FreshBooks
4/5 stars
A flexible accounting software that works best for contractors and sole proprietors.
Pros
- Easy-to-use user interface
- Strong invoicing and time tracking tools
- Good customer support
Cons
- No free option
The Bottom Line
Service-based businesses will find FreshBooks a user-friendly and affordable option.
This page may contain affiliate links. Our assessments are grounded solely in the product’s merits and performance.
Plans & Pricing
Lite
Sign on offer: 70% off for 4 months$19/per month
- Send unlimited invoices up to 5 clients
- Track unlimited expenses
- Send unlimited estimates
- Get paid with credit cards and bank transfers (ACH)
- Run reports for an easy tax time
Plus
Sign on offer: 70% off for 4 months$33/per month
- Everything in Lite, plus:
- Send unlimited invoices up to 50 clients
- Set up recurring invoices and client retainers
- Send unlimited proposals
- Invite your accountant
Premium
Sign on offer: 70% off for 4 months$60/per month
- Everything in Plus, plus:
- Send unlimited invoices to an unlimited number of clients
- Automatically capture bills and receipt data
- Track project profitability
- Customize email templates with dynamic fields
Select
Sign on offer: 70% off for 4 monthsCustom Pricing/
- Everything in Premium, plus:
- Simplify your data with Easy Switch
- Access to lower transaction and transfer fees
- 2 team member accounts included
- Dedicated number for exclusive Select support
Pricing information is retrieved from publicly accessible pricing materials. The actual cost may vary based on specific plans chosen. Always check directly with the seller for the final quote.
Pricing information last updated March 7, 2024.
Product Review
Straddling the middle-ground between stripped-down ZipBooks and suped-up QuickBooks is FreshBooks, an accounting software primarily oriented towards service-based businesses. Small businesses with a limited number of clients will find FreshBooks focused and easy-to-use.
Here are some of its key features:
- Invoice management: Create and send professional-looking invoices, then receive payment through ACH or credit card.
- Client communication: Send estimates, proposals, and other files. Collaborate with team members and track project profitability.
- Accounting: Maintain your balance sheet, generate reports, and pay bills.
FreshBooks has solid customer service options, with phone and email support available during extended business hours.
FreshBooks offers three main pricing tiers. At the lowest tier, Lite, you’ll be able to invoice up to 5 clients, run reports for taxes, track expenses, and send estimates. The next tier up, Plus, increases the client limit to 50 and adds receipt capture, accountant collaboration, and additional reports. The highest off-the-shelf tier, Premium, removes the cap on clients and adds a few more bells and whistles. At any tier, you can add additional users for $11 per user per month.
There’s decent support for integration. Popular products like Gusto Payroll or Stripe are easy to use, as are integrations with about 200 other apps. FreshBooks also offers integration with their own payments and payroll products at additional cost.
You won’t find the budgeting tools or deep reporting capabilities of QuickBooks Online. However, you’ll find a set of project management and client communication tools that service-based businesses can use to send estimates, track signatures, and manage profitability.
All in all, this is a solid option for very small businesses that need a basic accounting solution with strong invoicing and project management integrations.
Why we love it:
- User Interface: A focused, easy-to-use experience that requires no accounting expertise.
- Customer Support: Having customer support during extended business hours ensures that you can get your questions answered promptly.
- Focus: Does a very good job with basic accounting and invoicing.
FreshBooks
A flexible accounting software that works best for contractors and sole proprietors.
Lite
$19/mo
Unlimited expenses and estimates, reporting, and invoices for up to 5 clients.
Continue on FreshBooks website
Plus
$33/month
Invoicing for up to 50 clients, recurring invoices, unlimited proposals, add your accountant
Continue on FreshBooks website
Premium
$60/month
Unlimited invoices, unlimited clients. Automatic bill and receipt capture. Project profitability tracking.
Continue on FreshBooks website
Select
Custom Pricing
Dedicated customer support, additional team member accounts, lower transaction and transfer fees.
Continue on FreshBooks website
Similar Products
Zoho Books
A well-balanced accounting product, particularly when integrated with the rest of the Zoho Suite.
ZipBooks
The simple user interface and affordable price of this product make it a great fit for freelancers and small businesses with relatively straightforward accounting needs.
