8 Instruments I Examined for Seamless Billing

Once I first began freelancing earlier than my full-time job, I assumed the toughest half could be discovering shoppers. Seems, that was solely half the battle. The actual problem was getting paid on time.

At first, I despatched invoices utilizing fundamental templates, manually monitoring funds in a spreadsheet. However between chasing overdue invoices and double-checking numbers, I shortly realized I wanted a greater system. I wished one thing that will automate my invoicing, preserve issues organized, and, most significantly, assist me receives a commission sooner—with out spending a fortune on software program.

That’s once I fell into the rabbit gap of free invoicing software program. I examined a number of choices, in search of the perfect steadiness of options, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Some have been surprisingly highly effective, whereas others have been extra bother than they have been value.

So, I examined a number of free billing software program choices to see which of them assist freelancers and small companies streamline their billing with out breaking the financial institution. 

For those who’re bored with bill complications like I used to be, you’re in the precise place. I’ll share the perfect free invoicing software program instruments I examined to see which of them assist freelancers and small companies streamline their billing with out breaking the financial institution. 

Skip the trial and error and discover the right resolution for you.  

8 free invoicing instruments I’d advocate for seamless billing

For me, free invoicing software program has been a game-changer—eliminating the stress of manually creating invoices, monitoring funds, and reminding shoppers to pay. For those who’ve ever struggled with protecting your funds so as or misplaced observe of unpaid invoices (like I’ve earlier than), you’ll know the way shortly issues can spiral uncontrolled.

At its core, free invoicing software program helps you create, ship, and handle invoices with out the trouble of spreadsheets or handbook monitoring. However the perfect ones do way more than that. Most of the instruments I examined provide options like automated cost reminders, on-line cost choices, bill customization, and even expense monitoring, all with out costing a dime.

Instruments that dealt with cost reminders and recurring invoices saved me a lot time. Manually following up on unpaid invoices shouldn’t be enjoyable, so I appreciated the free on-line invoicing software program that did it for me.

What makes these free invoicing software program value it: My perspective

A free invoicing instrument ought to do extra than simply generate an bill. No less than, that’s what I spotted after testing a number of choices. The most effective ones provide help to observe funds, automate follow-ups, combine with cost processors, and handle bills.

For those who’re evaluating free invoicing instruments, here is what I would recommend to maintain you in thoughts:

• Ease of use: Belief me, the very last thing you need is to spend an hour determining how you can ship an bill. I favor instruments that supply a clear dashboard, intuitive navigation, and pre-built bill templates so I can ship invoices in only a few clicks. Bonus factors for drag-and-drop options and simple consumer administration!
• Variety of invoices and shoppers allowed: Not all free plans are created equal. Some allow you to ship limitless invoices, whereas others cap you at 5 per 30 days. I all the time examine these limits earlier than committing to a platform—particularly if I plan to scale my enterprise. For those who’re simply beginning out, a restricted free plan may work, however for frequent invoicing, search for greater bill allowances.
• Fee processing and on-line funds: The simpler I make it for shoppers to pay me, the sooner I get my cash. I all the time examine if the software program helps on-line cost integration with PayPal, Stripe, or direct financial institution transfers. Some free invoicing instruments solely allow you to observe funds manually, which might gradual issues down.
• Automation and cost reminders: I don’t have time to chase late funds. The most effective free invoicing instruments routinely ship cost reminders, so I don’t must ship these awkward follow-up emails. Some even permit recurring invoices, which is a lifesaver in case you have retainer charges and shoppers.
• Expense monitoring: I favor invoicing software program that does greater than ship invoices; it must also assist me observe bills and taxes. Just a few free choices provide fundamental reporting options, which makes tax season approach much less worrying. If I can see a transparent breakdown of paid, pending, and overdue invoices, that’s a significant win.
• Cellular accessibility: I don’t all the time have my laptop computer on me, so I like invoicing instruments with a cell app or at the least a mobile-friendly net model. With the ability to ship an bill or examine cost standing on the go is a big plus.

I examined over 25 billing software program, and the eight beneath stood out for his or her options, ease of use, particular use instances, and free trials. 

The checklist beneath incorporates real consumer critiques of the perfect billing software program. It’s necessary to notice that distributors providing a free trial are additionally thought of free on this checklist. 

To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Present options to create a number of kinds of invoices
• Be capable to consolidate a number of invoices into one or break up an bill
• Embody templates for invoices and different paperwork
• Enable customers to ship invoices in numerous codecs (PDF, MS Phrase) by numerous communication channels (e mail, efax)
• Supply stories and analytics on the standing of every bill
• Embody cost alert notifications
• Combine with software program options similar to ERP, CRM, and accounting packages

*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques might have been edited for readability. 

1. QuickBooks Desktop Professional

QuickBooks Desktop Professional is a superb instrument for managing funds, and I extremely advocate it for small to medium-sized companies. It gives all of the important options for bookkeeping, invoicing, and monetary reporting. 

Among the finest elements of QuickBooks Desktop Professional is its invoicing capabilities. Creating and sending invoices is extremely easy, and the software program provides skilled bill templates that make your corporation look polished. I additionally liked the power to observe bill funds and due dates routinely, which helps forestall money move points. Plus, QuickBooks integrates with cost processing methods so shoppers will pay invoices seamlessly.

I used to be additionally impressed by the complete monetary reporting instruments. QuickBooks makes it straightforward to generate stories on money move, revenue and loss, and bills. It’s good for enterprise house owners who want detailed monetary insights at their fingertips. You can even hyperlink your financial institution accounts for computerized transaction monitoring, which saves a ton of time on reconciliation.

Nevertheless,  Bill administration can generally really feel clunky, particularly when coping with a number of invoices directly. Whereas customization choices exist, they’re considerably restricted, and I want there have been extra flexibility in bill design. One other challenge is that updates to invoices can take longer than anticipated, which could be irritating when making last-minute adjustments.

One other factor that bothered me was the occasional lag and glitches. Whereas QuickBooks is dependable more often than not, some customers (myself included) have skilled slowdowns, particularly when dealing with giant quantities of knowledge. Customer assist is also higher, as getting assist for technical points isn’t all the time a easy course of.

Certainly one of my greatest frustrations is the push towards QuickBooks On-line. Many people nonetheless favor the management of a desktop model, however it seems like Intuit is nudging customers towards their cloud-based possibility as a substitute of bettering the desktop expertise.

What I dislike about QuickBooks Desktop Professional:

• When dealing with a number of invoices directly, I want the workflow have been a bit extra streamlined.
• I’d love extra design flexibility to make my invoices stand out to shoppers.

What G2 customers dislike about QuickBooks Desktop Professional:

“They’ve eliminated the straightforward buy mannequin and moved to a subscription-only mannequin. This has elevated my price fourfold, and I’ve zero extra worth for the added price. Additionally, generally, when Outlook makes SW updates, they’re incompatible with QB, and I’ve a tough time sending invoices. Additionally, the built-in service provider companies from Intuit are very costly. ”

– QuickBooks Desktop Professional Overview, Bernhard H.

2. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is likely one of the invoicing instruments I’ve relied on for some time now. What units FreshBooks aside for me is its simplicity and effectivity. 

I really like how easy it’s to ship skilled invoices. The platform provides recurring invoices, which means I don’t must manually ship the identical bill each month. Plus, there are cost reminders that routinely notify shoppers when an bill is due, saving me from chasing down late funds.

One other standout function is the late charges possibility. FreshBooks permits me to arrange computerized late charges, making certain that I receives a commission on time. It’s a small however highly effective instrument for protecting money move regular.

FreshBooks additionally features a consumer portal, which I believe is a implausible addition. Purchasers can log in to view their invoices, examine cost historical past, and make funds immediately—all with out the same old back-and-forth emails.

For those who’re working with worldwide shoppers, FreshBooks helps multi-currency funds, although I’ve seen some customers point out that it might use a bit of refinement. FreshBooks isn’t nearly invoicing—it additionally helps with time monitoring. I can log billable hours and routinely convert them into an bill, which is a game-changer for freelancers who cost hourly charges.

Expense monitoring is one other function I respect. You possibly can add receipts, categorize bills, and hyperlink them on to invoices, making tax time an entire lot simpler. FreshBooks shines relating to ease of use. The interface is straightforward, the automation options save time, and it integrates nicely with cost gateways like PayPal and Stripe. 

The dashboard is well-organized, giving me a fast snapshot of excellent invoices, funds, and bills at a look.

Nevertheless it’s not good. One challenge I’ve seen is bill customization—the templates are clear {and professional}, however if you happen to’re somebody who likes deep customization, you may discover it a bit restrictive.

One other minor frustration is that whereas FreshBooks helps integrations, some third-party app integrations don’t all the time work seamlessly. For those who depend on exterior instruments, double-check their compatibility.

What I dislike about FreshBooks:

• I want I had extra management over how my invoices look. The templates are good, however I need extra personalization choices.
• I really like having entry on the go, however some options aren’t as highly effective as they’re on a desktop.

What G2 customers dislike about FreshBooks:

“One factor that I dislike about FreshBooks is that the recurring invoices with computerized funds pull funds on the bill date as a substitute of the due date. This has prompted points with a few of my shoppers.”

– FreshBooks Overview, Dana M.

3. BigTime

BigTime has quite a bit going for it relating to invoicing and billing, however like several software program, it has its quirks, too. I’ve been utilizing it for some time now, and I can confidently say it makes the entire course of smoother, however there are some things I want have been totally different.

Among the finest issues about BigTime is the way it brings the whole lot beneath one roof. Time monitoring, billable hours, and venture administration all feed immediately into invoicing, so nothing falls by the cracks. I don’t must spend time chasing down lacking hours or manually including up bills—it’s all there, able to go.

I additionally respect the computerized reminders for timesheets. I can arrange alerts that nudge my workforce to log their time, which suggests we’re invoicing precisely and never lacking out on billable hours.

The budgeting and monitoring instruments are stable. Once I arrange a consumer venture, I can enter price range limits, observe bills, and ensure we’re not overspending. This helps preserve invoices exact, and I can see profitability in real-time. 

I do want there was extra flexibility in enhancing invoices. As soon as an bill strikes from draft to generated, there’s no straightforward approach to tweak quantities or make changes. That’s a ache, particularly when coping with complicated contracts.

The automation settings also can really feel overwhelming. BigTime lets me automate billing and job scheduling, which is nice in principle, however setting it up takes time. If the settings aren’t good, I may miss reminders or find yourself with scheduling hiccups.

Whereas the QuickBooks integration is useful, I’ve had moments the place syncing doesn’t go easily. Generally, names don’t pull appropriately into invoices, and every so often, syncing takes longer than anticipated.

An enormous frustration is that I can’t export timesheets on to QuickBooks Payroll anymore. That was an excellent helpful function, and now that it’s gone, payroll processing takes further steps.

BigTime is a superb instrument for protecting invoices correct and tasks on price range. For those who want a centralized system for monitoring billable hours and turning them into invoices with minimal effort, it’s an amazing decide. However if you happen to want deep customization or count on flawless automation, you may run into some snags. Total, it’s a powerful invoicing resolution with room for enchancment!

What I dislike about BigTime:

• I want there was an choice to override quantities when drafting invoices. Advanced consumer contracts usually require changes that BigTime doesn’t all the time permit.
• Whereas automation is nice, organising billing schedules or workflows is usually a trouble. Generally, reminder notifications don’t set off appropriately, which slows us down. 

What G2 customers dislike about BigTime:

“Pricing is excessive for companies beneath three workers. Despite the fact that it is marketed as a lot a month, you get charged extra. The coaching progress is by yourself. Customer support is poor at finest. Unable to talk to a human. Points with billing and invoicing take weeks to get mounted.”

– BigTime Overview, Curt Okay.

4. BILL AP/AR

Automation is a lifesaver. BILL AP/AR makes processing invoices and funds straightforward, serving to cut back human error and missed funds. As soon as arrange, it takes care of many of the heavy lifting, which is a big time-saver. The approval course of is de facto sturdy, too, particularly for companies that want a number of sign-offs. Plus, the audit path ensures transparency and prevents tampering. I additionally love that I can ahead invoices straight to BILL’s inbox, which simplifies monitoring and retains the whole lot organized. Sending invoices, monitoring their standing, and organising funds is tremendous simple, making it an amazing system for companies that must preserve the whole lot in examine.

That stated, there are some issues that want enchancment. Not the whole lot could be automated, and generally I nonetheless must course of invoices manually, which defeats the aim. Syncing with QuickBooks can also be flawed—BILL solely syncs a method, which means I can’t totally depend on it for correct data. I all the time must double-check in QuickBooks to make sure the whole lot matches. The system may also be a bit inflexible when dealing with out-of-the-ordinary invoices. It forces me to work inside its construction, even once I want exceptions. For those who want each invoicing and invoice cost options, be able to pay further. There are cheaper methods to deal with one facet of the method, however BILL forces you to pay for each if you would like the whole lot in a single place.

BILL AP/AR is a strong invoicing instrument that takes the stress out of funds and approvals, however it’s not good. If automation, approval workflows, and bill monitoring are your priorities, it’s an amazing match. Simply be ready to work round some limitations, particularly relating to automation flexibility and syncing with QuickBooks. Would I like to recommend it? Sure, however provided that its strengths align together with your wants.

What I dislike about BILL AP/AR:

• Once I signed up, I anticipated bank card auto-charging and PayPal integration—it seems each have been discontinued with out discover. Additionally, if you happen to sync with QuickBooks, ACH funds can create duplicate transactions, making reconciliation a ache.
• If I ship an bill to somebody exterior the BILL community, they get pestered to create an account, which isn’t all the time handy for them. 

What G2 customers dislike about BILL AP/AR:

“Invoice.com is a bit gradual. Generally, we’ve to course of some invoices manually. In some occasions, it is not going to auto-capture the bill the place we should always do it manually.”

– BILL AP/AR Overview, Priya R.

5. Maxio

Maxio makes invoicing and billing simple. The automated invoicing system lets me schedule recurring invoices, decreasing handbook effort. I additionally just like the cost monitoring function, which routinely notifies shoppers of overdue funds. This automation has saved me time chasing invoices.

Certainly one of Maxio’s finest elements is its integration with accounting software program like Xero. I can sync monetary knowledge with out manually transferring data, making bookkeeping smoother. Nevertheless, I’ve seen that generally the Xero sync fails or lags, requiring me to recheck my knowledge.

The reporting dashboard is one other standout. It gives real-time income monitoring, so I can see excellent funds and monetary developments at a look. The customized monetary stories give deep insights into money move, which has been nice for decision-making.

That stated, Maxio has some downsides. The customization choices for bill templates are fairly restricted. If you would like a totally branded bill structure, you is perhaps annoyed by the shortage of flexibility. I additionally discover that the workflow automation instruments could possibly be extra adaptable—they work nicely for normal processes, however in case you have a fancy billing construction, chances are you’ll want workarounds.

The buyer assist expertise has been hit-or-miss. When issues work, it’s nice. However if you happen to run right into a critical challenge, getting a well timed response from assist could be difficult. Troubleshooting integration errors takes longer than it ought to.

Lastly, pricing is a priority. Maxio is on the costly facet, and if you happen to don’t totally make the most of its automation and integration options, it may not really feel value the fee. It’s an amazing instrument, however you must consider whether or not its strengths align with your corporation wants.

For those who want sturdy automation and monetary monitoring, Maxio does an amazing job. But when customization, seamless integrations, and fast assist are dealbreakers, think about different choices.

What I dislike about Maxio: 

• If one thing goes improper, getting assist isn’t fast. Help response occasions are gradual, and resolving complicated points takes too lengthy.
• I want I had extra management over bill templates and workflow setups. The inflexible construction makes it exhausting to tailor issues to my enterprise wants.

What G2 customers dislike about Maxio:

“Customer support could be very gradual and takes at the least 24 to 48 hours to acknowledge any challenge.”

– Maxio Overview, David B.

6. Wave 

I’ve been utilizing Wave for my enterprise, and if there’s one factor it does nicely, it’s invoicing. Whether or not you’re a freelancer, a small enterprise proprietor, or simply want a straightforward approach to invoice shoppers, Wave makes the method easy and stress-free.

Creating invoices is easy. The system is tremendous intuitive—you simply fill within the particulars, customise it together with your brand, and ship it off in just a few clicks. There’s even a number of bill templates that look skilled and clear, although I want there have been extra choices. As soon as the bill 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 coping with late-paying shoppers. No extra awkward emails asking, “Hey, did you see that bill?”

Getting paid?  Wave makes it straightforward for me to simply accept funds on-line. My shoppers will pay utilizing bank cards or financial institution transfers proper from the bill, which is a complete game-changer as a result of it eliminates all that pointless back-and-forth about cost strategies. That stated, cost processing could be gradual at occasions, and I’ll admit it’s irritating once I’m ready for funds to clear.

One other factor I really like is monitoring my invoices. I can shortly see which of them are paid, pending, or overdue, which makes managing my funds quite a bit simpler. However I’ve seen that monitoring isn’t all the time 100% correct. Generally, there are glitches, and the standing of an bill doesn’t replace appropriately, which is usually a little unreliable.

Whereas invoicing in Wave is nice, there are some things I want have been higher. Sometimes, funds take longer than anticipated to return by, and that may throw off my money move. The bill designs are good, however I’d like to see extra selection to higher match my branding. Additionally, whereas the automated reminders are tremendous useful, I want I had extra management over when and the way they’re despatched.

For those who’re in search of a free invoicing instrument that covers the necessities and not using a ton of pointless complexity, Wave is a stable alternative. It’s straightforward to make use of, appears to be like skilled, and does many of the heavy lifting for me. Positive, there are just a few quirks, however general, it’s an amazing possibility for anybody who needs hassle-free invoicing with out spending a fortune on software program.

What I dislike about Wave:

• Transactions don’t all the time import appropriately, and once in a while, my accounts disconnect for no cause.
• Whereas Wave helps with fundamental tax monitoring, I generally want there have been deeper insights and extra reporting options.

What G2 customers dislike about Wave:

“Buyer assist seems like it will probably take ceaselessly to resolve, together with some lackluster options which might be lacking on the free tier model (as anticipated). There have additionally been some app glitches inflicting a reset of the app wanted.”

– Wave Overview, verified consumer.

7. Xero

If there’s one factor I really like about Xero, it’s how straightforward it makes invoicing. I can craft skilled invoices in only a few clicks. With customizable templates, I can add my brand, alter colours, and set cost phrases that match my enterprise. Whether or not I need a modern, trendy look or one thing easy and practical, Xero helps me make invoicing really feel like a part of my model.

No extra ready round for checks! Xero integrates with digital cost instruments like Stripe, PayPal, and Sq., making it simpler for my shoppers to pay invoices on-line. Which means sooner funds and improved money move for my enterprise.

Chasing down funds? Not anymore. Xero’s automated cost reminders save me time. As a substitute of manually following up, I can set computerized notifications to remind shoppers when an bill is due (or overdue). Much less stress, extra on-time funds.

On the go? No drawback. With the Xero cell app, I can create and ship invoices straight from my telephone or pill. Whether or not I’m at a gathering, touring, or simply away from my desk, invoicing is all the time at my fingertips.

Xero’s invoicing options are designed to streamline my billing course of, enhance money move, and supply a seamless cost expertise for me and my shoppers. With customization, automation, and cell flexibility, it’s a game-changer for my enterprise, making invoicing easy.

What I dislike about Xero:

• I can create invoices, however the templates and customization choices are fairly restricted. I’d love extra flexibility in branding and design.
• Once I need assistance, I generally have to attend longer than anticipated for a response.

What G2 customers dislike about Xero:

“Usability on cell app function. Additionally could be good to have late charge and curiosity calculations on overdue invoices. Buyer assist continues to be missing with none actual skill to name them by telephone.”

– Xero Overview, Rayn V. 

8. Zoho Books

I have been utilizing Zoho Books for invoicing, and truthfully, it is among the finest instruments on the market if you happen to want one thing easy, environment friendly, and cost-effective. Whether or not you are a freelancer or a small enterprise proprietor, it takes the headache out of getting paid on time. 

Creating invoices is a breeze. The interface is clear, and I can customise invoices with my brand and branding. It solely takes just a few clicks to generate a skilled bill. When you have shoppers you invoice often, the recurring invoices function is a lifesaver. I can set them up and overlook about manually creating them every month. 

Chasing funds is a trouble, however Zoho Books automates it with cost reminders that notify shoppers when their bill is due, decreasing late funds. Purchasers also can pay by way of Stripe, PayPal, and different cost gateways, making the entire course of extra handy.

After all, there are some drawbacks. The free plan has an bill restrict, so if you happen to ship a whole lot of invoices, you may hit the cap shortly and must improve. Whereas the invoices look good, I want there have been extra design and structure choices to tweak them additional. That stated, if invoicing is a giant a part of your corporation, Zoho Books is a stable alternative. The automation and ease of use make it stand out, however if you happen to want limitless invoices or extra customization, you may must improve or search for workarounds.

What I dislike about Zoho Books:

• Options like automation and detailed reporting require higher-tier plans, which really feel limiting at occasions.
• I hit the bill cap fairly quick, which suggests I’ve to improve to a paid plan earlier than I’d like.

What G2 customers dislike about Zoho Books:

“There is a restrict on the variety of month-to-month invoices, plus, extra superior options are solely obtainable for extra premium variations.“ 

– Zoho Books Overview, Tebogo H.

Regularly requested questions on free invoicing software program

Have extra questions? Discover extra solutions beneath.

1. Who ought to use invoicing software program?

Invoicing software program can profit anybody who often payments shoppers, together with invoicing software program for freelancers, invoicing software program for small enterprise house owners, and invoicing for service suppliers and consultants. It simplifies the cost course of and ensures higher money move administration.

2. Can invoicing software program combine with accounting instruments?

Sure, many invoicing platforms combine with accounting software program like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave to sync invoices and monetary knowledge routinely.

3. What’s the distinction between invoicing software program and accounting software program?

Invoicing software program focuses totally on billing, funds, and bill monitoring whereas accounting software program contains broader monetary administration instruments like budgeting, expense monitoring, and tax preparation.

4. Can I take advantage of free invoicing software program for a number of currencies?

Some free invoicing instruments assist a number of currencies, however others restrict this function to paid plans. For those who work with worldwide shoppers, search for a instrument that provides forex flexibility in its free model.

5. Can I take advantage of free invoicing software program for a rising enterprise?

Free invoicing instruments can work nicely for small companies, however as your organization grows, chances are you’ll want extra automation, integrations, and reporting options—which regularly require a paid improve.

6. How does invoicing software program improve enterprise useful resource administration?

Invoicing software program improves enterprise useful resource administration by automating billing, monitoring funds, and organizing monetary knowledge. It reduces handbook work, minimizes errors, and ensures well timed funds, serving to companies preserve wholesome money move. Many instruments additionally provide expense monitoring, reporting, and integration with accounting software program, permitting higher monetary planning and useful resource allocation.

7. What’s automated invoicing software program?

Automated invoicing software program creates, sends, and tracks invoices routinely, decreasing handbook effort. It could actually schedule recurring invoices, ship cost reminders, and combine with cost gateways, making certain sooner funds and improved money move.

It’s time to bill-ieve in higher invoicing

The way in which we deal with invoices is evolving. What was a handbook, time-consuming course of is now streamlined with automation, AI-powered monitoring, and seamless cost integration. Even free software program choices are getting smarter, with options that assist companies of all sizes keep organized and environment friendly.

As expertise retains bettering, invoicing will solely get simpler. The secret’s to discover a instrument that works for you at this time however also can develop together with your wants. So, whether or not you want easy bill creation or a full-fledged monetary monitoring system, there’s a free instrument on the market that may assist.

To get a whole deal with in your funds, the precise accounting software program might help you observe bills, handle money move, and keep tax-ready.