FreshBooks Review
Last updated: 2026-07-11
Overview
FreshBooks is an accounting platform designed for freelancers and service-based businesses. Founded in 2003, it focuses on the features service providers need most — invoicing, time tracking, and expense management — without the complexity of full accounting software.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easiest accounting software to use — designed for non-accountants
- Excellent time tracking with automatic invoicing
- Professional invoice templates with online payment acceptance
- Good mobile app for tracking time and expenses on the go
- Strong customer support (phone, email, chat)
Cons
- Limited compared to QuickBooks for full accounting
- No inventory management on lower plans
- Pricing: Lite $8.50, Plus $15, Premium $27 — scales with usage
- Double-entry accounting only on Plus plan+
- Bank reconciliation limited compared to QuickBooks/Xero
Features
FreshBooks' invoicing is excellent — professional templates, online payment acceptance (Stripe, PayPal), recurring invoices, and late payment reminders. Time tracking is built-in with a timer that runs in the browser or mobile app. Expenses are captured by photographing receipts. Project profitability tracking shows revenue vs costs per project. The dashboard shows income vs expenses at a glance. Double-entry accounting is available on Plus plan ($15/mo) and above. The main limitations are limited inventory management, no payroll (integrates with Gusto), simpler bank reconciliation than QuickBooks, and fewer integrations.
| Free plan | ❌ No |
| Starting price | $8.50/mo (Lite), $15/mo (Plus), $27/mo (Premium) |
| Invoicing | Unlimited on all plans |
| Time tracking | ✅ Yes |
| Expense tracking | ✅ Yes |
| Bank reconciliation | Plus plan+ |
| Double-entry accounting | Plus plan+ |
| API access | ✅ Yes |
| Integrations | Stripe, PayPal, Gusto, Zapier |
| Support | Phone + email + chat |
Pricing
FreshBooks has four tiers: Lite ($8.50/mo — 5 billable clients, unlimited invoices), Plus ($15/mo — 50 billable clients, double-entry accounting, project profitability), Premium ($27/mo — unlimited billable clients, dedicated account manager). A 30-day free trial is available. No free plan. Pricing is based on billable clients, not users — a significant difference from QuickBooks and Xero.
Final Verdict
FreshBooks is the best accounting tool for freelancers and service businesses that prioritise invoicing and time tracking. If you send invoices, track time, and want simple expense management without accounting complexity, FreshBooks is easier to use than QuickBooks. If you need full double-entry accounting or payroll, QuickBooks or Xero are better choices. 4.2/5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreshBooks or QuickBooks better for freelancers?
FreshBooks is generally better for freelancers — its time tracking, simple invoicing, and lower price ($8.50/mo vs $38/mo) are designed for solo service providers. QuickBooks is overkill for most freelancers unless you need payroll or inventory.
Does FreshBooks do double-entry accounting?
Yes, but only on the Plus plan ($15/mo) and above. The Lite plan ($8.50/mo) is single-entry only. If you need proper double-entry for tax purposes, use the Plus plan or higher.
Does FreshBooks include payroll?
No. FreshBooks doesn't include payroll. It integrates with Gusto for US payroll. If payroll is essential, QuickBooks offers a built-in payroll add-on ($45/mo + $5/employee).