Maintaining a steady cash flow is important for survival as a freelancer, yet one of the biggest challenges you can face is getting paid on time. Even worse, when there’s no formal process for requesting payment or following up on due payments.
Creating invoices solves this problem by providing a clear record of the work done, payment terms, and deadlines. It sets expectations, making it easier for clients to pay on time while helping you stay organized and professional.
Luckily, various free invoicing software makes the process even simpler. It automates many tasks like sending payment reminders, tracking unpaid invoices, and offering online payment options.
In this article, we’ll list the 10 best free invoicing software for freelancers in Nigeria, so you can easily create an invoice for every payment and properly manage your finances.
1. Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja can described as a full-stack tool for freelancers looking to manage their finances. You can easily send invoices and manage payments with its invoicing solution, choose from multiple currencies and languages for overseas customers, set up automatic reminders for late payers, and transform quotes into invoices with a button.
With Invoice Ninja, you have everything you need to run your small business. From invoice templates to a personalized dashboard, and recurring settings, you don’t have to manually create and send invoices to clients again.
Key Features
1. Customizable invoices: Create and customize your logo how you want it. Invoice Ninja’s real-time PDF preview creation allows you to see your invoice as you create it.
2. Multiple payment gateways: Freelancers can accept payments from international clients via multiple gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, Braintree, Square, and more!
3. Dynamic dashboard data: See revenue, invoices sent, paid, and pending, and all other recent activity data. You can also track upcoming invoices, past due, and lots more keeping you updated on your financial activities.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Additional users and access permissions |
Maximum of 20 clients on the free plan |
Manage invoicing for up to 10 business accounts |
Only one user is allowed on the free plan |
Clients can view their invoices, quotes, payments, documents, and all transaction history. |
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Email invoices, quotes, & payment reminders can now be sent via your Gmail or MSN email! |
Pricing
Invoice Ninja has a free plan with unlimited invoicing and a 20-client limit. Their paid plans start from $12 per month, unlocking additional features like unlimited clients, recurring and auto-billing invoices, advanced reporting, and more.
Alternatives to Invoice Ninja: TolaHQ, Waveapp, InvoiceNG, Billdu.
2. TolaHQ
TolaHQ is known for its eye-catching design and templates that make it easy to customize. Its localized features make it one of the best options for freelancers looking to streamline invoicing, track income, and manage expenses efficiently.
Key Features
1. Easy invoice creation: You can customize invoices with your logo, adjust payment terms, and even add specific notes for your clients. This feature not only saves time but also enhances the professionalism of your business.
2. Multiple payment gateways: Tola integrates with popular payment gateways allowing you to receive payments seamlessly through various options, including card payments, bank transfers, and mobile money.
3. Payments Tracking: Track your payment status, see an audit log and payment steps, and share the payment status with clients.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Payment status tracking |
Limited advanced features for large businesses |
Detailed financial report |
No mobile app available (web-based only) |
Easy invoice customization |
Pricing
Creating an invoice on Tola is FREE. All you need to do is choose a template and enter the basic information for the invoice.
Alternatives to Tola: Invoice Ninja, InvoiceSimple, Invoicely, WeInvoice.
3. Waveapp
Waveapp simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and payments, making it a great option for small businesses or individual freelancers who want robust financial tools without paying heavy subscription fees.
Key Features
1. An easy-to-use dashboard: Waveapp’s dashboard allows you to easily manage your finances without the need for an accountant. You know where your money is, which one is on the way, and which is already sorted.
2. Recurring payment: Set up recurring invoices and automatic payments for your repeat clients, so you don’t have to create an invoice every time payment is due.
3. Free invoicing and accounting: Wave allows freelancers to send an unlimited number of invoices without any hidden fees. Invoices are customizable, so you can add your logo, payment terms, and due dates.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Easy to use and beginner-friendly |
Payment processing fees in other countries |
Accept payments online |
Limited localization features for freelancers in Nigeria. |
Instant notifications |
|
Invoice on the go |
Pricing
Wave is entirely free for invoicing. The only charges come from credit card processing fees, but this feature is not available in Nigeria.
Alternatives to Waveapp: TolaHQ, Invoice Ninja, Square Up, Invoice Home
4. Square Invoices
Square is well-known for its payment processing services, but its invoicing solution, Square Invoices, offers freelancers a powerful tool for managing payments and invoicing. While primarily designed for businesses that accept card payments, you can still benefit from its features if you work with international clients.
Key Features
1. Flexible payment options: Customers can pay how they want, whether it’s by credit card, Apple Pay, ACH bank transfer, or even in person.
2. Automated reminders: Stay on top of payments with automated reminders for clients who miss payment deadlines.
3. Payment tracking: You can track payments and send follow-up reminders easily through Square’s dashboard, ensuring clients never miss a payment.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Send unlimited invoices, contracts, and estimates on the free plan |
Best suited for card payments |
Integrates with third-party accounting software |
High processing fees for online card payments |
Offers multiple payment options for clients |
No customization on the free plan |
Custom pricing for high-volume merchants |
Pricing
Square Invoices is FREE to use for creating invoices, however, card processing fees are relatively expensive. Paid plans start at $20 per month and come with discounted processing fees among other things.
Alternatives to Square Invoices: Waveapp, Invoicely, Billdu, TolaHQ
5. Invoice Simple
Invoice Simple is a basic invoicing tool designed for freelancers and small businesses who want to create and send invoices without complications. With its simple interface and ease of use, it’s great for freelancers who need a straightforward solution.
Key Features
1. Easy invoice creation: Invoice Simple is known for its simplicity. You can create and send professional-looking invoices in just a few minutes.
2. Mobile and web access: You can access Invoice Simple via the web or mobile app, making it convenient to manage invoices anywhere.
3. Expense tracking: You can log expenses alongside invoicing on your dashboard, helping you track your overall financial health.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Extremely simple and user-friendly |
No advanced features for accountancy needs |
Mobile app available for easy invoicing |
Limited customization options |
Affordable pricing |
Pricing
Invoice Simple has no free plans. Paid plans start at $4.99 per month offering up to 3 invoices per month, online payments, real-time read receipts, and more.
Alternatives to Invoice Simple: Invoicely, Invoice Home, Weinvoice, InvoiceNG
READ ALSO: How to Make More Money as a Freelancer in Nigeria: 7 Steps That Work
6. Billdu
Unlike other invoicing software listed above, Billdu takes a mobile-first approach to its solution. Meaning, it’s a mobile-friendly invoicing software for freelancers who prefer to manage their finances on the go.
Key Features
1. Mobile app: Billdu's mobile app allows you to create, send, and manage invoices from your smartphone, making it convenient if you are always on the move.
2. Expense tracking: Freelancers can log expenses easily, helping them keep track of their business spending and stay financially organized.
3. Online sales: Billdu offers online sales tools like online booking, online store, and quote requests for freelancers who also have small businesses.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Immediate payment options for clients |
Limited invoice design templates |
Generate project estimates quickly |
Limited features for large businesses |
Ideal for freelancers who need invoicing solutions on the go |
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Expense tracking allows you to properly manage your finances. |
Pricing
Billdu offers a free plan allowing you to create invoices. Paid plans start at $7.99 per month and include more features like unlimited invoices, client signature, invoice status tracking, and more.
Alternatives to Billdu: TolaHQ, Waveapp, Invoice Ninja, Invoicel
7. Invoicely
Invoicely is a simple yet effective invoicing tool offering both free and paid plans. Its ease of use and range of features make it a popular choice for freelancers and small business owners worldwide.
Key Features
1. Unlimited Invoicing: Invoicely’s free plan allows freelancers to create unlimited invoices and track payments without paying for a subscription.
2. Multi-currency invoicing: Invoicely supports multiple currencies, allowing you to bill international clients in their preferred currency.
3. Time & Expense tracking: Track hourly billed tasks and other expenses and convert them into invoices or estimates easily.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Simple and user-friendly interface |
Limited advanced features in free version |
Accept online payments |
No local payment gateway integration |
Dynamic dashboard with all relevant financial data for monitoring and decision-making |
Basic expense tracking |
Pricing
Invoicely offers a free plan which allows you to create up to 5 invoices monthly. For features and a higher number of invoices, subscribe to a pro plan which starts at $9.99 per month.
Alternatives to Invoicely: Invoice Simple, Invoice Ninja, Square Up, WeInvoice
8. Invoice Home
Invoice Home is designed for speed and simplicity. It’s perfect for freelancers who want to create and send professional invoices quickly, without getting bogged down in complex features.
Key Features
1. Customizable templates: Invoice Home offers over 100 customizable invoicing templates, allowing you to create unique, professional invoices that reflect your brand.
2. PDF Invoices: All invoices generated by Invoice Home are automatically saved as PDFs, ensuring that they are easy to share with clients.
3. Payment integration: Invoice Home supports PayPal, allowing you to add payment buttons directly to their invoices for faster client payments.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Simple and fast invoice creation |
Lacks advanced financial tracking features |
Wide range of templates |
Limited automation features |
PDF invoices for easy sharing |
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Cloud storage for easy access |
Pricing
Invoice Home is FREE.
Alternatives to Invoice Home: TolaHQ, Waveapp, Invoice Ninja, Square Up
9. Invoice.NG
This is another invoice software that helps you appear professional when dealing with clients financially. You can create customized invoices, keep track of old ones, and send automated payment reminders when due. It’s particularly well-suited for freelancers working within the Nigerian market, offering localized features that cater to their unique needs.
Key Features
1. Local payment gateway integration: One of the standout features of Invoice.NG is its integration with Nigerian payment gateways like Paystack and Flutterwave, allowing clients to make payments directly from the invoice.
2. Recurring invoices: Freelancers can set up recurring invoices for long-term clients, thereby saving time and resources.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Keep track of pending payment |
Limited features in the free plan |
Accepting payments from local clients is easier |
|
Email reminders to clients on pending and upcoming invoices |
Pricing
Creating invoices on InvoiceNG is FREE. For more advanced features like unlimited invoicing, unlimited clients, and more, subscribe to the premium plan starting at ₦1,500 per month.
Alternatives to InvoiceNG: Invoice Home, WeInvoice, Waveapp, Invoice Simple.
10. WeInvoice
WeInvoice is a straightforward invoicing software if you need to create invoices quickly without the need for many advanced accountancy features. Its clean interface, customizable templates, and basic payment tracking features make it suitable for anyone to use.
Key Features
1. Unlimited storage: Store unlimited invoices and easily track history whenever you need to.
2. Payment method tracking: Keep record of all the payment methods done by clients. Whether cash, check, card payments, etc.
3. Detailed receipt: WeInvoice’s receipts highlight all the important details of the transaction, so you have all the data you need to monitor payments with clients.
Pros and Cons
Pros |
Cons |
Simple and easy to use |
Limited advanced features |
Easy payment tracking |
|
Customizable invoice templates |
Pricing
Creating invoices on WeInvoice is FREE.
Alternatives to WeInvoice: Invoicely, Invoice Home, TolaHQ, Billdu
Simplify Payments and Focus on What Matters
Sending an invoice and not including information about how to pay is one of the reasons you’re left with unpaid invoices as a freelancer. But using the right invoicing software tool can help change that.
These tools help you stay organized, create professional invoices, and ensure that clients have all the necessary details to pay you promptly. Automated reminders and easy payment integration mean you’ll spend less time chasing clients and more time focusing on your work.
Remember, a basic business lesson is to make it easy to accept payment in whatever form your customer has. So try out any of the tools listed above and let us know
PS: To work with global clients and get hands-on experience on various projects, Sign up on Expaat.