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When I first started freelancing before my full-time job, I thought the hardest part would be finding clients. Turns out, that was only half the battle. The real challenge was getting paid on time.
At first, I sent invoices using basic templates, manually tracking payments in a spreadsheet. But between chasing overdue invoices and double-checking numbers, I quickly realized I needed a better system. I wanted something that would automate my invoicing, keep things organized, and, most importantly, help me get paid faster—without spending a fortune on software.
That’s when I fell into the rabbit hole of free invoicing software. I tested multiple options, looking for the best balance of features, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Some were surprisingly powerful, while others were more trouble than they were worth.
So, I tested multiple free billing software options to see which ones help freelancers and small businesses streamline their billing without breaking the bank.
If you’re tired of invoice headaches like I was, you’re in the right place. I’ll share the best free invoicing software tools I tested to see which ones help freelancers and small businesses streamline their billing without breaking the bank.
Skip the trial and error and find the perfect solution for you.
For me, free invoicing software has been a game-changer—eliminating the stress of manually creating invoices, tracking payments, and reminding clients to pay. If you've ever struggled with keeping your finances in order or lost track of unpaid invoices (like I have before), you’ll know how quickly things can spiral out of control.
At its core, free invoicing software helps you create, send, and manage invoices without the hassle of spreadsheets or manual tracking. But the best ones do much more than that. Many of the tools I tested offer features like automated payment reminders, online payment options, invoice customization, and even expense tracking, all without costing a dime.
Tools that handled payment reminders and recurring invoices saved me so much time. Manually following up on unpaid invoices is not fun, so I appreciated the free online invoicing software that did it for me.
I'll be honest with you—it took me several days to sign up and test these free invoicing software. My objective was to evaluate whether each free invoicing software lives up to its promises, identify the specific use cases it excels at, and determine if a free version is available for users to try.
I checked out user reviews on G2 to see how these tools work for others and what challenges they face. I used AI to analyze user feedback and reviews to gather insights into each tool’s overall value. This evaluation includes free invoicing software for small businesses and free invoicing software for freelancers. Additionally, I used G2’s grid reports to analyze how these software stack up against one another.
A free invoicing tool should do more than just generate an invoice. At least, that’s what I realized after testing multiple options. The best ones help you track payments, automate follow-ups, integrate with payment processors, and manage expenses.
If you're comparing free invoicing tools, here's what I'd suggest to keep you in mind:
I tested over 25 billing software, and the eight below stood out for their features, ease of use, specific use cases, and free trials.
The list below contains genuine user reviews of the best billing software. It’s important to note that vendors offering a free trial are also considered free in this list.
To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
QuickBooks Desktop Pro is an excellent tool for managing finances, and I highly recommend it for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides all the essential features for bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial reporting.
One of the best aspects of QuickBooks Desktop Pro is its invoicing capabilities. Creating and sending invoices is incredibly simple, and the software offers professional invoice templates that make your business look polished. I also loved the ability to track invoice payments and due dates automatically, which helps prevent cash flow issues. Plus, QuickBooks integrates with payment processing systems so clients can pay invoices seamlessly.
I was also impressed by the comprehensive financial reporting tools. QuickBooks makes it easy to generate reports on cash flow, profit and loss, and expenses. It’s perfect for business owners who need detailed financial insights at their fingertips. You can also link your bank accounts for automatic transaction tracking, which saves a ton of time on reconciliation.
However, Invoice management can sometimes feel clunky, especially when dealing with multiple invoices at once. While customization options exist, they’re somewhat limited, and I wish there were more flexibility in invoice design. Another issue is that updates to invoices can take longer than expected, which can be frustrating when making last-minute changes.
Another thing that bothered me was the occasional lag and glitches. While QuickBooks is reliable most of the time, some users (myself included) have experienced slowdowns, especially when handling large amounts of data. Customer support could also be better, as getting help for technical issues isn’t always a smooth process.
One of my biggest frustrations is the push toward QuickBooks Online. Many of us still prefer the control of a desktop version, but it feels like Intuit is nudging users toward their cloud-based option instead of improving the desktop experience.
“I have been using QuickBooks for 7 years now. I use it on a daily basis and love how simple it is to use. I use it mainly for inputting bills and invoices, keeping track of inventory, and receiving payments. It has integration with Field Edge, that we also use. Customer support is great, and they respond quickly.”
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Review, verified user.
“They have removed the simple purchase model and moved to a subscription-only model. This has increased my cost fourfold, and I have zero additional value for the added cost. Also, sometimes, when Outlook makes SW updates, they are incompatible with QB, and I have a hard time sending invoices. Also, the integrated merchant services from Intuit are very expensive. ”
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Review, Bernhard H.
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FreshBooks is one of the invoicing tools I’ve relied on for a while now. What sets FreshBooks apart for me is its simplicity and efficiency.
I love how effortless it is to send professional invoices. The platform offers recurring invoices, meaning I don’t have to manually send the same invoice every month. Plus, there are payment reminders that automatically notify clients when an invoice is due, saving me from chasing down late payments.
Another standout feature is the late fees option. FreshBooks allows me to set up automatic late fees, ensuring that I get paid on time. It’s a small but powerful tool for keeping cash flow steady.
FreshBooks also includes a client portal, which I think is a fantastic addition. Clients can log in to view their invoices, check payment history, and make payments directly—all without the usual back-and-forth emails.
If you're working with international clients, FreshBooks supports multi-currency payments, though I’ve seen some users mention that it could use a little refinement. FreshBooks isn’t just about invoicing—it also helps with time tracking. I can log billable hours and automatically convert them into an invoice, which is a game-changer for freelancers who charge hourly rates.
Expense tracking is another feature I appreciate. You can upload receipts, categorize expenses, and link them directly to invoices, making tax time a whole lot easier. FreshBooks shines when it comes to ease of use. The interface is simple, the automation features save time, and it integrates well with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
The dashboard is well-organized, giving me a quick snapshot of outstanding invoices, payments, and expenses at a glance.
But it’s not perfect. One issue I’ve noticed is invoice customization—the templates are clean and professional, but if you’re someone who likes deep customization, you might find it a bit restrictive.
Another minor frustration is that while FreshBooks supports integrations, some third-party app integrations don’t always work seamlessly. If you rely on external tools, double-check their compatibility.
“I have been a FreshBooks user for almost 5 years now. The Apple Business team first recommended it to me as a very solid timekeeping and invoicing system. After hundreds of invoices and dozens of different clients, I have found the app even better over time. More importantly, whenever I have needed to contact support, I have always been able to resolve my issues quickly and professionally. When it comes to getting paid for your work, support is critical to the equation. I have no reservations in wholeheartedly endorsing this app for any entrepreneur or business owner. For a flexible, cloud-based app with all the key features you'll ever need.”
- FreshBooks Review, verified user.
“One thing that I dislike about FreshBooks is that the recurring invoices with automatic payments pull payments on the invoice date instead of the due date. This has caused issues with some of my clients.”
- FreshBooks Review, Dana M.
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BigTime has a lot going for it when it comes to invoicing and billing, but like any software, it has its quirks, too. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I can confidently say it makes the whole process smoother, but there are a few things I wish were different.
One of the best things about BigTime is how it brings everything under one roof. Time tracking, billable hours, and project management all feed directly into invoicing, so nothing falls through the cracks. I don’t have to spend time chasing down missing hours or manually adding up expenses—it’s all there, ready to go.
I also appreciate the automatic reminders for timesheets. I can set up alerts that nudge my team to log their time, which means we’re invoicing accurately and not missing out on billable hours.
The budgeting and tracking tools are solid. When I set up a client project, I can input budget limits, track expenses, and make sure we’re not overspending. This helps keep invoices precise, and I can see profitability in real-time.
I do wish there was more flexibility in editing invoices. Once an invoice moves from draft to generated, there’s no easy way to tweak amounts or make adjustments. That’s a pain, especially when dealing with complex contracts.
The automation settings can also feel overwhelming. BigTime lets me automate billing and task scheduling, which is great in theory, but setting it up takes time. If the settings aren’t perfect, I might miss reminders or end up with scheduling hiccups.
While the QuickBooks integration is helpful, I’ve had moments where syncing doesn’t go smoothly. Sometimes, names don’t pull correctly into invoices, and once in a while, syncing takes longer than expected.
A big frustration is that I can’t export timesheets directly to QuickBooks Payroll anymore. That was a super useful feature, and now that it’s gone, payroll processing takes extra steps.
BigTime is an excellent tool for keeping invoices accurate and projects on budget. If you need a centralized system for tracking billable hours and turning them into invoices with minimal effort, it’s a great pick. But if you need deep customization or expect flawless automation, you might run into some snags. Overall, it’s a strong invoicing solution with room for improvement!
“BigTime offers some of the best one-product package project management and time tracking features that do not require the use of multiple tools. It’s worked very well for us as a way of tracking work hours and managing ongoing client invoicing. With the reporting capabilities, we also know how projects are moving along. Integration of our accounting system into our financial management made it easy and less time-consuming.”
- BigTime Review, Valentina D.
“Pricing is high for businesses under three employees. Even though it's advertised as so much a month, you get charged more. The training progress is on your own. Customer service is poor at best. Unable to speak to a human. Issues with billing and invoicing take weeks to get fixed.”
- BigTime Review, Curt K.
Automation is a lifesaver. BILL AP/AR makes processing invoices and payments easy, helping reduce human error and missed payments. Once set up, it takes care of most of the heavy lifting, which is a huge time-saver. The approval process is really strong, too, especially for businesses that need multiple sign-offs. Plus, the audit trail ensures transparency and prevents tampering. I also love that I can forward invoices straight to BILL’s inbox, which simplifies tracking and keeps everything organized. Sending invoices, tracking their status, and setting up payments is super straightforward, making it a great system for businesses that need to keep everything in check.
That said, there are some things that need improvement. Not everything can be automated, and sometimes I still have to process invoices manually, which defeats the purpose. Syncing with QuickBooks is also flawed—BILL only syncs one way, meaning I can’t fully rely on it for accurate records. I always have to double-check in QuickBooks to ensure everything matches. The system can also be a bit rigid when handling out-of-the-ordinary invoices. It forces me to work within its structure, even when I need exceptions. If you need both invoicing and bill payment features, be ready to pay extra. There are cheaper ways to handle one side of the process, but BILL forces you to pay for both if you want everything in one place.
BILL AP/AR is a powerful invoicing tool that takes the stress out of payments and approvals, but it’s not perfect. If automation, approval workflows, and invoice tracking are your priorities, it’s a great fit. Just be prepared to work around some limitations, especially when it comes to automation flexibility and syncing with QuickBooks. Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if its strengths align with your needs.
“BILL's Accounts Payable (AP) features are advantageous to me. Setting up recurring invoices is also a significant time saver since it ensures that monthly payments are handled automatically and without effort. One of my favorite features is the AI-powered tool for easily copying information directly from papers while processing bills. This has made data entry considerably faster and more accurate, lowering errors and saving time. Overall, BILL has tremendously simplified our AP process, and I am satisfied with BILL as I use it daily. The BILL support is also very helpful. They listen to our concerns and are quick to assist in resolving any issues, making the overall experience much smoother.”
- BILL AP/AR Review, Mohammed H.
“Bill.com is a bit slow. Sometimes, we have to process some invoices manually. In some times, it will not auto-capture the invoice where we should do it manually.”
- BILL AP/AR Review, Priya R.
Take control of your finances with easy-to-use billing software. Check out the best billing software.
Maxio makes invoicing and billing straightforward. The automated invoicing system lets me schedule recurring invoices, reducing manual effort. I also like the payment tracking feature, which automatically notifies clients of overdue payments. This automation has saved me time chasing invoices.
One of Maxio's best aspects is its integration with accounting software like Xero. I can sync financial data without manually transferring information, making bookkeeping smoother. However, I’ve noticed that sometimes the Xero sync fails or lags, requiring me to recheck my data.
The reporting dashboard is another standout. It provides real-time revenue tracking, so I can see outstanding payments and financial trends at a glance. The custom financial reports give deep insights into cash flow, which has been great for decision-making.
That said, Maxio has some downsides. The customization options for invoice templates are pretty limited. If you want a fully branded invoice layout, you might be frustrated by the lack of flexibility. I also find that the workflow automation tools could be more adaptable—they work well for standard processes, but if you have a complex billing structure, you may need workarounds.
The customer support experience has been hit-or-miss. When things work, it’s great. But if you run into a serious issue, getting a timely response from support can be challenging. Troubleshooting integration errors takes longer than it should.
Finally, pricing is a concern. Maxio is on the expensive side, and if you don’t fully utilize its automation and integration features, it might not feel worth the cost. It’s a great tool, but you need to evaluate whether its strengths align with your business needs.
If you need strong automation and financial tracking, Maxio does a great job. But if customization, seamless integrations, and quick support are dealbreakers, consider looking at other options.
“What I find most helpful about Maxio is the visibility into the transaction history of a customer as well as future projections of invoices and revenue at that customer level and for the company overall. The upside of Maxio is the reporting capabilities at both a high and detailed level and the variety of information you can generate. The platform is easy to implement, and an implementation team assists with the transition. It also integrates with our CRM and GL systems.”
- Maxio Review, Andrea E.
“Customer service is very slow and takes at least 24 to 48 hours to acknowledge any issue.”
- Maxio Review, David B.
I’ve been using Wave for my business, and if there’s one thing it does well, it’s invoicing. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or just need an easy way to bill clients, Wave makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Creating invoices is effortless. The system is super intuitive—you just fill in the details, customize it with your logo, and send it off in a few clicks. There’s even a selection of invoice templates that look professional and clean, though I wish there were more options. Once the invoice is out, Wave takes care of the follow-ups. The automated reminder system ensures that overdue invoices don’t get forgotten, and it’s a lifesaver when dealing with late-paying clients. No more awkward emails asking, “Hey, did you see that invoice?”
Getting paid? Wave makes it easy for me to accept payments online. My clients can pay using credit cards or bank transfers right from the invoice, which is a total game-changer because it eliminates all that unnecessary back-and-forth about payment methods. That said, payment processing can be slow at times, and I’ll admit it’s frustrating when I’m waiting for funds to clear.
Another thing I love is tracking my invoices. I can quickly see which ones are paid, pending, or overdue, which makes managing my finances a lot easier. But I’ve noticed that tracking isn’t always 100% accurate. Sometimes, there are glitches, and the status of an invoice doesn’t update correctly, which can be a little unreliable.
While invoicing in Wave is great, there are a few things I wish were better. Occasionally, payments take longer than expected to come through, and that can throw off my cash flow. The invoice designs are nice, but I’d love to see more variety to better match my branding. Also, while the automated reminders are super helpful, I wish I had more control over when and how they’re sent.
If you’re looking for a free invoicing tool that covers the essentials without a ton of unnecessary complexity, Wave is a solid choice. It’s easy to use, looks professional, and does most of the heavy lifting for me. Sure, there are a few quirks, but overall, it’s a great option for anyone who wants hassle-free invoicing without spending a fortune on software.
“Very easy and practical to use; you don't have to have an accounting background to be able to use Wave. I found it really useful using it to invoice my clients and track payments, etc.“
- Wave Review, Rebecca F.
“Customer support feels like it can take forever to resolve, along with some lackluster features that are missing on the free tier version (as expected). There have also been some app glitches causing a reset of the app needed.”
- Wave Review, verified user.
If there’s one thing I love about Xero, it’s how easy it makes invoicing. I can craft professional invoices in just a few clicks. With customizable templates, I can add my logo, adjust colors, and set payment terms that fit my business. Whether I want a sleek, modern look or something simple and functional, Xero helps me make invoicing feel like part of my brand.
No more waiting around for checks! Xero integrates with digital payment tools like Stripe, PayPal, and Square, making it easier for my clients to pay invoices online. That means faster payments and improved cash flow for my business.
Chasing down payments? Not anymore. Xero’s automated payment reminders save me time. Instead of manually following up, I can set automatic notifications to remind clients when an invoice is due (or overdue). Less stress, more on-time payments.
On the go? No problem. With the Xero mobile app, I can create and send invoices straight from my phone or tablet. Whether I’m at a meeting, traveling, or just away from my desk, invoicing is always at my fingertips.
Xero’s invoicing features are designed to streamline my billing process, improve cash flow, and provide a seamless payment experience for me and my clients. With customization, automation, and mobile flexibility, it’s a game-changer for my business, making invoicing effortless.
“Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform, great for small and medium-sized businesses. Xero's interface is clean and intuitive, making it accessible even for users with limited accounting knowledge. The dashboard provides a clear overview of financial metrics like cash flow, invoices, and bank account balances.”
- Xero Review, Damaris R.
“Usability on mobile app feature. Also would be nice to have late fee and interest calculations on overdue invoices. Customer support is still lacking without any real ability to call them by phone.”
- Xero Review, Rayn V.
I've been using Zoho Books for invoicing, and honestly, it's one of the best tools out there if you need something simple, efficient, and cost-effective. Whether you're a freelancer or a small business owner, it takes the headache out of getting paid on time.
Creating invoices is a breeze. The interface is clean, and I can customize invoices with my logo and branding. It only takes a few clicks to generate a professional invoice. If you have clients you bill regularly, the recurring invoices feature is a lifesaver. I can set them up and forget about manually creating them each month.
Chasing payments is a hassle, but Zoho Books automates it with payment reminders that notify clients when their invoice is due, reducing late payments. Clients can also pay via Stripe, PayPal, and other payment gateways, making the whole process more convenient.
Of course, there are some drawbacks. The free plan has an invoice limit, so if you send a lot of invoices, you'll hit the cap quickly and need to upgrade. While the invoices look good, I wish there were more design and layout options to tweak them further. That said, if invoicing is a big part of your business, Zoho Books is a solid choice. The automation and ease of use make it stand out, but if you need unlimited invoices or more customization, you might need to upgrade or look for workarounds.
“When I started freelancing, I had to use at least three different apps to keep track of my new business. When I found Zoho Books, I canceled all three because Books handles everything! It allows me to set up clients, projects, tasks, and track time. From there, I can generate invoices and accept payments via credit card and even ACH. And it is a full accounting software, too. So helpful at tax time.”
- Zoho Books Review, Teresa K.
“There's a limit on the number of monthly invoices, plus, more advanced features are only available for more premium versions.“
- Zoho Books Review, Tebogo H.
Have more questions? Find more answers below.
Invoicing software can benefit anyone who regularly bills clients, including invoicing software for freelancers, invoicing software for small business owners, and invoicing for service providers and consultants. It simplifies the payment process and ensures better cash flow management.
Yes, many invoicing platforms integrate with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave to sync invoices and financial data automatically.
Invoicing software focuses primarily on billing, payments, and invoice tracking while accounting software includes broader financial management tools like budgeting, expense tracking, and tax preparation.
Some free invoicing tools support multiple currencies, but others limit this feature to paid plans. If you work with international clients, look for a tool that offers currency flexibility in its free version.
Free invoicing tools can work well for small businesses, but as your company grows, you may need more automation, integrations, and reporting features—which often require a paid upgrade.
Invoicing software improves business resource management by automating billing, tracking payments, and organizing financial data. It reduces manual work, minimizes errors, and ensures timely payments, helping businesses maintain healthy cash flow. Many tools also offer expense tracking, reporting, and integration with accounting software, allowing better financial planning and resource allocation.
Automated invoicing software creates, sends, and tracks invoices automatically, reducing manual effort. It can schedule recurring invoices, send payment reminders, and integrate with payment gateways, ensuring faster payments and improved cash flow.
The way we handle invoices is evolving. What used to be a manual, time-consuming process is now streamlined with automation, AI-powered tracking, and seamless payment integration. Even free software options are getting smarter, with features that help businesses of all sizes stay organized and efficient.
As technology keeps improving, invoicing will only get easier. The key is to find a tool that works for you today but can also grow with your needs. So, whether you need simple invoice creation or a full-fledged financial tracking system, there’s a free tool out there that can help.
To get a complete handle on your finances, the right accounting software can help you track expenses, manage cash flow, and stay tax-ready.
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