for freelancers and self-employed?

When it comes to invoicing tools for freelancers, the internet is flooded with options that promise to save you time, increase organization, and maintain accurate and updated records.

After testing numerous apps and tools, we’ve compiled a list of the best invoicing tools available. The list encompasses a range of tools, from simple to complex. The simplest tools focus solely on invoicing, while the more complicated ones may include tax tracking and advanced accounting features.

1. Bonsai

Bonsai, a well-established invoicing software, has provided freelancers smart automation services for years. The software’s motto, “Make more, Manage less,” sums up its all-in-one product suite’s purpose.

The suite offers various proposal templates for sending out proposals or estimates, a time tracker, and an expense tracker. However, the invoicing system is the standout feature. With Bonsai, you can easily send invoices and set up recurring payments. The system also automatically reminds clients of unpaid invoices and adds a late fee to unpaid invoices beyond the due date, saving freelancers from following up. Additionally, you can schedule invoices for later, send invoices via a different link, or download them as PDFs.

Pricing for Bonsai starts at $17/month for the Starter Plan, and you can try it for free using a specific link provided by the company. It goes to $32/month for the Professional Plan, which is the best in terms of cost and quality.

In conclusion, Bonsai offers an all-in-one product suite that streamlines proposal management, time tracking, expense tracking, and invoicing for freelancers. The automatic invoice reminders and late fee system provide additional value for freelancers, saving them time and effort while ensuring payment on time.

2. FreshBooks

FreshBooks, although younger than its competitor QuickBooks, has gained a significant following and is widely considered an alternative to QuickBooks. The platform offers three pricing levels, each supporting just one user. FreshBooks is highly adaptable to different markets. For example, European users can use the VAT Return Report feature to file VAT directly within the software and transmit it to their government.

One of the best aspects of FreshBooks is its versatility as both an accounting and invoicing tool. This all-in-one solution saves time and allows freelancers to keep track of everything in a single place. FreshBooks is also customizable and easy to learn, making it one of the best accounting software available.

FreshBooks’ adaptability to different markets, such as Europe, is a standout feature. FreshBooks’ all-in-one solution makes it easy for freelancers to manage their accounting and invoicing needs in a single platform. The software is also customizable and easy to learn, making it a top choice for freelancers looking for a comprehensive accounting solution.

3. Wave

Wave Invoicing offers the majority of its invoicing services for free by earning money through the transactions between freelancers and their clients. When using their integrated payment system, Wave retains a percentage on every transaction made on invoices sent through their platform.

Wave charges 1.4% + €0.25 per transaction for European-issued cards, excluding VAT. For non-European-issued cards, the fee is 2.9% + €0.25 per transaction, excluding VAT. Bank payments incur a 1% fee, where available.

In addition to these fees, there are two additional charges for specific use cases for processing online payments: a dispute fee of $15 if the account holder disputes a payment transaction, and a return fee of $5 per item.

Wave Invoicing is 100% web-based, but the platform also offers mobile invoicing and receipt scanning apps for iOS and Android.

In summary, Wave Invoicing provides most of its invoicing services for free, making money through a percentage on each transaction made through its platform. The platform’s fees are reasonable, with added charges for specific use cases for processing online payments. Wave Invoicing is entirely web-based but offers mobile invoicing and receipt scanning apps for added convenience.

4. Honeybook

Honeybook offers an easy-to-use platform for freelancers to manage their projects and get paid seamlessly. The Pipeline dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your projects and their status, allowing you to send emails, track proposals, and monitor your relationship status with clients or prospects. Additionally, Honeybook provides a customizable form you can use on your website to collect leads and build relationships with potential clients.

Furthermore, Honeybook features an integrated invoicing system allowing freelancers to manage clients and payments in one place. The system offers automatic payment reminders, tracking, and direct deposit options, simplifying the payment process for freelancers and their clients.

In summary, Honeybook offers a user-friendly platform that streamlines project management and payment processing for freelancers. The Pipeline dashboard provides a central location to manage projects and client relationships, while the customizable form and integrated invoicing system further simplify the process of collecting leads and receiving payments.

5. AND.CO

AND.CO is regarded as one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly invoicing solutions. With the slogan “Invoice in 20 seconds or less,” AND.CO lives up to its promise by providing a simple and clever invoicing system that is perfect for freelancers. The software automatically creates invoices, alerts you when they are viewed or paid, accepts payments directly, and notifies you when payment has been received—the comprehensive AND.CO suite includes areas for proposals, contracts, time tracking, and task management.

Freelancers with minimal demands can use AND.CO for free, while the PRO version, which costs $18/month, offers more features such as removing AND.CO branding from invoices and documents.

In summary, AND.CO is an excellent invoicing solution for freelancers, offering a comprehensive suite of features and a user-friendly interface. The software’s quick invoicing system, payment tracking, and notification system make it easy for freelancers to manage their finances and focus on other aspects of their business. The free and PRO versions cater to freelancers with different demands, making it a flexible solution for different freelancing needs.

6. PandaDoc

PandaDoc is a unique invoicing tool that utilizes eSignatures to enable freelancers to collect payments seamlessly. This software is designed for all freelancers and self-employed. PandaDoc offers hassle-free online payment processing, allowing freelancers to request eSignatures and collect payments in minutes, regardless of location.

As soon as a document is signed, customers can pay instantly using a variety of payment methods, including credit cards (including EMV three – Europay, Mastercard, and Visa), debit cards, bank transfers, merchant accounts, PayPal, and more. This means there are no delays in payment processing, and freelancers don’t have to waste time chasing payments. With PandaDoc, freelancers can enjoy easy, global payment processing that benefits them and their customers.

In summary, PandaDoc is a unique invoicing tool that utilizes eSignatures for easy payment collection. The software is designed for organizations of all sizes and offers hassle-free online payment processing. PandaDoc allows freelancers to collect payments quickly and easily without chasing payments. With various payment options, PandaDoc provides freelancers with easy, global payment processing that benefits them and their customers.

7. Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice is a versatile invoicing software that offers freelancers a variety of features to manage their invoicing needs effectively. The software’s user-friendly interface and customizable invoice templates make it easy for freelancers to quickly create and send professional invoices. The software also provides freelancers with time-tracking and expense-tracking features, allowing them to efficiently manage their projects and budgets.

In addition to its invoicing features, Zoho Invoice offers project management tools, making it an all-in-one solution for freelancers. The project management features enable freelancers to track time spent on each project, assign tasks to team members, and monitor project progress in real-time. The software also allows freelancers to generate reports to track project expenses, time spent, and profitability.

Zoho Invoice offers seamless integration with popular payment gateways, making it easy for freelancers to receive client payments. The software provides automatic reminders for unpaid invoices, reducing the need for freelancers to follow up with clients manually.

Zoho Invoice is free, making it an excellent choice for freelancers looking for a comprehensive invoicing solution at an affordable price. Overall, Zoho Invoice is a powerful invoicing and project management tool that offers a range of features for freelancers to manage their invoicing and project management needs effectively.

8. Invoicely

Invoicely is a comprehensive invoicing software that offers all the necessary features freelancers need for invoicing. The best part is that Invoicely is free if you do not require advanced features. The free plan includes unlimited invoice sending, billing in any currency, and integration with PayPal to accept payments. The Basic Plan is available for more advanced features at $9.99 monthly.

Invoicely’s software is user-friendly, allowing freelancers to invoice quickly and effortlessly. With Invoicely, there’s zero hassle, and the invoicing process becomes streamlined and simple.

In summary, Invoicely is a comprehensive invoicing software that provides freelancers with all the necessary invoicing features. The free plan offers unlimited invoice sending, billing in any currency, and PayPal integration, making it an excellent choice for those with basic invoicing needs. The software is user-friendly, and the Basic Plan is available at a reasonable price, providing freelancers with advanced features at an affordable cost.

Read Also: 9 Best Project Management Tools for Freelancers

What’s the best invoicing tool for freelancers?

As previously mentioned, the well-known saying “one size fits all” cannot be applied to invoicing tools and software. Each freelancer has unique invoicing needs, which means that every self-employed individual must determine the best system for their business. The invoicing tools we have reviewed are all highly effective and user-friendly, although they differ from one another. Despite these differences, they all address the same issues, including saving time, ensuring timely payments, and reducing paper usage.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.