Whether you’re new to freelancing and learning how to invoice clients, or an experienced freelancer seeking more efficient billing, this guide introduces five freelance billing software to keep your payments timely and professional.
Before diving into the tools, let’s explore what makes freelancer invoicing software effective.
Good software should be intuitive and create professional invoices.
Key features include recurring payments, payment gateway integration, and client portals for tracking invoice views. Added tools, like time tracking, project management, and tax handling, can further enhance your freelancing experience.
Below, we’ll cover the benefits and drawbacks of six free invoicing tools: Canva’s Invoice Generator, Harvest Invoice, Wave Apps, Invoicera, Invoice Ninja, and Bonsai—each designed to simplify billing and boost productivity.
Invoicing App | Key Features | Pricing | Integrations | Consider for |
FreshBooks | Time tracking, project management, expense tracking | Paid plans | PayPal, Stripe, G Suite | All-in-one invoicing, project & expense management |
Wave | Free invoicing and accounting, payment tracking, automated billing reminders | Free | Google Sheets, PayPal | Budget-friendly solution with no monthly fees |
Bonsai | Invoicing, contracts, proposals, tax tracking | Paid plans | QuickBooks, Zapier, Slack | Integrated invoicing, contract, & proposal management |
Harvest | Time tracking, invoicing from tracked hours, expense management | Paid plans | Asana, Trello, Slack | Time tracking for hourly projects with invoicing |
Zoho Invoice | Customizable invoices, automated workflows, recurring invoicing | Free up to 1,000 invoices/year | PayPal, Stripe, Google Drive | Customizable invoicing with automation options |
Invoicely | Multi-currency support, payment options, reporting and expense tracking | Free & paid plans | PayPal, Stripe, Slack | Flexible payment options and expense management |
Invoice Ninja | Open-source, unlimited invoices, time tracking, task management | Free & paid plans | Zapier, PayPal, Stripe | Open-source flexibility with comprehensive features |
FreshBooks is popular for its robust invoicing and accounting features. It simplifies time tracking and expense management, making it ideal for developers with project-based billing needs.
Consider for
All-in-one invoicing, project tracking, and expense management.
Wave offers free invoicing and accounting solutions, including features like automated billing reminders and payment tracking, suitable for freelancers on a budget.
Consider for
Cost-effectiveness and simplicity with no monthly fees.
Known for contracts, proposals, and invoicing, Bonsai streamlines freelance workflows, providing tools tailored for developers and creatives.
Consider for
Integrated invoicing with contracts and proposals.
Harvest combines time tracking with invoicing, allowing freelancers to convert tracked time into invoices. It’s useful for developers working on hourly projects.
Consider for
Time tracking with automated invoicing.
Zoho Invoice allows customization and automation, such as recurring invoices, late payment reminders, and online payments, making it great for ongoing client relationships.
Consider for
Customizable invoicing and automated workflows.
Invoicely offers various payment methods and integrates seamlessly with other tools. Its expense tracking and reporting features are useful for keeping finances organized.
Consider for
Easy payment integrations and expense tracking.
This open-source option offers features like time tracking, task management, and unlimited invoices, great for freelance developers managing multiple clients.
Consider for
Open-source flexibility and extensive features for free.
In conclusion, choosing the right invoicing software for freelance developers depends on individual needs like project tracking, budget, and additional features. FreshBooks and Harvest are excellent for those who prioritize time tracking, while Wave and Invoicely are budget-friendly options with essential invoicing tools.
For more specialized needs, Bonsai and Zoho Invoice offer comprehensive freelancer-focused tools, and Invoice Ninja’s open-source platform provides flexibility for tech-savvy users. Each tool on this list enhances billing efficiency, helping freelance developers manage finances and maintain professionalism with ease.