Getting paid on time shouldn’t be a full-time job. Whether you’re a designer, writer, marketer, or consultant, having a professional invoicing system can save you hours — and help you get paid faster.
In 2025, freelancers have access to powerful invoicing tools that automate billing, track payments, manage clients, and even handle taxes. Here’s a roundup of the best invoicing tools for freelancers this year, with pros, cons, pricing, and unique features to help you choose the right one.
✅ 1. FreshBooks
Best For: All-in-one invoicing + accounting for freelancers
Overview:
FreshBooks is a favorite among freelancers and small businesses for its ease of use and professional invoicing templates. It also includes time tracking, estimates, and expense management — making it an all-in-one solution.
Key Features:
- Create and customize professional invoices
- Accept online payments (credit card, ACH)
- Auto-reminders for late payments
- Track time and billable hours
- Built-in reports and client tracking
Pros:
✔ All-in-one platform (invoicing + accounting)
✔ Great mobile app
✔ Recurring invoices + auto reminders
Cons:
✖ Pricing increases with clients
✖ Limited team collaboration on lower tiers
Pricing:
Starts at $17/month
Free 30-day trial available
✅ 2. Wave
Best For: Freelancers on a budget (free forever)
Overview:
Wave offers completely free invoicing and accounting for freelancers. It’s ideal for those just starting out or running a solo operation with limited monthly invoices.
Key Features:
- Create unlimited invoices
- Accept payments via Stripe or Wave Payments
- Automatic reminders
- Track expenses & income
- Basic reporting
Pros:
✔ 100% free for invoicing + accounting
✔ Clean, user-friendly interface
✔ Easy payment integration
Cons:
✖ No native time tracking
✖ Customer support limited on free plan
Pricing:
Free forever
Optional payment processing: 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction
✅ 3. Bonsai
Best For: Freelancers who need invoicing + contracts + proposals
Overview:
Bonsai is designed for creative and service-based freelancers. It combines invoicing with contract templates, proposals, time tracking, and project management.
Key Features:
- One-click invoice generation
- Auto-payment reminders
- Online payments via Stripe, PayPal
- Smart proposals + contracts
- Project + task tracking
Pros:
✔ Everything a freelancer needs in one place
✔ Legally vetted contracts
✔ Great UI & client portal
Cons:
✖ Higher starting price
✖ Limited integrations
Pricing:
Starts at $25/month
7-day free trial available
✅ 4. PayPal Invoicing
Best For: Simple, fast invoicing with global payments
Overview:
If you already use PayPal, their invoicing tool is built right in — with templates, automated reminders, and multi-currency support.
Key Features:
- Send branded invoices instantly
- Accept payments in 100+ currencies
- Track payment status
- Integrates with PayPal Business
Pros:
✔ Very easy to set up and use
✔ Trusted payment method globally
✔ No monthly fees
Cons:
✖ Higher transaction fees
✖ No time tracking or project tools
Pricing:
Free to use
Transaction fee: 2.9% + fixed fee (varies by country)
✅ 5. Zoho Invoice
Best For: Freelancers needing customization + automation
Overview:
Zoho Invoice offers excellent automation for recurring billing, multilingual invoices, and payment reminders — all for free.
Key Features:
- Customizable invoice templates
- Time tracking + client billing
- Multi-language + multi-currency support
- Client portal access
- Automation + integration with Zoho suite
Pros:
✔ Free forever
✔ Powerful automation
✔ Great for international freelancers
Cons:
✖ Learning curve for advanced features
✖ Limited integrations outside Zoho
Pricing:
Free forever (up to 1,000 invoices/year)
🧠 How to Choose the Right Invoicing Tool
| Need | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| Free & simple | Wave or Zoho Invoice |
| Invoicing + contracts | Bonsai |
| Full accounting suite | FreshBooks |
| Global payments | PayPal |
| Time tracking & automation | Zoho or Bonsai |
💡 Pro Tips for Freelancers
- Automate reminders: Never chase payments manually again
- Offer multiple payment options: Credit card, ACH, PayPal
- Use branded invoices: Builds trust with clients
- Track time if billable: Use tools with built-in time tracking
- Use recurring invoices for retainers: Set it once and forget it
Final Thoughts
Your invoicing tool isn’t just about getting paid — it’s part of your professional image and workflow. With the right AI-powered or automation-focused tool, you can eliminate admin work and focus on what you do best.
Start with one of these top picks:
- FreshBooks if you want an all-in-one
- Wave or Zoho if you’re on a budget
- Bonsai if you need proposals and contracts too
