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Accounting software for small businesses and freelancers

From $23/mo, free trialVisit Website
Reviews on G2 Capterra
5,507 reviews tracked 3 press mentions

The Bottom Line

Price
From $23/mo, free trial. Compare plans

Key facts

  • FreshBooks is accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers
  • It handles invoicing, expenses, time tracking, and financial reports simply
  • Offers paid tiers

Pros

  • Super easy invoicing
  • Great mobile app
  • Client portal

Cons

  • Limited for complex accounting
  • Fewer reports

What is FreshBooks?

Editorial review
FreshBooks is accounting software designed for small business owners and freelancers. Professional invoicing with automatic payment reminders. Expense tracking with receipt capture. Time tracking links hours to invoices. Double-entry accounting reports. Financial management that small business owners can actually understand.

Available on: Web, iOS, Android

Ratings Across the Web

4.5 (5,507 reviews)

FreshBooks holds an aggregate rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 5,507 reviews across G2 and Capterra, last checked September 17, 2026.

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Invoicing
  • Time tracking
  • Expense management
  • Project profitability
  • Client portal
  • Payment processing

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Oct 3, 2026

FreshBooks plans and prices, checked October 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Lite

$23 / mo

  • US standing price as of 2026-09-01
  • 5 billable clients
  • 90% off 3 months ($2.30) is a limited promo, not the renewal rate
+1 more
  • 30-day money-back
Plus

$43 / mo

  • US standing price
  • 50 billable clients
  • Receipt scanning and accountant access
+1 more
  • Team members $11/mo extra
Premium

$70 / mo

  • Unlimited clients
  • Project profitability
  • Bill line-item capture
Select

Contact us

  • Dedicated phone support
  • Lower payment fees
  • 2 team members included

Is FreshBooks worth the price?

Good value

FreshBooks' pricing is fair for small businesses, though it can become expensive as client numbers grow.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Potential for add-on service costs

Full FreshBooks pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

How FreshBooks's pricing compares

At $23/mo, billing unit not specified, FreshBooks is mid-range of its 5 comparable direct competitors ($15 to $189/mo across the set).

$15.83
FreshBooks
$23
$25
$189

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Oct 3, 2026.

Reviews

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4.5/5

Across 5,507 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2

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FreshBooks FAQ

How does FreshBooks help a freelance graphic designer manage their billing and expenses?

FreshBooks enables a freelance graphic designer to create professional invoices with automatic payment reminders, track expenses by capturing receipts, and link time tracked on projects directly to invoices. This streamlines the entire billing process from time entry to payment collection.

How does FreshBooks compare to Xero for small business accounting?

FreshBooks is designed for small business owners and freelancers who need easy invoicing and expense tracking, while Xero offers more complex accounting features and a broader range of reports. FreshBooks excels in simplicity and a user-friendly mobile app, whereas Xero is better suited for businesses requiring advanced double-entry accounting and detailed financial reporting.

Which teams or users should consider FreshBooks for their accounting needs?

FreshBooks is best suited for small business owners and freelancers who need straightforward invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking without complex accounting features. It is ideal for service-based professionals like consultants, designers, and contractors who want an easy-to-understand financial management tool.

How is FreshBooks priced for its users?

FreshBooks is a paid product with no permanently free tier, offering subscription plans that provide access to professional invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking features. The pricing model is based on the number of billable clients and includes automatic payment reminders and a client portal.

Can FreshBooks link time tracking directly to invoices for client billing?

Yes, FreshBooks allows users to track time on projects and directly link those hours to invoices, ensuring accurate billing for hourly work. This feature simplifies the invoicing process by automatically populating invoice line items with tracked time.

Does FreshBooks offer a mobile app for managing finances on the go?

Yes, FreshBooks provides a great mobile app that allows users to send invoices, capture receipts for expense tracking, and manage their finances from anywhere. The mobile app is designed to be user-friendly and supports key tasks like creating and sending invoices directly from a smartphone.

What are the main limitations of FreshBooks for businesses with complex accounting needs?

FreshBooks is limited for complex accounting because it offers fewer reports and lacks advanced features needed for intricate financial management. Businesses requiring detailed double-entry accounting or extensive customization may find FreshBooks too simple for their needs.

How does FreshBooks handle expense tracking for small business owners?

FreshBooks allows users to track expenses by capturing receipts through its mobile app, automatically categorizing them for easy financial management. This feature helps small business owners keep a clear record of business costs without manual data entry.

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