Choosing the right accounting software is like selecting the perfect tool for a job—you know it when you find it. While FreshBooks is a popular choice, it might not suit every business’s unique needs. Fortunately, there are other options in the toolbox. 

We’ll explore seven FreshBooks alternatives, each with its own set of features to meet different needs. Let’s find the perfect tool to polish your financial processes.

7 Alternatives to FreshBooks for Businesses

These FreshBooks alternatives are some of the best accounting software on the market. Each provides accounting and bookkeeping features that help small businesses. Here’s a list of the top seven picks: 

1. Invoice Simple

Why Choose Invoice Simple? It’s great for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that want easy invoicing software. This platform creates elegant, customized invoices and estimates that are quick and easy to access from any device. 

With its user-friendly interface, Invoice Simple lets users add photos, set payment terms, and apply discounts with ease. It’s the standout choice for those wanting to manage their invoicing on the go.

Invoice Simple Pricing:

• Essentials Plan. $4.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
• Plus Plan. $13.49 per month or $134.99 per year.
• Premium Plan. $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.

Core Features:

• Easy Customization. Tailor invoices and estimates and add custom payment terms.
• User-Friendly. The interface is straightforward, and it’s easy to create simple, detailed invoices.
• Expense Tracking. Keep tabs on spending with efficient receipt scanning and management.
• Mobile Interface. Manage any and all invoicing from your phone.

Our Verdict. Invoice Simple is a standout choice for those who need to manage their invoicing on the go. Its affordable pricing and features make it an excellent option for small businesses, freelancers, and contractors. 

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2. QuickBooks Online

Why Choose QuickBooks? QuickBooks Online is for businesses poised for growth. With its reporting and detailed transaction tracking, you can watch your business’s progress at every stage.

QuickBooks Online Pricing:

• Simple Start. $30/month. Suitable for new businesses.
• Essentials. $60/month. Suitable for bill management and time tracking.
• Plus. $90/month. Ideal for project tracking and inventory management.
• Advanced. $200/month. Best for advanced reporting and custom permissions.

Core Features:

• Advanced Reporting. Each plan includes an adjustable number of reports, from 50+ in Simple Start to comprehensive custom reports in Advanced.
• Transaction Tracking. Group transactions by department and location, ideal for detailed financial oversight.
• Integration. It works better with POS systems and payroll software platforms than competitors like FreshBooks.

Our Verdict. QuickBooks Online is a great choice for businesses of all sizes due to its scalability and comprehensive feature set. While more expensive than some alternatives, if you’re looking for advanced functionalities, it may be worth the investment.

3. Xero

Why Choose Xero? Xero excels in offering a user-friendly accounting solution that scales with your business. It allows unlimited users without more fees. With its many integrations available, Xero is a customizable platform for different types of companies.

Xero Pricing:

• Early. $12/month.
• Growing. $34/month.
• Established. $65/month.

Core Features:

• Unlimited User Access. Unlike many competitors, Xero allows you to add as many users as needed without extra costs.
• Smart Bank Reconciliation. The platform learns from your past transactions and tells you how to categorize them, simplifying reconciliation.
• Extensive App Integrations. Xero connects with different apps, allowing users to adjust to their needs.

Our Verdict. Xero is an affordable accounting solution, setting it apart from competitors like FreshBooks, which charges for extra users. While it may have a steep learning curve, it’s still an excellent alternative for growing businesses. 

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4. Zoho Books

Why Choose Zoho Books? Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for growing businesses. It offers mobile-first features that allow users to manage financial tasks on the go. Its mobile app features include sending invoices via iMessage and adding widgets to your phone’s home screen.

Zoho Books Pricing:

• Free. $0/month.
• Standard. $20/month.
• Professional. $50/month.
• Premium. $70/month
• Elite. $150/month.
• Ultimate. $275/month.

Core Features:

• Highly Accessible. Zoho’s mobile app allows for financial management from smartphones and even an Apple Watch.
• Automation Tools. The platform can automate repetitive tasks like payment reminders, saving valuable time.
• Multi-Platform. Zoho Books is accessible on iOS, Android, and Windows so that you can operate across devices.

Our Verdict. Zoho Books has extensive plan options, ranging from a free service to advanced packages. Although the free plan has limited features, it’s a decent choice for businesses seeking on-the-go accounting solutions.

5. Wave

Why Choose Wave? Wave Accounting software provides a user-friendly solution for small businesses and freelancers. Its free plan offers unlimited invoicing and customizable invoice templates. Options that are valuable for many businesses include consulting, legal, and marketing services.

Wave Pricing:

• Starter. Free for a single user; includes accounting and invoicing features.
• Pro. $16/month for unlimited users. This includes bank feeds, receipt capture, support, and discounted processing fees.
• Add-ons. Booking support, assisted payroll, and receipt scanning are available at additional costs. 

Core Features:

• Unlimited Free Invoicing. Send as many invoices as needed at no cost in the Starter plan.
• Integrated Financial Management. The platform tracks income and expenses, sends reminders, and connects with bank accounts.
• Customizable Invoice Templates. Wave offers various templates for many different business needs.

Our Verdict. Even with some limitations, Wave’s pricing plans make it a good option for small businesses. 

RELATED ARTICLE— Creating an Effective Invoice Number System: Best Practices

6. Hiveage

Why Choose Hiveage? Known for its simplicity, Hiveage allows users to create one-time and recurring invoices. The platform’s easy dashboard and time and expense tracking (even in its free version) make it a good tool for managing business finances.

Hiveage Pricing:

• Free Plan. $0/month — Access basic invoicing and payment functionalities.
• Basic Plan. $19/month or $16/month when billed annually. It includes all free features plus advanced reporting and support.
• Pro Plan. $29/month or $25/month when billed annually. It adds features such as team collaboration and multi-currency support.
• Plus Plan. $49/month or $42/month when billed annually. It includes all previous features plus the ability to accept offline payments like cash, checks, and bank transfers.

RELATED ARTICLE— A Step-By-Step Guide to Efficient Invoice Processing

Core Features:

• Ease of Use. Simple tools for generating both one-time and recurring invoices.
• Comprehensive Dashboard. Navigate finances, track time, and manage expenses.
• Payment Flexibility. Supports both online and offline payment methods. This includes integration with accounting, CRM, and project management tools via Zapier. 

Our Verdict. As an invoice tool, Hiveage’s ability to integrate with Zapier means it can also connect with broader business systems. This added feature makes it a versatile choice despite its focus on invoicing.

7. Expensify

Why Choose Expensify? Expensify is an accounting management platform for personal and business purposes. It offers a focused solution for companies seeking a system to manage and organize all employee expenses. 

Expensify Pricing:

• Control Plan for Businesses. $36/month (Unbundled). This plan accommodates businesses’ comprehensive needs with various features.

Core Features:

• Receipt Upload and SmartScan. The platform uploads receipts and uses SmartScan for precise scanning.
• Expense Management. Expensify streamlines the categorization process and manages expenses.
• Bank and Credit Integration. You can connect Expensify to bank and credit accounts for financial management.

Our Verdict. Expensify’s focus on expense management makes it a solid alternative to Freshbooks. Although its pricing can be complex, it remains a reliable choice for effective expense management.

RELATED ARTICLE — What Is Bookkeeping? Definition, Types, and Importance of Bookkeeping

4 Aspects You Should Consider for a FreshBooks Alternative

When searching for a FreshBooks alternative, you want software that grows with your business. Here are four key factors to help you select a system that meets your financial management needs:

1. Reporting. Look for solid reporting features that give insights into your business’s financial health.
2. Pricing. Check the cost against the features provided. Aim for a solution that offers a good balance between functionality and affordability.
3. Scalability. Choose software that can scale with your business. It should handle more transactions and complex financial management as your business grows.
4. Reviews. Check user reviews to gauge the software’s effectiveness and user satisfaction. These reviews can provide real-world insights into its performance and reliability.

Online Invoice Payment Processing Software

With Invoice Simple, your clients can pay with credit, debit, or flexible online payment options. And you can connect a PayPal or Stripe account with Invoice Simple Payments to allow your clients to pay directly from their invoice link. Track outstanding invoices, their due dates, and their balance due at a glance—all in one invoicing software.