The 9 best MSP billing software for streamlined invoicing in 2024

Here’s an update: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) continue to thrive and grow. In 2023, the market for MSPs was valued at $299.01 billion—and is predicted to grow at a rate of 13.6% until 2030. As more businesses outsource their IT services, the demand for managed services also increases.

Source: Grand View Research

In order to effectively serve clients, MSPs need billing software that can handle multiple services, subscriptions, and contracts. Ideally, the software should also offer additional capabilities such as PSA, RMM, and remote access. 

This article reviews the best MSP billing software options. It provides insight into what MSP billing software is, the types available, and why you need one. With this knowledge, you can select the right solution for your organization. 

What is MSP billing software?

MSP billing software helps MSPs automate and manage billing processes. The key features of these tools include client management, contract management, automated invoicing, and integrations with accounting software.

MSP billing capabilities are often built into the best MSP software. For example, Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform offers MSP billing alongside other essential IT management tools.

Types of MSP billing software

Three types of MSP billing software exist: Standalone billing solutions, integrated PSA platforms, and unified IT management platforms. The best solution depends on a user’s specific needs.

Let’s look at what each software is and who it’s suitable for.

1. Standalone billing software

Standalone billing platforms are solely dedicated to managing the billing process. Key features include invoicing, recurring billing, payment processing, tax calculation, and customizable invoice templates.

MSPs requiring the bare minimum in billing functionality have the most to gain from these tools. Those seeking enhanced complexity in their IT management tools—such as ticketing and IT automation—will find that standalone billing software falls short. 

2. Integrated PSA platforms

Integrated PSA platforms offer various service management tools. Popular capabilities include helpdesk and ticketing, IT knowledge base, contract management, timesheets, reporting, and accounting integrations. These tools also include built-in billing and contract management.

MSPs requiring more robust capabilities than billing and contract management can benefit from PSA solutions. PSA products can operate as standalone products or as part of a more comprehensive IT management solution like Atera’s.

3. All-in-one IT management platforms

All-in-one IT management platforms combine MSP billing with other crucial IT management tools such as RMM, PSA, remote access, patch management, and network discovery. These tools commonly offer robust third-party integrations to accounting, remote access, network monitoring, and security tools.

All-in-one IT management platforms allow MSPs to manage their clients’ entire IT infrastructure from a single place. Whether sending client invoices or remotely troubleshooting client devices, these comprehensive solutions ensure a user lacks nothing.

Why you need MSP billing software

MSP billing software provides several benefits. Key among them are improved client management, accurate billing, scalability, integration capabilities, and that ever-important competitive advantage over other MSPs. 

Let’s look at each of these benefits in more detail.

1. Competitive advantage

As the global demand for MSPs steadily increases, MSP billing solutions can provide users with a competitive edge. This holds especially true for software with other vital features such as PSA, RMM, and Network Discovery. These tools streamline various tasks, allowing IT staff to focus on strategic endeavors that launch them toward better business outcomes.

Organizations that choose wisely may use those features to a maximum advantage. For example: Atera’s all-in-one platform incorporates AI-powered capabilities that increase technicians’ efficiency tenfold.

2. Client management

The top MSP billing systems include robust client management tools. Atera’s platform stands as a strong example in this department. Its MSP software includes a customer portal that both the MSP and clients can access to manage billing information, open and manage tickets, and view knowledge base articles.

This streamlined approach allows for better management and communication between MSPs and clients, improving overall service efficiency.

3. Accurate billing

Manual billing and time-tracking methods are prone to human error. MSP billing software ensures accurate billing by capturing time, tracking service usage, and automatically generating invoices.

Not only does this improve the accuracy of billing—it increases efficiency.

4. Integration with other tools

The best MSP billing software integrates with other tools for enhanced functionality. Third-party integrations enable seamless data flow between systems, streamline workflows, and reduce manual workload. Atera, for example, integrates with Quickbooks and Xero for accounting purposes.

5. Scalability

As an MSP grows its business, top billing solutions will scale alongside it. Tools that can handle an increased volume of clients without a corresponding increase in workload should receive priority in your search for solutions. This holds especially true for MSP billing tools with advanced automation and AI capabilities.

The 9 best MSP billing software for streamlined invoicing in 2024

For each MSP billing software, we will outline the key features, pricing, and any standout features available. This information can inform your decision-making process so you can choose the best solution for your organization.

1. Atera

Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform includes MSP billing capabilities. It offers flexible contract management, automatic time capturing, billing, timesheet management, SLA management, and more.

Atera is the first IT management platform powered by ActionAI™ through Atera Copilot.  AI-powered capabilities include remote session summaries, instant ticket summaries, script and command line generation, and real-time device troubleshooting. These capabilities increase technician efficiency tenfold and improve nearly all aspects of IT management. 

Atera integrates with Xero and Quickbooks for accounting purposes. It also integrates with AnyDesk and Splashtop for remote access, Acronis for backup, and Domotz for network monitoring. Find a list of all Atera integrations here.

Features and capabilities

Atera allows users to create contracts with differentiated rates for projects, after-hours work, and third-party products. Each client can have multiple contracts based on the services offered.

Atera contract rates

Users can also easily create and manage SLA policies within Atera.

Atera SLA policies

Atera’s accounting software integrations help to streamline the accounting process by automatically syncing billing data and minimizing manual entry. 

In addition to the platform’s strong billing and client management capabilities, it offers the following key features:

• Real-time monitoring and alerting: Monitor network activity in real-time and receive notifications when potential problems arise.
• IT ticketing: Manage customer issues conveniently through a centralized dashboard.
• Patch management: Automatically deploy patches for OS and third-party applications using an automated patch management tool.
• Network discovery: Stay on top of customer environments through real-time network and security scans.
• Remote access: Provide hands-on support to end users by remotely accessing and troubleshooting devices.
• IT automation:  Free up IT technicians’ time by setting rules that execute processes, such as patching on a scheduled basis.
• Atera Copilot: Atera’s AI capabilities improve IT technicians’ efficiency tenfold and transform how teams manage their IT resources.

The tools listed above enable true all-in-one IT management, providing a single platform that meets every IT-related need.

User interface and usability

Atera offers tailored products that meet the needs of both MSPs and IT departments. Users can quickly and intuitively create new customer profiles so MSPs can hit the ground running.

Atera’s admin dashboard allows users to easily navigate between different customer profiles—each containing an overview of the IT environment’s health and status.

Atera’s admin dashboard

The platform’s “Billing” section makes managing client billing and creating new contracts a cinch.

Atera billing page

Although Atera’s user interface is highly intuitive, using a new platform sometimes requires a learning curve. Users who need assistance can access Atera’s 24/7 live chat customer support.

Pricing and value for money

MSP billing capabilities are often built into more comprehensive MSP software solutions. The most common pricing structure for MSP software is pay-per-endpoint, meaning users pay for the number of endpoints/devices managed. Atera is one of the few platforms offering pay-per-technician pricing. Users can manage unlimited endpoints/devices for the same price.

Atera’s pricing plans for MSPs range from $129 to $209 per month. The IT department’s pricing plans range from $149 to $219 per month. Enterprise customers can receive a custom quotation for more tailored services.

Atera G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (600+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on G2:

One G2 user loves that Atera uses pay-per-technician pricing, pointing out that there’s no need to worry about how many endpoints/devices are managed since the price remains the same. He shares that Atera’s interface is easy to navigate and its features are extensive. The reviewer points to Atera’s feature board, which allows users to add and vote on new potential features. The reviewer has seen features implemented based on suggestions—an almost unheard-of occurrence in the industry.

Atera Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (380+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on Capterra:

A Capterra user who switched from N-central to Atera appreciates the pay-per-technician pricing and 24/7 customer service. Other celebrated aspects of the platform include Atera Copilot, which helps to analyze tickets, suggest solutions, and respond professionally. Another bonus is Atera’s automated patch management, which reduces the time spent on maintenance by allowing users to schedule deployment at specific times.

Atera pricing:

Atera’s pricing plans for MSPs:

• Pro: $129 per month, per technician
• Growth: $179 per month, per technician
• Power: $209 per month, per technician
• Superpower (Enterprise): Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

Atera’s pricing plans for IT departments:

• Professional: $149 per month, per technician
• Expert: $169 per month, per technician
• Master: $219 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Custom quotation. Contact sales for pricing.

Get started with Atera’s free 30-day trial, no credit card required!

2. Syncro

Syncro is an IT management platform for MSPs with a built-in billing system. Its automatic billing assists in dynamically counting employees, policies, and assets, as well as setting up recurring invoices for clients. Syncro integrates with Xero and Quickbooks for keeping track of finances.

In addition to billing, Syncro offers key capabilities for managing clients’ IT infrastructures. That includes RMM, IT ticketing, remote access, and different security features. Like Atera, Syncro uses AI in its ticketing system to route tickets to the right technicians. (NB: Atera’s AI capabilities extend further to ticket summarization, solution suggestions, and knowledge-base article creation.)

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (150+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (70+ reviews)

Syncro pricing:

• Basic: $139 per month, per user

3. ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is a service desk tool for MSPs. Users can set up contracts with clients and bill them accordingly. The tool helps to track the time it takes to resolve issues and the total cost incurred. It also enables users to set up bill rules for automatic billing. Other key features of ServiceDesk Plus include ticket management, project management, contracts, reporting, and knowledge bases.

ManageEngine charges extra for various add-ons—including live chat, project management, CMDB, and service catalog. This is a notable drawback compared to alternatives like Atera, which offers free live customer chat. Users seeking additional capabilities—such as RMM or ServiceDesk Plus—face another potential downside. These can only be acquired by integrating with other ManageEngine products, which increases overall costs.

G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus pricing:

• Standard: Starts from $13 per month, per technician
• Professional: Starts from $27 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Starts from $67 per month, per technician

4. Datto Autotask PSA

Autotask PSA belongs to Datto’s family of products. It’s built for IT departments and MSPs requiring PSA capabilities. Users can track the time spent on tasks and bill clients accordingly. They can also set up contracts that automate billing. Accompanying the billing tool is a service desk, IT automation, project management, and account management.

Like Atera, Datto offers a mobile app that allows users to manage IT environments on the go. Autotask PSA doesn’t have RMM capabilities, but it can integrate with Datto RMM if necessary. Be aware: This comes at an additional cost.

G2 rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 (350+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 (100+ reviews)

Datto Autotask PSA pricing:

• Pricing is based on custom quotation. To find out the exact pricing, request a demo from the Datto team.

5. Pulseway

Pulseway is mainly known for its RMM tool, but it also offers MSP software with built-in PSA capabilities. Those include client billing, time tracking, contract management, service desk, and project management. In addition, Pulseway has a simple CRM tool that helps manage customer relationships. It integrates with QuickBooks and Xero to sync accounting data.

Pulseway’s MSP platform offers real-time monitoring and alerting, automated patch management, automation, and remote control. While these tools are undeniably useful, they make for a modest package—the platform lacks standout features (such as AI capabilities) offered by competitors.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (80+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

Pulseway pricing:

• Basic: Custom pricing available. Visit their website to find out how much the price is for your use case.

6. SuperOps

SuperOps is IT management software for MSPs. Its key capabilities include RMM, PSA, service desk, automation, and client management. The client management tool helps build contracts, collaborate with clients, send quotes, and create and send invoices. SuperOps offers contract templates for creating contracts more quickly. 

For more streamlined accounting, SuperOps integrates with QuickBooks and Xero. As is the case with Atera, SuperOps uses pay-per-technician pricing for its PSA tool. However, users requiring additional RMM capabilities are charged extra if they exceed their plan’s endpoint limit. A G2 user complained that network monitoring is also an add-on—and expensive.

G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (100+ reviews)

Capterra rating: N/A

SuperOps pricing:

• Starting at $119 per month for the unified PSA and RMM package.

7. Kaseya BMS

Kaseya BMS belongs to Kaseya’s family of products. It’s PSA software for MSPs and IT departments. Users can create customer contracts, track time spent on projects, create quotes, and automate billing. The billing tool is accompanied by IT automation, project management, and a mobile app.

Kaseya BMS offers a ticketing system. When integrated with Kaseya VSA, tickets are automatically generated via alerts. Kaseya VSA also helps to auto-remediate issues by executing predefined scripts or tasks. 

G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars (30+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 stars (30+ reviews)

Kaseya BMS pricing:

• Based on custom quotation. To get the pricing, request a demo from Kaseya’s website.

8. N-able MSP Manager

N-able MSP Manager is a service desk and billing solution for MSPs. It includes IT ticketing, time tracking, billing, workflow and routing automation, and reporting. The platform’s mobile app allows users to access the helpdesk while on the go. Although it offers reporting, a few G2 users have complained about limited functionality. 

MSP Manager integrates with QuickBooks and Xero, as well as other N-able products—such as N-sight RMM and N-central—for additional IT management features. The downside of these integrations is that the price increases with each added solution. All-in-one solutions such as Atera are more cost-effective.

G2 rating: 3.6 out of 5.0 stars (20+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 stars (10+ reviews)

MSP Manager pricing:

• The company doesn’t publicly disclose its pricing; it’s based on a custom quotation. To obtain the pricing, request a quote from N-able’s website.

9. ConnectWise PSA

ConnectWise PSA is a service desk solution for MSPs. Its automated billing system captures billable hours, expenses, and service agreements. Users can send invoices through the customer portal. (Clients are also granted access). ConnectWise PSA integrates with most major accounting software.

ConnectWise’s user interface and customer support have received significant criticism. For example, one G2 user shares that the software is complicated and not very user-friendly. Another G2 user mentions that the product’s “University” resource for learning how to use it isn’t very helpful.

G2 rating: 3.9 out of 5.0 (450+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 (200+ reviews)

ConnectWise PSA pricing:

• Custom quotation: ConnectWise PSA does not make its pricing available publicly. To obtain ConnectWise pricing, request a quote from their team.

Atera: All-in-one IT management including MSP billing features

MSPs that are serious about IT management need more than billing software to succeed.  All-in-one solutions that streamline the billing process while providing other IT management features can ensure business efforts achieve maximum value.

Atera offers such a solution. It combines RMM, PSA, reporting, helpdesk and ticketing, billing and contracts—alongside other essential IT management capabilities powered by ActionAI™. Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform enables MSPs to say goodbye to complex tech stacks and multiple tools. This results in significantly more streamlined processes and considerable cost savings. 
Curious to see how Atera can help you? Take the easy first step of signing up for a free 30-day trial.