
Both Invoicely and Joist are good invoicing platforms but they have different features, prices and target audiences. This summary lists their services to help users choose.
Invoicely and Joist both have important invoicing features like custom templates, recurring billing and keeping track of expenses. Invoicely has more features such as tracking time and mileage, uploading files and billing in more than one currency. This makes it a good choice for consultants and clients from other countries. On the other hand, Joist is better for trade contractors and field service businesses because it has better live chat support, project-based billing and customization for specific industries.
Invoicely has a tiered pricing system. The free plan is for freelancers and the enterprise plan with 25 users costs $29 a month. There is no free option for Joist which starts at $8 per month and comes with a 14-day trial. Joist’s payment processing fees are also easier to understand than Invoicely’s. They range from 1% for ACH transfers to 4.99% for PayPal Pay Later.
Both tools have easy-to-use interfaces and basic guides for getting started. Joist has a small edge over Invoicely because it has mobile apps for both iOS and Android and better mobile features. Invoicely only has an iOS app. This difference is important for contractors who need to be able to bill from any device while on the go.
Invoicely and Joist don’t work well with other programs. Invoicely doesn’t work with many accounting programs and Joist only works with QuickBooks Online on Pro and Elite plans. Joist has better payment gateway options for US businesses. It works with a variety of payment methods including Venmo and Apple Pay. Both platforms can make basic financial reports but they can’t make custom ones.
Both services offer automatic backups and data encryption but Invoicely says it is GDPR compliant while Joist does not. Joist offers both email and live chat support but Invoicely only offers email support and is not available 24/7 on either platform.
If you’re a freelancer or running a small business, Invoicely is a great fit—especially if you want a free plan. It’s simple, flexible and works well for international billing. Joist is better suited for contractors and trade-based businesses. It shines when you need strong mobile functionality, project-based invoicing and integration with QuickBooks. It’s built with field work in mind, though it comes with a monthly cost.
| Invoicely | Joist | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| Custom Templates | Multiple customizable templates | Multiple invoice & estimate templates available |
| Send Estimates / Quotations | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring Billing Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Time Tracking | Yes | No |
| Mileage Tracking | Yes | No |
| Automated Payment Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Project-Based Billing | Limited | Yes |
| Tax Handling | Yes | Yes |
| User Permissions / Role Management | Limited | No |
| File Uploads | Yes | No |
| Pricing and Plans | ||
| Free Plan Availability | Yes | No |
| Pricing Range | Free: $0/month Basic: $9.99/month Professional: $19.99/month Enterprise: $29/month |
Basics: $8/month Pro: $15/month Elite: $32/month |
| Trial Period | No trial (free plan available) | 14 days |
| User Limits | Free: 1 user Basic: Up to 2 users Professional: Up to 10 users Enterprise: Up to 25 users |
Not specified |
| Client Limits | Free: 3 clients Basic: 25 clients Professional: 100 clients Enterprise: Unlimited clients |
Unlimited clients |
| Storage Limits | Not specified | Not specified |
| Payment Processing Fees | Varies by payment gateway | Cards: 3.49% + $0.49 ACH: 1% (max $15) Tap to Pay: 2.79% + $0.49 PayPal Pay Later: 4.99% + $0.49 |
| Ease of Use | ||
| User Interface | Simple | Simple |
| Onboarding Experience | Yes, basic guides | Yes |
| Mobile App Availability | iOS | Both iOS and Android |
| Mobile App Functionality | Basic invoicing and payment management | Yes |
| Integration | ||
| Payment Gateways Supported | PayPal, Stripe, and other major gateways | PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH |
| Accounting Software Compatibility | Limited direct integrations | QuickBooks Online (Pro & Elite) |
| CRM Integration | Limited CRM integrations | Not specified |
| API Availability | No | Not specified |
| Reporting & Analytics | ||
| Bank Connections | No | Limited |
| Pre-Built Financial Reports | Yes, basic reports | Yes |
| Custom Report Creation | Limited | Not specified |
| Security & Compliance | ||
| Dashboard Metrics | Yes | Yes |
| Data Encryption | Yes | PCI-compliant, SSL encryption |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Not stated |
| Backup Options | Automatic | Automatic |
| Customer Support | ||
| Support Channels | Email support | Email & live chat |
| Help Center / Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Support | No | No |
| Adaptability | ||
| Multi-Currency Support | Yes | No |
| Localization | English primarily | English only |
| Industry-Specific Customization | Limited | Yes |
| Scalability | Freelancers to small businesses | Freelancers & contractors |
| Read Invoicely Review | Read Joist Review |