Invoicing guide
Best Invoicing Software for Contractors (2026)
Contractors need invoicing software that's mobile-first, supports deposits and progress billing, and gets paid fast. These are the top tools for 2026.
Quick comparison
| Software | Category | Starting price | Free trial | Rating | Best for | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FreshBooks | Invoicing | $19/mo | Yes | 4.5 | Solo contractors and small service teams that bill by the job. | Visit |
| QuickBooks Online | Invoicing | $30/mo | Yes | 4.4 | Growing service businesses that want bookkeeper-friendly accounting. | Visit |
| Joist | Estimating | Free | Yes | 4.4 | Solo contractors who need estimates and invoices, not a full FSM. | Visit |
| Jobber | All-in-one | $29/mo | Yes | 4.7 | Owner-operators and crews of 2–15 in trades and home services. | Visit |
Top picks
FreshBooks
Invoicing
FreshBooks makes invoicing, expenses, and time tracking simple for service pros.
- Beautiful, simple invoices
- Great mobile UX
- Solid time tracking and projects
Starting price
$19/mo
QuickBooks Online
Invoicing
QuickBooks Online is full-featured accounting trusted by millions of SMBs.
- Industry standard with every accountant
- Deep reporting
- Massive integration network
Starting price
$30/mo
Joist
Estimating
Joist lets contractors create professional estimates and invoices from their phone.
- Great free tier
- Mobile-first estimating
- Quick invoice + payments
Starting price
Free
Jobber
All-in-one
Jobber helps home service businesses quote, schedule, invoice, and get paid — all from one app.
- Excellent mobile apps for field crews
- Built-in payments and automated follow-ups
- Client hub for self-serve quote approvals
Starting price
$29/mo
FAQ
What's the simplest invoicing app for contractors?+
Joist is the simplest free option — estimates and invoices from your phone in minutes.
FreshBooks vs QuickBooks for contractors?+
FreshBooks is easier to learn; QuickBooks is more powerful and what most accountants prefer. Most contractors graduate from FreshBooks to QuickBooks as they grow.