Best Invoicing Tools for Freelancers to Get Paid Faster Every Time

Last Updated on April 8, 2025 by mia
Freelancers often lose valuable time chasing payments or wrestling with clunky invoicing methods.
Without the right tools, tracking income, managing clients, and maintaining professionalism becomes a struggle.
But the right invoicing tool can change everything. It can save you hours, reduce errors, and help you get paid faster.
This blog covers the best invoicing tools for freelancers, what features you should look for, how these tools can speed up payments, and how secure they are for handling your financial details.
Whether you’re just starting your freelance career or looking to upgrade your tools, you’ll find practical solutions here.
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What Is The Best Invoicing Tool For Freelancers?
1. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an excellent invoicing tool designed with freelancers in mind. It enables you to produce expert invoices in just a few clicks, so you don’t spend hours getting them right.
You can also set up automatic reminders for clients, which means you’ll spend less time chasing payments.
Everything is organized in one place, from expenses to income tracking, which makes managing your money easier.
It also offers time-tracking features that sync directly with invoices, so billing for hours worked is effortless.
The mobile app is handy for sending invoices or checking client payments on the go. Plus, it integrates with popular platforms like PayPal and Stripe for convenient payment options.
If you’re working on saas startup marketing, this tool can help you manage invoices effectively.
- Website: https://www.freshbooks.com/
- Pricing: Starts at $6/month (Lite plan); 30-day free trial available.
2. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online isn’t just for big businesses; it’s perfect for freelancers too. This tool helps you send invoices, accept payments, and even track your expenses all in one place.
What’s great is that you can customize your invoices with your brand’s logo and colors, making them look polished and professional.
You can also set up recurring invoices for clients who pay you regularly, saving time and effort.
Its reporting feature helps you see how much money is coming in and what’s due. There’s also a mobile app that keeps you connected to your finances no matter where you are.
If you’re thinking about improving your B2B startup marketing strategy, this tool blends well with handling billing processes.
- Website: https://www.quickbooks.intuit.com
- Pricing: Starts at $15/month; free 30-day trial available.
3. Wave
Wave is one of the best free invoicing tools for freelancers, which makes it popular among startups and small businesses.
It’s simple to use and lets you create unlimited invoices without extra charges. You are able to see which invoices have been paid and see what’s still pending to keep your cash flow in check.
The tool also supports credit card payments, making it easier for clients to pay you quickly.
It provides basic accounting features alongside invoicing, so you can get a clear picture of your finances.
Though it’s free, Wave looks professional and delivers the features you need without complicating things.
If you’re managing invoices for projects related to tech startup marketing, this tool can save you money while keeping your workflow simple.
- Website: https://www.waveapps.com
- Pricing: Free (Additional fees apply for credit card payments).
4. Zoho Invoice
Zoho Invoice is another popular choice for freelancers looking for the best invoicing tools. It’s easy to use and offers a variety of templates to make your invoices look polished.
You can create invoices and estimates in different currencies, making it great for working with international clients.
The tool has a time-tracking feature, so you can log hours and turn them into invoices effortlessly.
Automated payment reminders make sure your clients don’t forget to pay on time. Its reporting tools help you understand your earnings and outstanding payments better.
Since Zoho integrates with many other apps, it can fit seamlessly into your workflow. For anyone following a detailed startup marketing guide, Zoho Invoice offers flexible options to manage payments globally.
- Website: https://www.zoho.com/invoice
- Pricing: Free for life.
5. Bonsai
Bonsai is designed specifically for freelancers, making it one of the best invoicing tools for freelancers who need all-in-one features.
It lets you create stunning invoices that match your brand and track time spent on projects.
What’s special about Bonsai is that it connects contracts, proposals, and payments into one streamlined system.
You can easily send recurring invoices and set up automatic payment reminders. It also offers a feature to collect secure online payments, allowing you to get payment more quickly.
The tool gives insights into your income, helping you stay on top of your finances.
If you’re working with influencers as part of your startup influencer marketing efforts, Bonsai seamlessly ties invoices with contracts.
- Website: https://www.hellobonsai.com
- Pricing: Starts at $17/month; 14-day free trial available.
6. PayPal
PayPal is known for its payment services, but it also doubles as an invoicing tool for freelancers.
Using it is straightforward, and you can send invoices that clients can pay instantly with a few clicks.
It also supports multiple currencies, making it ideal for freelancers with clients worldwide. You’ll love how fast clients can pay you through credit cards or existing PayPal balances.
The payment tracking feature keeps you in the know about who’s paid and who hasn’t.
While it’s not loaded with extra features, PayPal is dependable for handling payments and basic invoicing. If you already use PayPal, it might be the easiest option for invoicing too.
- Website: https://www.paypal.com
- Pricing: Free to create invoices (Transaction fees apply for payments).
7. Harvest
Harvest is great when you want an invoicing tool that includes time tracking.
This makes it perfect for freelancers who bill clients by the hour. It combines everything in one system, letting you track hours, create invoices, and accept payments seamlessly.
Harvest lets you turn time logs into invoices in a flash, which is great for saving time after a long workday.
Clients can easily pay online, and the tool automatically marks the invoice as paid once payment is received.
It also integrates with tools like Slack and Trello, making project management easier. Harvest ensures you never lose track of billable hours or payments.
- Website: https://www.getharvest.com
- Pricing: Starts at $12/month; free version available for 1 user.
8. AND.CO
AND.CO, powered by Fiverr, is one of the best invoicing tools for freelancers who want an all-in-one solution.
It simplifies invoicing by letting you create and send them in under a minute, which is great if you hate paperwork.
Like many other tools, it supports recurring invoices, which means less manual work every month. AND.CO also helps manage your contracts, expenses, and payments in one place for better organization.
Payment reminders ensure clients don’t forget to pay you on time. You can also invoice globally, as the tool supports multiple currencies.
If you want a tool that balances simplicity with functionality, AND.CO is a solid choice.
- Website: https://www.and.co
- Pricing: Free.
9. Invoice2go
Invoice2go stands out because it focuses on keeping freelance invoicing quick and easy.
You have a range of professional options to select from templates that give your invoices a clean and professional look.
This tool allows you to track payments, send reminders, and even offer different payment options to your clients.
Its mobile app is highly rated for creating and managing invoices on the move.
Invoice2go also provides insights into your finances with simple reports, so you know how your business is doing.
It’s reliable, user-friendly, and perfect for freelancers who want basic but effective features. For anyone starting out, this tool offers great value.
- Website: https://www.invoice2go.com
- Pricing: Starts at $5.99/month.
10. HoneyBook
Though often used by creative freelancers, HoneyBook works for almost any small business.
This tool combines invoicing with client management, making it one of the best invoicing tools for freelancers who handle projects.
It allows you to send invoices, get e-signatures, and collect payments from one simple platform.
HoneyBook stands out because it lets you create workflows, which help with managing tasks efficiently.
You can also set up automated follow-ups and reminders to save time. Its polished designs give your invoices a professional touch that clients will appreciate.
If client communication matters as much as getting paid, HoneyBook is a great pick.
- Website: https://www.honeybook.com
- Pricing: Starts at $16/month; 7-day free trial available.
What Features Should I Look For In An Invoicing Tool As A Freelancer?
1. Ease of Use
You should always start by looking for an invoicing tool that is easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
A straightforward layout and clear instructions mean you won’t waste hours figuring out how to send an invoice.
Many of the best invoicing tools for freelancers prioritize simplicity to save you valuable time.
Look for drag-and-drop options or templates that allow you to create and send invoices quickly.
The easier it is to understand and use, the faster you can focus on what matters most—your work.
If you have to click through a dozen options to send one simple invoice, it’s not worth your time.
When tools are user-friendly, you’ll feel more in control and less stressed.
2. Customizable Templates
A good invoicing tool should allow you to create a professional design that fits your brand.
Think about the visual impression your invoice leaves; it’s how clients perceive you.
Customizable templates are useful for adding your logo, colors, and information that make your invoices look polished.
They also make sure your invoices are aligned with your services, helping you stand out from the competition.
Many of the best invoicing tools for freelancers include ready-made templates that you can tweak in minutes.
You don’t have to worry about starting from scratch, and it ensures consistency in every invoice you send. This feature gives you a professional edge even in a competitive market.
3. Automated Payment Reminders
Keeping track of overdue payments can be a nightmare if you’re doing it manually.
That’s why you should choose a tool that sends automatic payment reminders to clients on your behalf.
Automated reminders politely prompt clients to pay on time, so you don’t have to keep chasing them.
This not only saves time but also improves your cash flow by avoiding delays in payment.
The best invoicing tools for freelancers allow you to set up schedules for when reminders are sent, like before and after the due date.
It also helps you avoid awkward conversations about late payments, as the software does the nudging for you.
This feature keeps everything professional and ensures you always get paid.
4. Multiple Payment Options
Every freelancer knows that clients prefer different ways to pay, so flexibility is key.
An invoicing tool that supports multiple payment options like credit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets is a must-have.
This not only makes it convenient for your clients but also increases the chances of getting paid faster.
The best invoicing tools for freelancers often integrate with PayPal, Stripe, and other popular payment systems right out of the box.
Offering a range of payment methods shows clients that you’re accommodating and professional.
When payments are easier for clients, they’re more likely to clear invoices quickly. Always make it as frictionless as possible for clients to pay you.
5. Expense Tracking
Freelancers often need to keep track of project-related expenses, and the right tool should help with that.
Expense tracking features allow you to add receipts, categorize spending, and include reimbursable costs in your invoices.
This simplifies billing for clients and ensures transparency in what they’re being charged for.
Some of the best invoicing tools for freelancers even allow you to upload expense receipts directly to an invoice.
This way, your invoice reflects the accurate total cost without needing separate records.
You also save time during tax season because everything is already documented in one place. You’ll have fewer headaches and save hours when managing finances.
6. Time Tracking Integration
If you bill clients based on hourly work, time tracking integration is a must-have feature.
Look for invoicing tools that sync with time trackers to automatically calculate billable hours.
This eliminates manual calculations and reduces the chances of human error in your invoices.
The best invoicing tools for freelancers often include built-in time tracking or allow integration with apps like Toggl or Clockify.
When you can directly transfer tracked hours to your invoice, it speeds up the entire payment process.
It also builds client trust because they can see a detailed breakdown of the time you spent on their project.
If your business depends on accurate hourly billing, this feature is non-negotiable.
7. Recurring Invoice Options
For freelancers with ongoing clients or subscription-based services, recurring invoices are a lifesaver.
This feature automatically sends invoices at regular intervals, like weekly or monthly, without requiring manual input every time.
It’s perfect for long-term projects where you bill the same amount repeatedly.
The best invoicing tools for freelancers make this process seamless and even allow minor customizations for each invoice.
Automating recurring invoices frees up time, minimizes errors, and ensures that you never miss a billing date.
Clients also appreciate the consistency, and it makes them more likely to pay on time. This feature is a game changer for anyone managing multiple monthly clients.
8. Tax Calculation
Taxes can be tricky, but a good invoicing tool simplifies this by calculating them for you.
Look for an option that supports different tax rates, especially if you work with clients in various states or countries.
Automatic tax calculation ensures compliance and makes sure you’re charging the correct amount every time.
Many of the best invoicing tools for freelancers highlight taxes clearly within each invoice, which helps you avoid confusion with clients.
If you don’t handle taxes properly, it could lead to mistakes that cost you time and money later.
By automating this task, you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about tax rules.
9. Mobile Accessibility
Freelancers are always on the go, so a mobile-friendly invoicing tool is essential.
You need to be able to create, send, and track invoices directly from your phone without hassle.
The best invoicing tools for freelancers usually have dedicated mobile apps for both Android and iOS.
This convenience means you can handle invoicing tasks whether you’re at home or meeting a client.
It’s also great for keeping an eye on payments and sending reminders when you’re away from your desk.
A mobile app lets you work flexibly, which is crucial for freelancers juggling multiple projects. Plus, mobile tools often sync with desktop versions for seamless updates.
10. Reports and Analytics
Finally, choose an invoicing tool that offers insights into your financial health through reports and analytics.
These tools show how much you earn, who your top-paying clients are, and which invoices are overdue.
The best invoicing tools for freelancers present this data in simple charts and graphs that you can easily understand.
Staying on top of your business’s numbers helps you make informed decisions, such as which clients to prioritize or how to budget for upcoming projects.
With these insights, you can set revenue goals and identify areas to improve. Knowing your numbers is key to growing a successful freelance business.
How Can Invoicing Tools Help Me Get Paid Faster?
Using invoicing tools can help you get paid faster by automating the process of creating and sending professional-looking invoices, which saves you time and reduces errors.
These tools often include features that send automatic payment reminders to clients, ensuring they don’t forget about due dates.
Many of the best invoicing tools for freelancers enable you to take credit cards and other payment options or online transfers, making it easier for clients to pay you quickly.
Additionally, some tools give you detailed tracking options so you’ll know exactly when a client has viewed your invoice, giving you confidence and peace of mind.
They also help businesses by offering templates that look polished and professional, which can build trust and make clients more willing to pay promptly.
With the right tool, you can organize all your invoices in one place, making it simple to keep track of what’s been paid and what’s overdue without wasting time.
Choosing one of the best invoicing tools for freelancers can make your billing process smoother, helping you focus more on growing your business and less on chasing payments.
How Secure Are Invoicing Tools For Sharing Financial Information?
Sharing financial information through invoicing tools can be very secure, as most trusted platforms use encryption to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access.
Many of the best invoicing tools for freelancers follow strict security measures, like data backups and multi-factor authentication, to keep your business information safe.
These features ensure that only you and your clients can view sensitive details, giving you peace of mind while running your business.
Startups particularly benefit from using reliable tools because they eliminate the risks of manual errors or insecure email attachments.
The best invoicing tools for freelancers also comply with industry data protection standards, such as GDPR or PCI DSS, depending on your region.
This means they meet strict global rules for handling financial information securely. However, it’s crucial to choose a reputable tool, as not all invoicing software has the same level of security.
Before picking one, check the tool’s reviews, security features, and whether they offer regular updates to fix any weaknesses.
Using the best invoicing tools for freelancers, you can safely send invoices, manage payments, and keep your financial information protected while focusing on growing your startup.
How Can New Startups Help My Business?
New Startups can help your business by providing practical guidance and resources to tackle challenges like managing money, making sales, and building a strong customer base.
For startups looking to grow, understanding things like effective budgeting and the right tools for success is critical, and we offer clear advice to help you get there.
If you’re searching for the best invoicing tools for freelancers, we provide recommendations on platforms that make getting paid simple and efficient, which is essential for keeping your cash flow steady.
Along with financial guidance, we share strategies to help you market your products or services in strategies that engage your audience and inspire sales.
Whether you’re navigating your first sale or trying to maintain consistent revenue, our insights can guide you through every phase of the process.
By explaining the importance of selecting tools like the best invoicing tools for freelancers, we help you save time and focus more on growing your business.
Working with New Startups means accessing valuable, straightforward advice that’s easy to follow and designed to help you succeed.
Conclusion
Finding the best invoicing tools for freelancers can transform the way you handle your business, saving you hours of frustration while ensuring you get paid on time.
These tools provide an easy way to send professional invoices, track payments, and keep your finances in good shape without hassle.
For freelancers and startups, selecting an invoicing tool that fits your specific needs can free up your time to focus on delivering great work and growing your business.
Many of these tools also include helpful features like expense tracking and reporting, making your financial management even more effortless.
Remember, comparing tools based on features, affordability, and user reviews can guide you toward making the best choice.
New Startups provides valuable resources, expert recommendations, and tips for freelancers and startups to help you thrive.