Invoicing is a critical part of your freelance business. A good invoicing tool saves you time, reduces errors, and helps you get paid faster. In this guide, we compare the best options available to freelancers worldwide – from free plans to premium accounting software.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | Starting price (monthly) | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave | Freelancers just starting out | ✅ Yes (free invoicing) | $0 | Free + easy to use |
| Zoho Invoice | Freelancers with up to 5 clients | ✅ Yes (up to 5 clients) | $0 | Automation and client portal |
| FreshBooks | Service‑based freelancers | ❌ No (30‑day trial) | $19 | Easiest to use |
| QuickBooks Self-Employed | Freelancers needing full accounting | ❌ No | $15 | Automatic tax calculation |
| Xero | International freelancers (multi‑currency) | ❌ No | $13 | Multi‑currency + strong reporting |
| Holded | European freelancers (all‑in‑one) | ❌ No | €12 | CRM + project management |
Wave – Free Invoicing for Beginners
Wave is completely free for invoicing and payments (credit card processing fees apply). It's perfect for freelancers who are just starting out and don't need advanced accounting. Available in the US, Canada, and several other countries.
Zoho Invoice – Free for Small Client Lists
Zoho Invoice offers a generous free plan for up to 5 clients. It includes automated payment reminders, recurring invoices, and a client portal where customers can view their invoices and payment history. Great for freelancers with a small roster of regular clients.
FreshBooks – The Easiest to Use
FreshBooks is widely regarded as the most user‑friendly invoicing tool for freelancers. It handles time tracking, expenses, and client communication. The mobile app is excellent. Perfect for service‑based freelancers (designers, writers, consultants).
QuickBooks Self-Employed – Accounting + Invoicing
QuickBooks Self-Employed is designed specifically for freelancers who need to separate business and personal finances. It automatically tracks income and expenses, calculates estimated taxes, and even tracks mileage (for US users).
Xero – For International Freelancers
Xero is a powerful accounting platform that supports multiple currencies, making it ideal for freelancers with clients around the world. It offers robust reporting, bank reconciliation, and a wide range of integrations. More complex than FreshBooks, but more powerful.
Holded – European All‑in‑One
Holded is a comprehensive European solution that combines invoicing, accounting, project management, and CRM. It's particularly popular in Spain, Italy, and France. If you need an all‑in‑one tool for your freelance business, Holded is worth considering.
How to Choose the Right Tool
- If you have very few clients and zero budget → Wave (free).
- If you have up to 5 clients and want automation → Zoho Invoice (free).
- If you want the easiest experience → FreshBooks.
- If you need full accounting and tax calculations → QuickBooks Self-Employed.
- If you work with international clients (multiple currencies) → Xero.
- If you're in Europe and want a local all‑in‑one → Holded.
Tips for Choosing Your Invoicing Tool
- Take advantage of free trials (most offer 14‑30 days).
- Check if the tool supports your local tax regulations (e.g., VAT, GST, sales tax).
- Make sure it integrates with your bank or payment gateway (Stripe, PayPal).
- Choose a tool that allows you to scale (add more clients, projects, or team members) without changing platforms.
Conclusion – Start Invoicing Like a Pro
The right invoicing tool will save you hours each month and help you look professional. Start with a free plan or trial, and upgrade as your business grows. The key is to find a tool that fits your workflow and helps you get paid faster.
Get started for free:
Wave (free) →
Zoho Invoice (free up to 5 clients) →
FreshBooks (free trial) →
QuickBooks Self-Employed →
Xero (free trial) →
Holded (free trial) →