Best Billing Software Shortlist
Here are the options I’ve examined and selected to cover in this article:
There are so many different billing tools on the market that choosing the best one for you can be tricky. You want to streamline the process of generating invoices, managing payments, and tracking financial transactions - and need the right tool for your team. I've got you covered! In this post, I leverage my personal experience with budgeting and billing-related activities with large teams to share my picks of the best billing software.
What is Billing Software?
Billing software refers to tools that handle the creation, management, and processing of invoices for goods or services provided by a business. Key features that make this possible include invoice creation, payment processing, recurring billing, expense tracking, and reporting – simplifying billing processes, reducing errors, and providing better control over financial transactions.
Overall, billing software automates billing tasks, improves accuracy, and enhances the overall efficiency of financial operations.
Best Billing Software Summary
Use this quick-reference chart to easily compare pricing across top billing software solutions.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for billing approval workflows | Free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for professional invoicing | 30-day free trial | From $6.30/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for subscription lifecycle management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for small businesses | 30-day free trial | From $2.50/user/month (billed monthly) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for B2B businesses | Free demo available | From $15/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for complex revenue models | Free demo available. | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best free option | Free plan available | From $49.99/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for fast-growing businesses | Free trial available | From $0/month for first $250k cumulative billing | Website | |
| 9 | Best for customizable invoices | Free plan available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for international payments | 30-day free trial | From $29/user/month | Website | |
| 11 | Best document processing features | 14-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 12 | Best for multi-entity financial management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 13 | Best for large and complex businesses | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 14 | Best for contractors | Free plan available | From $15/user/month (min 3 seats) | Website | |
| 15 | Best ERP with integrated billing features | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 16 | Best for service-based businesses | 14-day free trial + free demo available | From $30/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 17 | Best for teams with lots of international transactions | 14-day free trial | From $249/month | Website | |
| 18 | Best for beginners | 30-day free trial | From $19/user/month | Website | |
| 19 | Best for automated subscription billing | Free demo available | From $499/month | Website | |
| 20 | Best for secure, multi-method payments | Free quote available | From $99/month | Website |
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CRM Creatio
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
Rippling Spend
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9
Best Billing Software Reviews
Here are my reviews of the top billing software vendors out there, complete with features, pros and cons, and integrations. If you’re deciding what fits best, this snapshot helps you focus on what actually drives results.
For those seeking a billing software solution that integrates expense management, corporate card usage, and bill payments, Rippling Spend offers a unified platform designed for diverse industries. It provides real-time visibility into spending and automated policy controls, helping prevent overspending and simplifying approval workflows. This makes it an appealing choice for finance teams aiming to maintain control over expenditures.
Why I Picked Rippling Spend
I picked Rippling Spend for its ability to streamline billing approval workflows, which is particularly valuable for businesses seeking efficient expense management. The platform's customizable approval workflows automatically enforce policies using real-time employee data, reducing the risk of overspending. I appreciate how it consolidates functions like expense management, corporate cards, and bill payments into a single tool, making it easier for your team to manage expenses. Additionally, the integration with numerous third-party applications enhances its functionality, providing a comprehensive solution for managing corporate spending.
Rippling Spend Key Features
In addition to its streamlined billing approval workflows, Rippling Spend offers several features that enhance its value as a billing software solution.
- Comprehensive Spend Tracking: Monitors all types of spending, including employee expenses and corporate cards, providing a complete overview of financial activity.
- Automated Bill Payments: Streamlines the approval and payment process by supporting various payment methods and ensuring timely bill routing.
- Vendor Portal: Enables vendors to manage their own information and invoices directly, facilitating smoother transactions and communication.
- Customizable Spend Controls: Allows businesses to set specific spending rules based on roles, vendors, and transaction amounts, preventing unauthorized expenditures.
Rippling Spend Integrations
Integrations include Xero, NetSuite, and Sage.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated bill creation and approvals
- Strong policy enforcement reduces misuse
- Centralizes billing, expenses, and cards
Cons:
- Limited customization of reports
- Can feel complex for small businesses
New Product Updates from Rippling Spend
Rippling Spend Introduces AI-Powered Expense Fraud Detection
Rippling Spend adds built-in AI detection to automatically flag manipulated or AI-generated receipts. This enhancement strengthens financial oversight and ensures greater accuracy in expense approvals. For more information, visit Rippling Spend's official site.
FreshBooks makes billing easier for small teams that want professional invoices and fast payments. It’s built for freelancers, solopreneurs, and contractors, with tools to help you stay on top of client billing, business expenses, and your overall cash position.
Why I Picked FreshBooks: I picked FreshBooks because it gives you the basics done right—customizable invoices, online payment options, and clear statements. It’s especially useful if you’re billing clients for tracked time or recurring services. You can also track expenses as you go, which helps you stay organized for tax season or project budgeting.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features includes real-time accounting tools for quick visibility into your income and expenses. It supports remote collaboration, so your clients and team can stay in sync without email chains. You also get access to highly rated customer support across North America and Europe.
Integrations include Google Sheets, Airtable, Mailchimp, WooCommerce, HubSpot, Stripe, Expensify, Square, ClickUp, Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zendesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fast invoicing and payment collection
- Utilizes 256-bit SSL encryption
- Built-in features for tracking time and managing expenses
Cons:
- Invoice customization could be more flexible
- Basic plans limit users and clients
New Product Updates from FreshBooks
Faster Payouts and Smarter Payroll With FreshBooks
FreshBooks introduces Instant Payouts, Buy Now, Pay Later through Affirm, and smarter payment defaults to improve cash flow and payment flexibility. These updates help businesses access funds faster while giving clients more convenient ways to pay. For more information, visit FreshBooks' official site.
DealHub offers a billing software solution that aligns sales and finance teams to automate renewals and ensure revenue accuracy. Designed for businesses aiming to optimize recurring revenue streams, it integrates subscription management with revenue operations. With features like flexible billing options and comprehensive subscription analytics, DealHub is tailored for organizations seeking to improve their billing processes and foster revenue growth.
Why I Picked DealHub
I picked DealHub for its capabilities in subscription lifecycle management, essential for businesses seeking billing software. With features like automated billing cycles and real-time analytics, DealHub ensures that your team can manage renewals, upgrades, and cancellations. This enhances user experience and maximizes revenue by reducing manual errors and improving customer satisfaction. Furthermore, its integration with CRM and ERP systems helps maintain operational efficiency, making it a solid choice for companies looking to optimize their subscription services.
DealHub Key Features
In addition to its strengths in subscription lifecycle management, DealHub offers several other features that enhance its billing software capabilities.
- Automated Invoicing: Streamlines the invoicing process by reducing manual errors and ensuring timely billing.
- Customizable Templates: Allows your team to create personalized invoices and billing documents that align with your brand's identity.
- Multi-Currency Support: Facilitates international transactions by accommodating multiple currencies, ensuring seamless global operations.
- Tax Management: Simplifies tax calculations and compliance across different regions, reducing the complexity of managing diverse tax obligations.
DealHub Integrations
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, Stripe, DocuSign, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, and Avalara.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in compliance with ASC 606 and IFRS 1
- Supports various billing models
- Manages the entire contract lifecycle
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- API integration is a paid add-on
New Product Updates from DealHub
DealHub's Expanded Parameters & Proposal Enhancements
DealHub introduced greater flexibility with expanded parameter support and smoother workflows with multi-system proposal enhancements. You can autocomplete parameters, manage them in one place, and enjoy smarter offer duplication and syncing. Visit DealHub’s updates for more.
For businesses seeking to refine their billing processes, Xero offers a solution that caters to small and medium-sized enterprises across various industries. Its cloud-based platform simplifies the invoicing lifecycle with features like automated invoice creation, customizable templates, and real-time payment tracking, ensuring you spend more time growing your business and less time worrying about chasing payments. Xero's integration with third-party applications and its mobile accessibility empower you to manage your finances on the go, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and finance teams aiming to improve cash flow management and streamline their financial operations.
Why I Picked Xero
I picked Xero as an ideal billing software for small businesses because it offers a range of features tailored to enhance cash flow management and invoicing efficiency. Its online invoicing system allows you to create and send invoices from both mobile and desktop, ensuring you stay on top of your billing no matter where you are. Additionally, Xero's ability to automate payment reminders helps manage late payments, ensuring smoother financial operations. The integration with over 21,000 banks simplifies bank reconciliations, making it easier for you and your team to maintain accurate financial records.
Xero Key Features
In addition to the features that make Xero a great fit for small businesses, I also found several other functionalities that enhance its billing software capabilities:
- Expense Tracking: Manage and submit expense claims easily, allowing you to keep a close eye on business spending.
- Inventory Tracking: Monitor stock levels and manage purchase orders, ensuring you have the right products on hand.
- Multi-Currency Support: Handle transactions in over 160 currencies, making it ideal for businesses dealing with international clients.
- Payroll Services: Utilize the integrated payroll system to manage employee payments efficiently, streamlining your HR processes.
Xero Integrations
Integrations include Hubdoc, Syft, Stripe, Xero Inventory Plus, Shopify Integration, Etsy Integration, Xero Practice Manager, HubSpot CRM, Xero Analytics Plus, and Xero Workpapers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great real-time reporting features
- Affordable price
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Limited integrations
New Product Updates from Xero
Xero Launches New Workpapers for Seamless Compliance
Xero introduces the new Workpapers—powered by BGL—to streamline compliance workflows for Australian practices. For more information, visit Xero's official site.
EBizCharge is billing software designed for B2B businesses to process credit card and eCheck payments across multiple channels, including online, in-person, over the phone, or through email. It’s built to work inside your current ERP, CRM, or accounting system.
Why I picked EBizCharge: I picked EBizCharge because it simplifies recurring billing, auto-pay, and invoice payments all in one place. You can send email payment links or let customers pay through a self-service portal. Invoices and sales orders can be created, edited, and preauthorized directly in the system. Everything syncs with your accounting software, reducing manual work and errors.
EBizCharge Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a virtual terminal that lets you run transactions from any device or web browser, making billing flexible for remote teams. There's also a detailed reporting engine with over 50 search filters to help you track invoice status, transaction history, and outstanding payments.
On the security side, billing data is protected using encryption, tokenization, and PCI-compliant protocols.
Integrations include Acumatica, QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Magento, BigCommerce, Salesforce, Zoho CRM, WooCommerce, Volusion, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure card data storage with tokenization
- Easy invoice payment for customers via portals
- Integrates well with accounting platforms
Cons:
- Limited language support
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
Most billing software is only designed to invoice customers for standard line items or one-time charges. Tridens Monetization is unique in that it also allows for usage-based billing.
Why I picked Tridens Monetization: Tridens looks to me like it’s been specifically designed for the telecommunications, energy, and utility industries. I think companies that need to bill customers for usage of electricity or natural gas will find Tridens can make their processes much more convenient. I can see it also being applicable to subscription-based services from media or SaaS companies.
Tridens Monetization Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include flexible pricing and monetization models. Triden’s ability here is what really stands out to me.
Triden’s customer web and mobile apps let your customers view their account balance and usage and pay their bills online. I was also impressed by the amount of analytics and reporting tools Tridens offers, including custom dashboards and customizable reports.
Integrations include Netsuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Stripe, Paypal, and SureTax.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive interface and dashboards
- Customer mobile app and online portal
- Supports complex pricing and billing
Cons:
- Initial setup & implementation is complex
- Tridens takes 1% of billed revenue (on top of base fees)
Online Check Writer is a simple and secure way for businesses to pay and get paid. The software supports ACH payments, direct deposits, checks, and debit and credit card payments as well.
Why I picked Online Check Writer: I like that it offers a free way to send and receive payments, with reasonable transaction fees.
Online Check Writer Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a mobile app that allows you to accept payments and print checks.
In my opinion, Online Check Writer’s transaction fees are reasonable at 1% on their free plan, up to a maximum of $5, which is lower than other services like PayPal. This has all of the basic AP and AR features businesses need to send and receive payments.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto, Zoho Payroll, BILL, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app
- Easy to learn and use
- Accepts multiple payment methods
Cons:
- Minimum spend amount per month on paid plans
- Limited customizations
Chargebee is a popular billing software with a focus on subscription-based or recurring billing. I think it would probably be a good fit for fast-growing SaaS and eCommerce businesses.
Why I picked Chargebee: I feel like this software will make it easier for businesses to manage and collect subscription-based payments from their customers. It simplifies the process of onboarding customers, as well as upgrading, downgrading, or canceling subscription plans.
Chargebee Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include support for a wide range of billing models. I saw that Chargebee supports everything from one-time charges up to more complex subscription plans with tiered pricing.
Chargebee has tools to assist with invoicing and payment collection through a secure payment gateway. It also supports dunning management, meaning it will automatically retry in the event of a failed payment.
Integrations include Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, Xero, Netsuite, Salesforce, Hubspot, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho CRM, Mailchimp, Slack, and dozens more, plus other 3rd party software integrations through Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Developer-friendly APIs
- Lots of integrations
- Designed for subscription-based business models
Cons:
- Limited reporting and analytics
- Steep learning curve
Zoho Invoice is an invoicing software specifically designed for small businesses. It allows users to create and send invoices quickly while focusing on user privacy by utilizing its own tracking tools.
Why I Picked Zoho Invoice: One reason I picked Zoho Invoice is its ability to create customizable invoices. This feature lets you tailor invoices to fit your brand's identity, which is important for maintaining a consistent professional image. Additionally, Zoho Invoice provides automated payment reminders that help ensure timely payments without the need for constant follow-up.
Another feature that stands out is its expense tracking capability. This allows you to keep a close eye on your finances, making it easier to manage and allocate resources effectively. The platform also supports various payment methods, giving your clients the flexibility to choose their preferred way to pay.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a customer portal, where clients can easily access invoices and payment options, and project hour tracking, which helps in managing billable hours for service-based businesses. Additionally, Zoho Invoice offers the ability to generate detailed financial reports, providing valuable insights into your business's financial health.
Integrations include Zoho Books, Zoho Inventory, Zoho CRM, Zoho Payroll, Zoho Projects, Zoho Campaigns, Zoho Mail, Zoho Desk, Zoho Billing, Google Workspace, Slack, and Zoho Notebook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free to use for small businesses
- Integration with multiple payment platforms
- Highly customizable templates for invoices
Cons:
- Limited reporting options and customization for reports
- Limited advanced features compared to more robust software
BILL (formerly Bill.com) is a cloud-based software and billing platform. It can help you to digitize your accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other financial processes in your business and to make them run more efficiently.
Why I picked BILL: I like that BILL stores everything in the cloud and reduces paper-based processes. Plus, you don’t need to install software on specific machines or keep it updated. I would normally be concerned about security with cloud-based billing software. However, BILL keeps all payment processing in-house and uses bank-level encryption and secure data center facilities with more than one physical location for full redundancy. I also like that it supports international payments in over 130 countries.
BILL Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include support for multiple payment options, including ACH (automated clearing house), virtual cards, and online payment reminders.
I like that BILL provides flexibility for billing customers and accepting payments, even internationally. BILL also has approval workflows for managing bills and payments more efficiently. Plus, it leaves behind a clean audit trail of all transactions.
BILL’s real-time reporting on cash inflows and outflows help companies monitor their financial health. The forecasting tools seem like they'd be helpful for strategic planning, too.
Integrations include Netsuite, Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, SAP, Freshbooks, and Hubdoc.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports 130+ countries and currencies
- Integrates with most accounting software
- Customizable invoices
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited features for businesses with complex needs
Rossum is an AI-powered document processing software. It helps businesses to extract data from documents like purchase orders, invoices, and receipts.
Why I picked Rossum: Rossum uses optical character recognition (OCR) to help quickly extract data from scanned documents. What I think sets Rossum apart is its machine-learning algorithms and AI technology. This means the software continually gets better, faster, and more accurate at processing documents over time as it gets to know the document formatting of your particular vendors and customers.
Although Rossum itself isn’t a billing software, it natively integrates with the most popular choices and pays for itself if you consider the time saved in the billing process.
Rossum Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to greatly reduce manual data capture. Rossum claims their software can save you 82% of the time on document validation. Rossum seems quite good at reading business documents like a human, and it adapts well to changes in document style, layout, and formatting. Overall, I think it could help companies save a lot of time spent validating and entering billing data.
Integrations include BILL, QuickBooks, Freshbooks, Xero, SAP, NetSuite, Zoho Books, Coupa, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Adaptable AI improves over time
- OCR data validation
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Visit WebsiteOpens new window
- Limited application scope (requires separate billing software)
- Pricing details aren’t transparent
For those looking to transform financial management within their organization, Xledger offers a cloud-based ERP solution tailored for industries like professional services, education, and non-profits. You can simplify complex accounting tasks with features like multi-entity consolidation and real-time financial insights. This allows your team to maintain clarity and control over financial operations without the hassle of manual data entry.
Why I Picked Xledger
I picked Xledger because its multi-entity financial management features are ideal for businesses that need efficient billing solutions across various entities. With its automated consolidation of financial statements, you can manage financial data without the hassle of manual data entry, ensuring accuracy. Xledger also offers real-time financial reporting, providing your team with up-to-date insights that are crucial for making informed decisions. This makes it a perfect choice for organizations with complex structures looking to enhance financial oversight and operational efficiency.
Xledger Key Features
In addition to its multi-entity financial management capabilities, Xledger offers a range of features that cater to your billing software needs.
- Automated Billing: This feature allows you to set up recurring billing schedules, reducing manual intervention and ensuring timely invoicing for your clients.
- Expense Management: With this feature, you can track and manage expenses in real-time, giving you precise control over your financial outflows.
- Project Accounting: This feature enables you to allocate costs and track revenues on a project basis, providing clarity on project financial performance.
- Multi-Currency Support: Xledger allows you to handle transactions in multiple currencies, making it easier for your business to operate globally without currency conversion issues.
Xledger Integrations
Integrations include GoldFinch, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Chase Credit Card, Harvest, Magento, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides workflow collaboration
- Includes multi-currency capabilities
- Offers real-time reporting
Cons:
- User interface can be more intuitive
- Limited customization options
HighRadius uses AI to help your company automate your accounts receivable, treasury, and other finance processes.
Why I picked HighRadius: I chose HighRadius for its ability to manage high-volume billing. Plus, I think it’s a tool that can scale alongside businesses as their operations grow and become more complex.
HighRadius Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include automated, proactive reviews of your customers. I think that'd be especially important for a company dealing with hundreds or thousands of customers. I like that HighRadius allows you to send invoices through web, email, fax, or print and mail them the old-fashioned way.
From my experience in accounting, I know some customers are particular about how they like to receive their bills. HighRadius also claims their AI-based cash application software can post 95% of payments without a human having to touch it, which I think would cut down on a ton of manual work in a large company.
Integrations include all major ERPs like Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and SAP, plus payment processing partners like Stripe and Chase, credit agencies such as Equifax and Experian, and more than a dozen others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reporting and analytics features
- Highly configurable and customizable
- Great automation features
Cons:
- Comparatively high cost
- Steep learning curve
GetCost is a billing and estimating app designed primarily for contractors and small businesses. It’s available on multiple platforms, including web, Android, and iOS devices.
Why I picked GetCost: Contractors have unique needs compared to businesses in other industries. They need billing software made for their specific way of doing business. GetCost puts more emphasis on estimates, scheduling, timesheets, and project management compared to other billing software on this list.
GetCost Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include all the ability to send estimates and invoices within the software, then track their status from receipt to full payment.
GetCost also lets contractors manage teams with tools for scheduling and job assignments.
GetCost gives you the ability to create and use pre-designed invoice templates.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Invoice templates
- Great value for the price
- Made for mobile
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Limited accounting features
QT9 is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. This means it aims to integrate various different processes within an organization into one application. This includes billing features and accounts receivable, as well as things like inventory management, quality control, customer relationship management, and more.
Why I picked QT9 ERP: I think once a company reaches a certain size, it becomes cumbersome to have many different specialized softwares for individual business processes. I feel that larger companies can benefit from consolidating many of these features.
QT9 ERP Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include 18+ pre-installed modules. I like that QT9 allows you to have your purchasing, accounting, AR & AP, general ledger, and other finance modules all centralized into a single software. I think this will help reduce the need for individual spreadsheets that require manual data entry, as well as data import and export.
QT9 allows finance and other processes like inventory control, manufacturing, and shipping to share data directly. The modules are highly scalable, so you can roll out your implementation in phases and upgrade one module at a time as your company grows.
Integrations include QuickBooks and Sage 50.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly scalable and customizable
- Visually intuitive interface
- Consolidates many business processes into one software
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Limited integration
Scoro is a business management software with a particular focus on service businesses.
Why I picked Scoro: Scoro can help service businesses stay organized and keep everything in one place. In addition to billing, it also has solutions for project management, customer relationship management, and financial reporting
Scoro Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to control your billing and expense lifecycle, from providing quotes to collecting payment on invoices. By having sales, delivery, and financial information in one platform, you can get a better idea of how a business is performing.
I think Scoro’s drag-and-drop planner and Kanban task board help plan and prioritize work and manage time more efficiently.
Integrations include Google Calendar and Google Drive, Microsoft Exchange, Dropbox, Jira, QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Hubspot, Asana, Expensify, Trello, and dozens of other applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Data sharing between different teams
- Visually intuitive interface
- Integrates with many popular tools
Cons:
- Many features locked behind higher-level plans
- No single-user plan (Minimum five users)
VatPay is a billing software that allows you to generate invoices in any language or currency. The company also has a strong focus on project management and time-tracking features.
Why I picked VatPay: I liked that VatPay supports multiple currencies. If your company’s doing business with clients and customers in other countries,
VatPay lets you specify the currency you wish to receive your payment in. Customers can pay directly from your invoice or through a client portal using VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, or Apple Pay.
VatPay Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include being compatible with mobile, tablet, or desktop. Its time-tracking and project management tools allow you to invite your employees, contractors, or even clients to collaborate on projects. I like how your customer invoices, account statements, and credit memos can be customized with your business logo and theme. VatPay can also generate insightful reports to help you understand where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Chase, Google Suite, Authorize.net, and Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app
- Integrates with popular payment gateways
- Customized invoices
Cons:
- Not designed for large companies (100+ users)
- Expensive compared to similar options
QuickBooks is designed to help simplify financial management tasks for small businesses. In addition to billing, it helps companies to manage finances, track expenses, and generate financial reports.
Why I picked QuickBooks: I like that QuickBooks provides smaller businesses with a comprehensive accounting tool to track their sales, expenses, and payments. I also love how easy it is to use QuickBooks, even for someone without an accounting background.
QuickBooks Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to accept credit card payments, bank transfers, and Apple Pay.
I also like how QuickBooks allows you to personalize your invoices, and there’s no limit on the number you can send. Custom dashboards and financial reporting are helpful in tracking income to see exactly how much cash you’re bringing in, which customers have paid, and accounts that are past due.
Integrations include Amazon Business, Square, Etsy, PayPal, Shopify, and SOS Inventory.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable and customizable
- User-friendly interface
- Integrations designed for small business
Cons:
- Software performance may be impacted by large data sets
- Limited reporting and analytics features
Stax Bill is a powerful billing software designed to automate the complexities of subscription management and recurring billing for a wide range of businesses. By providing a comprehensive platform, it allows companies to enhance their billing processes, improve revenue collection, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Why I picked Stax Bill: The platform’s robust automated invoicing and subscription capabilities ensure that businesses can handle a high volume of recurring invoices efficiently, reducing manual errors and saving valuable time. Its ASC 606-compliant revenue recognition feature helps businesses adhere to financial reporting standards while its advanced dunning management system and credit card retry schedules help minimize the incidence of failed payments. Overall, this helps ensure a steady revenue flow.
Stax Bill Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include customizable invoicing, real-time analytics and reporting, multi-currency support, tax management, discount and promotion management, payment gateway integration, customer account hierarchy, self-service portals, usage-based billing, flexible pricing models, invoice templates, subscription lifecycle management, and detailed customer insights.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce, HubSpot, NetSuite, Intacct, Avalara, Authorize.net, Braintree, Stripe, and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates recurring invoicing and payments
- ASC 606-compliant revenue recognition
- Dunning management capabilities
Cons:
- No free version available
- May be expensive for small businesses
For businesses seeking a billing software solution, Stax Pay offers a versatile tool that caters to diverse needs, whether you're a small business or part of a larger SaaS platform. With its focus on simplifying invoicing and payment processes, Stax Pay provides customizable digital invoices, recurring billing options, and easy payment tracking from any device. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance efficiency and cash flow while maintaining a user-friendly interface that integrates with various platforms.
Why I Picked Stax Pay
I picked Stax Pay for its standout ability to provide secure, multi-method payment solutions, which is crucial for any billing software. The platform supports a variety of payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, ensuring that you can cater to diverse customer preferences without compromising security. Stax Pay's customizable smart terminals and seamless integration with top payment gateways make it easy to handle both in-person and online transactions, providing you with flexibility and scalability. Additionally, the invoicing tools allow for branded invoices and automated reminders, enhancing your payment collection process and keeping your cash flow healthy.
Stax Pay Key Features
In addition to its secure, multi-method payment solutions, Stax Pay offers a range of features that enhance its billing software capabilities.
- Real-Time Reporting: This feature provides instant access to deposit reports for card and ACH payments, making it easier for you to reconcile transactions with detailed insights.
- One-Click Reconciliation: Simplifying deposit management, this functionality allows you to manage and reconcile transactions from any location with ease.
- Monthly Statements: You can download processing statements directly from the Stax dashboard for a comprehensive view of your business's financial health.
- Zero Credit Card Fees: Through integrated surcharging, Stax Pay eliminates credit card processing fees, offering you significant cost savings.
Stax Pay Integrations
Integrations include NetSuite, BigCommerce, Sage Intacct, Zuora, Shopware, and an API is available for custom integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- In-depth reporting for financial management and strategic planning
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable invoices and receipts
Cons:
- Features sets can be limited
- Primarily U.S.-based
Other Billing Software
Here are some additional billing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Invoicera
For medium to large enterprises
- Square Invoices
For teams already using Square’s payment processing
- Sunrise App
For creative professionals
- WAVE
For startups
- Good Sign
Automation features
Related Financial Software
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these tools closely related to billing software, that we've tested and evaluated.
- Accounting Software
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- Forecasting Software
- Best Merchant Services
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Selection Criteria For Billing Software
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best billing software for this article:
Core Functionality
It’s not worth calling it billing software if it can’t handle invoicing, billing management and automation, payment tracking, cash flow and customer management, and reporting and analytics.
Features of Billing Software
When selecting billing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automated invoicing: This feature allows you to create and send invoices automatically based on preset schedules or completed work. It saves you from repetitive manual entry and reduces errors, so you can focus on growing your business instead of chasing paperwork.
- Payment processing integration: Easily connect your software to multiple payment gateways so your clients can pay online using their preferred method. This streamlines getting paid, removes friction from the payment process, and helps you avoid awkward money-chasing conversations.
- Customizable templates: Choose from or personalize invoice templates to align with your brand’s look and feel. From adding your logo to tweaking colors and fonts, this small touch makes your business look professional every time you send a bill.
- Recurring billing: Schedule automatic charges for regular services or subscriptions. Whether you charge clients weekly, monthly, or on another schedule, recurring billing ensures you never forget to send out an invoice—and your cash flow stays steady.
- Expense tracking: Log billable expenses directly in the software, so you never miss a reimbursement or forget to include a cost in your invoices. This helps you stay organized and ensures every cent you spend is captured for the client to see.
- Tax calculation and compliance: Let the software automatically calculate applicable taxes and keep you updated on changing regulations. This feature helps you avoid messy audits or missed tax payments, making it easier to stay on your customers’ and the government’s good side.
- Multi-currency support: Bill clients in their local currency, no matter where they are in the world. Multi-currency support helps you reach global markets and keeps billing accurate—and avoids confusion or manual conversions.
- Detailed reporting: Access up-to-date reports on your billing, payments, outstanding invoices, and revenues. With solid data at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions and keep a pulse on your business’s health.
Common Billing Software AI Features
Beyond the standard billing software features listed above, many of these solutions are incorporating AI with features like:
- Automated fraud detection: AI scans transactions for unusual patterns, flagging suspicious activity instantly. This keeps your business safe and gives you peace of mind so you can focus on more enjoyable things—like earning more money.
- Smart invoice categorization: AI automatically organizes invoices by client, project, or service, so finding records—or spotting late payments—is much faster. It eliminates the headache of manual sorting and keeps your virtual desk neat.
- Predictive payment reminders: AI analyzes payment history and predicts when clients are likely to pay late, sending gentle nudges exactly when needed. This feature helps you get paid faster without you having to play the bad guy.
- Automated expense extraction: AI pulls key expense details straight from receipts or emails, filling out your records without manual entry. It’s like having a super-organized assistant who never gets tired or loses receipts.
- Dynamic tax recommendations: AI tracks tax rule changes based on your business location and makes real-time recommendations. You stay compliant without chasing down confusing tax memos or second-guessing your accountant.
Usability
I prioritized billing software with modern and visually-intuitive interfaces and features, as well as easy-to-navigate menus. I understand every software will have a learning curve, but it shouldn’t take weeks before your staff is comfortable billing customers with new software.
Integrations
Billing software should integrate with accounting systems like QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite. If the software can’t take payments by itself, it should work with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal. Billing software should allow for automatic synchronization of billing data, streamlining financial management, and reducing manual data entry.
People Also Ask
Here are some answers to common questions that I may not have covered above.
How much does billing software cost?
Billing software can range from free to hundreds of dollars per month. It will mostly depend on the size of your company and how many users you’ll have.
Basic accounting software to cover the needs of a small business will likely cost less than $20 per month.
On the other hand, an ERP for a large corporation may cost hundreds of dollars per month.
Is there any free billing software?
Yes. From my list above, Chargebee, GetCost, and Online Check Writer all have free plans available, although features in free plans are often limited.
Is there a difference between billing and accounts receivable software?
There is a lot of overlap, and I would consider billing software to be almost a subset of accounts receivable software. Billing software is specifically focused on sending invoices and getting paid. Accounts receivable software includes broader features to keep track of what you’re owed and to age accounts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the billing software that’s right for you will depend on the specifics of your company. The industry you’re in and the size of your business will have a large impact on which option makes the most sense for you. But I hope after reading my analysis above, you have a good idea of which one likely makes the most sense for your context.
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