Is FreshBooks too expensive for you? Or were you dissatisfied with some of its features? It’s safe to say you’re here looking for FreshBooks alternatives.
You won’t walk out of this guide disappointed.
I’ve been working with clients for more than 5 years and managing invoices, payments, and tax requirements can burn your candles at both ends. I’ve done in-depth research on the best business accounting software and I’ve listed down my favorites for you.
If you want to learn about functional and valuable FreshBooks alternatives, read until the end to find the best fit for you.
1. FreshBooks Alternative: QuickBooks
Cloud-based Accounting Software For Accountants And Business Owners [Free | $7.50/month]
While FreshBooks works well for running service-based businesses, QuickBooks is great for those who run product-based businesses.
If offers business solutions like:
Accounting
QuickBooks lets you track daily expenses in detail ready for the tax period.
Do you easily lose track of receipts?
QuickBooks has a handy mobile app that lets you capture photos so you store receipts and track mileage while on the go to stay compliant with tax requirements while at the same time, maximizing allowable deductions.
Moreover, it offers deeper business insights when bank and credit card accounts are connected. It features Balance Sheets and Profit and Loss reports you can access by simply clicking on a button.
What’s more, it features cloud accounting, time tracking, and now, the newly added inventory management so you can scale your product-based business in one software.
Payments
QuickBooks takes pride in its payment system that lets you automate every detail about getting paid.
Do you want to lessen the process a customer takes when paying you?
QuickBooks lets you add a button to your invoice so they can simply pay online using their debit card or credit card. It’s 2x faster compared to traditional paper invoicing.
There’s also a provision for card readers so they can make in-person but contactless payments using the mobile app.
Do you have monthly transactions with customers?
You can send recurring invoices to take more tasks out of your mind.
Cash Flow
QuickBooks has custom cash flow forecasting so you can plan and make smarter decisions.
What’s more, there’s QuickBooks Enveloped feature so you can tuck away savings and earn interest.
The last and best feature I found with QuickBooks is that it allows you to test drive the software using a sample company so you can explore the different features from accounting to payments, to cash flow.
QuickBooks Pricing Plan
QuickBooks has 5 pricing packages, 4 of which are geared toward product-based businesses.
The first pricing plan is for those who prefer Live Bookkeeping.
How much does it cost?
You first have to book a free consultation call where the scope of work and pricing details are discussed.
The second pricing plan is for Freelancers:
- Self-employed ($7.50/mo): separate business and personal expenses, schedule C deductions, automatic calculation of quarterly estimated taxes, automatic mileage tracking
- Self-employed WIth Tax Bundle ($12/mo): separate business and personal expenses, schedule C deductions, automatic calculation of quarterly estimated taxes, automatic mileage tracking, payment of estimated tax directly from QuickBooks, easy transfer info to TurboTax, 1 state and 1 federal tax return filing
- Self-employed Live TaX Bundle ($17/mo): separate business and personal expenses, schedule C deductions, automatic calculation of quarterly estimated taxes, automatic mileage tracking, payment of estimated tax directly from QuickBooks, easy transfer info to TurboTax, 1 state and 1 federal tax return filing, discussion with CPAs for unlimited advice all year, final review of return by CPA
The third pricing plan is Accounting for Business:
- Simple Start ($12.50/mo): track income and expenses, organize receipts, maximize tax deductions, invoice and accept payments, manage cash flow, track miles, general reports, send estimates, sales tracking, and sales tax
- Essentials ($25/mo): track income and expenses, organize receipts, maximize tax deductions, invoice and accept payments, manage cash flow, track miles, general reports, send estimates, sales tracking, sales tax, include 3 users, manage and pay bills, and track time
- Plus ($40/mo): track income and expenses, organize receipts, maximize tax deductions, invoice and accept payments, manage cash flow, track miles, general reports, send estimates, sales tracking, sales tax, include 5 users, manage and pay bills, track time, track project profitability, track inventory
- Advanced ($90/mo): track income and expenses, organize receipts, maximize tax deductions, invoice and accept payments, manage cash flow, track miles, general reports, send estimates, sales tracking, sales tax, include 25 users, manage and pay bills, track time, track project profitability, track inventory, business analytics and insights, batch invoice, and expenses, customize access role, restore company data, and automate workflows
The fourth pricing plan is for Payroll:
- Payroll Core With QuickBooks Simple Start ($35/mo): full-service payroll, auto payroll, expert product support, next-day direct deposit, and all features in Simple Start Plan
- Payroll Premium With QuickBooks Plus ($77.50/mo): full-service payroll, auto payroll, expert product support, same-day direct deposit, HR support, expert setup review, and all features in Plus Plan
- Payroll Elite With QuickBooks Advanced ($152/mo): full-service payroll, auto payroll, expert product support, same-day direct deposit, HR support, expert setup review, tax penalty protection, personal HR advisor, Workers’ comp administration, and all features in Advanced Plan
And lastly, the Payments pricing plan:
- QuickBooks Simple Start With Payments ($12.50/mo): basic smart invoicing, send a custom invoice, manage cash flow, automatic matching, run basic reports, basic bookkeeping
- QuickBooks Plus With Payments ($40/mo): basic smart invoicing, send a custom invoice, manage cash flow, automatic matching, run basic reports, basic bookkeeping, send progress invoices, send recurring invoices, track time, track project profitability, track inventory
If you aren’t sure which pricing plan fits your needs, you can use the quiz offering you a personalized list of recommended plans. Start your free trial with QuickBooks by visiting their site.
QuickBooks vs. FreshBooks At A Glance
   4.7 |  4.5 |
| Best for: Freelancers, accountants, eCommerce merchants, and nonprofits | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Pricing: Starts at $7.50/month | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: Software test with sample company and quiz tool to determine best pricing | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: Even with numerous support channels, responses tend to be slow | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Try QuickBooks | Try FreshBooks |
2. FreshBooks Alternative: Zoho Books
Active Accounting Software For Goods And Services Business Owners [Free | $10/month]
Zoho Books is a great FreshBooks alternative that has significant invoicing and accounting features allowing business owners to create, send, manage and monitor invoices on one platform.
It also has solutions for:
Receivables
Sending estimates and transforming them to invoices so you can receive payments on time.
Payables
Managing payables including creating and sending purchase orders, uploading expense receipts, and tracking payments made.
Inventory
Adding goods and services to your transactions quickly, setting reordering and replenishment on inventory when stocks run low, organizing stocks including SKU and cost.
Banking
Setting up your bank account so you can import transactions to the software including bank statements so you won’t have to do manual data entry, setting up rules to categorize transactions, and reconcile transactions ready for tax time.
Time Tracking
Tracking of time spent on projects so you can invoice customers allowing you to easily manage multiple projects, create invoices directly from projects, and track unbilled expenses and hours.
Contacts
Importing contacts in one place so you can edit and manage customers within Zoho Books, collaborate using the client portal, secure customer details, and set charges for recurring transactions.
Reports
Provides profit and loss statements, inventory summary, tax summary, schedule, customize and send reports.
Zoho Books Pricing Plan
Like FreshBooks, Zoho Books has 4 subscription plans. You can choose between monthly and annual subscriptions.
- Free: 1 user and accountant, 1,000 invoices/year, 3 payment gateways, import bank statements, invoice customization, and more.
- Standard ($10/organization/mo): 3 users, 5,000 invoices, 11 payment gateways, bulk updates, transaction locking, custom views, and all features in the Free Plan
- Professional ($20/organization/mo): 5 users, currency tracking, stock tracking, custom roles, timesheet, and everything in the Standard Plan
- Premium ($30/organization/mo): 10 users, custom domain, budgeting, custom functions, workflow rules, and everything in the Professional Plan
You can also add include add-ons:
- Users: $2.50/user/mo
- Branches: $10/user/mo (for Premium Plan holders only)
- Advanced Autoscans: $8 for 50 scans/mo
- Snail Mail: $2/credit (sent from the US)
If you’re still on the fence about what plan to get, take advantage of the 14-day trial version first. If you realize you don’t require a lot of features, the Free plan might be enough.
Zoho Books vs. Freshbooks At A Glance
 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Best for: For accountants, eCommerce merchants, and nonprofits | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Pricing: Starts at $10/month (free plan available) | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: Robust automation, client portal sales, and purchase approval, | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: No payroll feature, no add-on for the free plan, and limited app integrations | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Try Zoho Books | Try FreshBooks |
3. FreshBooks Alternative: Xero
User-Friendly Online Accounting Software For Goods And Services Business Owners [Free | $5.50/month]
Xero is a FreshBooks alternative providing remarkable security and outstanding integrations. While FreshBooks offers 110 integrations, Xero more than quadruples the number at 800 integrations.
If you’re using many automation tools, Xero will provide you with the widest selection.
Xero is arguably more user-friendly than FreshBooks. It’s easy to set up and built with simple payment and transaction processes.
Xero also allows you to manage assets and cash flows, connect with customers quickly, provide invoicing, inventory updates, and bank verification.
For convenient exchange rates, Xero also accepts multi-currency transactions.
Additionally, it has CRM features, timesheets, and inventory for seamless daily transactions.
It also comes with unlimited users whichever of the 3 plans you choose to subscribe to.
Xero Pricing Plan
Xero has 3 pricing plans all can be canceled with one month’s notice when not satisfied.
- Early ($5.50/mo): send quotes and 20 invoices, enter 5 bills, reconcile bank receipts, short-term cash flow
- Growing ($16/mo): send invoices and quotes, enter bills, reconcile bank transactions, capture bills and receipts, bulk reconcile transactions, short-term cash flow
- Established ($31): send invoices and quotes, enter bills, reconcile bank transactions, capture bills and receipts, bulk reconcile transactions, multiple currencies, track projects, claim expenses, in-depth analytics
Xero itself doesn’t have a payroll feature so they partnered with Gusto for this tool. However, adding this to your subscription means an additional $39/month.
Since a 30-day free trial is available, you can use this to test the waters first.
Xero vs. Freshbooks At A Glance
 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Best for: Self-employed, small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Starts at $5.50/month | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: Automates invoicing and reporting, plus easy year-end tax returns | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: Unstable or broken bank reconciliation and additional costs for payroll | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Try Xero | Try FreshBooks |
4. FreshBooks Alternative: Sage Intacct
AI-Powered Accounting And Financial Management Software For Mid To Large Businesses [Free | $5.50/month]
Unlike FreshBooks, Sage Intacct is a custom quote-based accounting solution.
This software caters to:
- Real estate and construction
- Franchise
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Professional services
- Nonprofits
- And more
Sage Intacct offers user-friendly accounting basic functions like payables, receivables, and general ledger.
It also supports multi-currency.
Unlike FreshBooks, Sage Intacct has flexible cost and system requirements.
Sage Intacct Pricing Plan
As mentioned earlier, Sage Intacct has no readily available pricing plan. You have to book a call for a custom plan with custom pricing.
If you’re not ready to commit to a call, try out the 30-day trial first. Considering using Sage Intacct? Visit the site to learn more and get started.
Sage Intacct vs. Freshbooks At A Glance
 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Best for: Mid to large size businesses and self-employed professionals | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Pricing: Custom plans (free plan available) | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: Tailor fit services and a flexible platform with advanced functionality | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: Extensive features will leave you confused and can be hard to start using | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Try Sage | Try FreshBooks |
5. FreshBooks Alternative: Wave
No-Cost Financial Software For Businesses [Free]
By far, the best feature of Wave is its no-cost setup. No monthly fees, no hidden charges, nada.
The only costs you’ll pay are for credit card transactions.
Though free, Wave remains to be a competitive financial software that in some areas proves to be better than FreshBooks.
Wave has a simple and user-friendly dashboard, so tracking payments and expenses are a no-brainer.
It also has automatic invoicing and billing options so you can take some load off your shoulder and save time from repetitive tasks. But if you want to customize the invoice, you can do so too.
Wave Pricing Plan
You don’t have to pay for anything to use the software unless you have credit card transactions.
For free, you get to use:
- Unlimited income and expense tracking
- Sales tax and expenses tracking
- Unlimited collaborators
- Unlimited bank and credit card connections
- Overdue report for invoices, bills, cash flow, profit and loss, and more
Interested in Wave? Visit their site.
Wave vs. Freshbooks At A Glance
 4.2 | 4.5 |
| Best for: Freelancers, consultants, small businesses, and enterprises | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Pricing: Free | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: Free plan, user-friendly, invoicing tools and billing system | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: No audit trail to fix mistakes and poor customer support | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Try Wave | Try FreshBooks |
6. FreshBooks Alternative: Invoicera
Unique Invoicing Software For Businesses [Free | $15/month]
Invoicera is a great FreshBooksalternative for its unique invoicing feature. You can automate the invoice process and use custom templates. Best of all it includes layers of security.
It doesn’t just automate invoices, it also has 30 online integrations for seamless payments.
You don’t speak English?
No worries, Invoicera supports multiple languages.
Moreover, Invoicera also has solutions for staff and client management.
Other features include:
- Time tracking
- Expense management
- Automatic billing
Invoicera Pricing Plan
Invoicera has 4 pricing plans.
- Starter (Free): 3 clients
- Pro ($15/mo): 100 clients, 1 staff, PDF protection. Multi-business
- Business ($29/mo): 1000 clients, 10 staff, PDF protection, the approval process
- Infinite ($149/mo): unlimited clients, unlimited staff, batch PDF, the approval process
The first plan is free but is limited in features, the Business plan on the other hand has great features and offers a free trial. Start now by visiting their site and getting started with Invoicera.
Invoicera vs. Freshbooks At A Glance
  4.2 | 4.5 |
| Best for: Freelancers, small remote teams, and mid-sized businesses | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Pricing: Starts at $15/month (free plan available) | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: Unique invoicing, automated, efficient transactions | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: Limited integrations, and no tracking of bank accounts | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Free plan available | Free plan available |
| Try Invoicera | Try FreshBooks |
7. FreshBooks Alternative: ZipBooks
Solid Accounting Software For Consulting Business [Free | $15/month]
ZipBooks is a straightforward but functional accounting tool for consulting business owners or freelancers.
Like Xero, it doesn’t have its payroll system, hence Gusto is also used here.
A great feature it has is its smart feedback showing and invoice quality score gauge efficacy.
ZipBooks Pricing Plan
Like Invoicera, ZipBooks has 4 pricing plans:
- Starter (Free): unlimited invoice, unlimited vendors and customers, connects to 1 bank
- Smarter ($15/mo): Starter features plus time tracking, adding 5 members, multiple bank accounts, recurring invoices, automated reminders
- Sophisticated ($35/mo): Smarter features plus unlimited users, report generation, and document sharing
- Accountant (Custom pricing): for CPAs to directly contact clients
Smarter and Sophisticated Plans offer a 30-day trial so you can test the waters. If you’re interested in ZipBooks then consider visiting their site to learn more.
ZipBooks vs. Freshbooks At A Glance
 4.2 | 4.5 |
| Best for: Freelancers, consultants, small business owners | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Pricing: Starts at $15/month (free plan available) | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: User-friendly interface, reliable time tracking, and comprehensive reports | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: No mobile app, no inventory management, and poor support | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Try ZipBooks | Try FreshBooks |
8. FreshBooks Alternative: InvoiceBerry
Faster Payment For Small Businesses [Free | $15/month]
InvoiceBerry is a straightforward expense tracking tool that generates your first invoice in 60 seconds.
This allows you to create professional invoices and save them as a PDF in mere seconds.
They’ve partnered with an email service so invoices can be sent electronically fast.
It also has a tracking tool for finished and pending payments.
Lastly, it accepts online transactions through 4 online integrations.
InvoiceBerry Pricing Plan
There’s no confusion when it comes to choosing a plan since it only has 2 options.
- Solo ($15/mo): 35 clients, 2 users, and 15 invoice templates
- Pro ($30/mo): unlimited clients, unlimited users, 15 invoice templates
Before committing to a plan. Try out the features first with the 14-day free trial.
InvoiceBerry vs. Freshbooks At A Glance
 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Best for: Small business owners, and entrepreneurs | Best for: Freelancers, professionals, and also small and mid-sized business owners |
| Pricing: Starts at $15/month (free plan available) | Pricing: Starts at $8/month (free plan available) |
| Best feature: Fast professional invoicing, auto-pilot invoicing, and late-payer reminders | Best feature: Tracking of customer billable hours with an unlimited number of users per account |
| Cons: No mobile app, no inventory management, and poor support | Cons: Pricey add-ons, limited team member additions, with no built-in payroll |
| Try InvoiceBerry | Try FreshBooks |
Conclusion
There you have, the 8 best FreshBooks alternatives I found online.
I’d recommend QuickBooks for product-based business owners since it has a wide array of features that’ll help not just with accounting but sales and inventory.
However, if you’re still a budding freelancer, Wave, the free tool should be enough to cover your basic accounting and invoicing needs.
Most options on the list have free trial versions. You can test those out too so you can find the best fit.
I hope you found this helpful.
