Quick answer
Both are genuinely free and both are good. Zoho Invoice is the more feature-packed tool - time tracking, multi-currency, client portals - but it’s a global product that wants you in the wider Zoho ecosystem, and Australian GST and ABN are setup-it-yourself. Free Invoice App is simpler, Australia-first, and handles GST, ABN, and ATO tax invoices by default. If you want the fastest path to a compliant Australian invoice, choose Free Invoice App; if you want the deepest free feature set and don’t mind configuration, choose Zoho.
Honest disclosure
We make Free Invoice App. Zoho Invoice is a genuinely strong product and we’ll say so where it’s the better pick. This comparison is based on each product’s public 2026 documentation; always confirm current details on Zoho’s site, since free-tier limits change.
Pricing (2026)
Free Invoice App Zoho Invoice Free plan Yes (7 sends/mo) Yes (capped customers) Paid entry plan A$5/mo (Pro) Part of Zoho ecosystem Top plan A$20/mo (Pro+) Part of Zoho ecosystem Setup cost A$0 A$0
Zoho Invoice itself is free; Zoho monetises by upselling you into Zoho Books (accounting) and the broader Zoho One suite as you grow. Free Invoice App keeps it simple: free, A$5, or A$20 a month, all under one roof.
Feature comparison
Free Invoice App Zoho Invoice Send invoices Yes Yes GST / ABN handled natively Yes Configure yourself ATO-compliant tax invoices Yes Configure yourself Built for Australia Yes No (global) Recurring invoices Yes (Pro) Yes Scheduled send Yes (Pro) Limited Pay by card (Stripe) Yes (all plans) Via integrations Custom email domain Yes (Pro+) Limited Per-service T&Cs Yes (Pro+) No AI receipt scanning Yes (all plans) Via Zoho Expense Expense tracking Yes Via Zoho Expense Time tracking No Yes Multi-currency Limited Yes Client portal No Yes Learning curve Low Medium
Zoho wins on raw feature count. Free Invoice App wins on Australian fit and time-to-first- invoice. For a sole trader who just needs ATO-ready invoices fast, the extra Zoho features are often things you’ll never switch on.
Where Zoho Invoice is the right answer
- You want the deepest free feature set and will invest time configuring it.
- You bill internationally and need strong multi-currency and a client portal.
- You track billable time and want it built into invoicing.
- You already use Zoho apps (CRM, Books, Mail) and want everything in one ecosystem.
Where Free Invoice App is the right answer
- You want Australian compliance handled for you - GST, ABN, and ATO tax invoice requirements out of the box.
- You want the fastest, simplest workflow with almost no setup.
- You invoice from your phone on a job site - see the best free invoice apps for tradies.
- You want pay-by-card via Stripe on every plan, in AUD.
How to decide
If you value simplicity and Australian compliance, start with Free Invoice App. If you want the richest free feature set and are happy to configure tax and templates yourself, Zoho Invoice is excellent. Start free - 7 sends per month forever, no card required.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zoho Invoice free?
Yes, it has a capable free tier. The trade-off is a global product that upsells the wider Zoho ecosystem, with Australian GST and ABN set up by you.
Does Zoho Invoice handle Australian GST and ABN?
Once configured, yes. Free Invoice App handles both by default, no setup.
Which is simpler?
Free Invoice App, by design. Zoho has more features but more setup and a steeper curve.
Can clients pay by card?
Both support card payments. Free Invoice App uses Stripe on every plan, in AUD; Zoho integrates several gateways.