Many freelancers and agencies that juggle a lot of clients also find themselves having to deal with a handful of operating and administrative tasks, from choosing a brand design service to managing billing.
The best online invoicing and billing services help reduce administrative tasks by simplifying the process and helping make sure that users get paid on time. But with a wide range of options out there, where does one begin their quest for the best invoicing tool?
In this article, we rounded up the most popular invoicing and billing services, including their main features, pricing, and who could best benefit from them.
First on our list of invoicing and billing services is FreshBooks, which takes pride in being an “everyday small business software.” This cloud-based accounting offers straightforward accounting capabilities for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and small businesses. Many users praise this platform for its simple dashboard that makes accounting easy and uncomplicated.
Best features:
- Unlimited estimates
- Unlimited customized invoices
- Automated recurring invoices
- Scheduled late fees
- Automated late payment reminders
Best for: Users looking for a simple invoicing tool that can also Ttack expenses in real time
Pricing: Plans range from $2.30 to $7 per month, with a 30-day free trial.
Describing itself as a “unified platform for service businesses, Bonsai allows users to consolidate their projects, clients, and billing into one platform. That said, you can use this platform for a lot more than just invoicing; in fact, you can use it for managing much of a client’s lifecycle.
Best features:
- Task management
- Unlimited projects
- iOS & Android app
- Unlimited clients
- QuickBooks, Zapier, Calendly, and Google integrations (on higher tiers)
Best for: Small agencies, freelancers, and small businesses that want to manage invoices along with clients and projects in one place
Pricing: Plans start at $9 per user per month, with the highest tier costing $49 per user per month
Image by olia danilevich from PexelsType image caption here (optional)Wave, meanwhile, is a good option to consider if you don’t have a budget for accounting and invoice tools. You can avail of the starter plan for free, which allows you to create unlimited estimates, invoices, and bills, alongside bookkeeping capabilities.
Best features:
- Customizable invoices
- Recurring billing
- Payment reminders
- Online payments
- Accounting tools
Best for: Freelancers and solopreneurst that need a free tool for invoicing and accounting
Pricing: Starter plan is free, with add-on fees for to accepting online payments (2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction, 3.4% + $0.60 per Amex transaction); Pro plan costs $190 per year
4. Zoho Invoice
Zoho Invoice is another popular tool offering invoicing and billing services for small businesses. Using this platform, you can choose an invoice template, personalize and modify it, and send it to your customers via PDF or link. It also integrates with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
Best features:
- Custom invoices
- Automated reminders
- Recurring invoices
- Expense tracking
- Online payment integrations
Best for: Small business owners and freelancers looking for a feature-rich free invoicing tool
Pricing: Zoho Invoice is free to use. For end-to-end billing services, the company offers Zoho Billing starting at $39 per organization per month.
5. HoneyBook
If you’re looking for a platform that also allows you to manage leads, contracts and scheduling alongside invoices, HoneyBook could be for you. This tool allows you to manage leads and client relationships in one platform, simplifying admin work so you can focus on delivering products and services.
Best features:
- Invoices
- Online payments
- Contracts and proposals
- Scheduling
- Client management
Best for: Freelancers, self-employed creatives, and small businesses looking for an invoicing tool that they can also use for inquiries, proposals, and contracts
Pricing: Plans range from $29 per month to $109 per month, billed yearly
6. QuickBooks
QuickBooks is another popular option that promises to allow users to “save time and unlock growth with integrated business tools and AI automation, all in one place.” With this platform, you can connect your bank account and automate transaction importation and and categorization.
Best features:
- Custom invoices
- Payment processing
- Expense tracking
- Bank connections
- Financial reporting
Best for: Established small businesses and freelancers that need comprehensive accounting capabilities
Pricing: Plans start at around $38 per month
Image by Kindel Media from Pexels7. Xero
If you’re looking for a tool tried and tested by many users, Xero is a good option, as it takes pride in having 4.9 million customers. This platform offers access to JAX. which stands for Just Ask Xer, which is the company’s AI financial superagent, which can handle routine tasks and deliver actionable insights.
Best features:
- Online invoicing
- Automated reminders
- Recurring invoices
- Bank reconciliation
- AI capabilities via JAX
Best for: Small businesses and individuals with side hustles who need comprehensive AI features to automate finance-related routine tasks
Pricing: Xero’s lowest-priced plan costs $1.40 per month for the first 3 months, then $7 per month after.
8. Stripe Invoicing
Many entrepreneurs and freelancers who choose Stripe Invoicing do so to help them operate efficiently and improve their cashflow. The platform features automation tools that make it simpler not only to invoice clients but also to collect payments and reconcile transactions.
Best features:
- Automated payment processes
- Hosted invoice pages
- Recurring billing options
- Multiple payment methods
- International payments
Best for: Online businesses and digital agencies looking for invoicing tools integrated with online payment processing
Pricing: Stripe Invoicing charges 2.9% + 30¢ per successful transaction for domestic cards.
9. PayPal Invoicing
Last but not least in our list is PayPal Invoicing, which allows users to send invoices and get paid quickly, wherever they are in the world. Users need a PayPal account to use this invoicing feature, but their customers don’t need a PayPal account to send their payment directly from the invoice.
Best features:
- Custom invoices
- Invoice templates
- Payment tracking
- Recurring invoices
- Payment reminders
Best for: Freelancers and agencies working with international clients
Pricing: Transaction fees apply when customers make payments
Featured Image Credit: Image by www.kaboompics.com from Pexels
