InvoiceGuru vs QuickBooks Self-Employed: Which Invoicing App Is Right for You?
A detailed comparison of InvoiceGuru and QuickBooks Self-Employed. Discover which invoicing tool offers better value, features, and mobile experience for freelancers and small businesses.
InvoiceGuru vs QuickBooks Self-Employed: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing the right invoicing tool can make or break your productivity as a freelancer or small business owner. Two popular options in this space are InvoiceGuru and QuickBooks Self-Employed. Both promise to simplify your invoicing workflow, but they take very different approaches. In this comparison, we break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Why Compare These Two?
QuickBooks Self-Employed is a well-known name backed by Intuit, offering a broad suite of accounting features. InvoiceGuru, on the other hand, is a mobile-first invoicing app built specifically for freelancers, tradespeople, and sole traders who need fast, professional invoicing on the go. If you are weighing your options, understanding the strengths of each platform is essential.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | InvoiceGuru | QuickBooks Self-Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile-first design | Yes, built for mobile | Mobile app available, desktop-focused |
| AI-powered features | AI item suggestions, OCR receipts | Limited AI features |
| Multi-currency support | Yes, built-in | Yes, with limitations |
| Invoice creation speed | Under 60 seconds | 2-3 minutes |
| Quote/estimate creation | Yes (QuoteGuru) | Yes |
| Expense tracking | Yes, with OCR scanning | Yes |
| Client management | Full CRM features | Basic client list |
| Offline functionality | Full offline support | Requires internet |
| Tax compliance (UK MTD) | MTD-ready | MTD-compatible |
| PDF customisation | Logo, signature, templates | Template-based |
| Push notifications | Payment reminders built-in | Email-based reminders |
| Free tier available | Yes | No (paid plans only) |
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks Self-Employed typically starts at around GBP 10-15 per month, and the price increases if you need additional features such as VAT tracking or accountant access. Over a year, costs can add up quickly, especially for freelancers watching every pound.
InvoiceGuru offers a generous free tier that covers essential invoicing needs, with affordable premium plans that unlock advanced features like AI suggestions, multi-currency, and priority support. For many small businesses, InvoiceGuru delivers everything they need at a fraction of the cost. Check out the full breakdown on our pricing page.
Pros and Cons
InvoiceGuru
Pros:
- True mobile-first experience designed for on-the-go invoicing
- AI-powered features like smart item suggestions and OCR receipt scanning
- Extremely fast invoice creation (under 60 seconds)
- Generous free plan for those just starting out
- Offline mode for working without internet
- Built-in quote creation with QuoteGuru
Cons:
- Newer brand compared to Intuit
- Fewer third-party integrations (growing rapidly)
QuickBooks Self-Employed
Pros:
- Well-established brand with broad ecosystem
- Strong desktop experience
- Extensive third-party integrations
- Direct accountant collaboration features
Cons:
- Higher monthly costs with no free tier
- Mobile app feels secondary to desktop
- Slower invoice creation workflow
- Can be overwhelming for users who only need invoicing
- Feature bloat for simple invoicing needs
Who Should Choose What?
QuickBooks Self-Employed makes sense if you already use other Intuit products, need deep accounting features, or work primarily from a desktop. It is a full accounting platform that happens to include invoicing.
InvoiceGuru is the better choice if you prioritise speed, mobility, and simplicity. If you are a tradesperson arriving at a job site, a freelancer sending an invoice from a coffee shop, or a sole trader who wants professional results without the complexity, InvoiceGuru was built for exactly that workflow.
The Verdict
Both tools have their place, but they serve different needs. QuickBooks Self-Employed is a traditional accounting tool with invoicing features attached. InvoiceGuru is purpose-built for fast, professional invoicing with modern AI features and a genuine mobile-first design.
For freelancers and small business owners who want to create and send invoices quickly, track expenses on the move, and keep costs low, InvoiceGuru is the smarter choice. Explore all the features that make InvoiceGuru stand out, check our pricing, or try it free today.