Best Invoicing Software for Freelancers in 2024

April 3, 2024

Successful freelance businesses use the best tools in the market to improve their business operations, and so do you if you want to scale your business. Discover the top invoicing software for freelancers! Learn about Portant, Freshbooks, and Zoho Invoice, their features, pros, and cons.

James Fyfe
Co-founder - CEO

We have compiled the top invoicing software options for freelancers who are just starting out or do not have the budget for paid options.

This post will cover all the available choices to make it easier for you to decide, and even if you decide to invest in a paid plan, it will be worth it. No matter what type of freelancer you are, such as a photographer, writer, or designer, having the right invoicing software can simplify your business processes and improve your quality of life.

3 of the Best Invoicing Software for Freelancers

1. Portant 

Portant is one of the best invoicing software options for freelancers because it eliminates boring repetition and makes invoicing professional, user-friendly, and efficient. 

Portant's platform offers a customizable invoice template running on Google Sheets, making it easy to create professional-looking invoices.

Portant's Invoice Template Sample

If you think we are biased, keep reading. You will understand the value for money you get with all the features that Portant offers compared with the other invoice software options mentioned.

The ease of use and intuitive invoice creation process makes Portant popular among freelancer invoice options.

Additionally, you can integrate your email into the platform to send invoices, making the process even more convenient.

Portant also offers a free trial to help startup freelancers start invoicing their first clients. This is a great way for new freelancers to get started without financial commitment.

For freelancers who need more advanced features, paid plans are available at reasonable prices. These plans include white label features to include your branding to your invoice, email tracking, email from aliases, Google Sheets auto-create feature, and more. These additional features can help freelancers look more professional and streamline their invoicing process working with their clients.

With Portant, freelancers can access all the tools they need to make invoicing as efficient and professional as possible. 

Sign up for a free trial today and experience the invoicing magic yourself. 

2. Freshbooks 

Freshbooks is also a top choice for invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses. It is user-friendly and has a mobile app that you can use for responding to client queries and receiving notifications for invoice views and overdue payments.

However, it lacks customization, which may not suit those seeking more flexibility in their invoicing process.

The paid plans have limitations, with the highest plan only allowing for two users and requiring payment for additional users. Even the lowest plan has restrictions on billable clients.

In contrast, Portant's Team plan offers five users and 5000 document automation allowances, making it a more affordable option. Additionally, Portant focuses on automating business documents, providing advantages such as automating documents across Google Workspace tools. 

Freshbooks remains a reliable option that assists freelancers in maintaining organization, monitoring outstanding payments and recorded expenses, issuing invoices, and receiving payments.

3. Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice is a convinent choice for freelancers as it offers numerous benefits. One significant advantage for freelancers is its accessibility from anywhere, even without an internet connection. This is especially beneficial for freelancers who are always on the go and need to access their invoicing software from different locations.

Zoho Invoice also provides customizable templates and reporting tools, allowing freelancers to personalize their invoices and analyze their financial information.

Moreover, Zoho Invoice offers a free plan, making it a cost-effective option for freelancers who are just starting out or want to cut down on expenses.
Nevertheless, Zoho Invoice's drawback is its lack of an automated invoicing process like Portant's invoice automation workflow, which can make it time-consuming, disorganized, and frustrating at times.

Some freelancers also find the reporting tool difficult to use.

Moreover, the invoice template is not as adaptable as Portant's or Freshbooks', which could disadvantage freelancers seeking more flexibility in their invoicing.

Despite these disadvantages, Zoho Invoice continues to be a viable option for freelancers because of its accessibility, customizable templates, reporting tools, and free plan.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Invoicing Software for Freelancers

When choosing the best invoicing software for freelancers, there are several factors to consider. Let's look at the top things to consider:

1. Pricing Structure

  • Evaluate the pricing tiers and consider your budget constraints.
  • Look for flexible pricing options to accommodate your business growth.
  • Compare the features offered in each pricing tier to ensure you get the best value for your money.

2. Features and Functionality

  • Assess the core features such as invoice customization, time-tracking, and expense management.
  • Look for additional functionalities like recurring invoicing and client portal access.
  • Consider integration capabilities with other tools you use for seamless workflow management.

3. User Interface and Ease of Use

  • Opt for an intuitive interface that simplifies the invoicing process.
  • Test the software's usability through demos or free trials to ensure it aligns with your workflow.
  • Consider the learning curve for you and your team to adapt to the new software.

4. Customer Support and Resources

  • Prioritize platforms that offer responsive customer support channels such as live chat or phone support.
  • Look for comprehensive help documentation, tutorials, and community forums for self-learning.
  • Consider the availability of training resources to onboard new team members efficiently.

5. Security and Compliance

  • Ensure the software adheres to industry standards for data security and privacy.
  • Look for features like data encryption, secure backups, and compliance certifications.
  • Evaluate the software's track record in safeguarding user data against breaches or vulnerabilities.

6. Scalability and Growth Potential

  • Choose a software solution that can scale with your business as it grows.
  • Consider the ability to add new users, clients, and features without significant disruptions.
  • Evaluate the platform's track record in supporting businesses of similar size and industry verticals.

7. Mobile Accessibility

  • Assess the availability of mobile apps or responsive web interfaces for invoicing on the go.
  • Look for features like mobile payments and receipt capture to streamline invoicing tasks.
  • Consider how well the mobile experience integrates with the desktop version for seamless cross-device usage.

Considering these factors, you can choose the best invoicing software that meets your needs as a freelancer. 

Final Verdict

While Freshbooks and Zoho Invoice offer their advantages, Portant's combination of customizable templates, cost-effective pricing plans, and advanced features make it the optimal choice for freelancers looking to streamline their invoicing process while maintaining professionalism and efficiency. 

With Portant, freelancers have all the tools they need to manage their invoicing tasks effectively and professionally, empowering them to focus on what they do best - delivering exceptional work to their clients.

FAQs

Q. What are the invoicing and billing software technologies that are gaining traction among freelancers in 2024?

A. In 2024, invoicing and billing software technologies such as automation invoicing workflows, automatic payment reminders,  integration with PayPal, and the ability to track unlimited projects and clients are gaining traction among freelancers who want to manage their invoicing processes and get paid on time efficiently.

Q. How do freelance artists send invoices?

A. Freelance artists send invoices digitally, often through specialized software or templates in programs like Word or Google Docs. They include service details, rates, and payment terms, then email them to clients for payment.

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