Here are some of the best free invoicing software options for companies, offering essential features like customizable invoices, client management, and expense tracking:
1. Wave
- Features: Wave is known for its comprehensive free invoicing capabilities, allowing unlimited invoices and clients. It also supports online payments, recurring billing, and basic expense tracking. The platform provides simple accounting integrations, making it ideal for small businesses.
- Limitations: Charges fees for credit card processing and payroll.
- Best For: Small businesses and freelancers needing invoicing and basic accounting in one tool.
2. Zoho Invoice
- Features: Zoho Invoice offers robust features like customizable templates, expense tracking, time tracking, and multi-language support. It also integrates with Zoho’s suite of business applications, which can help as your company grows.
- Limitations: Recently became entirely free but does not include other Zoho apps for free.
- Best For: Small businesses and freelancers who may need more advanced tools as they scale up.
3. PayPal Invoicing
- Features: Simple yet effective, PayPal Invoicing allows you to create invoices quickly and supports multiple currencies, automatic reminders, and easy payment integration with PayPal.
- Limitations: Charges a transaction fee for payments received through PayPal.
- Best For: Companies that already use PayPal or are looking for a straightforward invoicing solution.
4. Invoice Ninja
- Features: Offers 100 free invoices per month with tools for expense management, time tracking, and branded invoicing templates. It integrates well with popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal.
- Limitations: Free version is limited in customization and has a cap on monthly invoices.
- Best For: Small businesses needing a bit more customization and control over invoicing.
5. Square Invoices
- Features: Free invoicing software with the ability to accept payments, schedule recurring invoices, and set up automatic reminders. Integrates with Square’s point-of-sale system for businesses that also handle in-person sales.
- Limitations: Transaction fees apply if payments are made through Square.
- Best For: Businesses already using Square for payment processing or point-of-sale.
6. Stripe Invoicing
- Features: Stripe Invoicing is free to use and offers fast invoice creation, recurring billing, and automated reminders. It’s also ideal for companies looking for integrated payment processing.
- Limitations: Charges transaction fees for credit card payments.
- Best For: Companies looking for simple invoicing with integrated payments and global currency support.
7. Google Sheets and Docs (DIY Solution)
- Features: For basic needs, Google Sheets and Docs can be customized with templates to generate invoices. You can track clients and payments manually.
- Limitations: Requires manual work and lacks automation features.
- Best For: Freelancers or small businesses with very basic needs who want a completely free option.
Here’s a table comparing the top free invoicing software options based on their core features, limitations, and ideal use cases:
| Software | Key Features | Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wave | Unlimited invoices and clients, recurring billing, basic expense tracking, simple accounting | Fees for credit card processing, limited support | Small businesses needing free accounting tools |
| Zoho Invoice | Customizable templates, expense and time tracking, multi-language support, integrates with Zoho apps | No access to other Zoho apps unless paid | Growing businesses requiring scalable features |
| PayPal Invoicing | Quick invoice creation, multiple currencies, payment integration with PayPal | Charges transaction fees for payments | Businesses already using PayPal |
| Invoice Ninja | 100 free invoices/month, expense management, time tracking, integrations with Stripe and PayPal | Limited customization on free plan, monthly cap on invoices | Small businesses needing additional customization |
| Square Invoices | Free invoicing, supports recurring invoices, automatic reminders, POS integration with Square | Transaction fees for Square payments | Businesses using Square for POS or payment systems |
| Stripe Invoicing | Free invoicing, supports recurring billing, payment processing integration, multi-currency | Transaction fees on card payments | Companies seeking simple invoices with payment links |
| Google Sheets/Docs | Fully customizable templates using Google Docs/Sheets | Manual tracking, lacks automation | Freelancers with basic invoicing needs |
These options offer various features based on business needs, such as automation, expense tracking, and integration with payment processors.
Each option has unique strengths, so the best choice depends on whether you need simple invoicing or a more comprehensive solution with payment processing and expense tracking.