Best AI invoice generator for small business
For most small businesses, Wave is the easiest place to start, because its free plan lets you send unlimited invoices and estimates. Zoho Invoice is a free option with more built-in tools, QuickBooks Online adds AI that can create invoices in bulk, and Xero fits if your accountant already uses it.
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The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wave | Unlimited free invoices | Free; Pro US$19/mo |
| Zoho Invoice | Free, with more tools | Free |
| QuickBooks Online | AI bulk invoicing | Free; paid from US$38/mo |
| Xero | Accountant uses Xero | From US$27/mo |
Prices are each maker’s regular list price in US dollars, read on the date shown. We never convert currencies. We left out intro discounts.
1. Wave: best free invoice generator
Why it stands out. The free Starter plan lets you create unlimited estimates, invoices, and bills, and you can invoice from the mobile app. You can add your logo and brand colors to the invoice templates and take deposits through estimates. Pro is US$19 a month, or US$190 a year, and adds automatic late-payment reminders, auto-imported and auto-categorized bank transactions, and unlimited receipt capture.
Watch out. Online card payments cost extra per transaction on every plan, and you need to be approved to accept them. Automatic payment reminders are on Pro only.
2. Zoho Invoice: best free option with extras
Why it stands out. Zoho Invoice is free. You can email invoices or save them as PDFs, send quotes and recurring invoices, automate payment reminders, and customize templates to match your brand. It also logs time, tracks expenses, and gives customers a self-service portal.
Watch out. The free plan allows up to 2 users, 3 projects, and 500 invoices a year, and invoices carry "Powered by Zoho Invoice" branding. Zoho says data is deleted if an account is inactive for more than 180 days, after a warning.
3. QuickBooks Online: best for AI-powered invoicing
Why it stands out. Intuit’s AI tools, which it calls Intuit Intelligence, are built into the paid plans. Essentials (US$85 a month) can create invoices in bulk automatically, a feature in beta, and includes what Intuit calls Payments AI to help you get paid faster. Every paid plan lets customers pay invoices by card or bank transfer through QuickBooks Payments, with status updates and reminders. Simple Start is US$38 a month.
Watch out. The free plan allows only 2 invoices a month, unless you qualify for and turn on QuickBooks Payments, and it has no mobile app. Bulk AI invoicing starts on Essentials.
4. Xero: best if your accountant uses it
Why it stands out. Every plan lets you send quotes and invoices and accept online invoice payments. Xero also offers tap-to-pay on Android and iPhone, powered by Stripe, so you can take payment on the spot. Growing (US$59 a month) removes the invoice cap.
Watch out. The Early plan (US$27 a month) caps you at 20 invoices and 5 bills. There’s no free plan, and payment fees apply to online invoice payments.
How to choose
- Want free with no invoice cap? Start with Wave.
- Want free with time tracking and a customer portal? Try Zoho Invoice, if 500 invoices a year is enough.
- Want AI to do more of the work? QuickBooks Online Essentials creates invoices in bulk.
- Ask your accountant first. If they work in QuickBooks or Xero, using the same one saves time at tax time.
- Check payment fees. Card fees come on top of any plan price, so compare them if most customers pay online.
Questions people ask
What is the best free invoice generator for small business?
Wave, for most small businesses. Its free Starter plan includes unlimited invoices and estimates. Zoho Invoice is also free, with up to 500 invoices a year.
Can AI create invoices for me?
Yes. QuickBooks Online Essentials and up include AI that creates invoices in bulk automatically, a feature in beta, checked October 2026.
Can I send invoices from my phone?
Yes. Wave lets you invoice from its mobile app on the free plan. QuickBooks Online’s paid plans include a mobile app, and Xero offers tap-to-pay on Android and iPhone.
Do invoice apps send payment reminders?
Yes. Zoho Invoice automates reminders on its free plan, Wave Pro sends automatic late-payment reminders, and QuickBooks Online paid plans include invoice reminders.
Related pages
- Bookkeeping & money tools for small business
- Tool pages: Wave · QuickBooks Online · Xero
- Best AI bookkeeping software for contractors
- How we pick
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