Best Free Invoicing Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Free invoicing software lets you create, send, and track invoices without paying for a subscription or license. For freelancers, contractors, small business owners, and nonprofits, it’s a practical way to stay organized, get paid faster, and maintain a professional image, without adding to overhead.
As a digital software expert with a background in financial management, I’ve spent years helping small teams and early-stage founders choose tools that actually support their workflows. Too often, the “free” options waste your time with limitations, clunky setups, or hidden fees that surface right when you start to scale. And finding the right fit can feel like a full-time job.
That’s why I’ve tested platforms, analyzed user reviews, and compared real-world performance across dozens of tools to find the ones that are truly free, easy to use, and professional-looking. These solutions will save you time, reduce friction with clients, and help you keep your invoicing under control, no matter how lean your team.
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We’ve been testing and reviewing accounting software since 2023. We know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision, which is why my team of software analysts and I have put together this software list.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different finance and accounting use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.
Best Free Invoicing Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top recruiting software selections that also offer free plans to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for accounting integration | Free trial + free plan + free demo available | From $20/organization/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for customization | Free plan available | From $10/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for small businesses | Free plan available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for time-based invoicing | 30-day free trial + freemium plan available | From $11/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for open-source use | Free trial available | From $8/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for simple setup | Free plan available | From $36/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for multiple currencies | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $7.99/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for recurring billing | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $16/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for freelancers | Free plan available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for online payments | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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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 -
Float Financial
Visit Website
Best Free Invoicing Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best free invoicing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Zoho Books is an accounting software solution that helps businesses manage their finances, invoicing, and compliance tasks in one platform. It’s designed for users who need integrated financial management along with their invoicing capabilities.
Why I picked Zoho Books: It's ideal for teams that need deep accounting features alongside invoicing. Zoho Books integrates invoicing with a full suite of accounting tools, making financial management more cohesive. The platform offers features such as automatic bank feeds and project tracking. You can also manage your inventory and generate detailed financial reports.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to automate recurring invoices, which saves time and effort. The platform offers multi-currency support, perfect for businesses dealing with international clients. Additionally, Zoho Books provides comprehensive tax management tools to keep your business compliant.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Inventory, PayPal, Stripe, Slack, Office 365, G Suite, Shopify, Mailchimp, and Square.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automatic bank feeds and detailed financial reporting
- Inventory management features
- Detailed tax management tools
Cons:
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- Can be complex for beginners
Invoice Ninja is a flexible invoicing tool tailored to help businesses create and manage invoices, track expenses, and handle payments with ease. It’s designed for businesses needing a highly adaptable platform to meet their invoicing and financial tracking needs.
Why I picked Invoice Ninja: Invoice Ninja offers unmatched customization options, making it ideal for those who want tailored invoicing. With features like customizable invoice designs, detailed payment options, and multiple payment gateways, you can create invoices that match your brand. The flexible billing and project tracking features ensure you can manage your workflow efficiently. You can also automate recurring invoices to save time.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include kanban boards for project management, which help you visualize tasks and progress. It also offers time tracking to ensure accurate billing for your services. The expense management feature lets you categorize and track expenses easily.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, Zapier, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automation for recurring invoices
- Supports multiple payment gateways
- Highly customizable invoices
Cons:
- Requires internet for full functionality
- Steep learning curve
Zoho Invoice is a versatile invoicing tool designed to simplify billing and payment tracking for businesses. It provides a user-friendly platform to generate invoices, manage expenses, and automate payment reminders.
Why I picked Zoho Invoice: It's ideally suited for small businesses that require a versatile invoicing tool. Zoho Invoice offers customizable templates, automated payment reminders, and multi-currency billing. It enables you to track expenses and manage multiple projects effortlessly. The client portal feature enhances communication with your clients.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include time tracking to help you bill accurately for your services, a client portal that allows your clients to view estimates and invoices, and multi-language support to cater to international clients.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, PayPal, Stripe, Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, G Suite, and Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Client portal access
- Automated payment reminders
- Customizable invoice templates
Cons:
- Requires internet connection
- Complex initial setup
Harvest is a time-tracking and invoicing tool designed to help businesses monitor hours worked and convert that data into invoices. It’s especially useful for teams that bill clients based on tracked time and need an efficient way to manage this process.
Why I picked Harvest: It's particularly useful for teams who need precise time tracking linked to invoicing. Harvest provides features like timesheets and project tracking that ensure accurate billing. The reporting tools offer insights into how your team spends time. Additionally, you can set budgets for projects to keep spending in check.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to generate detailed reports that help you analyze project performance. The expense tracking feature lets you capture project-related expenses with ease. With the mobile app, you can track time and expenses on the go.
Integrations include Asana, Trello, Slack, QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier, Basecamp, GitHub, Jira, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy expense capture
- Mobile app for tracking
- Budgeting feature for projects
Cons:
- Basic invoicing templates
- Limited customization options
Akaunting is an open-source accounting software that helps businesses manage finances, including invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting. It’s a suitable choice for users who want complete control over their financial data on a customizable platform.
Why I picked Akaunting: Akaunting is perfect for those who prefer an open-source platform for customization. Akaunting allows you to tailor the system according to your needs with its flexible nature. It offers features like multi-currency support and client portals. The software also provides detailed financial reports to help you stay on top of your business finances.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated recurring invoices that help you maintain regular billing cycles. The platform offers expense tracking to monitor and categorize your spending. You can also generate financial reports to analyze your business performance.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, Mollie, Authorize.Net, Razorpay, Square, Shopify, Slack, and G Suite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated recurring billing
- Detailed financial reporting
- Highly customizable open-source platform
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Requires technical setup
Hopscotch is an invoicing tool designed to help businesses create and manage invoices effortlessly. It’s ideal for users looking for an easy-to-use solution to handle their billing tasks without a complicated setup.
Why I picked Hopscotch: Hopscotch is ideal for those who need a straightforward invoicing solution with simple features and minimal technical investment. Hopscotch offers an intuitive interface that makes it quick to start sending invoices. You can easily track payments and manage your billing activities. The platform provides basic reporting to help you keep an eye on your finances.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable invoice templates that allow you to align invoices with your brand identity. The platform offers automated reminders to ensure timely payment from clients. Additionally, you can generate simple financial reports for better cash flow management.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Gmail, and Zoho Books.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Basic financial reporting
- Automated payment reminders
- Quick, easy and customizable invoice creation
Cons:
- Limited reporting capabilities
- Limited advanced features
Invoicely is an invoicing platform designed to support businesses in creating and managing invoices, tracking expenses, and receiving payments. It’s aimed at users who need a straightforward way to handle billing across various currencies.
Why I picked Invoicely: It's perfect for businesses dealing with clients in different countries. The capability to handle multiple currencies makes it a versatile choice for international transactions. Invoicely offers features like customizable invoices and detailed reporting to keep you informed. You can also automate recurring invoices, which saves you time and effort.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include time tracking that helps ensure accurate billing for your projects. It also offers expense management to keep track of your spending. The platform provides detailed financial reports that help you make informed decisions.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Mollie, Authorize.Net, 2Checkout, Braintree, Payza, WePay, Razorpay, and Square.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable invoice options
- Detailed financial reporting
- Supports multiple currencies
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Occasional performance lags
Hiveage is an invoicing platform designed for businesses looking to manage their billing and payments efficiently. It supports various billing methods, making it useful for businesses with diverse payment needs.
Why I picked Hiveage: Hiveage is particularly suited for businesses that rely on recurring billing. Hiveage allows you to set up automated billing cycles with ease. You can manage multiple clients and subscriptions without hassle. The detailed reporting features help you keep track of your finances efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include time tracking that lets you bill clients accurately for your services. The expense management system helps you categorize and monitor your spending. The platform also offers estimates and quotations, making it easy to convert them into invoices.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, Braintree, WePay, 2Checkout, Amazon Payments, Mollie, Razorpay, and Dwolla.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Detailed financial reports
- Effective recurring billing features
Cons:
- The initial setup can be complex
- Basic mobile features
Wave Accounting is an all-in-one financial platform designed for small businesses and freelancers, offering tools for invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting. It provides a straightforward way to manage billing and monitor cash flow.
Why I picked Wave Accounting: Wave Accounting is tailored to freelancers who need straightforward invoicing without the fuss. Wave offers features like automatic payment reminders, customizable invoices, and unlimited income and expense tracking. Its intuitive dashboard allows you to manage your finances efficiently. You can easily generate financial reports, making it convenient for tax time.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable invoice templates that let you add your logo and colors, receipt scanning through the mobile app for easy expense tracking, and real-time cash flow insights to keep you informed of your financial health.
Integrations include PayPal, Etsy, Shoeboxed, Google Sheets, Zapier, QuickBooks, TaxJar, Shopify, Stripe, and Etsy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time financial insights
- Unlimited expense tracking
- Customizable invoices
Cons:
- Limited integrations with payroll
- No project management tools
- Basic reporting features
Stripe Invoicing is a payment-focused invoicing tool built to help businesses create and send invoices and collect payments with ease. It’s ideal for businesses that rely on quick, secure online transactions.
Why I picked Stripe Invoicing: Stripe Invoicing is particularly effective for businesses focused on online payments. Stripe Invoicing offers quick payment processing and supports a wide range of payment methods. You can easily create and send invoices to clients across the globe. The platform's security features ensure your transactions are safe and compliant. Since payments are processed directly through the payment provider’s payment gateway, there will be less administrative bookkeeping to reconcile your invoicing and your payments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable invoices that allow you to add your brand's logo and colors. The platform provides automated reminders to help you get paid faster. You can also track payment status in real-time, which keeps you informed about your cash flow.
Integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, Salesforce, FreshBooks, Zoho Books, Squarespace, and BigCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No need for third party payment processors
- Automated payment reminders
- Real-time payment tracking
Cons:
- Complex interface for beginners
- Payments are subject to Stripe’s processing fees
Other Free Invoicing Software
Here are some additional free invoicing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Square
For mobile invoicing
- Paymo
For project-based invoicing
- Puzzle.io
For built-in accrual automation
- Shopify
For ecommerce sellers
- QuickBooks Online
For accounting integration
- Helcim
For transparent payment processing fees
- FreeAgent
For small business owners
- HoneyBook
For creative professionals
- Brightbook
For freelancers
Free Invoicing Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best free invoicing software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ease of use and integration capabilities. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Create and send invoices
- Track payments and expenses
- Generate financial reports
- Support multiple currencies
- Automate recurring billing
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Time tracking capabilities
- Integration with accounting software
- Mobile app functionality
- Client portal access
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear navigation
- Responsive design
- Accessibility features
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Webinars and tutorials
- Supportive chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Email response time
- Help center resources
- Community forums
- Multi-language support
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features offered in the free plan
- Cost of additional features
- Scalability options
- Return on investment
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Commonly mentioned strengths
- Frequently cited weaknesses
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- User feedback on updates
- Testimonials from diverse industries
How to Choose Free Invoicing Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will this software grow with your business? |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools? |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to your specific needs? |
| Ease of Use | Is it straightforward for your team to use? |
| Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints? |
| Security Safeguards | Does it comply with necessary data protections? |
| Support | What kind of customer support is available? |
| Mobile Access | Can you access it on mobile devices? |
Trends In Invoicing Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different invoicing software vendors both free and paid. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-driven insights: AI is being used to provide valuable insights and recommendations based on invoicing data. This helps users make informed decisions about their finances based on financial forecasting and planning scenarios. Vendors like Zoho Books are incorporating AI to offer predictive analytics and financial forecasting.
- Blockchain technology: Some software vendors are exploring blockchain for secure and transparent invoicing processes. This technology ensures data integrity and reduces fraud risks. Vendors experimenting with blockchain provide enhanced security for transaction records.
- Customizable dashboards: Users now demand more control over their dashboard views to see relevant data at a glance. Customizable dashboards allow businesses to tailor their interfaces to specific needs. Tools like Stripe Invoicing are offering these personalized experiences to enhance user satisfaction.
- Eco-friendly invoicing: There's a growing trend towards eco-friendly invoicing options, reducing paper waste by offering digital alternatives. This trend aligns with businesses' sustainability goals and helps lower costs. Companies are increasingly promoting paperless workflows and digital signatures.
- Subscription management: More businesses need tools to handle subscription billing as part of their invoicing software. This trend is important for companies offering recurring services. Vendors like Hiveage are integrating subscription management features to meet this demand.
What Is Free Invoicing Software?
Free invoicing software is a no-cost tool that helps small businesses and freelancers create, send, and manage invoices online.
It’s used to streamline billing, track payments, and stay organized without needing full accounting software. Most free invoicing tools include features like invoice templates, payment reminders, and basic reporting, making them ideal for entrepreneurs looking to save money while maintaining a professional image.
Features of Free Invoicing Software
When selecting free invoicing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Customizable invoices: Allows businesses to personalize invoice templates with their logo and brand colors, helping maintain brand consistency.
- Automated reminders: Sends notifications to clients about upcoming or overdue payments, ensuring timely collections.
- Multi-currency support: Enables transactions in various currencies, making it ideal for businesses dealing with international clients.
- Time tracking: Records billable hours accurately, which is crucial for freelancers and service-based businesses.
- Expense management: Helps track and categorize expenses, offering insights into spending and aiding in budgeting.
- Recurring billing: Automates the process of sending invoices for ongoing services, saving time and reducing manual effort.
- Financial reporting: Provides detailed insights into business performance, assisting in informed decision-making.
- Client portal access: Allows clients to view and pay invoices online, improving the payment experience and communication.
- Security features: Ensures data protection and compliance with relevant regulations, safeguarding sensitive financial information.
- Mobile app functionality: Offers access to invoicing tools on the go, enabling users to manage finances from anywhere.
Benefits of Free Invoicing Software
Implementing free invoicing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost savings: By eliminating the need for paid invoicing solutions, free software helps reduce operational expenses.
- Improved cash flow: Automated reminders and easy payment options ensure faster collections and better cash flow management.
- Time efficiency: Features like recurring billing and time tracking automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more important activities.
- Enhanced accuracy: Accurate invoicing and expense tracking reduce errors, helping maintain precise financial records.
- Better client relationships: Client portals with access to purchase orders and customizable invoices improve communication and present a professional image.
- Global reach: Multi-currency support allows businesses to operate internationally without currency conversion hassles.
- Data security: Built-in security features protect sensitive information, ensuring compliance with data regulations.
Costs and Pricing of Free Invoicing Software
Selecting free invoicing software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in free invoicing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Free Invoicing Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic invoicing, payment tracking, and limited support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$15/user/month | Customizable invoices, automated reminders, and basic reporting. |
| Business Plan | $16-$50/user/month | Multi-currency support, recurring billing, and detailed financial reports. |
| Enterprise Plan | $51-$100/user/month | Advanced security features, integration capabilities, and dedicated support. |
Free Invoicing Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free invoicing software:
Is there a totally free invoice app?
Yes, several invoice apps are completely free with no upfront charges, like Zoho Invoice and Wave. However, some free plans come with limits on the number of invoices or clients you can manage.
Make sure to check if any features are locked behind paid upgrades or if processing fees apply for payment integrations.
Can I use invoicing software for recurring billing?
Yes, many free invoicing apps let you set up repeating invoices for clients you bill regularly. Look for tools with automated recurring billing features so you don’t have to manually create invoices each cycle. This saves time and helps ensure you get paid consistently, especially for subscription-based or retainer work.
Are there hidden fees with free invoicing software?
Most free online invoicing software don’t charge to create or send invoices. However, some apply processing fees if you accept online payments.
Other limitations may include charges for premium templates, integrations, or removing branding. Read the fine print before you commit to avoid unexpected expenses.
Can I accept online payments with free invoicing software?
Yes, many free invoicing platforms let you accept online payments through processors like PayPal, Stripe, or bank transfer. Be aware that while you may get the invoicing software free, payment providers will still charge transaction fees. Make sure your chosen tool integrates with your preferred payment method.
How secure is free invoicing software for small businesses and freelancers?
Most reputable free invoicing software for small businesses use encryption and secure servers to protect your financial data. Always check what security protocols a tool uses, such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication. Reading user reviews and checking privacy policies can also help ensure your info stays safe.
Does free invoicing software allow for customization and branding?
Many free invoice apps let you add your logo, company colors, and custom fields to invoices. However, fully branding your invoices or removing vendor watermarks can be limited on free plans.
Review what each tool offers before you choose if customizing invoices is important for your business.
Can I track expenses and generate reports with free invoice tools?
Some free invoicing platforms offer expense tracking and reporting, but features vary. You might get basic reports on invoices sent, paid, and pending.
For more detailed analytics or expense management, you may need to upgrade. Review each tool’s features to match your bookkeeping needs.
Is Zoho Invoice totally free?
Yes, Zoho Invoice is now completely free for all users, including freelancers, contractors, and small businesses. You get unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and access to features previously available on paid plans. This is all without hidden fees or upgrade requirements.
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