10 Best Invoicing Software in the UK

Managing invoices is essential to running any business, especially when ensuring smooth cash flow and timely payments. For companies in the UK, finding the right invoicing software can be a game changer, simplifying billing processes, automating payment reminders, and ensuring VAT compliance. 

The right invoicing software can significantly save time, reduce errors, and ensure your finances stay organized, whether you’re managing a small or growing business. 

This article highlights the Top invoicing software options in the UK, offering features that will streamline your financial operations and help your business run more efficiently.

Software	Starting Price	Trial Period	Free version
Refrens	£100/year	✔️	✔️
Square Invoice	£240/year	✔️	✔️
IRIS Kashflow	£138/year	✔️	❌
QuickBooks	£192/year	✔️	❌
Xero	£192/year	✔️	❌
Invoice2go	$71/year	✔️	❌
FreshBooks	$204/year	✔️	❌
Invoicely	$1,180/year	–	✔️
Wave	Custom	✔️	✔️
Zoho Invoice	Free	–	✔️

Key Features to Look for in Invoicing Software for UK Businesses

• Customizable Invoices: Look for software to personalize invoices with your logo, colors, and layout to maintain a professional brand image.
• Automated Payment Reminders: Save time with software that automatically sends reminders to clients for unpaid invoices, helping to ensure timely payments.
• Multi-Currency Support: For businesses dealing with international clients, the ability to generate invoices in multiple currencies and handle exchange rates is crucial.
• Recurring Invoicing: If you provide regular services, choose software that can automate recurring invoices, ensuring consistent cash flow without manual effort.
• Expense Tracking: Opt for invoicing software that integrates expense tracking, allowing you to manage both billing and expenses in one platform for a clearer financial overview.
• Online Payment Integration: Make it easier for clients to pay you by selecting software that supports various online payment methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, or direct bank transfers.
• Real-Time Reporting: Ensure the software provides comprehensive reporting tools like profit and loss statements, outstanding invoices, and expense summaries for better business insights.
• Mobile Accessibility: Choose a solution that offers a mobile app, allowing you to create, send, and track invoices on the go, ensuring flexibility and efficiency.
• Security and Data Protection: Look for invoicing software that prioritizes data security with features like encryption and secure cloud backups to protect your sensitive financial information.

1. Refrens

Refrens is a free invoicing software trusted by over 150,000 users in 178 countries. It simplifies billing for small and mid-sized businesses by offering tools for invoicing, payment management, and financial reporting. Refrens also streamlines accounting, inventory, and expense tracking, making it a comprehensive solution for handling invoices, quotes, and purchases.

Key Features:

• Professional Invoicing: Create detailed, professional-looking invoices in seconds, making billing quick and straightforward for small businesses.
• 1-Click Conversion: Instantly convert quotations into invoices, streamlining the workflow without re-entering data.
• Recurring Invoices: Automate recurring invoices for regular clients, saving time and ensuring timely billing.
• Audit Trails: Maintain a detailed log of invoice changes, providing full transparency and accountability within your team.
• Reports Generation: Access detailed reports like profit and loss, client statements, and expense summaries for real-time insights into your business.
• Expense Management: Easily track and manage business expenses, keeping accurate financial records alongside your invoicing data.
• Automatic Accounting: Automatically update accounting records when invoices, payments, and expenses are processed, reducing manual data entry.
• Invoice API Integration: Generate invoices directly from your website or app using Refrens’ Invoice API, seamlessly integrating invoicing into your existing workflow.
• Multi-User Support: Manage multiple users with role-based access, ensuring secure collaboration across teams.

Additional Features:

Refrens integrates with platforms like WhatsApp and Shopify, offering sales CRM, pipeline, and client management tools. It supports multi-currency invoicing and automated inventory tracking. With mobile app access, live chat support, and team collaboration features, Refrens streamlines communication and billing for international businesses.

Pricing:

• Basic: £0/year
• Accounts Lite: £100/year
• Accounts: £253/year

Pros:

• Refrens offers a comprehensive invoicing system that includes customizable templates, multi-currency support, and one-click conversions from quotations to invoices, streamlining business transactions
• Users benefit from automated reminders and reporting tools, allowing them to stay on top of unpaid invoices and generate insightful financial reports easily

Cons:

• The platform’s advanced features might require a learning curve for first-time users, especially those new to digital invoicing software

2. Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice is a free VAT invoicing software tailored for small businesses in the UK. It allows users to create customized invoice templates, email them, and get paid quickly. Zoho Invoice supports invoicing across all devices, making it a convenient option for freelancers, agencies, and small businesses.

Key Features:

• Custom Invoice Creation: Design personalized invoice templates by adding logos and tailoring the design to your brand.
• Multi-channel Invoice Sending: Send invoices via email, WhatsApp, or iMessage as PDF attachments for quick delivery.
• Online Payment Options: Accept payments through multiple methods, both online and offline, for faster transactions.
• Expense Tracking: Monitor and record all your business expenses, converting them into invoices when needed.
• Time Tracking: Keep track of project hours logged by staff and convert them into billable invoices.
• Automated Payment Reminders: Automatically notify customers of their due payments, ensuring timely collections.
• Customer Portal: Provide customers access to view and pay invoices, approve quotes, and download statements through a secure portal.

Additional Features:

Zoho Invoice integrates with the larger Zoho ecosystem, allowing seamless collaboration with Zoho Books, Zoho CRM, and other apps. It also offers comprehensive reports on sales, customer performance, and business financials to help you stay updated.

Pricing:

Free for all users, with no hidden costs or ads.

Pros:

• Zoho Invoice offers customizable templates, making it easy for businesses to create personalized and professional invoices
• The software integrates smoothly with popular payment platforms like Stripe and PayPal, facilitating international transactions and simplifying the payment process

Cons:

• While simple and intuitive, Zoho Invoice may lack advanced reporting features, making it less suitable for businesses needing in-depth analytics
• It can be challenging to manage credit notes and certain tax settings, which may affect invoice accuracy for some users

3. Square Invoice

Square Invoices is a robust invoice generation platform designed to help businesses in the UK get paid faster. With Square, you can send unlimited digital invoices, track payments in real time, and manage your business finances from a single dashboard. Square supports multiple payment methods, including online payments and buy-now-pay-later options like Clearpay, offering convenience for both businesses and customers.

Key Features:

• Unlimited Invoices & Estimates: Send as many invoices and estimates as needed without any limits, and easily convert estimates into invoices.
• Real-time Tracking: Track the status of invoices—paid, unpaid, or overdue—from anywhere with live updates.
• Recurring Invoices: Set up recurring invoices for clients and schedule automatic payment reminders to ensure timely payments.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Accept payments through credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Square Gift Cards, ensuring flexibility for clients.
• Batch Invoicing: Save time by sending the same invoice to multiple customers at once, instead of individually.
• Customizable Invoices: Personalize your invoices with custom fields, logos, and design layouts to match your business branding.
• Contracts with E-signature: Send and manage contracts with digital signatures directly from your Square Dashboard.

Additional Features:

Square integrates with popular third-party apps like FreshBooks, Zoho Books, and Xero for seamless financial management. It also offers project management tools, enabling businesses to track and organize projects from start to finish, alongside a customer directory that helps store and manage client information.

Pricing:

• Free: £0/month
• Plus: £20/month

Pros:

• Offers full customization of invoices, including design elements and payment schedules, allowing businesses to tailor invoices to their brand
• Provides multiple payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH bank transfer, and more, enhancing flexibility for clients

Cons:

• Higher fees for online card payments on the Free plan, may add up for frequent users
• The Free plan has limited customization options, requiring an upgrade to access advanced features

4. IRIS KashFlow

IRIS KashFlow is an easy-to-use online invoicing software designed for small businesses in the UK. It helps users manage VAT returns, create customizable invoices, and automate reminders to get paid faster. With its simple setup and user-friendly interface, IRIS KashFlow offers a comprehensive accounting solution that helps business owners stay in control of their finances.

Key Features:

• Customizable Invoices: Create professional invoices with your logo and branding to impress clients.
• Quote to Invoice Conversion: Convert quotes to invoices with a single click, saving time and reducing manual entry errors.
• Automated Payment Reminders: Set up automatic reminders for unpaid invoices, ensuring timely collections.
• Recurring Invoices: Automate invoicing for repeat customers and set up recurring billing to streamline operations.
• VAT Management: Submit VAT returns directly to HMRC and ensure compliance with VAT regulations.
• Mobile Accessibility: Manage your invoicing and accounting on the go with the free mobile app.
• Seamless Payment Integration: Link invoices to payment providers like PayPal and WorldPay to get paid instantly.

Additional Features:

IRIS KashFlow also supports managing purchases, tracking mileage, and reconciling bank transactions. With access to over 50 customizable reports, it provides insights into financial performance, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.

Pricing:

• Starter: £11.50/month
• Business: £23.50/month
• Business + Payroll: £31.50/month

Pros:

• Easy-to-use control panel, which simplifies invoicing and allows for customization options
• Provides integration with payroll and other basic accounting tools, making it helpful for straightforward bookkeeping needs

Cons:

• Customer service is reportedly difficult to reach, often resulting in unresolved billing issues
• Limited functionality for mobile users, with the mobile app not fully compatible or effective on devices like iPads, posing challenges for on-the-go invoicing

5. Invoicely

Invoicely is a free invoicing platform designed for small businesses to streamline their invoicing process. With Invoicely, users can create professional invoices, manage multiple businesses, and customize statements, all from a single dashboard. It also supports various payment methods, allowing businesses to get paid faster.

Key Features:

• Unlimited Invoices: Send as many invoices as you need, for free, with no limits on any account level.
• Recurring Invoices: Set up recurring invoices and automate payment reminders to ensure steady cash flow.
• Customizable Invoices: Personalize your invoices with logos and branding colors to reflect your business’s identity.
• Estimate to Invoice Conversion: Quickly convert accepted estimates into invoices with a single click.
• Multi-Currency Support: Create invoices in any currency, making invoicely ideal for businesses with international clients.
• Account Statements: Generate and send account statements to keep track of transactions with clients and vendors.
• Mobile Accessibility: Manage invoicing on the go with the Invoicely app available on iOS and Android.

Additional Features:

Invoicely supports tracking time, expenses, and mileage, allowing users to convert these into invoices. It also integrates with payment gateways to accept online payments directly from the invoices, ensuring faster transactions.

Pricing:

• Free: Unlimited invoicing for all account levels
• Basic Plan: $9.99/month
• Professional Plan: $19.99/month
• Enterprise Plan: $29.99/month

Pros:

• User-friendly interface that simplifies the invoicing process, with accessible templates and boilerplate text for easy setup
• Integration with PayPal enables smooth payment processing, enhancing convenience for both users and clients

Cons:

• Some clients report issues with invoices being flagged as spam due to generic sender addresses, which can lead to missed payments
• Lack of specific tax rates for EU countries and no Russian language option, limiting its usability for certain international users

6. QuickBooks 

QuickBooks is a powerful online accounting software trusted by over 6.5 million users worldwide. It allows small businesses in the UK to send professional invoices, track expenses, and manage cash flow with ease. QuickBooks supports VAT submission to HMRC and offers a comprehensive suite of tools for financial management.

Key Features:

• Customizable Invoices: Create branded invoices with your business logo and colors, and set up automated payment reminders for timely payments.
• Bank Integration: Connect your bank and credit cards to view real-time transactions, ensuring clear cash flow insights.
• Expense Tracking: Track and categorize expenses automatically, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
• VAT Compliance: Prepare and submit VAT returns directly to HMRC, ensuring your business stays compliant.
• Recurring Invoices: Set up recurring invoices for regular clients and automate the billing process.
• Progress Invoicing: Split invoices into multiple payments for large projects and track how much has been paid and what’s still owed.
• Multi-currency Support: Manage transactions in over 145 currencies, making it perfect for businesses with international clients.

Additional Features:

QuickBooks provides advanced reporting and project profitability tracking, helping businesses make informed financial decisions. It also integrates with over 300 apps, allowing seamless management of all business processes from one platform.

Pricing:

• Simple Start: £16/month
• Essentials: £33/month
• Plus: £47/month
• Advanced: £100/month

Pros:

• Allows for easy invoice and payment management with tools for sending invoices, setting payment reminders, and direct deposit.
• Syncs with popular apps and bank accounts, simplifying transaction categorization and bookkeeping.

Cons:

• Customer service issues with long wait times and challenges in resolving billing and subscription inquiries.
• Limited customization and functionality in online versions, lead some users to rely on additional tools like spreadsheets for tracking.

7. Invoice2go

Invoice2go is a user-friendly invoicing platform designed to help small businesses send professional invoices and get paid quickly. With its customizable invoicing features, multiple payment options, and expense management tools, Invoice2go optimizes cash flow and keeps businesses organized. It’s available across all devices for seamless invoicing on the go.

Key Features:

• Customizable Invoices: Create personalized invoices with your logo and brand colors, and send them instantly after completing a job.
• Multiple Payment Options: Accept payments via bank transfer, credit card, debit card, or PayPal, offering flexibility to your clients.
• Automated Reminders: Set up automatic payment reminders and stop chasing overdue payments manually.
• Time Tracking: Easily track your work hours and add billable time to invoices with just a few clicks.
• Recurring Invoices: Automatically bill customers at regular intervals with recurring invoices.
• Status Tracking: Keep track of invoices and get notified when clients view them or make payments.
• Mobile Accessibility: Send, track, and manage invoices on the go using the Invoice2go app for iOS and Android.

Additional Features:

Invoice2go integrates with QuickBooks and Xero to streamline bookkeeping. Users can generate business reports with insightful charts and graphs. The platform also allows invoices to be shared via email, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, increasing client flexibility.

Pricing:

• Lite: $5.99/month
• Standard: $9.99/month
• Premium: $19.99/month

Pros:

• A streamlined interface makes invoice creation quick and hassle-free, allowing users to generate and send invoices with minimal effort
• Convenient cloud storage for documents, enabling easy access to past invoices and estimates from any device

Cons:

• Issues with invoice synchronization across devices can lead to time-consuming re-entry of data.
• The lack of customization options for invoice templates can limit users wanting more personalized invoice designs.

8. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a popular invoicing software designed for small businesses and freelancers. It simplifies the billing process, allowing users to create professional invoices, manage expenses, and track time effortlessly. FreshBooks offers features like automated payment reminders, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking to ensure you get paid faster.

Key Features:

• Customizable Invoices: Create professional invoices with logos and personalized payment terms, and send them instantly.
• Multiple Payment Options: Accept payments through credit cards, ACH transfers, and PayPal, giving clients flexibility and speeding up payments.
• Automated Billing: Set up recurring invoices and automate reminders to reduce manual follow-up.
• Time Tracking: Log hours worked and seamlessly add them to invoices, ensuring you bill for every minute spent.
• Expense Management: Keep track of expenses and receipts, and easily add them to invoices, preventing any lost income.
• Project Management: Manage timelines, monitor progress, and track retainer-based work within the platform.
• Reports & Insights: Generate detailed reports to track cash flow, invoice statuses, and business performance.

Additional Features:

FreshBooks integrates with popular apps like QuickBooks and Xero, offering bookkeeping support. It also supports multi-currency invoicing, making it ideal for businesses with global clients. Users can access FreshBooks on the go via its mobile app for iOS and Android.

Pricing:

• Lite: $17/month
• Plus: $30/month
• Premium: $55/month

Pros:

• Offers seamless integration with payment gateways, allowing clients to pay directly through the invoice, which speeds up the payment process
• Provides automated tracking and reminders, so users can monitor unpaid invoices and avoid missed payments

Cons:

• Customizable invoice templates are somewhat limited, which may restrict branding flexibility
• Adding complex line items or multi-currency support can be cumbersome for users managing diverse invoicing needs

9. Xero

Xero is a cloud-based invoicing solution designed for small businesses and accountants. It helps streamline invoicing with customizable templates, payment reminders, and online payment options. Users can easily create and send professional invoices from any device, improving cash flow with timely reminders and automated payments. Xero’s invoicing software integrates seamlessly with other tools, reducing admin time.

Key Features:

• Customizable Invoices: Design invoices with your company branding, adding logos, payment terms, and personalized messages.
• Online Payments: Enable customers to pay directly via card or direct debit using payment solutions like Stripe or GoCardless.
• Automated Invoice Reminders: Set reminders to ensure customers pay on time, avoiding late payments.
• Mobile Invoicing: Create, send, and track invoices on the go with the Xero mobile app.
• Recurring Invoices: Automate billing for regular clients with recurring invoices, saving you time.
• eInvoicing: Use the Peppol network to send eInvoices directly, speeding up payment processing.
• Tracking and Analytics: Track when invoices are sent, opened, and paid. Generate aged receivables reports to monitor overdue payments.

Additional Features:

Xero also offers expense management, allowing you to track and assign costs to specific projects. Time-tracking capabilities are available, and billable hours can be pulled directly into invoices. Integration with third-party apps enhances job costing and project management.

Pricing:

• Ignite Plan: £16/month
• Grow Plan: £33/month
• Comprehensive Plan: £47/month
• Ultimate Plan: £59/month

Pros:

• Allows for automated bank feeds, helping streamline invoice payments and financial tracking
• Real-time updates on the dashboard make it easy to monitor invoice statuses and outstanding balances

Cons:

• Integration issues with certain banks can disrupt bank feeds, impacting invoice reconciliation
• Limited reporting customization for invoices can make it challenging to generate specific reports for business needs

10. Wave

Wave is a free invoicing software designed to help small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs get paid faster. With professional-looking invoices, easy online payments, and automated bookkeeping, Wave streamlines invoicing and payment processes, ensuring users spend less time chasing payments.

Key Features:

• Professional Invoicing: Create and send customized invoices within seconds, helping you maintain a professional image with clients.
• Recurring Billing: Automate invoicing for repeat customers, allowing for automatic credit card payments on a recurring schedule.
• Integrated Accounting: All invoicing and payment data automatically syncs with Wave’s free accounting feature, streamlining bookkeeping.
• Online Payments: Accept payments via credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay, giving clients convenient payment options.
• Mobile App: Manage invoicing on the go with Wave’s iOS and Android apps, perfect for business owners who need flexibility.
• Automated Payment Reminders: Set up reminders to notify customers of due payments, reducing the need for manual follow-up.
• Instant Notifications: Get real-time updates when an invoice is viewed, paid, or overdue, allowing you to manage cash flow effectively.

Additional Features:

Wave offers bank-grade security for online payments and integrates seamlessly with its free accounting software. Users can also track payments, send automated reminders, and access customer history from one dashboard.

Pricing:

• Free: Unlimited invoices, estimates, and accounting

Pros:

• Comprehensive reporting tools provide valuable insights for financial analysis
• Supports multiple users, making collaboration easier for small teams

Cons:

• Some features, like payroll and tax support, may be limited in certain countries
• Users report occasional glitches and system lags, especially during heavy usage

• Pro Plan (optional upgrade)

How to Choose the Perfect Invoicing Software for Your Business

• Industry Fit: Select software that caters to your specific industry needs, from freelancers to larger enterprises. This ensures you get features relevant to your business type.
• Customization: Look for software that lets you personalize invoices with branding and custom fields. This gives your invoices a professional, unique look.
• Automation: Choose a platform with features like recurring billing and automated payment reminders. These save time and reduce manual work.
• Payment Integration: Ensure the software integrates with popular payment gateways. This makes it easier for clients to pay and speeds up cash flow.
• Mobile Access: Pick invoicing software with a mobile app for creating and tracking invoices on the go. This ensures flexibility and quick access.
• Integrations: Look for invoicing software that integrates seamlessly with your accounting or CRM systems. This reduces the need for manual data entry and boosts efficiency.
• Support & Security: Ensure the software has reliable customer support and strong data protection features. This safeguards your financial information and provides peace of mind.

Conclusion

The invoicing software options we’ve explored here are designed to meet the diverse needs of UK businesses, from freelancers and startups to established enterprises. By choosing the right tool, you can automate repetitive tasks, manage payments efficiently, and ensure compliance with UK tax laws. 

Each software solution brings its strengths, whether it’s robust customization, seamless integration, or a user-friendly interface. With the right invoicing system in place, you’ll simplify your billing processes and free up valuable time to focus on growing your business. 

Take your pick from these top tools and watch your business operations become smoother and more efficient.