10 Best Recurring Billing Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Recurring billing software is a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can improve billing efficiency and enhance revenue management. However, finding the right recurring billing software can be challenging, especially with so many available options.
Using my experience with finance and accounting software, I tested and compared several of the top recurring billing software programs available. Then, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best Recurring Billing Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top recurring billing software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
PayKickstart | From $99/month | Website |
Invoice Ninja | From $10/month (billed annually) | Website |
ZarMoney | From $20/month (up to 2 users) | Website |
MuniBilling | Pricing upon request | Website |
Patriot Accounting | From $20/month | Website |
SubscriptionFlow | From $99/month | Website |
Biller Genie | Pricing upon request | Website |
ReliaBills | From $24.95/month | Website |
Expedite Commerce | Pricing upon request | Website |
Tridens Technology | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose Recurring Billing Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. Here's a checklist of factors to remember to help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process.
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Will the software grow with your needs? |
Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools? |
Customizability | Can it be tailored to your processes? |
Ease of Use | Is it user-friendly for your team? |
Budget | Does it fit within your financial limits? |
Security Safeguards | Are data protection measures adequate? |
Best Recurring Billing Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of my shortlist’s best recurring billing software. My reviews offer a detailed look at each tool’s key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one for you.
PayKickstart is billing software tailored for businesses that need strong affiliate management capabilities. It serves online businesses and marketers by efficiently handling recurring billing and affiliate programs.
Why I picked PayKickstart: It's ideal for businesses focused on growing their affiliate programs alongside billing needs. You can manage affiliates and recurring payments in one place, providing a streamlined process. Its focus on affiliate program integration adds value for businesses using this model.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include affiliate tracking that lets you monitor and manage your affiliate partners effectively. Commission management helps you set and distribute payments to affiliates based on performance.
Integrations include Stripe, Authorize.Net, Braintree, Zapier, HubSpot, AWeber, GetResponse, and ActiveCampaign.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Suited for online businesses
- Detailed commission tracking
- Strong affiliate management
Cons:
- Requires learning curve
- Basic reporting features
Invoice Ninja is a recurring billing software designed for freelancers and small businesses. It helps users manage invoices, track expenses, and automate billing processes.
Why I picked Invoice Ninja: It’s tailored to freelancers who need a straightforward way to handle invoicing and recurring billing without unnecessary complexity. You can automate tasks such as sending invoices and reminders, saving you time. Its focus on simplicity and essential features makes it ideal for individual users.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable invoice templates that let you design invoices to fit your brand. Time-tracking tools help you log billable hours with ease. You can also automate sending invoices and reminders, reducing your team's manual tasks.
Integrations include Stripe, Authorize.Net, WePay, Braintree, 2Checkout, Mollie, WorldPay, PayFast, and BitPay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated reminders
- Time-tracking tools
- Customizable invoices
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited customer support
ZarMoney is billing software designed for businesses with strong inventory management capabilities. It assists users with billing, invoicing, and inventory management efficiently.
Why I picked ZarMoney: It's suited for businesses that need integrated inventory and billing management. You can manage stock levels and billing processes from a single platform, providing convenience and efficiency. Its focus on inventory integration makes it a valuable tool for retail and distribution businesses.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time inventory tracking, which allows you to monitor stock levels and updates instantly. Order management helps you handle purchase orders and sales efficiently.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, Authorize.Net, Square, Google Drive, Xero, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Suitable for retail businesses
- Easy invoice generation
- Efficient order management
Cons:
- Requires detailed setup process
- Basic mobile app functionality
MuniBilling is a recurring billing software designed specifically for the utilities sector. It helps utility companies manage billing, payments, and customer accounts efficiently.
Why I picked MuniBilling: It’s perfect for utility companies that need a specialized billing solution. It allows you to manage customer accounts and billing cycles with precision, and its focus on utility-specific needs makes it a valuable tool for this industry.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time consumption tracking that allows you to monitor utility usage. Custom rate management lets you set specific billing rates for different customer categories. You can also automate billing cycles to ensure timely and accurate invoicing.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, FreshBooks, Google Sheets, Zoho CRM, Oracle, and SAP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for large utilities
- Custom rate management
- Consumption tracking
Cons:
- Basic analytics tools
- Requires technical knowledge
Patriot Accounting is a recurring billing software for startups and small businesses. It provides essential billing, payroll, and accounting functions to help manage financial operations efficiently.
Why I picked Patriot Accounting: It's designed for startups that need a straightforward way to handle billing without getting bogged down in complexity. You can quickly set up billing processes and manage payroll tasks with minimal effort. Its focus on simplicity and essential functions aligns well with startup needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include easy invoice generation, allowing you to quickly create and send invoices. Automated payroll simplifies managing employee payments and tax filings. The software also offers basic accounting tools to help you keep track of financial transactions.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Gusto, ADP, Paychex, Square, Stripe, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Basic accounting tools
- Simple invoice creation
- Quick setup process
Cons:
- No advanced analytics
- Limited customization options
SubscriptionFlow is designed for SaaS companies, providing tools to manage subscriptions, billing, and customer relationships.
Why I picked SubscriptionFlow: It's ideal for SaaS companies that manage complex subscription billing processes. You can simplify billing operations while maintaining flexibility in subscription offerings. Its focus on SaaS needs makes it a valuable tool for managing recurring revenue effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated billing that ensures timely and accurate invoice generation. Customizable subscription plans let you tailor offerings to meet customer needs. You can also access customer relationship management tools to improve client interactions and retention.
Integrations include Stripe, QuickBooks, Xero, Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Zoho CRM, FreshBooks, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated invoicing
- Supports complex billing
- Tailored for SaaS
Cons:
- Limited mobile access
- Requires setup time
Biller Genie software helps businesses manage their invoicing and payment collection processes. It serves small to medium-sized companies by automating billing tasks and syncing with accounting systems.
Why I picked Biller Genie: It's perfect for QuickBooks users who need an integrated billing solution. By syncing invoices and payments directly with QuickBooks, you can reduce manual data entry. Its focus on automation and integration with QuickBooks makes it an efficient tool for managing billing tasks.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated invoice creation that speeds up your billing process. Payment reminders help ensure that you receive payments on time. You can also sync billing data with accounting platforms to update your financial records.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Stripe, Authorize.Net, Square, Xero, FreshBooks, Sage, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Syncs with accounting platforms
- Reduces manual data entry
- Efficient payment reminders
Cons:
- Occasional technical issues
- Limited advanced features
ReliaBills is a recurring billing software tailored for businesses needing flexible contract management. It supports invoicing, automated payments, and subscription billing.
Why I picked ReliaBills: It’s ideal for businesses that require flexible billing arrangements and contract management. Its user-friendly interface allows for quick adjustments to billing terms, aligning with its USP of contract flexibility. You can rely on its automated functions to reduce manual interventions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable billing cycles that let you set terms that match your contracts. Automated payment reminders help reduce late payments and improve cash flow. You can also make quick adjustments to billing terms without hassle.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.Net, Braintree, WePay, Xero, Sage, Wave, and FreshBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Automated payment reminders
- Contract flexibility
Cons:
- Occasional setup issues
- Limited advanced features
Expedite Commerce supports businesses aiming for scalable growth. It caters to companies by providing solutions for invoicing, billing, and revenue management.
Why I picked Expedite Commerce: It's suited for businesses looking to scale their operations while ensuring efficient billing processes. You can manage complex billing scenarios and automate revenue processes. Its capacity to handle growth and adapt to changing business needs makes it a valuable asset for scaling companies.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable billing solutions that tailor the billing process to fit your business model. Revenue recognition tools help you manage and automate revenue processes accurately.
Integrations include Salesforce, NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Adapts to business growth
- Customizable billing options
- Handles complex scenarios
Cons:
- Occasional system updates needed
- Steep learning curve
Tridens Technology is billing software specifically designed for the telecom industry. It aids telecom companies in effectively managing billing, invoicing, and customer relationships.
Why I picked Tridens Technology: It caters to the complex needs of telecom companies that require specialized billing solutions. Tridens Technology provides usage-based billing and real-time charging, which are vital for telecom operations. You can manage customer accounts and billing processes with precision and adaptability. Its focus on the telecom sector ensures that it meets industry-specific requirements effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include usage-based billing, allowing you to charge customers based on their usage. Real-time charging ensures immediate billing updates, which is important for maintaining accurate records. It also offers customer relationship management tools to help you manage and analyze customer interactions.
Integrations include Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports complex billing models
- Flexible billing options
- Real-time charging
Cons:
- Limited mobile functionality
- Complex initial setup
Other Recurring Billing Software
Here are some additional recurring billing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out.
- MoonClerk
Best for small businesses
- HoneyBook
Best for creative professionals
- Chargebee
Best for scaling startups
- Zoho Billing
Best for small enterprises
- Recurly
Best for subscription businesses
- Avaza
Best for project-based billing
- Invoiced
Best for automated invoicing
- Stax Bill
Best for telecom companies
- Stripe Billing
Best for online payments
- DigitalRoute
Best for data-driven billing
Recurring Billing Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best recurring billing software for this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing subscription renewals and handling multiple payment methods. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair.
Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these everyday use cases:
- Generate recurring invoices
- Automate payment collection
- Manage subscription renewals
- Handle multiple payment methods
- Provide customer billing portals
Additional Standout Features (25% of total weighting score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Customizable billing cycles
- Multi-currency support
- Integration with CRM tools
- Dunning management tools
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Simple navigation
- Clear documentation
- Responsive design
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Use of onboarding templates
- Presence of chatbots for guidance
- Options for webinars and demos
Customer Support (10% of total weighting score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat
- Access to email support
- Response time for queries
- Quality of help center resources
- Availability of 24/7 support
Value For Money (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Comparison with competitors' pricing
- Features included in base plans
- Flexibility of pricing tiers
- Availability of discounts for annual plans
- Return on investment potential
Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Frequency of positive feedback
- Commonly mentioned pain points
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Recurring praise for specific features
- Customer service experiences
Trends In Recurring Billing Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different recurring billing software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on.
- Usage-based billing models: More companies are shifting to usage-based billing to better match customer needs. This trend allows businesses to charge customers based on usage rather than flat fees.
- AI-driven insights: AI is being used to provide deeper insights into customer behavior and billing trends. This helps businesses predict churn and tailor offers to retain customers. Tools like Recurly are incorporating predictive analytics to enhance decision-making.
- Subscription personalization: Customers now expect more personalized subscription options. To meet these demands, businesses are offering custom pricing plans and flexible billing cycles.
- Improved data privacy: With growing concerns over data privacy, vendors are enhancing security features to protect customer information. Compliance with data regulations is becoming a priority.
- Integration with blockchain: Some vendors are exploring built-in blockchain technology to enhance transaction transparency and security. This trend promises to add trust and reduce failed payments in billing processes.
What Is Recurring Billing Software?
Recurring billing software automates the process of billing customers regularly for subscriptions or services. It's commonly used by finance professionals, subscription-based businesses, and SaaS companies to manage invoices, payments, and customer accounts efficiently.
Automated invoicing, customizable billing cycles, and usage-based billing models help reduce manual work, enhance customer satisfaction, and adapt to business needs. Overall, these tools simplify billing processes and improve cash flow management.
Features Of Recurring Billing Software
When selecting recurring billing software, look for the following key features.
- Automated invoicing: Generates and sends billing system invoices automatically to save time and reduce errors.
- Usage-based billing: Charges customers based on actual billing platform usage, providing flexibility and aligning with customer needs.
- Customizable billing cycles: Allows businesses to tailor billing periods to fit their business model and customer preferences.
- Payment reminders: Sends automated reminders to customers, offering a good customer experience and helping ensure timely payments to improve cash flow.
- Subscription management: Manages customer subscriptions, including upgrades, downgrades, and cancellations, with ease.
- Revenue recognition: Automates revenue processes to ensure accurate ecommerce financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.
- AI-driven insights: Provides analytics and predictions to help businesses understand customer behavior metrics and reduce churn.
- Data privacy compliance: Ensures customer data protection and compliance with regulations like GDPR.
- Integration with accounting systems: Syncs billing frequency and data with accounting platforms for accurate and up-to-date financial lifecycle records.
Benefits Of Recurring Billing Software
Implementing recurring billing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to.
- Time savings: Automated invoicing and payment reminders reduce manual tasks and free up your team's time for other responsibilities.
- Improved cash flow: Timely payment reminders and efficient subscription management help maintain steady revenue streams.
- Greater accuracy: Usage-based billing and revenue recognition ensure precise billing and financial reporting.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Customizable billing cycles and subscription management offer flexibility that meets customer preferences.
- Better decision-making: AI-driven insights provide valuable data on customer behavior, helping you make informed decisions.
- Regulatory compliance: Data privacy compliance ensures you meet legal requirements and protect customer information.
- Seamless integration: Syncing with accounting systems keeps financial records accurate and up to date, reducing errors and discrepancies.
Costs & Pricing Of Recurring Billing Software
Selecting recurring billing software requires understanding 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 recurring billing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Recurring Billing Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic invoicing, limited payment processing, and customer support. |
Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Payroll processing, direct deposit, tax filing, employee self-service, and support. |
Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Customizable billing cycles, usage-based billing, and integration with accounting systems. |
Enterprise Plan | $100-$300/user/month | Advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and dedicated account management. |
Recurring Billing Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about recurring billing software.
What are the disadvantages of recurring billing software?
Due to the automation involved, recurring billing can introduce complexity for merchants. There’s a risk of billing errors that might not be immediately noticeable. Customers might face difficulties correcting billing issues once they occur, leading to dissatisfaction.
How does recurring billing software work?
Recurring billing involves charging customers for a product or service regularly, such as monthly or annually. This process automates payments, ensuring a consistent revenue stream. It’s handy for subscription-based businesses looking to maintain steady cash flow.
What is the difference between recurring billing software and invoicing?
Recurring billing automatically charges a customer’s card on a schedule, ensuring regular payments. Recurring invoicing, however, sends an invoice on a set schedule but requires manual payment by the customer. This distinction can affect how businesses manage cash flow and customer interactions.
How can recurring billing software help reduce churn?
Recurring billing software can offer features like automated payment reminders and personalized billing options that keep customers engaged. Businesses can improve customer satisfaction and reduce churn rates by ensuring timely payments and offering flexibility. Tools like Recurly use data insights to predict and prevent churn.
Can recurring billing software handle multiple currencies?
Yes, many recurring billing software solutions support multi-currency transactions. This feature benefits businesses operating internationally, simplifying billing for customers in different regions. Verify the currency support with the vendor to ensure it meets your requirements.
What's Next?
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