Best Invoicing Software for Freelancers (Tried and Tested)

Freelancing at Zinn Hub gives you freedom, but it also means you wear a lot of hats. You’re not just a designer, writer, developer, or marketer. You’re also your own finance department. This is where having a reliable invoicing tool proves beneficial.

Whether you want something super simple or a full-on business suite, we’ve rounded up the best invoicing software for freelancers that we have tried and tested for you. We’re talking about tools that are easy to use, look professional, and help you actually get paid on time.

Below, you’ll find the top options that have been tried and tested at Zinn Hub with honest breakdowns of what they cost, what they offer, and what to watch out for.

1. FreshBooks

FreshBooks has been a go-to for freelancers for years—and for good reason. It’s clean, user-friendly, and includes time tracking, expense management, and online payments.

• Pricing:
  Lite: $19/month
  Plus: $33/month
  Premium: $65/month
• Free Trial: 30 days

Pros:

• Intuitive interface—even if you hate numbers
• Built-in time tracking and expenses
• Recurring invoices and reminders
• Accepts PayPal, Stripe, credit card
• Solid mobile app

Cons:

• Can get pricey as your client list grows
• Advanced features locked behind higher tiers

2. Bonsai

Bonsai is like your freelance sidekick. It combines invoicing with contracts, proposals, time tracking, and even tax estimates.

• Pricing:
  Starter: $9/month
  Professional: $19/month
  Business: $29/month
• Free Trial: 7 days

Pros:

• Specifically built for freelancers
• Sleek invoice designs and automated follow-ups
• Offers contracts and proposals
• Great for managing taxes and expenses

Cons:

• Limited customisability
• Some features only in higher tiers

3. QuickBooks

If you want a more “grown-up” approach to finances, QuickBooks is difficult to beat. It’s an accounting powerhouse that happens to do invoicing really well.

• Pricing:
  Simple Start: $35/month
  Essentials: $50/month
  Plus: $80/month
• Free Trial: 30 days

Pros:

• Full accounting platform
• Powerful reports and insights
• Bank sync + expense tracking
• Used by most accountants

Cons:

• Learning curve for beginners
• Can feel bloated if you only need invoicing

4. Xero

Xero is like QuickBooks’ cooler cousin. It’s modern, sleek, and great for freelancers who want to automate everything.

• Pricing:
  Early: $20/month
  Growing: $47/month
  Established: $80/month
• Free Trial: 30 days

Pros:

• Gorgeous user interface
• Integrates with 1,000+ apps
• Automated invoice reminders
• Multi-currency support

Cons:

• No built-in time tracking
• Some features require higher plans

5. Bloom

Bloom is a modern tool built for creative freelancers. It handles CRM, invoicing, contracts, and scheduling in one good-looking dashboard.

• Pricing:
  Starter: $14/month
  Standard: $29/month
• Free Trial: 7 days

Pros:

• Designed with creatives in mind
• Combines CRM and invoicing
• Built-in workflows for bookings and payments

Cons:

• Still a newer platform
• Limited integrations

6. HoneyBook

HoneyBook is a favourite for service-based freelancers who manage projects and client communication. It handles everything from proposal to payment.

• Pricing:
  Starter: $16/month
  Essentials: $32/month
  Premium: $66/month
• Free Trial: 7 days

Pros:

• All-in-one client management
• Beautiful branded invoices
• Easy-to-use automations

Cons:

• Best suited for creatives (photographers, coaches, etc.)
• Limited financial reporting

7. Harpoon

Harpoon stands out because it’s not just about invoicing – it helps you plan your income goals and shows you how close you are to hitting them.

• Pricing:
  Starter: $9/month
  Freelancer: $19/month
  Studio: $39/month
  Agency: $99/month
• Free Trial: 14 days

Pros:

• Goal-based financial planning
• Recurring invoices + reminders
• Visual dashboard of income and expenses
• Built-in time tracking

Cons:

• Interface takes time to get used to
• Fewer integrations

8. Moxie

Moxie was made for freelancers who want simplicity without sacrificing function. It includes contracts, proposals, invoicing, and a client portal.

• Pricing:
  Starter: $12/month
  Pro: $20/month
  Teams: $32/month
• Free Trial: 14 days

Pros:

• Clean, modern UI
• Perfect for solo freelancers
• Stripe + PayPal payments
• Great client experience

Cons:

• Some features still in development
• Not ideal for teams or growing agencies

9. Square Invoices

If you do any in-person work or prefer a “send-and-go” approach, Square is a fantastic and affordable option.

• Pricing:
  Free plan: $0/month (pay 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction)
  Plus plan: $20/month
• Free Trial: 30 days

Pros:

• Free plan available
• Clean and easy to use
• Connects with other Square tools

Cons:

• Limited customisation
• Not ideal for deeper financial tracking

10. Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice is 100% free and packed with features. If you’re on a tight budget, this is your best bet. Zoho Invoice is a globally accessible invoicing platform, not limited to the UK or EU. While it offers robust VAT (Value Added Tax) features tailored for UK and EU businesses, it also supports various tax systems worldwide, including GST and sales tax. Users can configure tax settings to align with their country’s regulations, making it suitable for freelancers and small businesses across different regions.

• Pricing:
  Free forever
• Free Trial: Not needed

Pros:

• No cost, no strings
• Includes time tracking and expense logging
• Multi-language, multi-currency support

Cons:

• Not a full accounting tool
• Fewer integrations than paid platforms

Quick Comparison: Freelance Invoicing Software at a Glance

Natalie’s Opinion

Since each freelancer operates differently, there is not a single “best” invoicing program. One person’s ideal invoicing software may be too simple or too complicated for another.

Some freelance workers simply require a fast, simple method of sending invoices and receiving payment. Others desire additional features, such as tax assistance, recurring payments, or time tracking. Perhaps you want a lightweight device that simply does the job, or perhaps you prefer to have everything in one location. Your clients, workflow, and desired level of financial control all play a significant role.

Therefore, I recommend that you do not overthink it. Try a few; you can test the waters before committing because the majority of these platforms offer a free trial. Look for things that make you feel more organised, save you time, and feel natural. In addition to sending bills, the ideal invoicing tool will help your business to maintain a smooth cash flow and relieve you of one burden.