FreshBooks vs Manager: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for FreshBooks and Manager side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Manager leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
FreshBooks
Accounting software for small businesses and freelancers
Best for you if:
- • You want super easy invoicing
Manager
Free accounting software for small businesses.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | FreshBooks | Manager |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | From $23/mo, billed monthly Lite plan | Free plan |
Category | Finance Time Tracking | Finance Accounting |
Rating | 4.5/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.5 5,507 reviews | 4.6/5 Capterra 4.8 · G2 4.2 91 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | Potential for add-on service costs | n/a |
Choose FreshBooks or Manager?
Choose FreshBooks if
- You want super easy invoicing
- You want great mobile app
Choose Manager if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want completely free to use
- You want offers a wide range of accounting features
In-Depth Analysis
FreshBooks
Accounting software for small businesses and freelancers
FreshBooks' pricing is fair for small businesses, though it can become expensive as client numbers grow.
Watch out
Potential for add-on service costs
Strengths
- Pro: Super easy invoicing
- Pro: Great mobile app
- Pro: Client portal
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited for complex accounting
- Con: Fewer reports
Key features
Manager
Free accounting software for small businesses.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free to use.
- Pro: Offers a wide range of accounting features.
- Pro: Suitable for small businesses and individuals.
- Pro: Available for desktop and cloud use.
Weaknesses
- Con: May require some accounting knowledge to utilize all features effectively.
- Con: Support might be community-based rather than dedicated premium support.
Key features
Plans and prices: FreshBooks vs Manager
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FreshBooks |
| freshbooks.com/pricingread Oct 14, 2026 |
| Manager | No plan prices on file | manager.io |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on FreshBooks pricing and Manager pricing.
Key Takeaways
FreshBooks
- Choose if you want accounting software for small businesses and freelancers
Manager
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Manager leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.5/5 from 5,507 reviews for FreshBooks, 4.6/5 from 91 reviews for Manager).
- FreshBooks starts at $23/mo, billed monthly; Manager has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only Manager has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do FreshBooks and Manager compare in 2026?
On the data below, Manager leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.5/5 from 5,507 reviews for FreshBooks, 4.6/5 from 91 reviews for Manager). FreshBooks starts at $23/mo, billed monthly; Manager has no public paid plan price on file. Only Manager has a free plan.
What are FreshBooks and Manager used for?
FreshBooks: Accounting software for small businesses and freelancers. Manager: Free accounting software for small businesses.
What does FreshBooks cost vs Manager?
FreshBooks's cheapest paid plan is Lite at $23/mo, billed monthly. Manager has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 14, 2026.
What's the main difference between FreshBooks and Manager?
FreshBooks's main strength: super easy invoicing. Manager's main strength: completely free to use.