Need free or affordable invoicing software? Discover Cashfeed 1 month free of charge

As a small business or freelancer, you are looking for the most cost-effective way to manage your invoices. With the upcoming requirement for e-invoicing starting in 2026, a decision needs to be made.

But is free always better? In this guide, we compare free invoicing tools with smart, affordable alternatives like Cashfeed AI.

Free invoicing software vs. a smart investment

Why free tools seem like a good choice at first glance

Free invoicing software seems like the logical choice for new entrepreneurs and small businesses. There are no monthly fees, no long contracts, and you can start invoicing right away. For many entrepreneurs just starting out and sending only a few invoices per month, this feels like the most responsible choice.

Free tools often offer basic features such as creating invoices, keeping track of customer data, and simple reporting. These features are often sufficient for very small businesses that want to keep their administration simple.

The reality of free: limits on invoices and features

However, the reality of free invoicing software is more complex. Most free tools have strict limitations on the number of invoices you can send per month, often only 5 to 10 invoices. As your business grows, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid version.

Moreover, free versions often lack essential features such as automatic reminders, advanced reporting, integrations with accounting software, or "collaborative" features for multiple users. As a result, you end up spending a lot of time on manual work that could be automated, and they entice you to switch to a paid plan. If you’re not paying for the product, you are often the product. Or is your data.

The hidden cost of manual work and the need for Peppol

The biggest hidden cost of free software is your own time. Manually entering data, sending reminders, and tracking payments takes hours each month. For an entrepreneur who earns €50 per hour, this means that an extra half hour of work per month already costs more than a paid software solution.

Moreover, with a good tool, you not only save your own time, but also (paid) time of your accountant. Investing in an affordable software package is likely to pay off multiple times.

With the introduction of the Peppol requirement starting in 2026, there will also be technical requirements that most free tools do not support. You will have to invest in software that supports e-invoicing anyway, making the "free" period merely a stay of execution.

Affordable and easy invoicing software with Cashfeed

1 month free, then only €8/month

Cashfeed offers the best of both worlds: you can try it for a full month free of charge without obligations. After the trial period, you only pay €8 per month for access to all functionalities, with no hidden fees. If you process a larger volume of invoices, the €24.50 per month subscription is likely the most suitable for your needs.

That investment pays off through time savings on your first invoice. Customers report time savings of 5-10 times compared to manual processes or basic free tools.

Core features of our invoicing program

Cashfeed stands out due to its focus on automation and ease of use. The software automatically converts all invoice formats to the required XML format for Peppol, so you are ready for the e-invoicing requirement starting in 2026.

The OCR technology (optical character recognition) ensures that incoming PDF invoices are automatically processed and included in your accounting. This means you don’t have to manually retype data, regardless of the format in which suppliers send their invoices. Therefore, both Peppol and non-Peppol invoices are read digitally immediately. Thus, Cashfeed only shows real-time insights.

The system integrates seamlessly with popular accounting packages and offers workflow support for invoice approvals. Everything is neatly logged and searchable, which is especially handy during audits or when looking up historical data.

Automatic WhatsApp & Mailbox scanner

A unique feature of Cashfeed is the automatic scanner of your inbox, looking for invoices and receipts. You can also always submit receipts via WhatsApp. The AI technology ensures that all relevant financial documents are automatically picked up and correctly classified in your accounting.

How AI solves the downsides of free software

Traditional invoicing software requires you to manually enter all data and manage processes. AI technology like that in Cashfeed flips this process: instead of you operating the software, the software works for you.

The AI recognizes patterns in your invoicing behavior, automatically suggests the correct VAT rates, and detects discrepancies that require your attention. This prevents mistakes and saves time while also ensuring a consistent and professional appearance of your invoices.

Moreover, the AI learns from your workflow and the system becomes increasingly accurate over time. Features that need to be set manually in other software occur automatically in Cashfeed based on your previous choices and behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best invoicing software for a small SME in Belgium?

For small SMEs in Belgium, the best invoicing software is a solution that covers current needs while being prepared for the e-invoicing requirement starting in 2026. Cashfeed is specifically developed for the Belgian market and fully supports the Peppol network, but also helps you with processing PDF documents — estimated to still be 10 to 20% of all invoices soon.

The software offers all essential features for €8 per month, with no limits on the number of users. The AI functionalities provide automation that is normally only available in expensive enterprise solutions, but then accessible for small businesses.

Can I use invoicing software without an accountant?

Yes, modern invoicing software like Cashfeed is designed to be used even without an accountant or accounting background. The AI technology helps in correctly classifying expenses and applying the correct VAT rates.

However, for more complex tax issues and annual accounts, the advice of an accountant remains immensely valuable. Cashfeed integrates well with accounting firms, so you can combine the benefits of both worlds: daily autonomy and professional advice when needed.

How does AI invoicing software concretely save me time?

AI invoicing software like Cashfeed saves time by automating repetitive tasks. The WhatsApp integration and email scanner automatically pick up all your invoices and receipts from your inbox, the OCR technology reads PDF invoices automatically, and the AI suggests the correct booking categories.

Customers report that tasks that used to take 30 minutes are now completed in 3 minutes. Over a month, this means a time savings of many hours, which you can spend on your core business instead of on administration.

Is Cashfeed difficult to implement?

No, Cashfeed is designed for easy implementation. The setup takes only two minutes, and most users can send and receive their first invoices immediately after registration.

Ready to discover how Cashfeed can transform your invoicing? Start your free trial month today and experience the difference that smart automation can make for your business.