8 Instruments I Examined for Seamless Billing

After I first began freelancing earlier than my full-time job, I assumed the toughest half can be discovering shoppers. Seems, that was solely half the battle. The true 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 rapidly realized I wanted a greater system. I wished one thing that might 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, searching for 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. 

In the event you’re uninterested in bill complications like I used to be, you’re in the correct 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 proper 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. In the event you’ve ever struggled with conserving your funds so as or misplaced observe of unpaid invoices (like I’ve earlier than), you’ll know the way rapidly 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 guide monitoring. However the perfect ones do way more than that. Most of the instruments I examined supply 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 just isn’t 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 software ought to do extra than simply generate an bill. At the least, that’s what I noticed after testing a number of choices. The very best ones assist you observe funds, automate follow-ups, combine with cost processors, and handle bills.

In the event you’re evaluating free invoicing instruments, this 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 one can ship an bill. I desire 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 straightforward shopper 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 at all times examine these limits earlier than committing to a platform—particularly if I plan to scale my enterprise. In the event you’re simply beginning out, a restricted free plan may work, however for frequent invoicing, search for larger bill allowances.
• Cost processing and on-line funds: The simpler I make it for shoppers to pay me, the sooner I get my cash. I at all times 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 may gradual issues down.
• Automation and cost reminders: I don’t have time to chase late funds. The very best free invoicing instruments robotically ship cost reminders, so I don’t need to ship these awkward follow-up emails. Some even enable recurring invoices, which is a lifesaver if in case you have retainer charges and shoppers.
• Expense monitoring: I desire invoicing software program that does greater than ship invoices; it also needs to assist me observe bills and taxes. Just a few free choices supply fundamental reporting options, which makes tax season approach much less disturbing. If I can see a transparent breakdown of paid, pending, and overdue invoices, that’s a serious win.
• Cellular accessibility: I don’t at all times have my laptop computer on me, so I like invoicing instruments with a cellular app or at the very least a mobile-friendly net model. Having the ability to ship an bill or examine cost standing on the go is a large 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 record beneath incorporates real consumer opinions of the perfect billing software program. It’s necessary to notice that distributors providing a free trial are additionally thought of free on this record. 

To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Present options to create a number of forms of invoices
• Have the ability to consolidate a number of invoices into one or cut up an bill
• Embody templates for invoices and different paperwork
• Permit customers to ship invoices in numerous codecs (PDF, MS Phrase) via numerous communication channels (e mail, efax)
• Supply experiences and analytics on the standing of every bill
• Embody cost alert notifications
• Combine with software program options reminiscent of ERP, CRM, and accounting packages

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

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

Among the finest facets 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 online business look polished. I additionally liked the flexibility to observe bill funds and due dates robotically, which helps forestall money move points. Plus, QuickBooks integrates with cost processing techniques so shoppers pays invoices seamlessly.

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

Nonetheless,  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 might 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 may be higher, as getting assist for technical points isn’t at all times a clean course of.

One in all my greatest frustrations is the push towards QuickBooks On-line. Many people nonetheless desire the management of a desktop model, nevertheless it seems like Intuit is nudging customers towards their cloud-based possibility as an alternative 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 Assessment, Bernhard H.

FreshBooks is without doubt 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 like how easy it’s to ship skilled invoices. The platform provides recurring invoices, that means I don’t need to manually ship the identical bill each month. Plus, there are cost reminders that robotically notify shoppers when an bill is due, saving me from chasing down late funds.

One other standout characteristic is the late charges possibility. FreshBooks permits me to arrange automated late charges, guaranteeing that I receives a commission on time. It’s a small however highly effective software for conserving money move regular.

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

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

Expense monitoring is one other characteristic I recognize. You possibly can add receipts, categorize bills, and hyperlink them on to invoices, making tax time an entire lot simpler. FreshBooks shines on the subject of ease of use. The interface is straightforward, the automation options save time, and it integrates effectively 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.

But it surely’s not good. One challenge I’ve seen is bill customization—the templates are clear {and professional}, however when you’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 at all times work seamlessly. In the event you 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 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 automated funds pull funds on the bill date as an alternative of the due date. This has precipitated points with a few of my shoppers.”

– FreshBooks Assessment, Dana M.

BigTime has loads going for it on the subject of invoicing and billing, however like all 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 completely different.

Among the finest issues about BigTime is the way it brings every thing underneath one roof. Time monitoring, billable hours, and undertaking administration all feed straight into invoicing, so nothing falls via the cracks. I don’t need to spend time chasing down lacking hours or manually including up bills—it’s all there, able to go.

I additionally recognize the automated reminders for timesheets. I can arrange alerts that nudge my staff to log their time, which implies we’re invoicing precisely and never lacking out on billable hours.

The budgeting and monitoring instruments are strong. After I arrange a shopper undertaking, 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 modifying invoices. As soon as an bill strikes from draft to generated, there’s no straightforward technique to tweak quantities or make changes. That’s a ache, particularly when coping with complicated contracts.

The automation settings can even really feel overwhelming. BigTime lets me automate billing and process 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. Typically, names don’t pull appropriately into invoices, and infrequently, syncing takes longer than anticipated.

A giant frustration is that I can’t export timesheets on to QuickBooks Payroll anymore. That was a brilliant helpful characteristic, and now that it’s gone, payroll processing takes further steps.

BigTime is a superb software for conserving invoices correct and tasks on price range. In the event you want a centralized system for monitoring billable hours and turning them into invoices with minimal effort, it’s an incredible decide. However when you want deep customization or count on flawless automation, you may run into some snags. General, 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. Complicated shopper contracts usually require changes that BigTime doesn’t at all times enable.
• Whereas automation is nice, establishing billing schedules or workflows generally is a trouble. Typically, reminder notifications don’t set off appropriately, which slows us down. 

What G2 customers dislike about BigTime:

“Pricing is excessive for companies underneath three staff. Although 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 fastened.”

– BigTime Assessment, Curt Okay.

Automation is a lifesaver. BILL AP/AR makes processing invoices and funds straightforward, serving to scale back human error and missed funds. As soon as arrange, it takes care of many of the heavy lifting, which is a large time-saver. The approval course of is actually robust, 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 every thing organized. Sending invoices, monitoring their standing, and establishing funds is tremendous simple, making it an incredible system for companies that have to preserve every thing in examine.

That stated, there are some issues that want enchancment. Not every thing might be automated, and generally I nonetheless need to course of invoices manually, which defeats the aim. Syncing with QuickBooks can also be flawed—BILL solely syncs a method, that means I can’t absolutely depend on it for correct information. I at all times need to double-check in QuickBooks to make sure every thing matches. The system will 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. In the event you 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’d like every thing in a single place.

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

What I dislike about BILL AP/AR:

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

What G2 customers dislike about BILL AP/AR:

“Invoice.com is a bit gradual. Typically, we now have to course of some invoices manually. In some instances, it is not going to auto-capture the bill the place we must always do it manually.”

– BILL AP/AR Assessment, Priya R.

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

One in all Maxio’s finest facets is its integration with accounting software program like Xero. I can sync monetary knowledge with out manually transferring info, making bookkeeping smoother. Nonetheless, 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 offers real-time income monitoring, so I can see excellent funds and monetary traits at a look. The customized monetary experiences 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’d like a totally branded bill structure, you may be pissed off by the shortage of flexibility. I additionally discover that the workflow automation instruments may very well be extra adaptable—they work effectively for normal processes, however if in case you have a posh billing construction, it’s possible you’ll want workarounds.

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

Lastly, pricing is a priority. Maxio is on the costly facet, and when you don’t absolutely make the most of its automation and integration options, it won’t really feel value the price. It’s an incredible software, however you could consider whether or not its strengths align with your online business wants.

In the event you want robust automation and monetary monitoring, Maxio does an incredible job. But when customization, seamless integrations, and fast assist are dealbreakers, think about taking a look at different choices.

What I dislike about Maxio: 

• If one thing goes unsuitable, getting assist isn’t fast. Assist response instances 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 may be very gradual and takes at the very least 24 to 48 hours to acknowledge any challenge.”

– Maxio Assessment, David B.

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

Creating invoices is easy. The system is tremendous intuitive—you simply fill within the particulars, customise it along with your emblem, and ship it off in a couple of clicks. There’s even a choice 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 just accept funds on-line. My shoppers pays 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 might be gradual at instances, and I’ll admit it’s irritating once I’m ready for funds to clear.

One other factor I like is monitoring my invoices. I can rapidly see which of them are paid, pending, or overdue, which makes managing my funds loads simpler. However I’ve seen that monitoring isn’t at all times 100% correct. Typically, there are glitches, and the standing of an bill doesn’t replace appropriately, which generally is 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 come back via, 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.

In the event you’re searching for a free invoicing software that covers the necessities with no ton of pointless complexity, Wave is a strong alternative. It’s straightforward to make use of, seems skilled, and does many of the heavy lifting for me. Certain, there are a couple of quirks, however general, it’s an incredible possibility for anybody who desires hassle-free invoicing with out spending a fortune on software program.

What I dislike about Wave:

• Transactions don’t at all times import appropriately, and every so often, my accounts disconnect for no motive.
• 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 could actually take without end to resolve, together with some lackluster options which are lacking on the free tier model (as anticipated). There have additionally been some app glitches inflicting a reset of the app wanted.”

– Wave Assessment, verified consumer.

If there’s one factor I 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 emblem, modify colours, and set cost phrases that match my enterprise. Whether or not I desire a modern, trendy look or one thing easy and purposeful, 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. Meaning 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 automated notifications to remind shoppers when an bill is due (or overdue). Much less stress, extra on-time funds.

On the go? No downside. With the Xero cellular 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 at all times 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 cellular 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.
• After I need assistance, I generally have to attend longer than anticipated for a response.

What G2 customers dislike about Xero:

“Usability on cellular app characteristic. Additionally can be good to have late charge and curiosity calculations on overdue invoices. Buyer assist remains to be missing with none actual potential to name them by telephone.”

– Xero Assessment, Rayn V. 

I have been utilizing Zoho Books for invoicing, and truthfully, it is probably the greatest instruments on the market when you 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 emblem and branding. It solely takes a couple of clicks to generate a skilled bill. If in case you have shoppers you invoice commonly, the recurring invoices characteristic 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, lowering late funds. Purchasers can even 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 when you ship quite a lot of invoices, you will hit the cap rapidly and have to 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 online business, Zoho Books is a strong alternative. The automation and ease of use make it stand out, however when you want limitless invoices or extra customization, you may have to 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 instances.
• I hit the bill cap fairly quick, which implies I’ve to improve to a paid plan before 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 Assessment, Tebogo H.

To get an entire deal with in your funds, the correct accounting software program can assist you observe bills, handle money move, and keep tax-ready.