FreshBooks
Cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses to manage invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and project management. Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive invoicing features that help service-based businesses streamline their financial operations.
Best for
- Freelancers and consultants
- Service-based small businesses
- Creative professionals
- Businesses focused on project billing
Not ideal for
- Limited client capacity on lower plans
- Fewer advanced accounting features than competitors
- Higher pricing compared to some alternatives
- Limited inventory management capabilities
Get Started with FreshBooks
From $23/mo · 4 plans available
Visit FreshBooks →FreshBooks Overview
FreshBooks vs Top Alternatives
| Software | Rating | Starting Price | Free Tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFreshBooks | 4.5 ★ | $23/mo | No | |
| ZZoho Invoice | 4.7 ★ | Free | Yes | Compare → |
| PPayPal | 4.3 ★ | Free | Yes | Compare → |
| HHarpoon | 4.3 ★ | $9/mo | Yes | Compare → |
| INInvoice Ninja | 4.3 ★ | $14/mo | Yes | Compare → |
| WWave | 4.3 ★ | $16/mo | Yes | Compare → |
FreshBooks Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely user-friendly interface
- Excellent invoicing capabilities
- Built-in time tracking and project management
- Strong mobile app functionality
- Good customer support
Cons
- Limited client capacity on lower plans
- Fewer advanced accounting features than competitors
- Higher pricing compared to some alternatives
- Limited inventory management capabilities
Pricing Plans
Lite
- 5 billable clients
- Unlimited invoices
- Expense tracking
- Time tracking
- Basic reports
- Payment processing
Plus
- 50 billable clients
- Recurring invoices
- Client retainers
- Proposals
- Receipt scanning
- Accountant access
- Double-entry reports
Premium
- Unlimited clients
- Project profitability tracking
- Custom email templates
- Bill scanning
- Accounts payable
- Advanced reporting
Select
- All Premium features
- 2 team members included
- Dedicated account manager
- Custom integrations
- Lower payment fees
- Priority support
FreshBooks Integrations
FreshBooks connects with 8 services to extend your workflow.
Who Should Use FreshBooks?
Small Client-Service Businesses
FreshBooks is designed primarily for owners of small client-service businesses who invoice clients for time, expertise, or services. It serves 68% small companies (<50 employees) and is most common among businesses with 1-10 employees and $1M-10M revenue.
RecommendedSolopreneurs & Freelancers
Best for individuals billing time/projects who are user-friendly for non-accountants. Examples include freelance designers, writers, or consultants who need simple invoicing and time tracking.
RecommendedIT & Software Professionals
Top industries include Information Technology and Services (13%) and Computer Software (8-10%), with IT consultants and software developers using it for client billing and project management.
RecommendedMarketing & Advertising Agencies
Marketing and Advertising represents 9% of users, with agencies using it for tracking time and projects for campaigns. The platform helps manage client billing and project profitability.
RecommendedEnterprise & Complex Businesses
FreshBooks lacks advanced accounting functionality essential for scaling businesses, missing inventory tracking, sophisticated tax breakdowns, and complex accounting operations. Users say it becomes inadequate once businesses grow beyond freelancer or micro-business size.
Not idealWhen to Consider Alternatives
Complex Financial Operations
FreshBooks lacks advanced accounting functionality essential for scaling businesses, missing inventory tracking, advanced financial reporting, and sophisticated tax breakdowns. There's no built-in payroll in the U.S. and integration with Gusto costs extra.
Consider QuickBooks instead →Growing Teams & Collaboration
All plans have a one-user limit by default, and adding team members incurs substantial additional fees per person. This structure penalizes growth and makes FreshBooks uneconomical for collaborative teams.
Consider Xero instead →Budget-Conscious Businesses
The biggest complaint is that costs escalate dramatically as your business grows, with total bills climbing quickly through add-ons, transaction fees, and team member charges. Users report being forced into higher pricing tiers earlier than expected.
Consider Wave instead →High Volume Client Management
Lower-tier plans cap the number of billable clients (5-50 depending on the plan), which forces freelancers and small agencies to upgrade sooner than necessary. Users cannot batch-create multiple invoices at once.
Consider Zoho Books instead →Top FreshBooks Alternatives
Zoho Invoice
A comprehensive invoicing software designed for small businesses and freelancers to create professional invoices, track expenses, and get paid faster. Features customizable templates, automated payment reminders, and seamless integration with multiple payment gateways.
PayPal
Global payment platform for online and in-person payments with buyer protection.
Harpoon
Forward-looking time-tracking and invoicing software designed to help freelancers, agencies, and studios plan and forecast profitable futures. Features The Harpoon Method for financial clarity and business growth.
Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja is a comprehensive invoicing and billing platform designed for freelancers, consultants, and small businesses. It offers both hosted SaaS and self-hosted options with features like professional invoice templates, online payments, time tracking, and expense management.
Wave
Wave is a comprehensive accounting and invoicing platform designed specifically for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs. It offers free core accounting features with optional paid services like payment processing, payroll, and bookkeeping support.
Bonsai
Bonsai provides invoicing software with automated billing, payments, and reporting integrated into a full business management suite for small teams. It excels in branded templates, time/expense tracking, and client management to simplify cash flow.
HoneyBook
HoneyBook is an AI-powered client relationship platform that streamlines invoices, payments, proposals, contracts, and automations in one hub for independent professionals. It emphasizes faster payments with 90% of invoices paid on time or early through professional client experiences via customizable templates and portals.
Paymo
Paymo is an all-in-one project management software with built-in time tracking and invoicing tailored for small businesses and teams to manage tasks, bill clients, and track profitability from one platform. It enables seamless conversion of timesheets to invoices, mobile billing, and online payments while offering a free tier for basic needs.