Joist vs Square Invoices

When you have to pick between Joist and Square Invoices you need to think about what’s important to you. Do you want something that’s simple and easy to use, especially for contractors? Joist and Square Invoices are both easy to use. They are good at helping you make invoices. They are different when it comes to how much they cost what other programs they work with and if they can grow with your business.

Joist and Square Invoices take very different approaches when it comes to pricing, and the difference is pretty noticeable. Joist doesn’t offer a free plan. You only get a 14-day trial before choosing a paid option which starts at $8/month, goes up to $15/month and reaches $32/month. Square Invoices is much more flexible for beginners or small businesses. It offers a completely free plan at $0/month, so you can use it without any upfront commitment. If you need more advanced features, there are paid plans at $49/month and $149/month.

Another advantage with Square Invoices is that it includes unlimited cloud storage and clients across all plans. Joist does provide unlimited clients but it doesn’t clearly mention storage limits. Once Joist’s trial ends, you have to pay to keep using it while Square lets you stay on the free plan for as long as you need, making it a safer choice if you’re not ready to invest right away. Both Square Invoices and Joist are strong when it comes to core invoicing features like sending estimates, setting up recurring billing and handling taxes. However, neither platform includes time tracking or mileage tracking which might be a drawback for some users.

Where Square Invoices really stands out is in its team and collaboration features. It offers tools like user permissions, role management, file uploads and even a built-in Customer Directory (CRM). These are areas where Joist falls short, making Square a better fit for businesses with multiple team members or more complex workflows. Joist has the upper hand in expense tracking. It provides more complete and detailed expense management whereas Square Invoices only offers limited options in this area. For contractors or freelancers who need to keep a close eye on their expenses, this can be a deciding factor.

Square Invoices clearly has the edge when it comes to integrations. It connects easily with tools like QuickBooks Online and Xero, offers a public API for more flexibility and even includes a built-in CRM. Joist is more limited. Its QuickBooks Online integration is only available on the Pro and Elite plans and there’s no clear information about API access. Both platforms support major payment methods but Square goes a bit further by adding options like Cash App Pay and Afterpay, giving customers more ways to pay.

When it comes to reporting and insights, Square Invoices again comes out ahead. It offers reliable bank connections along with both pre-built financial reports and the ability to create custom reports. Joist does include some reporting features but its bank connections are limited, and there’s no clear mention of custom reporting which can be a drawback for businesses that rely heavily on detailed financial analysis.

Square Invoices has a slight edge in security and support. It clearly states GDPR compliance and offers 24/7 support via phone, chat and email. Joist doesn’t confirm GDPR compliance and only provides email and live chat without round-the-clock support. Both platforms offer strong security with encryption and automatic backups. However, neither supports multi-currency, making them better suited for domestic use.

Joist is built mainly for freelancers and small to medium-sized contractors, especially in fields like construction or home services. It keeps things simple, focusing on easy invoicing and solid expense tracking but doesn’t offer team features or advanced reporting tools. Square Invoices is more versatile. It works well for freelancers, small businesses and even growing teams that need something scalable. With a free plan, strong integrations, built-in CRM features and multiple support channels, it’s a better fit for businesses looking to expand and manage more complex operations.

Joist is a great fit for solo contractors who just need simple invoicing and reliable expense tracking without extra complexity. Square Invoices offers more overall value. With features like a free plan, team permissions, API access and stronger accounting integrations, it’s better suited for businesses that plan to grow and need a more scalable solution.