Why You Need an Invoice Generator
If you're still creating invoices in Word or Excel, you're wasting valuable time and risking errors. Modern invoice generators automate calculations, store client data, track payments, and create professional PDFs in seconds.
But with dozens of options available, which one should you choose? We've tested the top free invoice generators to help you decide.
What to Look for in an Invoice Generator
Before we dive into the list, here are the key features every good invoice generator should have:
- Professional templates - Clean, customizable designs
- Automatic calculations - No math errors
- Client database - Store and reuse client information
- Payment tracking - See who owes you money
- PDF export - Easy sharing and printing
- Mobile-friendly - Create invoices on any device
- Free tier - No credit card required to start
1. InvoiceKit - Best for Freelancers
Price: Free for 3 invoices/month, Pro at $4.99/month
Best for: Freelancers and small businesses who want simplicity
Pros:
- ✅ Super simple interface - create invoices in under 60 seconds
- ✅ Truly free tier (no credit card required)
- ✅ Professional templates included
- ✅ Client and product database
- ✅ Payment tracking
- ✅ Unlimited clients even on free plan
- ✅ Very affordable Pro plan ($4.99/month)
Cons:
- ❌ Limited to 3 invoices/month on free plan
- ❌ No built-in payment processing (yet)
Verdict: InvoiceKit is perfect if you want a no-nonsense invoice generator that just works. The free tier is genuinely useful, and the Pro plan is cheaper than competitors while offering everything most freelancers need.
2. Wave - Best All-in-One Solution
Price: Free (with paid add-ons)
Best for: Small businesses needing accounting + invoicing
Pros:
- ✅ Completely free invoicing (unlimited)
- ✅ Includes accounting and receipt scanning
- ✅ Payment processing available (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
- ✅ Bank connections
Cons:
- ❌ Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- ❌ Payment processing fees add up
- ❌ Limited customization on free plan
3. Invoice Ninja - Best for Developers
Price: Free (self-hosted) or $10/month (cloud)
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want control
Pros:
- ✅ Open source (self-host for free)
- ✅ Highly customizable
- ✅ API access
- ✅ Multi-currency support
Cons:
- ❌ Requires technical knowledge to self-host
- ❌ Interface is dated
- ❌ Cloud version is pricey
4. Zoho Invoice - Best for Growing Businesses
Price: Free for up to 1,000 invoices/year
Best for: Businesses planning to scale
Pros:
- ✅ Very generous free tier
- ✅ Integrates with Zoho ecosystem
- ✅ Time tracking included
- ✅ Multi-currency and multi-language
Cons:
- ❌ Interface feels cluttered
- ❌ Steep learning curve
- ❌ Some features locked behind paid plans
5. PayPal Invoicing - Best for Quick Payments
Price: Free (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
Best for: Getting paid via PayPal
Pros:
- ✅ Clients can pay directly through PayPal
- ✅ Simple and familiar interface
- ✅ Mobile app available
Cons:
- ❌ Limited customization
- ❌ Transaction fees on every payment
- ❌ Requires PayPal account
- ❌ Basic features compared to dedicated tools
6. FreshBooks - Best for Service Businesses
Price: 30-day free trial, then $17/month
Best for: Service-based businesses
Pros:
- ✅ Beautiful, intuitive interface
- ✅ Time tracking built-in
- ✅ Expense tracking
- ✅ Project management features
Cons:
- ❌ No truly free plan (only trial)
- ❌ Expensive for solo freelancers
- ❌ Client limits on lower tiers
7. Square Invoices - Best for Retail + Services
Price: Free (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
Best for: Businesses using Square for payments
Pros:
- ✅ Integrates with Square POS
- ✅ Unlimited invoices
- ✅ Automatic payment reminders
Cons:
- ❌ Limited customization
- ❌ Transaction fees apply
- ❌ Best only if you're already using Square
8. Invoice Simple - Best Mobile App
Price: Free for 3 invoices, $4.99/month unlimited
Best for: Creating invoices on mobile
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent mobile app
- ✅ Very simple interface
- ✅ Quick invoice creation
Cons:
- ❌ Limited features
- ❌ No web version
- ❌ Basic templates
9. Invoicely - Best for Multiple Businesses
Price: Free for 1 business, $9.99/month for unlimited
Best for: Managing multiple businesses
Pros:
- ✅ Unlimited invoices on free plan
- ✅ Multi-business support
- ✅ Expense tracking
Cons:
- ❌ Limited to 5 clients on free plan
- ❌ Ads on free invoices
- ❌ Outdated interface
10. Stripe Invoicing - Best for Subscription Businesses
Price: Free (0.4% per paid invoice)
Best for: Recurring billing and subscriptions
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for recurring invoices
- ✅ Powerful API
- ✅ Automatic payment retries
Cons:
- ❌ Requires Stripe account
- ❌ Not ideal for one-time invoices
- ❌ Technical setup required
Comparison Table
| Tool | Free Plan | Paid Plan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| InvoiceKit | 3 invoices/month | $4.99/month | Freelancers |
| Wave | Unlimited | Free + fees | Accounting |
| Invoice Ninja | Self-hosted | $10/month | Developers |
| FreshBooks | 30-day trial | $17/month | Services |
Which Invoice Generator Should You Choose?
Choose InvoiceKit if:
- You're a freelancer or small business owner
- You want something simple that just works
- You send 3-10 invoices per month
- You want the most affordable paid plan
Choose Wave if:
- You need full accounting software
- You send lots of invoices (unlimited free)
- You don't mind a complex interface
Choose FreshBooks if:
- Budget isn't a concern
- You need time tracking and project management
- You run a service-based business
Conclusion
The best free invoice generator depends on your specific needs. For most freelancers and small businesses, InvoiceKit offers the perfect balance of simplicity, features, and affordability.
Start with the free plan (3 invoices/month) and upgrade to Pro ($4.99/month) when you need unlimited invoices. No credit card required to get started!
Try InvoiceKit free today and see why thousands of freelancers trust it for their invoicing needs.
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