Tools for Accounting

FreshBooks

What is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is cloud accounting and invoicing software for small service businesses. Plans add accounting reports, proposals, retainers and receipt scanning (Plus) and accounts payable and project profitability (Premium).

Who it's for

Freelancers and small service businesses that bill clients.

Key features

  • Invoicing and online payments
  • Expense and time tracking
  • Accounting reports, proposals and retainers (Plus)
  • Receipt scanning (Plus)
  • Accounts payable and bill receipt capture (Premium)
  • Project profitability (Premium)

Integrations

  • Gusto
  • Stripe

FreshBooks Payroll is powered by Gusto, and FreshBooks Payments is powered by Stripe; more apps are in the FreshBooks App Store.

Pricing

Lite $23/mo (up to 5 clients), Plus $43/mo (up to 50), Premium $70/mo (unlimited); 10% off annual billing (per FreshBooks' pricing page). (from the vendor's public pages, October 2026; confirm with the vendor)

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Reviewers praise intuitive invoicing. [7]
  • Expense and time tracking and the mobile app are cited. [8]
  • Responsive support. [7]

Cons

  • Costs rise with users and clients. [9]
  • Advanced accounting, reporting and inventory are limited. [7]
  • Bank sync and reconciliation issues are reported. [9]

Summarized from public reviews and reporting; not a hands-on test.

Category
Core Accounting & ERP
Website
www.freshbooks.com

Frequently asked questions

What is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is cloud accounting and invoicing software for small service businesses. Plans add accounting reports, proposals, retainers and receipt scanning (Plus) and accounts payable and project profitability (Premium).

Who is FreshBooks for?

FreshBooks is for freelancers and small service businesses that bill clients.

What does FreshBooks integrate with?

FreshBooks lists integrations with Gusto, Stripe, according to its website.

How much does FreshBooks cost?

FreshBooks pricing, per its public pages: Lite $23/mo (up to 5 clients), Plus $43/mo (up to 50), Premium $70/mo (unlimited); 10% off annual billing (per FreshBooks' pricing page).. Confirm current pricing with the vendor.

Sources

  1. https://www.freshbooks.com
  2. https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing
  3. https://www.freshbooks.com/2026-faq-price-change
  4. https://support.freshbooks.com/hc/en-us/articles/115014586048-How-does-the-Gusto-app-work
  5. https://support.freshbooks.com/hc/en-us/articles/24999759052429-How-do-I-accept-online-payments-with-FreshBooks-Payments-powered-by-Stripe
  6. https://appstore.freshbooks.com/
  7. https://ai.g2.com/product/freshbooks
  8. https://www.capterra.com/p/142390/FreshBooks/reviews/
  9. https://www.capterra.com/p/142390/FreshBooks/

Last checked: 2026-10-16

Alternatives to FreshBooks

  • NetSuite

    Oracle's cloud ERP with general ledger, AR, AP and close, plus the NetSuite Next AI layer.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Annual license based on core platform, optional modules and number of users, plus a one-time implementation fee; no list prices published. AI Units are included with eligible user licenses, and more can be purchased.

  • Xero

    Cloud accounting for small businesses and their accountants, with the JAX AI agent built in.

    Core Accounting & ERP · US plans: Early $27/mo, Growing $59/mo, Established $97/mo (per Xero's US pricing page). Global USD plans (Starter, Standard, Premium) increase from November 1, 2026.

  • QuickBooks Online

    Intuit's cloud accounting for small businesses, with Intuit Assist AI built in.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Simple Start $38/mo, Essentials $85/mo, Plus $140/mo, Advanced $340/mo (per Intuit's pricing page); Essentials, Plus and Advanced prices changed for renewals on or after August 1, 2026.