Freelancing comes with the freedom to work on your terms—but it also brings the responsibility of managing your own finances. One of the most overlooked tools in a freelancer’s financial toolkit is a free paystub maker. Whether you need to track income, prove earnings for a loan, or maintain records for taxes, a paystub generator can make life a whole lot easier.
To help you stay on top of your freelance finances, here are the top 10 free paystub makers every freelancer should try—starting with a standout favorite: StubCreator.
1. StubCreator – Best Overall for Freelancers
StubCreator tops our list for several compelling reasons. It’s a user-friendly platform specifically designed for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners who need quick and professional paystubs. The best part? New users get their first paystub free, making it perfect for trying before buying.
Key Features:
- First stub is free—no credit card needed
- Intuitive interface, easy form filling
- Multiple customization options
- Instant download in PDF format
- Secure and confidential
Why Freelancers Love It:
StubCreator saves time and delivers sleek, professional paystubs instantly. It’s ideal for proof of income when applying for credit cards, renting apartments, or tax filing.
2. PayStubs.net
PayStubs.net offers a seamless experience for freelancers needing accurate, printable stubs. Although only the preview is free, it’s still a reliable tool for calculating and formatting your data.
Key Features:
- Real-time preview of stubs
- Supports various pay schedules
- Customizable templates
Tip: Use it to get a preview and ensure your data is accurate before deciding if you want to purchase or subscribe.
3. 123PayStubs
123PayStubs is a cloud-based solution ideal for independent contractors and freelancers. It simplifies paystub creation and even provides tax form generation.
Key Features:
- Free trial available
- W-2 and 1099 form creation
- Mobile-friendly interface
Bonus: Integration with tax documents makes it great during tax season.
4. Check Stub Maker
Check Stub Maker is another excellent tool that freelancers can rely on for fast, compliant paystubs. While it’s not 100% free, it offers a free preview and guarantees error-free calculations.
Key Features:
- Free preview
- Supports hourly, salaried, and freelance work
- Built-in tax calculations
Why It’s Useful:
If you’re billing clients by the hour or job, this generator ensures your deductions and net pay are spot-on.
5. FormPros
FormPros provides legal and financial form templates, including paystub generators. Freelancers can benefit from its customizable stub features and accuracy.
Key Features:
- Custom pay periods
- Auto-calculated taxes and deductions
- Free preview option
Note: Great for side hustlers and part-time freelancers who want more formal documentation.
6. PayStubCreator.net
PayStubCreator.net is built for simplicity. It’s perfect for freelancers who just want to generate a quick paystub without jumping through hoops.
Key Features:
- No account signup required
- Easy-to-use input fields
- Free download options available (for preview or limited stubs)
Freelancer-Friendly:
This tool suits those who freelance part-time and only need occasional proof of income.
7. Real Check Stubs
Real Check Stubs is designed to provide highly realistic paystubs that are accepted by landlords, banks, and other institutions.
Key Features:
- Quick generation
- Realistic templates
- Excellent customer support
Free Preview: You can preview your stub before buying—great for confirming your numbers are accurate before committing.
8. OnlinePayStub
OnlinePayStub offers an efficient stub generator for freelancers who need one-time or recurring stubs.
Key Features:
- Clear, step-by-step generator
- Email and PDF download options
- Preview available
Good to Know: While not fully free, it offers useful features for freelancers looking to automate part of their income tracking.
9. MakePayStubs.com
MakePayStubs.com offers a flexible stub creation platform. While primarily paid, freelancers can access a free demo version to test the waters.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Demo available for free
- Custom options for self-employed professionals
Ideal For:
Freelancers who want to personalize their stubs with business logos or custom labels.
10. PDFSimpli Paystub Generator
PDFSimpli offers more than just paystubs—it’s a full PDF editing suite. Its paystub generator is fast and designed for freelancers who occasionally need basic stubs.
Key Features:
- Basic stub generator
- Fast PDF export
- Other document tools available
Perfect For:
Freelancers who prefer an all-in-one document solution, including contracts and invoices.
Why Freelancers Need a Paystub Generator
Even without a traditional employer, freelancers often need paystubs for:
- Proof of income when applying for loans or renting property
- Accurate tax filing with breakdowns of gross and net income
- Professional credibility when working with clients or vendors
- Personal finance tracking to manage multiple income streams
A good paystub generator can streamline all these processes and help you stay financially organized.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a freelancer looking to bring more professionalism and structure to your income tracking, a free paystub generator is a must-have tool. Start with StubCreator—especially since your first paystub is completely free—and then explore the other options based on your needs.
Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, proving your income to a landlord, or preparing for tax season, these top 10 tools will make the process easy, fast, and accurate. Don’t wait until the last minute—get ahead of your finances and start generating your own paystubs today.