Best Invoicing Software for the Self-Employed

Inescapably, modern business relies on modern financial software to function – but finding the right fit can be a pain. It’s especially true for self-employed individuals lacking the time and resources to test-drive several options. In this article, we’ll explore the best invoicing software for the self-employed so you can make the right choice the first time. 

8 Best Invoicing Software for Self-Employed Business Owners

There’s no one perfect invoice software; what’s right for your business may not be ideal for another. That’s why the options below cater to a range of needs.  

1. Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoicing is a free invoice app boasting customizable templates, expense tracking, and time tracking. Generate automated payment reminders, accept a variety of payment options, and send up to 500 invoices per year – free! Plus, it easily integrates with Zoho Books’ accounting software.  

Price: Free invoicing plus payment processing fees

Who It’s For: Self-employed business owners who need a free invoice tool or plan to integrate with Zoho’s accounting software. 

Pros of Zoho Invoice

• Offers check, cash, ACH transfers
• Accepts online payments via Stripe, Square, and PayPal 
• Tons of invoice customization features

Cons of Zoho Invoice

• Limited third-party integrations
• The free plan doesn’t offer advanced invoicing features
• Bookkeep features are limited to Zoho Books paid subscriptions

2. Wave

Wave’s free yet robust invoicing and accounting software offers customizable invoice templates, recurring billing, basic inventory tracking, and automated payment reminders. You can also send payment links to simplify the client payment process using the built-in Wave Checkouts platform. 

Price: Free invoicing plus payment processing fees

Who It’s For: Self-employed and freelance business owners who need robust invoicing and basic accounting features.

Pros of Wave

• Customizable invoices
• Unlimited users
• In-house payment gateway integrates invoicing data

Cons of Wave

• May not be suitable for advanced needs
• No third-party integrations, mileage tracking, or time tracking
• A paid subscription is required to access live customer support

3. Square Invoices

Square Invoice offers plenty of features like comprehensive template customization, deposit requests, and recurring invoicing. The app’s built-in contract features also let you “Square” away your business relationships upfront. Plus, you can auto-convert email and SMS estimates into invoices. 

Price: Free to $20 per month plus payment processing fees

Who It’s For: Low-volume businesses with simple invoicing needs, and those already using Square products. 

Pros of Square Invoice

• Robust contract features
• Integrates with third-party accounting products
• No monthly payment processing fees

Cons of Square Invoice 

• No time tracking or receipt scanning
• Advanced features only on paid plans
• Higher-volume businesses may find cheaper processing fees elsewhere

4. Invoicera – standalone invoicing software

Invoicera’s standalone software focuses on one thing: robust invoicing for self-employed proprietors and small businesses. You can customize existing templates or request your own, schedule recurring invoices and payment reminders, and charge late fees. The invoice app also integrates with over 30 payment gateways. 

Price: $19 to $149 per month

Who It’s For: Business owners who need a standalone invoicing system to supplement their financial ecosystem. 

Pros of Invoicera

• Tracks accounts receivable and payable
• Request a personalized invoice template to your specifications
• Includes client payment portal

Cons of Invoicera

• Adding more users requires a plan upgrade 
• Expensive higher-tier plans
• No built-in accounting software

5. Hiveage

Hiveage aims to simplify the billing process for self-employed business owners. All plans include invoice creation, time and expense tracking, and online payment options. The platform integrates with Zapier for easy inclusion in your financial ecosystem.

Price: Free to $49 per month

Who It’s For: Solopreneurs and content creators who need a simple and affordable platform to send invoices and receive payments.  

Pros of Hiveage

• Unlimited invoicing for up to 5 clients on free plan
• Integrates with dozens of apps via Zapier
• Build a custom domain with the Plus plan

Cons of Hiveage

• No built-in integrations
• All plans institute client limits
• No extensive accounting features

6. QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks’ expansive menu readily scales to a variety of financial needs. Opt into features like inventory, billing, payroll, and tax management to find the best write-offs. All plans offer an unlimited invoice generator with flexible template customization. And it all comes with comprehensive integrations to minimize data mistakes. 

Price: $30 to $200 per month plus payment processing fees 

Who It’s For: Growing businesses that want to choose from a buffet of easily-integrated financial and tax features. 

Pros of QuickBooks

• Full range of invoicing, accounting, inventory, and tax management features
• Over 750 app integrations
• Scalable to all sizes and industries 

Cons of QuickBooks

• No free options
• Advanced features limited to higher-tier plans
• May be too robust for simple needs

7. Xero

Xero’s accounting and invoice platform goes beyond the basics. The platform offers customizable invoice templates, a built-in payment platform, and automatic payment reminders for unlimited users. It also scales with you: higher tiers provide expense, time, mileage, project, and inventory tracking tools. 

Price: $15 to $78 per month

Who It’s For: Freelancers and self-employed business owners who need multi-currency payment options. 

Pros of Xero

• Multi-currency payment capability
• Integrates with dozens of payment and commerce apps
• Automated bill and receipt capture through Hubdoc

Cons of Xero

• No free account 
• Cheaper plans limit billing and invoicing
• No mileage or time tracking on lower tiers

8. FreshBooks

FreshBooks’ accounting software also provides invoicing capabilities for an affordable all-in-one experience. It offers four plans that grow as your business does, with features like time and mileage tracking, expense tracking, retainer features, and of course, easy invoice branding and customization. You can even track hours from your phone!

Price: $17 to $55 per month plus payment processing fees 

Who It’s For: Self-employed proprietors who need inexpensive accounting and invoice software.   

Pros of FreshBooks

• Robust mobile app for on-the-go businesses
• Unlimited invoicing on all plans
• Dozens of built-in integrations

Cons of FreshBooks

• No free account 
• Cheaper plans limit accounting features
• Lacks inventory and payroll management

What is Invoicing Software?

Invoicing software provide the tools needed to design, generate, send, and track invoices to clients. Invoices itemize goods and/or services, plus related costs, billable to clients. The best invoicing software for self-employed business owners offer plenty of customization and automation features, plus competitive pricing on online payments. 

How to Choose the Best Invoicing Software for the Self-Employed?

Every company needs a software that meets their unique demands, starting with the following features.  

Customization Options

You should be able to add your company’s colors, logo, and information to invoice templates. The best platforms even let you design and save your own. 

Automation Capabilities

Robust invoice software offers automation to cut down on repetitive tasks, like recurring invoice generation, converting estimates to invoices, and digitizing expenses.  

Integration With Payment Gateways

Good invoice software should offer or integrate with multiple payment gateways to appeal to the broadest client range. Limiting your payment options can complicate customer relationships and turn away potential sales. 

Expense Tracking

Your invoice app should automatically include expense tracking so you can easily pair billable expenses with client invoices. 

Reporting and Analytics

Solid reporting and analytics break down your expenses, profits, and losses so you can track your progress and make necessary changes. 

Data Security

Any software that deals with sensitive financial data should employ top-notch protection against data leaks. If your invoice software doesn’t prioritize data security, you may put your business and clients at risk. 

Get the Best Invoicing Software from doola

The best invoicing software solutions should meet your needs and come with built-in invoicing and reporting tools. doola provides all that – and more! Create branded invoices, track your billings, and enjoy a hassle-free payment experience with doola Invoicing. It’s the ideal solution for self-employed owners who need a simple and workable platform. 

FAQs