InvioInvio vs Solo Invoicing for NZ sole traders, compared
Solo is a powerful all-in-one tax and invoicing tool. Invio is a dead-simple invoicing app — genuinely free to start, $5/mo Pro, for sole traders who want to quote, invoice, and get paid without accounting overhead.
Free plan · 5 invoices/month · No credit card
The quick verdict
Choose Invio if…
You want simple, free-to-start invoicing for $0–$5/mo and are happy to handle tax separately — with an accountant or IRD directly. Invio covers quotes, GST-ready invoices, payment tracking, and reminders without accounting complexity.
Choose Solo if…
You want live income tax, GST, and ACC levy calculations — plus the ability to file your own IR3B and GST returns — all from the same tool. Solo does more than Invio and is priced from $15/mo + GST with no free plan.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Invio | Solo |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes ($0, 5 invoices/mo) | No (14-day trial) |
| Starting price | $0, Pro $5/mo | From $15/mo + GST |
| Invoices & quotes | ||
| GST-ready invoices | ||
| Automated payment reminders | Yes (Pro) | — |
| Recurring invoices | Yes (Pro) | — |
| Income tax / GST / ACC calculations | No | |
| Tax & GST returns | No | Yes (self-file) |
| Expense tracking | No | |
| Lead-capture widget | Yes (Growth) | No |
| Best for | Simple, low-cost invoicing | All-in-one tax + invoicing |
Solo pricing and features shown are current as of June 2026 — check soloapp.nz for the latest.
When Solo is the better choice
We want you to use the right tool, not just our tool. Here is when Solo genuinely fits better.
You want live tax calculations
Solo calculates your income tax, GST, and ACC levy as you go. If seeing those numbers in real time — without waiting for an accountant — matters to you, Solo is built for exactly that.
You want to file your own returns
Solo prepares your IR3B (income tax return) and GST return so you can self-file directly. Invio does not do this. If filing your own returns is the goal, Solo is the right tool.
You want expense tracking in one place
Solo tracks expenses, assets, depreciation, and rental income alongside invoicing. Invio is invoicing-only. If you want your full picture in one app, Solo goes further.
You don't need a free plan
If you are ready to pay from $15/mo + GST for a more complete tool — and the 14-day trial is enough to decide — Solo's tax-first feature set is worth it for sole traders who want total visibility.
Why pick Invio
If you just want to quote jobs, send invoices, get paid, and chase late payers — Invio keeps it simple.
Genuinely free to start
5 invoices a month, unlimited quotes, unlimited clients, and GST-ready invoicing — all on the $0 free plan. No credit card, no trial expiry.
Flat $5/mo — no surprises
Pro is $5/month. Unlimited invoices, automated payment reminders, and recurring invoices. No percentage fees, no usage tiers, no GST on top.
Dead-simple, mobile-first
Built for NZ sole traders on the go. Send a quote from a job site, convert it to an invoice, and track payment — without wading through accounting screens you don't need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invio free and Solo isn't?
Does Invio do my tax like Solo?
Can I switch from Solo to Invio just for invoicing?
Which is cheaper, Invio or Solo?
Also considering a fully managed tax service? Read Invio vs Hnry.