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Sarah Chen
Editor-in-Chief
Sarah Chen, Editor-in-Chief
We rate FreshBooks 4.2/5. Best invoicing experience, making it especially useful for solopreneurs and creators. The main tradeoff: client limits on lower tiers.
About FreshBooks
FreshBooks is accounting software designed specifically for freelancers and service-based small businesses. It prioritizes invoicing and time tracking over complex accounting features.
Lite ($19/month) includes 5 billable clients, unlimited invoices, and expense tracking. Plus ($33/month) adds 50 clients, proposals, and recurring billing. Premium ($60/month) adds unlimited clients, project profitability, and account customization.
FreshBooks' invoicing is best-in-class for freelancers: create professional invoices in seconds, automate payment reminders, accept online payments, and track time against projects. The mobile app captures receipts and tracks mileage.
For solo founders doing client work (consulting, freelancing, agency), FreshBooks is more intuitive than QuickBooks. Time tracking flows directly into invoices. Project budgets show real-time profitability.
Limitations: limited inventory features, no payroll, and the Lite plan's 5-client limit is restrictive. For full accounting needs, QuickBooks or Xero are more complete. For free invoicing, Wave is a better option.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Best invoicing experience
- +Built for freelancers and solopreneurs
- +Beautiful interface
- +Excellent time tracking
Cons
- -Client limits on lower tiers
- -Less powerful reporting than QuickBooks
- -Not ideal for inventory businesses
Best For
- ▶Freelancer invoicing and billing
- ▶Time tracking for client projects
- ▶Expense and receipt management
- ▶Client proposal creation
- ▶Project profitability tracking
Key Features
Alternatives to FreshBooks
Accounting software for small businesses and solopreneurs.
Free accounting and invoicing for solopreneurs and freelancers.
Compare FreshBooks
How We Evaluate Tools
Our editorial team tests and reviews each tool based on features, pricing, ease of use, integration ecosystem, and real user feedback. Ratings reflect our independent assessment and are not influenced by affiliate partnerships. Learn more about our process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreshBooks free?
FreshBooks is a paid tool. A free trial may be available. Lite: $19/month (5 clients). Plus: $33/month (50 clients). Premium: $60/month (unlimited clients). Select: custom. 50% off for 6 months frequently.
What are the best alternatives to FreshBooks?
The best alternatives to FreshBooks include QuickBooks, Wave. Each offers similar functionality with different strengths in features, pricing, and ease of use. Visit our alternatives page for detailed comparisons.
What is FreshBooks used for?
Invoicing and accounting built for self-employed professionals. Common use cases include: Freelancer invoicing and billing, Time tracking for client projects, Expense and receipt management, Client proposal creation, Project profitability tracking.