Invoice Guru vs SoloTools
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool.
Invoice Guru
My top pick for UK tradespeople, Invoice Guru creates HMRC-compliant invoices in under a minute.
Last updated: February 28, 2026
SoloTools
SoloTools leverages AI to craft client-ready proposals in seconds, simplifying project scope, pricing, and signatures.
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Visual Comparison
Invoice Guru

SoloTools

Feature Comparison
Invoice Guru
60-Second Invoice Creation
This is the flagship feature and it delivers exactly what it promises. With a mobile-first interface designed for thumbs, you can generate a professional, branded invoice with your logo, VAT, and payment terms in under a minute. It eliminates the clunky, multi-step processes of other apps, letting you get back to your job instantly. The automatic numbering and dating based on your fiscal year settings are small touches that prevent big headaches.
AI-Powered OCR Receipt Scanner
This is a personal favorite and a massive time-saver. Simply snap a photo of a paper receipt with your phone, and Invoice Guru's AI instantly reads all the details—vendor, date, amount, tax—and logs it as a categorized expense. It completely eliminates manual data entry, turning a stack of crumpled receipts into organized records in seconds, making expense tracking and VAT reclaim effortless.
Smart Bank Integration & Payment Tracking
Stop cross-referencing bank statements with your invoice list. By securely connecting your business bank account, Invoice Guru automatically matches incoming payments to their corresponding unpaid invoices. It gives you a real-time, crystal-clear view of exactly who has paid and what's overdue, transforming your cash flow management from a monthly chore into an automated process.
Multi-Language, Multi-Currency & Compliance Ready
Built for modern, mobile businesses, Invoice Guru supports over a dozen languages and multiple currencies, perfect for tradespeople working with international clients or across borders. More importantly, it's engineered for compliance, with built-in readiness for major regulations like UK MTD for VAT submissions and Poland's KSeF e-invoicing, ensuring your business is always on the right side of the law.
SoloTools
AI-Powered Proposal Generation
SoloTools utilizes cutting-edge AI technology to generate comprehensive, client-ready proposals in a matter of seconds. Users simply describe their project, and the AI produces an executive summary, scope, pricing, timeline, and terms, all tailored to the specific project requirements.
Client Tracking and E-Signatures
With SoloTools, users can send proposals directly to clients and track their engagement in real-time. The platform allows for easy collection of legally-binding e-signatures, streamlining the acceptance process and eliminating the hassle of follow-up emails.
Smart Pricing Suggestions
Not sure how to price your services? SoloTools features intelligent pricing suggestions based on market rates for similar projects, ensuring that you remain competitive while maximizing your earnings.
Proposal Analytics
SoloTools provides insightful analytics that help you understand your proposal performance. Users can track the conversion funnel from sent to viewed to accepted, gaining valuable insights into their win rate and average close time for proposals.
Use Cases
Invoice Guru
The On-Site Tradesperson
A plumber finishes a job and wants to get paid before leaving the client's home. Instead of writing a scrap of paper or promising to "send an email later," they open Invoice Guru on their phone. In under 60 seconds, they create a professional invoice, apply a QR code for instant payment via Stripe, and email it directly to the client. Payment is received before their tools are packed away.
The Small Service Business Owner
A cleaning company owner spends hours every Sunday night doing admin: sorting receipts, chasing invoices, and preparing accounts. With Invoice Guru, they use the OCR scanner for receipts throughout the week and have automatic payment reminders chase late payers. The bank integration reconciles payments automatically, freeing up their evenings and giving them peace of mind.
The International Contractor
A UK-based builder regularly takes on projects in Europe. They need to invoice in Euros, comply with different local formats, and manage currency fluctuations. Invoice Guru allows them to create invoices in the local language and currency with correct tax settings, presenting a professional image and simplifying their cross-border accounting from a single, unified app.
The Accountant's Client
An accountant manages the books for several trade businesses. Their clients using Invoice Guru can grant them secure "accountant access." The accountant receives perfectly organized, automatic weekly reports summarizing all invoices, expenses, and scanned receipts, drastically reducing the time spent on data collection and entry and allowing them to focus on higher-value advisory work.
SoloTools
Freelance Designers
Freelance designers can use SoloTools to quickly generate proposals for website redesign projects, allowing them to spend more time on their creative work rather than administrative tasks. With polished proposals, they can impress potential clients and increase their chances of winning contracts.
Independent Consultants
Independent consultants can leverage SoloTools to create detailed project proposals for various client needs, whether it’s strategy development, marketing consulting, or operational improvements. The ability to customize each proposal enhances client communication and establishes credibility.
Marketing Professionals
Marketing professionals can streamline their proposal submissions for SEO, social media management, and content marketing services. SoloTools helps them articulate their value proposition effectively and provides the necessary details to secure new clients.
Agencies and Startups
Agencies and startups can benefit from SoloTools by generating multiple proposals quickly, allowing them to take on more clients without compromising on quality. The tool’s analytics help them understand proposal performance and refine their approach over time.
Overview
About Invoice Guru
Let's cut through the noise: most invoicing software is built for accountants, not for the people who actually do the work. Invoice Guru is the refreshing, no-nonsense antidote. This is a mobile-first command centre built from the ground up for tradespeople and small service businesses. If you're a plumber, electrician, painter, cleaner, or builder, this tool was designed with your real-world workflow in mind. It was created by someone who knows the frustration of trying to manage complex paperwork on a phone screen with dirty hands after a long day on-site. The core promise is brutal, beautiful simplicity: create and send a professional, fully compliant invoice in under 60 seconds from your phone. But it doesn't stop there. Invoice Guru wraps in powerful automation like AI-powered receipt scanning and smart bank payment matching to eliminate hours of admin. Crucially, it's also future-proofed for key regulations like the UK's Making Tax Digital (MTD) and Poland's KSeF, so you're always compliant. This is the essential tool that finally bridges the gap between the skilled physical work you do and the digital paperwork you need to manage, all without needing an accounting degree to operate it. It’s not just software; it’s a productivity partner for your trade.
About SoloTools
SoloTools is a game-changing AI proposal generator tailored specifically for freelancers and independent consultants who want to optimize their proposal creation process. This innovative tool allows users to input their project specifics—including client name, project type, budget, and brief scope notes—in just about 30 seconds. The advanced AI then crafts a polished, client-ready proposal that encompasses all vital components such as an executive summary, detailed scope of work, itemized pricing, a clear timeline, and standard terms. Designed for busy professionals, SoloTools not only saves time but also enhances client interactions, enabling users to focus on what truly matters. With features like fully editable proposals, downloadable PDFs, and shareable links, SoloTools elevates the proposal experience. The free plan permits users to create three proposals monthly, while the Pro plan unlocks unlimited proposal creation, custom branding options, and valuable proposal view analytics to track client engagement. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur or a seasoned consultant, SoloTools is your ally in the proposal process, ensuring that you put your best foot forward every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invoice Guru FAQ
Is Invoice Guru really free to start?
Yes, absolutely. The Starter Plan is free forever and allows you to create up to 10 invoices, download them as PDFs, and use bank transfer payments. It's a fantastic, no-risk way to test the core 60-second invoicing experience and see if the tool fits your workflow before committing to a paid plan with unlimited invoices and advanced features.
How does the AI receipt scanner work?
It uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. You simply take a photo of any receipt within the app. The AI instantly analyzes the image, identifies key data like the vendor name, date, total amount, and tax, and then auto-populates a new expense entry for you. You just need to confirm the details and assign a category, saving immense manual typing time.
Is Invoice Guru compliant with UK Making Tax Digital (MTD)?
Yes, this is a key strength. The Pro Plan includes full MTD for VAT submission capabilities. This means you can use Invoice Guru to keep digital records and submit your VAT returns directly to HMRC through the software, ensuring you meet all the legal requirements of the MTD scheme without needing separate, complicated bridging software.
Can I use it for quotes and estimates as well?
Definitely. Beyond invoices, Invoice Guru allows you to create professional offers and quotes instantly. You can send these to clients for approval and, once accepted, convert a quote directly into a final invoice with a single tap, ensuring all details are carried over accurately and saving you from double data entry.
SoloTools FAQ
How long does it take to generate a proposal with SoloTools?
Generating a proposal with SoloTools takes approximately 12 seconds once you input your project details, making it a quick and efficient process for busy professionals.
Can I edit the proposals generated by SoloTools?
Yes, every proposal generated by SoloTools is fully editable. You can customize content, change pricing, and adjust terms to suit your needs before sending it to clients.
Is there a free trial available?
Absolutely! SoloTools offers a free plan that allows users to create up to three proposals per month without the need for a credit card. You can cancel anytime if you decide it is not for you.
What payment options does SoloTools support?
SoloTools supports payments in over 15 currencies, making it a versatile choice for freelancers and consultants working with international clients.
Alternatives
Invoice Guru Alternatives
Invoice Guru is a mobile-first invoicing app built specifically for UK tradespeople, designed to cut through the complexity of traditional accounting software. It belongs firmly in the category of job management and invoicing tools, but with a laser focus on the needs of service businesses and sole traders who work from their vans, not a desk. People look for alternatives for all sorts of reasons. Maybe they need a desktop-heavy workflow, require more advanced inventory management, or are simply shopping around based on price. Some businesses outgrow simple tools, while others find their needs are even more basic than what a dedicated app offers. When evaluating other options, your checklist should be clear: does it work seamlessly on a phone? Can it handle VAT and HMRC compliance without a headache? Will it save you time on admin, or just create more of it? The right tool should feel like a helpful apprentice, not a demanding foreman.
SoloTools Alternatives
SoloTools is an AI-driven proposal generator tailored for freelancers and independent consultants, aimed at simplifying the proposal creation process. By inputting project details like client name, budget, and scope notes, users receive a polished, client-ready proposal in seconds. This tool falls under the Business & Finance category, helping professionals save time and enhance their client interactions. Many users seek alternatives to SoloTools for various reasons, including pricing, specific feature sets, or compatibility with other tools they use. When looking for an alternative, consider factors like ease of use, customization options, pricing structures, and the ability to integrate with your existing systems. Ultimately, the right choice will align with your project needs and workflow preferences.