Billed vs Pancake

Where the software runs

This is the main difference. Pancake describes itself as software "that you pay for just once and install on your own server", and lists its server requirements as PHP 7.4 or higher and MySQL 5.7 or higher (Pancake, server requirements). Pancake offers to install it for you free of charge, and says it updates itself once installed. Its FAQ also covers manual updates and moving to a new server, and asks you to back up your files and database first (manual update).

Billed is a web app: Billed's FAQ says you "do not need to install anything" and that "It works on any device with a web browser" (Billed FAQs). Billed's security page describes its encryption, firewall, servers and backups (security safeguards).

Invoicing and payments

Both send invoices and recurring invoices and take online payments:

• Pancake lists unlimited invoices, recurring invoices, reusable items, payment schedules, and payments through Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net and others. Clients can log in to a password-protected area to see their invoices and proposals (online invoicing, client access area).
• Billed's invoice software page says to "Choose an invoice template, add your logo and business details" and, for recurring invoices, to "Choose the billing frequency (daily, weekly, monthly or yearly)." On payments it says: "Connect your Stripe account and every invoice you send gets a pay button, so clients can pay by card. Connect PayPal to add a PayPal option as well." It also says "When a client pays by check or cash, record it as an offline payment," that "Payment reminders can be customized," and "Invoice customers in multiple currencies, choosing a different currency for each invoice or customer." See also Billed's Stripe and PayPal pages.

Time, projects and estimates

• Pancake has task timers, timesheets, manual time entries, projects with milestones and tasks, invoices generated from tracked time, estimates and multi-page proposals that clients can accept online (time tracking, project management, proposals).
• Billed's invoice software page says "Billed keeps invoicing, estimates, expenses, time tracking and reports in one account." and "Attach receipts to your expenses, convert an approved estimate into an invoice, and bill for time you have tracked." Its projects page says: "Add your team, track your tasks and create Invoices in one place."

Teams and businesses

Pancake 4 has two user roles, Administrator and General User, with permissions set per client (multi users). Its license covers one installation for one business; additional installations need additional licenses (buy page). Billed's invoice software page says: "If you run more than one business, manage them in one place and switch between them. Invite your team, accountant or contractors and give them permissions in your account."