(Photo: 1Day Review via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
There are few ways a freelancer’s life has changed in recent years more than how they handle the administrative side of being self-employed.
Memories of being surrounded by paper receipts, unsure where to even start on the eve of a self-assessment deadline, are still fresh for many. But that chaos has largely become a relic of the past thanks to the arrival of invoice apps and software tailored specifically to freelancers.
With so many tools now available, the challenge isn’t finding invoice software, but figuring out which one will actually make life simplest. We’ve road-tested a wide range of options over the years, from quick mobile apps to full accounting platforms, and narrowed down the ones that genuinely streamline finances without adding extra hassle. Below, you’ll find our top picks, chosen for ease of use and smart features that make invoicing feel like one less thing to worry about.
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is made for freelancers, small businesses and landlords. It includes invoicing, expense tracking, time and project tools, plus tax help for UK users, including VAT and self-assessment. The mobile app lets you take photos of receipts and store them easily, which helps if you are often working away from a desk. More info
Wave
Wave is a good choice if you want to save money. It offers free invoicing, basic bookkeeping and expense tracking, and you can send unlimited invoices to as many clients as you want. However, it does not include many advanced features, like time tracking, and support is limited compared to paid software. More info
FreshBooks
FreshBooks has invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking and project billing all in one online system. It’s easy to use and works well for freelancers and small business owners who want one place to manage different tasks. The downside is that it costs more than free tools, and some users have said there are occasional issues after software updates. More info
Bonsai
Bonsai is more like a full business tool rather than just accounting software. You can handle invoicing, proposals, contracts, client details, projects and expenses in one platform. It is useful if you manage several clients and jobs at the same time. The software includes a lot of features, which can feel too much for freelancers who only need simple tools. More info
Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja combines invoicing, payments, time tracking and expense management. The free plan lets you send unlimited invoices, use different templates and accept online payments through major services. The paid plans give you client portals, recurring billing, automation and support for multiple businesses. It is a good choice if you want more control over projects and billing. More info