Are you a novice self-employed entrepreneur looking for adequate freelancer software in 2021?
Or maybe you are someone considering working as a freelancer but do not know what options are available out there.
If you find yourself nodding to any of those questions, you are in the right place. Freelancing has become the talk of the town as millions have lost jobs since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Maybe you started contracting and being a an 1099 Upwork, Toptal or Fiverr worker.
Whatever freelance work you do, this article will provide you a comprehensive insight into 27 of the most popular independent contractor software available in 2021.
So without further ado, let us dive right in and explore the exciting domain of freelancing software and apps. However, before that, let us touch on some basics.
Who exactly is a freelancer?
A freelancer is a person who works in a self-employed capacity instead of working for a boss or a company. As a freelancer, you will take work from individuals, organizations, and companies, but you will be working for yourself.
It is simple, you grab the working contract from the company, deliver the final product or service, and they pay you for it.
That said, what services you offer, who you want to work with, how much you are going to charge, and when you want to work. All these factors will be completely in your control; ever hear of the saying “being your own boss?” Well, that is what you are going to be.
Why freelancer software?
As appealing as being your own boss may sound, meeting deadlines and being pro-actively productive is nothing short of a challenge for a freelancer. You have no one else but yourself to rely upon day-in and day-out.
As a freelancer, you need a tool or a solution that can help bring some kind of routine into your business, and this is where software steps in. Hence, we have compiled some of the best freelancer software you can try to suit your needs.
27 Best Freelancer Software in 2021
In this section, you will find some of the best freelancing software and gig economy apps belonging to a wide array of industries. While some might be industry-specific, many will offer services no matter what type of products and services you are offering as freelancers.
1. Keeper Tax
If you are a freelancer offering tax-related services to clients, Keeper Tax is hands down the best app to track receipts for taxes. It will allow you to help people earning 1099 income discover the tax write-offs. The start-up will help you easily export categorized and organized spreadsheets of your clients’ write-offs. Ahh the beauty of automation. The functionality is simple. Connect your bank account with credit cards as well debit card accounts, the app will ask you if what you purchased was for business, and voila; it organizes all your business write-off receipts for you. The pricing is only $20 a month and the average freelancer typically saves $1249 in extra tax savings every year
This tax receipt organizer app also allows you to file state and federal taxes directly. All you need is to pay an additional fee of $80. That said, the core purpose of this freelancer software is to enable automatic tax saving for your clients with 1099 income. It is a much more
Now you can offer to democratize access to taxation advice to anyone. Whether you are freelancing as an entrepreneur or a side-hustling on top fo your full-time job as a software engineer, front-end developer or programmer (using CSS, HTML, python or java script), writer, or other working professionals, Keeper Tax can help small businesses easily navigate the world of taxation.
It is a great alternative to Expensify and much easier to use than Quickbooks self-employed.
{upsell_block}
2. Clear
Clear is freelancer software that allows you to manage your projects in a hassle-free clean, and simple design. This freelancing app on iOS allows you as a freelancer to organize day-to-day assignments and tasks by categorizing them into various groups as per your convenience.
This software comes with a customizable interface and offers intuitive and user-friendly usage. However, it is only available for iOS users.
3. Buildfire
There is a huge demand for new mobile app developers. Therefore, modern-day software developers are always on the lookout for freelancer software and platform to help create mobile apps. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a freelance developer, or an entity building a customer base, Buildfire can help with your software development needs.
This platform offers you versatile means to create and customize a smartphone app conveniently. The best part about Buildfire is that you can sync it with all major social networks and applications.
4. Dribble
Freelancers offering designing services are always high in demand. Therefore, if you are someone offering the same services, Dribble will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to create an impressive profile. It serves as a design portfolio platform so you can show off your graphic design skills. This will allow you to stand tall amongst the other candidates when it comes to freelance designing.
Through Dribble’s website, you as a freelancer will be able to showcase your work and provide a brief resume to bag a job.
5. Due
Are you a freelancer who deals with a lot of payment processing? In that case, you need to check Due out. No matter what type of products or services you offer and which industry you belong to, Due provides seamless payment solutions.
If you are a freelancer using digital wallets but continuously worry about the safety of your money, you can switch to this freelancer software. This application offers a secure means to manage all your invoicing systems and payment solutions.
Moreover, you can manage your individual or team affairs with immaculate time tracking features.
6. Evernote
Evernote is free software for freelancers that allow you to enhance your productivity by capturing ideas and thoughts. You can use various methods, including notes and images, to capture or jot down inspirational ideas.
Moreover, you can also record important information and data such as minutes of the meeting or conversations with your clients during a meeting. This way, you will be able to access this information later.
7. FreshBooks
Now billing is not more of a pain for freelancers. You can handle all your invoicing, billing, and payment affairs in a fast, convenient and secure manner with FreshBooks. If you are not a tech-savvy freelancer, this freelancer software offers an easy-to-use interface for all your accounting needs.
Moreover, this is a cloud-based solution with a convenient and straightforward design. You can use this solution for purposes such as time tracking, calculating and estimating expenses, credit card payments, etc. The best part is that you can get a FreshBooks version for all sorts of platforms and devices such as Windows, IOS, and Android.
{write_off_block}
8. Grammarly
Are you a freelancer who struggles with grammatical errors on a regular basis? Plus, do you find proofreading a challenging task in any type of writing? Either way, Grammarly is the perfect freelancer software that can help you.
If you are a freelancer offering content writing services to your clients, Grammarly can help you create flawless content. It will allow you to eliminate any grammatical errors, improve your sentence structuring, detect plagiarism, rectify it, and offer vocabulary and spelling enhancements.
The best part is that you can install a browser extension of Grammarly on your PC or devices to check all documents. All you need to do is upload a document directly into the application and let it take care of all the errors.
Moreover, you will also learn about your own progress in terms of knowing how good you have become at using grammar and spelling correctly over time.
9. Hootsuite
If you are freelancer offering services to create social media posts for your clients, Hootsuite can aid in offering impeccable services. Moreover, you can use this freelancer software to schedule and share posts based on a pre-determined timeline.
The best part is that you can manage posts for several social media apps and platforms via this single platform (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc). Therefore, it will not only save you time but extra effort as a freelancing social media marketer.
10. Invoicely
Invoice is a freelancer software solution for invoicing and accounting jobs. It comes with vibrant features to enhance your accountancy skills. Whether you are handling your in-house invoicing and accounts or offering similar services to a client, Invoicely will allow you to track deadlines, calculate expenses, etc. You can even set up automated emails for payments and late fee notices.
You can even get to log in your car mileage and other relevant data to determine how much an individual activity costs you. Once you have submitted your invoice, you can even accept payments from your clients using an add-on tool.
{email_capture}
11. Infinit Storage Platform
Infinit Storage Platform is a freelancer app for those with the need to send pictures from their smartphones to a computer instead of using a flash/USB drive. This software solution is an effective tool that allows you to share files in a very efficient and fast manner. The best part is that it supports different forms of devices on all major platforms such as Windows, IOS, and Android.
The cutting-edge point-to-point technology used in this app allows freelancers to share files within a matter of seconds.
12. Mind42
If you are into mind mapping and looking for software or app that can help you dab into this productivity technique, Mind42 is the answer. This freelancer software allows you to organize processes and thoughts associated with your assignments.
This is probably the best mind mapping freelancing application that offers you clarity on what you need to do for each project.
13. Mint
You can now pull all your accounts and financial records into a single software using Mint. This freelancer software will allow you to store all your account data and offer assistance with several aspects.
You can use Mint for fee monitoring, bill tracking, financial analysis, investment tracking, and freelance business budgeting. The best part is that Mint comes free of cost, and you do not have to pay a penny to use any of its features.
14. MeisterTask
This is one of the newest freelancer software from the project management domain. MeisterTask offers a unique approach to freelancers by enabling them to create dashboards and task-lists using colored themes to boost productivity.
The application is an easy-to-use and requires very few actions to create and manage your tasks and dashboards.
15. Remember the Milk
Are you a freelancer using several devices to manage your online self-employed affairs? Well, Remember the Milk is a perfect solution for you. This application allows you to unite all your freelancing operations while offering you user-friendly and easy task management features.
The app will also allow you to set reminders for updates about your progress on platforms such as oDesk.
16. SyncBackFree
Are you a freelancer looking for help with the file management of your business? Then try your hands on SyncBackFree today. It is essential for freelancer software, especially if you belong to the IT industry. The software allows you to synchronize and backup all your project files.
In case of an emergency or losing your data, you can restore the data too. To keep it short and simple, using SyncBackFree will allow you to save time while securing all your valuable data and freelancing business records.
17. SHAREit
Do you belong to freelancing services where you have to deal with large files? In that case, use SHAREit. This is freelancer software on the android platform that will allow you to send large files to other devices in mere minutes.
The best part is that there are no restrictions on the size of the file you wish to share. We all know how slow and frustrating using Bluetooth can be for sharing files. However, SHAREit is far quicker than using Bluetooth.
It is as simple as selecting the file you wish to share; choose the person you want to send it to. All you need to do then is press the send button, and your file will be on its way.
18. SuperBeam
Another file-sharing freelancer software that uses Wi-Fi direct technology to transmit your data. This means SuperBeam does not require an Internet connection like other software and apps. You can pair your device with another device using a QR codes scan, or you can share a key with a receiver or sender to connect the devices.
Typically, the speed of transfer SuperBeam offers ranges from 20 MB to 27 MB per second. However, if you are using a high-end smartphone or device such as iPhone, you can easily achieve a transfer rate of up to 75 MB per second.
The best part is that you can share files, images, videos, music, and other formats using this freelancer software solution.
19. Slack
The initial idea behind Slack was the communication between teams in the workplace. However, clients can now use this solution to work with their clients. The app allows you to create a profile and ask your client to join and do the same.
This way, you and your clients can see the project-related files and topics simultaneously. You can create any amount of channels you like. The free version of this freelancer app will only allow you to involve a limited number of people in a single project.
However, if you have a small team or small group of clients, Slack’s no paid version will do fine. This is a perfect one-stop portal to communicate with your clients, especially with the long-term ones.
20. Scrivener
Since freelancing heavily involves writing. Scrivener offers a perfect solution for freelancers who offer writing-associated services or have to spend the majority of their time writing. You can get Scrivener for both Windows as well as MacOS systems. This freelancer software offers a combination of qualities of a research assistant, a typewriter, and a scrapbook.
You can also collect relevant research material, and Scrivener will organize it for you. Whenever you need it, the software will allow you to flick through your writing pieces quickly. Additionally, you can also manage notes and references while writing.
There are plenty of options when it comes to writing apps or software. For people who work on long-form projects, Scrivener arguably leads the pack. Why? It allows you to break long texts and create less complicated ideas.
21. Streak
Streak is a freelancer application that services as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. The system has a core purpose of allowing freelancers to take control of their tracking skills. They can now track important pieces of information regarding their leads, partners, and potential customers.
Moreover, you can also connect Streak directly with your Gmail inbox for new projects. As a freelancer, you can download this app as your inbox extension to use as per your own convenience.
22. Shoeboxed
Looking for software that can help you turn all your online receipts and invoices into data? Shoeboxed can help you do that as well as create comprehensive data reports. Additionally, it will also help you track other expenses such as mileage and other business-related expenses.
You just have to scan your receipts, invoices and let this freelancer software do its magic. In case you are a freelancer who struggles to manage your accounts, receipts and frequently loses them, Shoeboxed is a perfect solution to the problem.
You can even import all your receipts directly from your Gmail account. Moreover, the software will also allow your assistance to prepare for your tax filing.
23. Time Doctor
Time tracking is one of the most critical aspects of the freelancing world. Time Doctor can help increase your time management and productivity by 22 percent. This freelancer software allows you access to powerful features such as customizable reports, including app and web page usage.
Time Doctor produces reports that will provide you a detailed insight into each task you do. For example, it will let you know which websites you visited and for how long. Not only can you view these reports online but also opt to receive them via weekly emails.
24. Trello
If you are a freelancing entrepreneur with a team member working under you, Trello allows you to conduct your operations collaboratively with enhanced productivity with the management system. With Trello, you get features such as dashboards, cards, task lists.
These features allow you to prioritize and organize all your operations, projects in a more rewarding, flexible, and fun way. Trello is a flawless freelancer software that enables convenient filtering and sorting of all your project-associated tasks and simultaneously sharing them with your teammates.
Now, instead of sending updates to your project team via email that may end up in their spam folder, you can use Trello. This will allow your entire team to visualize their respective projects in a bulletin board list as separate posts.
In case you are a freelance company that employees several freelancers, Trello allows you to manage your freelancers and their respective projects in a user-friendly and efficient manner.
25. Wave
Are you a freelancer who dreads writing invoices? Well, Wave is free financial freelancer software for you then. Moreover, you can use this software to do anything remotely associated with finance and accounting. Try it, and this software will be nothing short of a revelation for your freelancing operations.
Whether you are a freelance illustrator or a translator, now you can use Wave to create and send invoices to your clients. It even allows you to estimate receipts and payments. You can now accept payments via credit cards too.
Wave has a sleek interface with user-friendly accounting features. The idea is to allow freelancers from non-accounting backgrounds to handle their affairs in stress-free and less complicated ways. Other benefits include a single dashboard and the ability to manage other accounting-associated operations.
26. Workflow
If you are freelancers who regularly meet deadlines, Workflow allows you to optimize all your freelancing operations and not miss a beat. This freelancer software will enable you to manage all your work affairs by building workflow charts for several tasks.
For example, if you wish your smartphone to open some video link, save the link and add a note. The workflow will allow you to set up a chain of commands to conduct the three steps at a specific time.
27. Zoho Writer
Did you know that MS Word is not the only software you can use to create a writing piece? In case you are a freelancer who does not need any complicated features to develop text-based content, Zoho Writer is a perfect solution.
This freelancer software is free of cost with a straightforward and user-friendly interface. You can even download a Zoho writer on your smartphone and start using the app immediately. That said, Zoho Writer will still offer you a wide range of editing options and versatile formatting options.
In case you are a fan of using both Zoho Writer and Microsoft Word, you can download a plug-in. This will allow you to tie in both software and enjoy the best of both worlds in a single app.
Takeaway
So, now you have an extensive list of top 24 freelancer software to try in 2021. It does not matter if you are just starting into freelancing, a seasoned one, or a full-scale company; these freelance-friendly software solutions will allow you to not only manage your jobs but do them in a highly efficient manner. There are plenty of tutorials available online for how to use each one so you can maximize their value.

Find write-offs.
File taxes.
Keeper helps independent contractors and freelancers discover tax deductions and file taxes.
Get started
Sign up for Tax University
Get the tax info they should have taught us in school

Tax filing for freelancers and side hustlers
Most tax software isn't built for you. Keeper is. We know every form you need and every deduction you can take to pay less this year.
What tax write-offs can I claim?
At Keeper, we’re on a mission to help people overcome the complexity of taxes. We’ve provided this information for educational purposes, and it does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice. If you would like a tax expert to clarify it for you, feel free to sign up for Keeper. You may also email support@keepertax.com with your questions.