5 Best Invoice Generator Tools Compared (2026)

Looking for the best invoice generator? We've tested and compared the top options for freelancers and small businesses in 2026. Here's how they stack up.

1. InvoiceForge

Best for: Speed and simplicity

• AI-powered invoice generation in under 30 seconds
• Professional PDF output with clean formatting
• First invoice free, then £5/invoice or £9/month unlimited
• No signup required to try
• Supports multiple currencies and automatic tax calculation

Verdict: The fastest way to create a professional invoice. Perfect if you want a quick, polished PDF without the overhead of full accounting software.

2. Invoice Ninja

Best for: Open-source enthusiasts

• Open-source with self-hosting option
• Full invoicing, quoting, and expense tracking
• Free for up to 100 clients
• Payment integrations (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)

Verdict: A solid choice if you want full invoicing software and don't mind a learning curve.

3. Wave

Best for: Small businesses wanting free accounting

• Free invoicing with unlimited invoices
• Built-in accounting and receipt scanning
• Online payment processing (2.9% + 60p per transaction)
• Financial reports included

Verdict: Great if you need full accounting alongside invoicing. The free plan is generous but the interface can feel overwhelming for simple invoicing.

4. Zoho Invoice

Best for: Growing businesses

• Free for up to 5 customers
• Time tracking and project management
• Automated payment reminders
• Integration with Zoho ecosystem

Verdict: Excellent features but the free tier is limited. Best if you're already using Zoho's other products.

5. QuickBooks

Best for: Full accounting + invoicing

• Industry-standard accounting software
• Professional invoice templates
• Bank reconciliation and tax preparation
• Starts at £12/month

Verdict: Overkill for simple invoicing but unbeatable if you need full accounting. The pricing is the main drawback for solo freelancers.

Comparison Table

The Bottom Line

If you just need to create professional invoices quickly without learning complex software, InvoiceForge is your best bet. If you need full accounting, go with Wave (free) or QuickBooks (paid). And if you value open-source, check out Invoice Ninja.