Best Invoicing Software for Agencies (2026)
We compared 8 leading invoicing solutions to help you find the perfect billing platform for your agency. Compare features, pricing, and payment processing options.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1AgencyPro Best Overall | Agencies needing all-in-one | $99/month | Integrated invoicing with time tracking | 4.5/5 |
2FreshBooks | Small agencies & freelancers | $17/month | User-friendly invoicing | 4.7/5 |
3QuickBooks | Agencies needing accounting | $30/month | Comprehensive accounting | 4.6/5 |
4Harvest | Time-based billing | $12/user/month | Time tracking to invoicing | 4.5/5 |
5Bonsai | Freelancers & small agencies | $24/month | All-in-one freelancer platform | 4.4/5 |
6Wave | Small agencies on a budget | Free | Free invoicing & accounting | 4.2/5 |
7Xero | Agencies needing accounting | $15/month | Cloud accounting platform | 4.3/5 |
8PayPal Invoicing | Simple payment collection | Free | Quick payment processing | 3.8/5 |
Detailed Reviews
AgencyPro
Best for agencies needing integrated invoicing with time tracking and project management
AgencyPro offers comprehensive invoicing as part of its all-in-one agency management platform, making it ideal for agencies that want integrated billing workflows. The invoicing system seamlessly connects with time tracking—team members log hours, and invoices can be automatically generated from tracked time with customizable rates. This eliminates manual data entry and ensures accurate billing based on actual work performed.
The platform excels in agency-specific invoicing needs including retainer management, recurring invoices, multiple payment methods (Stripe, PayPal), and automated payment reminders. Invoices are accessible through white-label client portals, providing a professional experience. The system supports fixed-price invoices, time-based invoices, expense reimbursement, and hybrid billing models. Retainer management is particularly strong, allowing agencies to track prepaid hours or funds and automatically deduct from retainers.
Pricing starts at $99/month with unlimited users and all features included. This represents excellent value since invoicing is part of a comprehensive platform that also includes CRM, project management, time tracking, and client portals. The integrated approach means agencies don't need separate invoicing software, reducing costs and complexity. Setup is fast, and the platform includes excellent documentation and support. AgencyPro is ideal for agencies that want invoicing integrated with their entire operations rather than a standalone tool.
Pros
- • Integrated with time tracking and projects
- • Automatic invoice generation from time
- • Strong retainer management
- • White-label client portal access
- • Multiple payment methods
- • Recurring invoice support
- • Unlimited users included
Cons
- • Part of larger platform (not standalone invoicing)
- • May be overkill if you only need invoicing
- • Newer platform (less brand recognition)
FreshBooks
Best for small agencies and freelancers needing user-friendly invoicing
FreshBooks is one of the most popular invoicing solutions for small agencies and freelancers, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive invoicing features. The platform makes it easy to create professional invoices, track time, manage expenses, and accept payments. It's designed for non-accountants, with an intuitive interface that doesn't require accounting knowledge.
The invoicing features are robust, including customizable templates, automatic payment reminders, recurring invoices, and multiple payment methods. FreshBooks integrates time tracking with invoicing, allowing you to bill for tracked hours. The platform includes basic accounting features, expense tracking, and client management. However, FreshBooks is primarily focused on invoicing and basic accounting rather than comprehensive agency management, so agencies needing project management or client portals may need additional tools.
Pricing starts at $17/month for the Lite plan (5 billable clients), with higher tiers at $30/month (50 clients) and $55/month (unlimited clients). Transaction fees are 2.9% + $0.30 for credit cards. The platform offers good value for small agencies, though costs can add up with transaction fees. Setup is straightforward, and FreshBooks provides excellent documentation and support. FreshBooks is ideal for small agencies and freelancers that prioritize easy-to-use invoicing over comprehensive agency management features.
Pros
- • Very user-friendly interface
- • Excellent invoicing features
- • Good time tracking integration
- • Multiple payment methods
- • Affordable for small agencies
- • Good mobile apps
Cons
- • Limited to invoicing and basic accounting
- • Client limits on lower plans
- • Transaction fees add up
- • Less comprehensive than all-in-one platforms
QuickBooks
Best for agencies needing comprehensive accounting alongside invoicing
QuickBooks is the industry standard for small business accounting, and its invoicing capabilities are comprehensive. The platform offers robust invoicing features including customizable templates, automatic payment reminders, recurring invoices, and multiple payment methods. However, QuickBooks is primarily an accounting platform with invoicing features, rather than a dedicated invoicing solution.
The platform excels in providing comprehensive accounting features including expense tracking, financial reporting, tax preparation, and payroll. Invoicing integrates seamlessly with accounting, making it easy to track income and expenses. However, QuickBooks is less focused on agency-specific needs like time tracking integration, project management, or client portals. The interface, while powerful, can feel complex for users who just need invoicing. Agencies may need to integrate QuickBooks with other tools for comprehensive agency management.
Pricing starts at $30/month for Simple Start, with higher tiers at $55/month (Essentials) and $85/month (Plus). Transaction fees are 2.9% + $0.25 for credit cards, or 1% for ACH. The platform offers good value for agencies that need comprehensive accounting, though it may be overkill for agencies that just need invoicing. Setup requires some accounting knowledge, and QuickBooks provides extensive documentation and support. QuickBooks is ideal for agencies that prioritize accounting and financial management alongside invoicing.
Pros
- • Comprehensive accounting features
- • Industry standard platform
- • Strong invoicing capabilities
- • Extensive integrations
- • Good for tax preparation
- • Excellent reporting
Cons
- • Can feel complex for simple invoicing
- • Less agency-specific than dedicated platforms
- • Requires accounting knowledge
- • Transaction fees
- • May need additional tools for agency management
Harvest
Best for agencies with time-based billing
Harvest excels at time tracking and seamlessly connects time tracking to invoicing, making it ideal for agencies that bill primarily by the hour. The platform makes it easy to track time across projects and clients, then generate invoices directly from tracked hours with customizable rates. This workflow is particularly valuable for agencies with variable billing based on actual time spent.
The invoicing features are solid, including customizable templates, automatic invoice generation from time entries, recurring invoices, and payment processing. Harvest integrates with numerous project management tools, allowing time tracking within existing workflows. However, Harvest is focused on time tracking and invoicing rather than comprehensive agency management, so agencies may need additional tools for CRM, project management, or client portals. The platform is simple and intuitive, making it easy for teams to adopt.
Pricing starts at $12/user/month for unlimited projects, with a free plan available for solo users (1 user, 2 projects). Transaction fees are 2.9% + $0.30 for credit cards. For a 10-person agency, expect $120/month plus transaction fees. The platform offers good value for agencies that prioritize time tracking and time-based billing. Setup is straightforward, and Harvest provides good documentation and support. Harvest is ideal for agencies that bill primarily by the hour and want seamless time-to-invoice workflows.
Pros
- • Excellent time tracking
- • Seamless time-to-invoice workflow
- • Good project management integrations
- • Simple and intuitive
- • Affordable per-user pricing
- • Free plan for solo users
Cons
- • Per-user pricing adds up
- • Limited beyond time tracking and invoicing
- • Transaction fees
- • Less comprehensive than all-in-one platforms
Bonsai
Best for freelancers and small agencies needing all-in-one
Bonsai is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for freelancers and small agencies, combining invoicing, contracts, proposals, time tracking, and client management. The platform makes it easy to manage the entire client lifecycle from proposal to payment, with integrated workflows that eliminate manual processes.
The invoicing features are comprehensive, including customizable templates, automatic payment reminders, recurring invoices, and multiple payment methods. Bonsai integrates invoicing with proposals and contracts, creating a seamless workflow. The platform includes time tracking, expense tracking, and basic project management. However, Bonsai is designed for smaller teams and may feel limited for larger agencies. The platform is user-friendly and requires minimal setup, making it ideal for freelancers transitioning to agency work.
Pricing starts at $24/month for the Starter plan, with higher tiers at $39/month (Professional) and $79/month (Business). Transaction fees are 2.9% + $0.30 for credit cards. The platform offers good value for freelancers and small agencies, though larger teams may find it limiting. Setup is straightforward, and Bonsai provides good documentation and support. Bonsai is ideal for freelancers and small agencies (1-5 people) that want comprehensive features without the complexity of enterprise platforms.
Pros
- • All-in-one platform
- • Integrated proposals and contracts
- • Good invoicing features
- • User-friendly interface
- • Affordable pricing
- • Good for freelancers
Cons
- • Limited for larger agencies
- • Transaction fees
- • Less comprehensive than enterprise platforms
- • May outgrow as agency grows
Wave
Best for small agencies on a tight budget
Wave offers free invoicing and accounting software, making it attractive for small agencies and freelancers on tight budgets. The platform provides essential invoicing features including customizable templates, automatic payment reminders, recurring invoices, and payment processing. It also includes basic accounting features like expense tracking and financial reporting.
The free tier includes unlimited invoices and clients, making it excellent value for cash-strapped agencies. However, Wave makes money through payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 for credit cards, 1% for ACH), which can add up for agencies processing significant volumes. The platform is user-friendly and straightforward, though it lacks advanced features found in paid solutions. Wave is best suited for very small agencies or freelancers just starting out who need basic invoicing without subscription costs.
Pricing is free for invoicing and accounting, with payment processing fees applied only when clients pay. This makes Wave attractive for agencies with low payment volumes, though transaction fees can become expensive for high-volume agencies. Setup is simple, and Wave provides good documentation. Wave is ideal for small agencies and freelancers that prioritize cost savings and need basic invoicing features without subscription fees.
Pros
- • Completely free invoicing
- • Basic accounting included
- • Unlimited invoices and clients
- • User-friendly interface
- • Good for small budgets
Cons
- • Payment processing fees can add up
- • Limited advanced features
- • Less comprehensive than paid solutions
- • No time tracking integration
- • Basic reporting
Xero
Best for agencies needing cloud accounting
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular among small businesses and agencies, particularly outside the US. The platform offers comprehensive invoicing features including customizable templates, automatic payment reminders, recurring invoices, and multiple payment methods. Xero integrates invoicing seamlessly with accounting, making it easy to track income and expenses.
The platform excels in providing comprehensive accounting features including expense tracking, financial reporting, bank reconciliation, and tax preparation. Xero integrates with numerous third-party tools, providing flexibility for agencies with existing tool stacks. However, Xero is primarily an accounting platform with invoicing features, rather than a dedicated invoicing solution. The interface is modern and user-friendly, though it may feel complex for users who just need invoicing. Agencies may need to integrate Xero with other tools for comprehensive agency management.
Pricing starts at $15/month for the Starter plan (limited invoices), with higher tiers at $42/month (Standard) and $78/month (Premium). Transaction fees vary by payment method. The platform offers good value for agencies that need comprehensive accounting, though it may be overkill for agencies that just need invoicing. Setup requires some accounting knowledge, and Xero provides extensive documentation and support. Xero is ideal for agencies that prioritize cloud-based accounting and financial management alongside invoicing.
Pros
- • Comprehensive cloud accounting
- • Strong invoicing features
- • Good international support
- • Extensive integrations
- • Modern interface
- • Good mobile apps
Cons
- • Can feel complex for simple invoicing
- • Less agency-specific than dedicated platforms
- • Requires accounting knowledge
- • Transaction fees
- • May need additional tools for agency management
PayPal Invoicing
Best for simple payment collection
PayPal Invoicing provides a simple, free way to create and send invoices, making it attractive for agencies that just need basic invoicing without additional features. The platform integrates seamlessly with PayPal payments, allowing clients to pay invoices directly through PayPal. It's straightforward and requires no subscription fees.
The invoicing features are basic but functional, including customizable templates, automatic payment reminders, and payment tracking. However, PayPal Invoicing is limited compared to dedicated invoicing platforms—it lacks time tracking integration, advanced reporting, expense tracking, or comprehensive client management. The platform is best suited for agencies that need simple invoicing and payment collection without additional business management features. Payment processing fees are standard PayPal rates (2.9% + $0.30 for domestic payments).
Pricing is free for creating invoices, with payment processing fees applied only when clients pay. This makes PayPal Invoicing attractive for agencies with low payment volumes, though transaction fees can become expensive for high-volume agencies. Setup is simple and requires a PayPal account. PayPal Invoicing is ideal for very small agencies or freelancers that need basic invoicing and payment collection without subscription costs or advanced features.
Pros
- • Free to create invoices
- • Simple and straightforward
- • Integrated with PayPal payments
- • No subscription fees
- • Widely recognized payment method
Cons
- • Very limited features
- • No time tracking integration
- • Basic reporting
- • Payment processing fees
- • Not suitable for comprehensive agency management
How We Evaluated These Tools
Our evaluation process considered multiple factors critical to agency invoicing success:
- Invoicing Features: We assessed core invoicing capabilities including template customization, recurring invoices, payment reminders, and invoice tracking. Solutions with comprehensive invoicing features scored higher.
- Integration with Time Tracking: We evaluated whether platforms integrate with time tracking to automatically generate invoices from tracked hours. Solutions with seamless time-to-invoice workflows scored higher.
- Payment Processing: We assessed payment method support (credit cards, ACH, PayPal), transaction fees, and payment collection capabilities. Solutions with multiple payment methods and reasonable fees scored higher.
- Agency-Specific Features: We evaluated retainer management, recurring billing, expense tracking, and client portal access. Solutions with agency-specific features scored higher.
- Pricing & Value: We assessed subscription costs, transaction fees, and total cost of ownership. Solutions offering good value and transparent pricing scored higher.
- Ease of Use: We evaluated interface intuitiveness, setup complexity, and learning curve. Solutions that were easy to use scored higher.
- Comprehensive Features: We assessed whether platforms offered standalone invoicing or comprehensive agency management. Solutions that integrated invoicing with broader agency needs scored higher.
We also considered real user reviews, transaction fee structures, and integration capabilities. Our rankings prioritize solutions that offer the best combination of invoicing features, value, and agency-specific capabilities. Note that the "best" tool depends on your specific needs—a solo freelancer may prioritize different features than a 20-person agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in invoicing software for agencies?
Essential invoicing features for agencies include: automatic invoice generation from time tracking, recurring invoice support for retainers, multiple payment methods (credit card, ACH, bank transfer), payment reminders and follow-ups, invoice templates and customization, client portal for invoice viewing and payment, expense tracking and reimbursement, multi-currency support for international clients, tax calculation and reporting, and integration with accounting software. Agencies should also prioritize software that integrates with their time tracking and project management tools to eliminate manual data entry. Look for platforms that offer automated workflows, such as generating invoices from tracked time or sending reminders for overdue payments.
How much does invoicing software cost for agencies?
Invoicing software pricing varies widely. Basic invoicing tools start free (Wave, PayPal) or around $10-20/month (FreshBooks Lite, Bonsai Starter). Mid-tier solutions range from $20-50/month (FreshBooks Plus, QuickBooks, Harvest). Comprehensive agency platforms (like AgencyPro at $99/month) include invoicing as part of all-in-one solutions. Additional costs to consider: transaction fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per payment), per-user charges (some platforms charge $5-15/user/month), add-on features, and annual vs. monthly billing (annual often saves 15-20%). For agencies processing $50,000/month in payments, transaction fees alone can cost $1,450/month. Always calculate total cost including transaction fees, not just subscription costs.
Should I use standalone invoicing software or an all-in-one agency platform?
The choice depends on your current tool stack and needs. Standalone invoicing software (FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Harvest) is ideal if you already have project management and time tracking tools you love, and just need better invoicing. All-in-one platforms (AgencyPro, Bonsai) are better if you want integrated workflows—time tracking automatically flows to invoicing, clients can view invoices in the same portal where they see projects, and everything is connected. Benefits of all-in-one: eliminates data silos, reduces manual work, provides unified client experience, and often better value. Benefits of standalone: use best-in-class tools for each function, more flexibility to switch individual tools. Most agencies eventually prefer all-in-one for efficiency, though some prefer best-in-class tools.
How do I handle recurring invoices and retainer billing?
Most modern invoicing platforms support recurring invoices, but capabilities vary. Essential features: automatic invoice generation on schedule (monthly, quarterly, annually), ability to set fixed amounts or variable amounts based on time/hours, automatic payment collection via saved payment methods, ability to pause or modify recurring invoices, and notifications for both you and clients. For retainer billing specifically, look for platforms that support: retainer balance tracking (prepaid hours or funds), automatic deduction from retainer balance, alerts when retainer is low, and ability to invoice additional work beyond retainer. Some platforms (like AgencyPro) offer dedicated retainer management features, while others require manual tracking. For agencies with multiple retainer clients, dedicated retainer management is essential.
What payment methods should invoicing software support?
Modern invoicing software should support multiple payment methods to accommodate client preferences and reduce payment delays. Essential methods include: credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), ACH/bank transfers (lower fees, preferred by larger clients), PayPal (widely used, especially for international), and wire transfers (for large amounts). Some platforms also support: Apple Pay and Google Pay (for mobile payments), checks (with check scanning/processing), and cryptocurrency (emerging option). Consider transaction fees—credit cards typically cost 2.9% + $0.30, while ACH transfers cost 0.5-1% or flat fees. For agencies processing large volumes, ACH support can significantly reduce costs. Also ensure the platform handles international payments if you have global clients, including multi-currency support and currency conversion.
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