As a freelancer, you’re no stranger to the joys and tribulations of self-employment. While the freedom to work on your terms is undoubtedly liberating, managing your finances can be a daunting task. Invoicing, in particular, can be a thorn in your side, as it requires meticulous attention to detail and timely follow-up. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this conundrum: free invoicing software for freelancers.
In this article, we’ll explore the cream of the crop when it comes to invoicing software for freelancers, and show you how to leverage their features to create polished, professional invoices that will keep your clients happy and your bank account healthy.
If you don’t know how to write an invoice for freelance work, click here.
What is free invoicing software?
Free invoicing software is a tool that helps freelancers and small businesses create and send invoices to their clients. It’s a cost-effective way to manage your finances and keep track of your payments. With free invoicing software, you can create professional-looking invoices, track your time, and manage your expenses.
Criteria for choosing invoicing software
When choosing invoicing software, there are several criteria to consider. These include features, ease of use, cost, integration, customer support, security, and reviews. Let’s take a closer look at each of these criteria.
Features
The features of invoicing software vary from one tool to another. Some tools offer basic features like creating and sending invoices, while others offer more advanced features like time tracking, subscription plan management, expense management, and project management.
Ease of use
Invoicing software should be easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The interface should be intuitive and user-friendly, and the software should be easy to navigate.
Cost
Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing invoicing software. Some tools are completely free, while others offer a free trial or a freemium model. It’s important to choose a tool that fits your budget.
Integration
Invoicing software should integrate with other tools that you use, such as accounting software, project management tools, and payment gateways.
Customer support
Good customer support is essential when using invoicing software. The tool should offer multiple channels of support, such as email, phone, and chat.
Security
Invoicing software should be secure and protect your data from unauthorized access.
Reviews
Before choosing invoicing software, it’s important to read reviews from other users. This will give you an idea of the tool’s strengths and weaknesses.
How to Create Free Invoices as a Freelancer
There are two ways to create free invoices as a freelancer. The first is to use HTML invoice templates, which we’ve already covered in a previous article. The second is to use invoicing software. Let’s take a look at the best free invoicing software for freelancers.
Best Free Invoicing Software for Freelancers
Paymo – Free invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses
Paymo is a versatile invoicing software that caters to the needs of freelancers and small businesses alike. Its intuitive interface empowers users to create and dispatch invoices with ease and efficiency. But that’s not all – Paymo also offers a suite of project management tools that enable you to track your time, manage your projects, and collaborate seamlessly with your team.
With Paymo, you can customize your invoice templates to reflect your brand identity, automate payment reminders to ensure timely payments, and even accept online payments for added convenience. In short, Paymo is a one-stop shop for all your invoicing and project management needs.
Features:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Time tracking
- Project management
- Collaboration tools
Pricing:
Paymo offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing, time tracking, and project management. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $9.56 per user per month.
Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja is a top-tier invoicing software that caters to the unique needs of freelancers and small businesses. Its comprehensive suite of features empowers users to create and dispatch professional-looking invoices with ease and efficiency.
But that’s not all – Invoice Ninja also offers a range of tools that enable you to track your expenses, manage your clients, and even accept online payments. With Invoice Ninja, you can streamline your invoicing process and focus on what matters – growing your business.
Features:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic payment reminders
- Accept online payments
- Expense tracking
- Client management
Pricing:
Invoice Ninja offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing and expense tracking. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $10 per month.
Refrens
With over 1.5 lakh users across 178 countries, Refrens stands out as the most popular choice among freelancers, consultants, and agencies for all their invoicing needs.
Apart from invoicing, freelancers use Refrens to manage their online profile, showcase their portfolio, manage leads, create quotations & invoices, send payment reminders, generate tax reports, and more.
Features:
- Showcase your portfolio
- Customization and Streamlined Invoicing & Quotation
- Easy Sharing and recurring billing
- Automated Payment Reminders
- User-friendly interface with data security
- Automate testimonial request
- Easy Expense management and Lead Management System
Pricing:
Free Plan offers up to 50 documents per year at no cost, while Premium Plan pricing starts at 1200/year, varying by users and features.
Hiveage – Create invoices online
Hiveage is a free invoicing software that is designed for freelancers and small businesses. It offers a range of features that make it easy to create and send professional-looking invoices.
Hiveage offers a range of tools that enable you to customize your invoice templates to reflect your brand identity, automate payment reminders to ensure timely payments, and even accept online payments for added convenience. With Hiveage, you can streamline your invoicing process and focus on what matters – growing your business.
Features:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic payment reminders
- Accept online payments
- Time tracking
- Expense management
Pricing:
Hiveage offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing and expense tracking. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $15 per month.
Zervant – Free invoicing software
Zervant is a comprehensive invoicing software solution that caters to the needs of freelancers and small businesses. This software offers a wide range of features that enable users to create and send professional-looking invoices with ease.
In addition to invoicing, Zervant also provides time tracking and expense management functionalities, as well as the ability to accept online payments. Notable features of Zervant include customizable invoice templates, automatic payment reminders, and secure online payment processing capabilities.
Features
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic payment reminders
- Accept online payments
- Time tracking
- Expense management
Pricing:
Zervant offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing and expense tracking. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $9 per month.
Invoicely – Free online invoicing software
Invoicely is a free online invoicing software that is designed for freelancers and small businesses. It offers a range of features that make it easy to create and send professional-looking invoices.
With Invoicely, you can also track your time, manage your expenses, and accept online payments. Some of the features of Invoicely include customizable invoice templates, automatic payment reminders, and the ability to accept online payments.
Features:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic payment reminders
- Accept online payments
- Time tracking
- Expense management
Pricing:
Invoicely offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing and expense tracking. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $9.99 per month.
Square – Free invoice software
Square provides a wide range of features that simplify the process of creating and sending professional-looking invoices. Additionally, Square enables you to monitor your sales, manage your inventory, and accept online payments.
Notable features of Square include customizable invoice templates, automatic payment reminders, and the capability to accept online payments.
Features
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic payment reminders
- Accept online payments
- Sales tracking
- Inventory management
Pricing:
Square offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing and sales tracking. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $12 per month.
Wave – Invoicing Software that is easy and free
Wave is a free invoicing software that caters to the needs of freelancers and small businesses. It provides a wide range of features that simplify the process of creating and sending professional-looking invoices.
Additionally, Wave enables you to track your expenses, manage your clients, and accept online payments. Notable features of Wave include customizable invoice templates, automatic payment reminders, and the capability to accept online payments.
Features:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic payment reminders
- Accept online payments
- Expense tracking
- Client management
Pricing:
Wave offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing and expense tracking. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $20 per month.
Bonsai – The all-in-one business software for freelancers
Bonsai is an all-in-one platform that offers a wide range of features that enable users to efficiently manage their business operations, including invoicing, contract management, proposal creation, and time tracking. In addition to these functionalities, Bonsai also provides expense management and income tracking capabilities, as well as secure online payment processing.
Notable features of Bonsai include customizable invoice templates, automatic payment reminders, and the ability to accept online payments.
Features:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automatic payment reminders
- Accept online payments
- Contract and proposal management
- Time tracking
Pricing:
Bonsai offers a free plan that includes basic features such as invoicing and time tracking. For more advanced features, you can upgrade to the paid plan, which starts at $19 per month.
Endnote
Finding the right free invoicing software for freelancers can be a game-changer for your business. With the options we’ve presented, you can streamline your invoicing process, save time, and get paid faster. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting, these tools can help you stay organized and professional.
So why not give them a try? After all, the best things in life are free, and that includes invoicing software!
FAQs
Do freelancers need invoices?
Yes, freelancers need invoices to get paid for their work. Invoices help you keep track of your payments and ensure that you get paid on time.
What is the easiest invoice app to use?
PayPal is one of the easiest invoice apps to use. It’s user-friendly and offers a range of features, including invoicing, payment processing, and reporting.
Which software is best for invoicing?
The best software for invoicing depends on your needs and budget.
