Overview

Zoho Invoice is a free invoicing product from Zoho, a company founded in 1996 and headquartered in Chennai, India. Its free plan combines online invoicing with recurring invoices, payment reminders, expense and time tracking, and a customer portal. For contractors, it can cover recurring billing and invoice follow-up alongside customer access to quotes and payments.

The plan has firm limits: up to two users, three projects, and 500 invoices per year. It also includes Powered by Zoho Invoice branding. Inactive account data is deleted after more than 180 days of inactivity, within the following 20 days, and users are notified beforehand. Zoho says it does not show ads or sell user information.

For a broader look at options in this category, see our guide to Contractor invoicing software.

Key features

Invoices and getting paid

Users can create standard and recurring invoices, track invoices, and review overdue balances. Invoices can be emailed or sent as PDFs through WhatsApp or iMessage. Customers can pay through UPI, credit or debit cards, net banking, and bank payments. Automated payment reminders help prompt customers when an invoice needs attention.

Customer portal and quotes

The self-service customer portal lets clients view and pay invoices, respond to quotes, and leave reviews. That gives customers a place to handle several billing interactions without relying only on email exchanges.

GST, expenses, and reporting

Zoho Invoice supports GST-compliant invoices, and users can file GSTR-1 through an API. Business reports cover products, receivables aging, customers, taxes, sales, and expenses. The plan also includes expense and time tracking.

Connected Zoho products

Integrations include Zoho CRM, Analytics, Books, and other business tools. Free email support is available 24/5.

Pricing

Zoho Invoice is free: 0.00 USD per free, billed Free forever. The offer is described as free for all Indian businesses, forever. The plan allows up to two users, three projects, and 500 invoices per year, and includes online invoicing, payment reminders, recurring invoices, a customer portal, and expense and time tracking. Powered by Zoho Invoice branding is included.

Platforms

Zoho Invoice is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Invoices can be delivered as PDF files by email, WhatsApp, or iMessage.

Who it's for

Zoho Invoice is aimed at small businesses, consultants, agencies, contractors, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startups. For a small contracting operation, two user accounts and three projects may suit a limited workload, while the annual cap of 500 invoices sets a clear ceiling as billing volume grows. The customer portal, recurring invoices, and payment reminders are relevant to firms that need to manage ongoing charges and client follow-up.

It may be less suitable where a business needs more than two users or three active projects under the free plan, or wants invoices without product branding. Contractors should also account for the inactivity-based deletion policy when considering how long to leave an account unused.

Pros and cons

Pros: The plan is free and includes recurring invoices, online payments, payment reminders, tracking, expense and time tracking, and a customer portal.
Pros: Customers can pay through several listed methods, including UPI, cards, net banking, and bank payments.
Pros: GST-compliant invoicing and GSTR-1 filing through an API are available.
Cons: The free plan is limited to two users, three projects, and 500 invoices per year.
Cons: Invoices carry Powered by Zoho Invoice branding.
Cons: Data is deleted after extended inactivity, with deletion occurring within 20 days after the more-than-180-day inactivity threshold and prior notification.

Alternatives

Other products to consider include Contractor+, Traddie, Invoice Ninja, Billdu, Bookipi, Joist, Invoicely, and Invoice2go.

Verdict

Zoho Invoice offers a broad set of invoicing and payment tools at no charge, with a customer portal, recurring billing, reminders, expense and time tracking, and GST support. Its limits are straightforward: two users, three projects, 500 invoices per year, and Zoho branding. Contractors with a small billing workload may find that scope adequate; those who need more capacity or want to avoid branded invoices should weigh the restrictions before choosing it.

	FreshBooks	Zoho Invoice
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	—	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, api, extension, iOS, Web	Android, iOS, macOS, Windows

FreshBooks vs Zoho Invoice

FreshBooks

Zoho Invoice