Accounting Software · Updated for 2026

FreshBooks Review

FreshBooks is an invoicing-first cloud accounting platform tailored for freelancers, consultants, and small service-based businesses.

Editorial score
4.4/5
Starting price
$19/mo
Best for
Freelancers, consultants, and service-based small businesses
Category
Accounting Software
Quick answer

Is FreshBooks worth it?

FreshBooks began as an invoicing tool and has evolved into a full small-business accounting platform with bank feeds, double-entry accounting, expense tracking, time tracking, project profitability, and team collaboration. It's especially popular with freelancers, agencies, lawyers, and consultants who bill by project or hour. Its UX is widely considered the most approachable in SMB accounting.

Pros

  • Best-in-class invoicing UX and customization
  • Strong project profitability and time tracking
  • Built-in proposals and estimates
  • Mobile apps highly rated
  • Excellent customer support

Cons

  • Inventory features limited
  • Less powerful than Xero or QuickBooks for product businesses
  • Per-client pricing on lower tiers
  • Reporting depth lighter than QuickBooks Online Advanced
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FreshBooks pricing

Lite
$19/mo
Best for: Freelancers with up to 5 clients
Most popular
Plus
$33/mo
Best for: Small businesses with up to 50 clients
Premium
$60/mo
Best for: Unlimited clients + advanced features
Select
Custom
Best for: Larger service businesses with dedicated support

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Integrations

GustoStripePayPalShopifyHubSpotZapier

FAQ

Is FreshBooks better than QuickBooks?

For freelancers and service businesses focused on invoicing, time tracking, and project profitability — yes. For product businesses needing inventory, QuickBooks wins.

Does FreshBooks do payroll?

Not natively. FreshBooks integrates with Gusto for payroll.

FreshBooks comparisons

Side-by-side matchups with the alternatives buyers research most.

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