FreshBooks
The Astronaut's Review
Expert analysis by The Software Astronaut
Astronaut's Score
The Verdict
The invoicing-first accounting tool designed for freelancers and service businesses.
Our Take
FreshBooks prioritizes invoicing and time tracking, making it ideal for freelancers and service businesses. The interface is more approachable than QuickBooks, though the accounting features are less comprehensive. Double-entry accounting is available.
Where It Fits
- Freelancers and solopreneurs
- Service businesses billing hourly
- Users wanting simple, beautiful invoicing
- Non-accountants doing their own books
Where It Falls Short
- Product-based businesses with inventory
- Complex accounting requirements
- Businesses needing robust reporting
Rating Breakdown
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
FreshBooks started as invoicing software and evolved into a full accounting solution. It's used by millions of self-employed professionals and small businesses who prioritize invoicing and client work.
Ease of Use
FreshBooks is one of the easiest accounting tools to use. Creating invoices takes minutes. The interface is modern and unintimidating for non-accountants. Time tracking integration is seamless.
Key Strengths
- Beautiful, professional invoices
- Excellent time tracking
- Easy expense management
- Client portal for communication
- Modern, friendly interface
- Good mobile apps
Limitations to Consider
- Accounting is simpler than QuickBooks/Xero
- Limited inventory management
- Payroll requires third-party integration
- Reporting is basic
Pricing Analysis
Lite at $19/month (5 clients). Plus at $33/month (50 clients). Premium at $60/month (unlimited). Select for $120/month adds features.
Final Thoughts
FreshBooks is perfect for freelancers and service businesses focused on invoicing and time tracking. Those needing full-featured accounting should consider QuickBooks or Xero instead.
Top-Rated Alternatives
Explore other highly-rated Accounting & Finance options to find the best fit for your needs.
Popular Integrations
FreshBooks works seamlessly with these popular tools to enhance your workflow.
Note: Integration availability may vary based on your subscription plan. Visit the official FreshBooks website or check our individual product pages for the most up-to-date integration information.
About FreshBooks
Accounting for small businesses
Key Features
Feature Availability
| Feature | FreshBooks |
|---|---|
Cloud-Based Accessible from any device with internet | |
Mobile App Native mobile applications available | Partial |
API Access Programmatic access for integrations | Partial |
Free Trial Try before you buy | |
Free Tier Permanently free plan available | |
24/7 Support Round-the-clock customer assistance | Partial |
SSO/SAML Enterprise single sign-on | Partial |
Data Export Export your data anytime | |
Integrations Connect with other tools | |
Custom Branding White-label capabilities | Partial |
Pricing Overview
Lite from $17/month
Integration & API
- API Supported
- Yes
- API Auth Methods
- OAuth2
- API Protocols
- REST
- Native Integrations
- StripePayPalGustoShopify
- Marketplace
- Yes
- Zapier
- Yes
Security & Compliance
- Certifications
- SOC 2
- Encryption
- AES-256TLS 1.2
- Compliance
- GDPRPCI DSS
- Uptime SLA
- 99.9%
Customization
- Custom Objects
- No
- Custom Fields
- Yes
- Custom Workflows
- Yes
- Custom Reports
- Yes
- Custom Branding
- Yes
- Coding Capability
- No
Mobile
- Mobile App
- Yes
- Platforms
- iOSAndroid
- Mobile Pricing
- Included
Delivery & Infrastructure
- Deployment Type
- Public Cloud
- Browsers
- ChromeFirefoxSafariEdge
- Data Centers
- USACanada
- Languages
- EnglishFrenchSpanish
Pricing & Licensing
- Contract Duration
- MonthlyAnnual
- License Mix
- No
- Trial Days
- 30 days
- Currency
- USDCAD
Support
- Channels
- PhoneEmailChatHelp Center
- Hours
- Business Hours
- Dedicated Manager
- No
- Training
- Yes