Building and trades · Sole trader
Best invoice app in the UK: SaidToPaid, Xero, QuickBooks, FreshBooks and Zoho Invoice compared
A plain-English checklist of the main UK invoice apps, and which one suits you if you work away from a desk.
*Published by SaidToPaid, written by its founder. Provider information checked from public sources on 12 October 2026. This is a feature checklist, not a hands-on review or a score. Not confirmed means we could not verify it in public information; it is not a claim the feature is missing.*
Short answer: if you want full bookkeeping and accounts, Xero, QuickBooks or FreshBooks are built for that. If you mainly want to get invoices out quickly while you are on the job, by speaking or typing the details, SaidToPaid is built for that. Zoho Invoice is a simple free-to-start option for basic invoices.
SaidToPaid lets you speak or type what you did, turns it into a priced invoice draft, and only sends it once you have checked and approved it. You can try it with 5 real documents free, no card needed. Solo is £10 + VAT a month on the founding rate (100 documents a month, one user) and Pro is £20 + VAT a month on the founding rate (unlimited documents, up to three users).
UK invoice app checklist
| What do you need? | SaidToPaid | Xero | QuickBooks | FreshBooks | Zoho Invoice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turn a spoken job description into an invoice draft | ✓ | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Check and approve before anything is sent | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Create invoices from your phone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic payment reminders | ✓ Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Card payments on the invoice | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recurring invoices | ✓ Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google review requests after the job | ✓ | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Full bookkeeping and tax returns | No, invoicing only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | No, invoicing only |
Who each app suits
- SaidToPaid: sole traders and small teams who work with their hands, such as mobile mechanics, dog walkers and equestrian businesses, who want the invoice done before they leave the job.
- Xero and QuickBooks: businesses that want one place for bookkeeping, bank feeds and accounts, often with an accountant.
- FreshBooks: service businesses that bill time and want accounting alongside.
- Zoho Invoice: people who need simple invoices and don't mind typing them out.
You can use SaidToPaid for invoices and still keep your accountant on Xero or QuickBooks.
How to choose
- 1Count how many invoices you send a month. Solo covers 100.
- 2Ask where you are when you remember the job details. If it's in a van or a yard, voice matters.
- 3Decide if you need accounts in the same app, or just invoices that get paid.
Read our guide on how to choose an invoice app as a UK sole trader.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best invoice app in the UK?
It depends on what you need. Xero, QuickBooks and FreshBooks are best if you want full accounting. SaidToPaid is best if you want to create invoices quickly by speaking or typing the job details on your phone, then approve and send.
Is there a free invoice app in the UK?
SaidToPaid lets you create and send 5 real documents free with no card. Zoho Invoice also offers a free starting plan.
Can I create an invoice by voice?
Yes, with SaidToPaid. You describe the job out loud and it builds a priced draft for you to check before sending.
Do I still need an accountant?
SaidToPaid handles invoices, reminders and payments, not tax returns. Many sole traders use it alongside an accountant or an accounting app.
Try it on your next job.
Create and preview your first invoice draft without a card.
Try 5 documents free