6 Best invoicing software for freelancers 2024

Why freelancers need invoicing software

Freelancers work differently from employees in larger corporations. Working as a freelancer requires managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Taking on various projects for different clients entails issuing numerous invoices, monitoring payments, and individually tracking expenses for each project.

That’s where freelance invoicing software comes in handy.

Invoicing software helps freelancers streamline essential processes such as invoice creation, sending and payment tracking.
Furthermore, modern invoicing software often includes automatic payment reminder functionality, that automatically reminds clients approaching overdue payment deadlines, eliminating the need for manual follow-up.

What makes invoicing software ideal for freelancers?

Freelancers who choose to use invoicing software will experience advantages through functionalities and tools specifically designed to meet their distinct requirements.

Some key features include:

Recurring billing

This feature helps you set up and send invoices automatically for regular or repeat work. If you, for instance, have a client you bill every month for the same service, you can set it up once, and the software will handle it for you without manual input each time.

Multi-currency support

This functionality simplifies billing in different currencies. For instance, if you work with clients from around the world and need to bill them in their local currency, the software can automatically convert your rates and amounts. It ensures smooth transactions and convenience for both you and your clients.

Automatic payment reminders

This feature sends automated reminders to your clients, nudging them to pay their invoices on time. Instead of manually following up, the software takes care of this for you. If a client forgets to pay, the system will send a friendly reminder, helping you maintain a professional and efficient invoicing process.

Cloud-based invoicing

Your invoicing activities are stored and accessible online with this feature. Whether you’re at home, in a cafe, or on the go, as long as you have internet access, you can manage your invoices from anywhere. It provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to create, send, and track invoices seamlessly.

Best freelance invoice software

1. Conta

Pricing: 100 % free for all types of businesses.

Conta is a free freelance invoice software meant to streamline billing and payment follow-up.

This platform allows you to create and send invoices, manage clients and track payments simply and intuitively. Furthermore, it comes with an extensive library of help articles, videos and webinars that guide you through the process if you should any questions arise.

Let’s have a look at some of Conta’s key features:

Invoicing

With Conta, invoicing is done in a simple step-by-step process: Select the customer you want to send the invoice, add the products you have delivered and email the invoice directly from the software.

Conta also allows you to customise the invoice template with your brand logo. Once you log in for the first time, you will get prompted to upload your logo. It can also be done in the Create a Business section.

Customer and product registers

With Conta, invoicing is done in a simple step-by-step process: Select the customer you want to send the invoice, add the products you have delivered and email the invoice directly from the software.

Conta also allows you to customise the invoice template with your brand logo. Once you log in for the first time, you will get prompted to upload your logo. It can also be done in the Create a Business section.

Mobile, tablet and laptop-friendly

Conta is a cloud-based software with responsive design, catering to the diverse needs of freelancers.

After a hectic photoshoot, imagine a freelance photographer effortlessly whipping up and sending invoices on the go using Conta on his phone. No need for a clunky desktop setup – just seamless, efficient administrative management.

Who is Conta for?

Conta is specifically tailored to cater to the needs of freelancers and small businesses seeking a user-friendly invoicing software solution.

Its design prioritizes simplicity, ensuring a seamless experience in generating invoices. Notably, Conta distinguishes itself by offering a cost-free usage model, making it an advantageous choice for businesses and individuals alike, particularly those who prioritise affordability in their invoicing solutions.

The widespread adoption of Conta underscores its reliability and effectiveness, with a user base exceeding 60,000 businesses, freelancers, and private individuals. This substantial trust placed in Conta speaks to its proven track record and resonates with those who value a dependable and accessible invoicing platform.

2. Billdu

Pricing: Free up to 9 clients, US $8.99 per month for the Standard plan.

Billdu is a versatile invoicing and business management tool designed to meet the needs of freelancers and small businesses aiming for growth. This user-friendly software allows you to effortlessly create professional-looking invoices, estimates, and other essential documents from any location.

Key features:

• Online Payments: Simplify the payment process for your clients by enabling online payments. Billdu seamlessly integrates with leading payment providers such as PayPal and Stripe, ensuring fast and secure transactions.
  
• Automatic payment reminders: Combat late payments by utilising Billdu’s automatic payment reminder feature. Reduce late payments, improve client-freelancer relationships, and streamline your financial processes.
  
• Real-time invoice status tracking: Stay informed about your financial transactions with real-time tracking. Know exactly which invoices are paid, overdue, or viewed, enhancing your control over cash flow.
  
• Recurring invoices: Streamline your invoicing process for repeat clients with recurring invoices. Billdu ensures that your clients receive their invoices promptly, eliminating the need for manual invoicing efforts.

Who is Billdu for?

Billdu is designed for freelancers and small businesses seeking a streamlined invoicing and business management solution.

3. Wave invoicing

Pricing: No monthly fee, but transaction fees for online payments.

Wave is a free invoicing and accounting software designed to streamline financial management for small businesses.

It takes pride in its user-friendly dashboard that provides a comprehensive view of cash flow, profit and loss, and outstanding invoices, making it an option for those looking to effortlessly manage their financial transactions.

Key features:

• User-friendly dashboard: Wave’s dashboard offers transparency into finances and invoices, allowing users to easily track cash flow, profit and loss, and identify overdue invoices for prompt follow-up.

• Invoice creation and payment options: The platform enables users to create sleek-looking invoices swiftly. A unique feature is the inclusion of a “Pay Now” button, motivating clients to expedite payments. Please note this is a paid option.

• Mobile accessibility: Wave provides a free invoice app for both Android and iOS, ensuring users can manage their invoices on the go.

• Recurring billing: Wave offers the flexibility of setting up recurring billing for repeat buyers. Please note this is a paid option.

Who is Wave for?

Wave emerges as a user-friendly, cost-effective solution for small businesses, offering essential features for efficient financial management without the burden of monthly subscription fees.

4. Zoho Invoice

Pricing: Entirely free for those seeking a straightforward invoicing solution.

Zoho Invoice serves as a practical tool for businesses looking to simplify their invoicing processes. Its features are designed to enhance efficiency, providing flexibility for various invoicing needs while maintaining a user-friendly approach.

Key features:

• Automation at its core: With pre-made invoice/estimate templates, users can easily set payment reminders and in-app alerts, promoting timely payments.

• Customisable templates: Users can personalize freelance invoice templates, aligning invoices with their brand identity.

• Scheduled and recurring invoices: The platform allows for the scheduling of one-time or recurring invoices, contributing to time-saving and billing consistency.

Who is Zoho Invoice for?

Zoho Invoice caters to a diverse audience, making it suitable for a range of businesses and professionals seeking streamlined invoicing solutions. It is particularly well-suited for small businesses and freelancers.

5. Invoice Ninja

Pricing: Free up to 20 clients, US $12 per month for the Ninja Pro plan.

Invoice Ninja goes beyond being a simple invoicing system. It has evolved to encompass robust project management features, including Kanban boards and time tracking.

Key features:

• Inventory and Product Management: Efficiently create and manage your inventory, providing comprehensive control over your products and services.

• Project and Task Management: Utilize Kanban boards and time tracking to effectively manage projects and tasks, ensuring a streamlined workflow.

• Customer Notification System: Stay informed about your invoices with real-time notifications, enhancing customer engagement without unnecessary follow-ups.

• Online Payments and Recurring Invoices: Accept online payments seamlessly and automate billing with auto-billing and recurring invoice features, enhancing financial efficiency.

Who is Invoice Ninja for?

Invoice Ninja stands as a versatile business management solution, seamlessly integrating invoicing with project management tools, catering to a wide spectrum of user requirements. Though it may seem overwhelming initially, the platform proves to be a versatile tool for diverse business needs, including larger businesses.

6. Square Invoices

Pricing: No monthly fee, but with transaction costs (2,9 % + $0,3 fee per paid invoice).

Square Invoices stands out as a leading payment processing software.

Square enables you to generate invoices and keep track of payment statuses in real-time. Utilising Square, payments can be gathered online through email, SMS, or a shareable link, expediting the payment process. According to the company, more than 75% of invoices generated through their system are settled within a day.

Key features:

• Diverse invoice templates: Choose from a selection of specialized invoice templates, ensuring a professional and industry-relevant presentation for your business.

• Real-time invoice tracking: Stay informed with real-time tracking of your invoices, providing insights into payment statuses and facilitating efficient financial management.

• Recurring billing: Set up recurring billing effortlessly and create recurring invoices, streamlining regular transactions and saving time for businesses with repetitive billing cycles.

• Multi-device accessibility: Enjoy the convenience of using Square Invoices on all your devices, ensuring flexibility and accessibility whether you’re in the office or on the go.

Who is Square Invoices for?

Square Invoices is a good solution for freelancers seeking a robust invoicing tool willing to invest in reliable software. Specifically tailored for those who prioritise seamless online payments, Square Invoices caters to individuals and enterprises across various industries.

How can I invoice as a freelancer?

Regardless of whether you choose to use create and send invoices using a software or invoice template, there are some general steps you should follow. 

Create the invoice

When generating an invoice using invoicing software, the process involves completing various fields. For those utilising Microsoft Word or similar programs, one may opt to download a free invoice template or craft a custom one. It’s crucial to incorporate the following essential information:

1. The word “Invoice” or “Tax invoice”.
2. Invoice number.
3. Your contact information and ABN number.
4. The customer’s contact details.
5. Date of invoice issuance.
6. List of items sold with quantity and price.
7. Display the Goods and Services Tax (GST) amount payable, if applicable.

READ OUR GUIDE: How to write an invoice

Send the invoice

Invoicing software simplifies the process by allowing you to send invoices seamlessly through the platform or mobile app with just a click. If you are creating the invoice manually, you’ll have to send the invoice via traditional methods, preferably through email.

When sending an invoice via email, it’s normal to include a brief thank-you message in the body, expressing gratitude for the transaction. Attach the invoice in PDF format for easy viewing and download.

READ OUR GUIDE: How to send an invoice

Follow up on past due invoices

To follow up on past due invoices, start with a polite and professional email reminder clearly stating the outstanding amount and due date. If there’s no response, follow up with a phone call to discuss the issue and find a resolution.

What invoicing software should freelancers opt for?

In our opinion, Conta is a good option for freelancers because it is free and has sufficient functionality for most freelancers.

Nevertheless, we recommend you make an informed decision by following these four steps:

1. Identify your business needs and objectives: Determine the specific problems you want to solve and the goals you want to achieve with the software. This will help you focus on finding the right solution for your business.
   
2. Create a list of software requirements: Based on your business needs and objectives, create a list of essential features and invoicing functionalities that the software should have.
   
3. Research and compare software options: Use resources like Google, software comparison sites, this article, and industry experts to find relevant software options that meet your requirements. Compare the features, pricing, and support offered by each software to find the best fit for your business.
   
4. Evaluate the software vendor and support: Once you have a shortlist of potential software options, evaluate their price and support services. Look for a provider with a solid track record, good industry presence, reasonable pricing and positive testimonials or case studies.

The bottom line

Invoicing software is the unsung hero of a freelancer’s journey, simplifying the often complex task of billing and financial management. In this roundup of the best invoicing software for freelancers in 2024, each option offers unique features tailored to diverse needs.

For a hassle-free and cost-effective solution, Conta stands out with its intuitive interface and a user base that speaks to its reliability.

As you embark on selecting the right invoicing software, consider your specific business needs, create a list of essential requirements, research and compare options, and evaluate vendors for reliability and support.

Invoicing as a freelancer doesn’t have to be a tedious process. So, bid farewell to invoicing hassles, embrace efficiency, and let your invoicing software become the silent partner in your freelance success story.

Happy invoicing!