Reviewed by the AI Cilantro team
Independent review
FreshBooks Review
Small business accounting that doesn't require an accounting degree
Quick answer
FreshBooks is best for freelancers, consultants, and service-based small businesses who want invoicing, time tracking, and basic accounting in one place without hiring a bookkeeper. Plans start at $23/mo with a 30-day free trial. The catch: not built for product-based businesses that need inventory management; reporting is limited at the Lite tier.
$23/mo
starting price
30 days
free trial
independently reviewed
Try FreshBooks
Visit the official FreshBooks site to see current plans and pricing.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks plans start at $23/mo/mo. Here's the full breakdown.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | $23/mo | Freelancers with up to 5 clients |
| Plus | $43/mo | Small teams, up to 50 clients |
| Premium | $70/mo | Growing service businesses |
Lite
$23/mo
Freelancers with up to 5 clients
Plus
$43/mo
Small teams, up to 50 clients
Premium
$70/mo
Growing service businesses
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The verdict
The most painless accounting tool we've found for service-based small businesses. If you're a freelancer or solo consultant who hates spreadsheets, this is the one to start with.
Who is FreshBooks best for?
Freelancers, consultants, and service-based small businesses who want invoicing, time tracking, and basic accounting in one place without hiring a bookkeeper
FreshBooks, Pros & Cons
What we like
- 30-day free trial, no credit card required
- Invoicing is faster and cleaner than any competitor
- Time tracking integrates directly with invoices, no copy-paste
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface, no accounting background needed
- 30-day free trial with no credit card lets you test it on real invoices
Watch out for
- Not built for product businesses, no inventory management
- Lite plan caps you at 5 active clients
Key features
- Professional invoices sent in under 2 minutes with automated payment reminders
- Time tracking built in, log hours and auto-populate invoices
- Expense tracking and receipt capture from your phone
- Double-entry accounting reports (P&L, balance sheet) your accountant will accept
- Client portal so clients can view invoices, pay, and message you in one place
Common questions about FreshBooks
Is FreshBooks good for small businesses?+
Yes, especially service-based businesses. If you invoice clients, track hours, and need basic P&L reports, FreshBooks covers everything without overwhelming you. It's not the right tool if you sell physical products and need inventory tracking.
How much does FreshBooks cost?+
FreshBooks plans are Lite $23/mo, Plus $43/mo, and Premium $70/mo, with a 30-day free trial and no credit card required to start. Lite covers up to 5 billable clients; most growing service businesses land on Plus.
Does FreshBooks replace a bookkeeper or accountant?+
It handles day-to-day bookkeeping (invoicing, expenses, categorization) but you'll still want an accountant for taxes. The good news: FreshBooks exports exactly what your accountant needs.
Want to try it?
FreshBooks, try it yourself
Head to FreshBooks's official site for current plans and pricing.
Try FreshBooks
Visit the official FreshBooks site to see current plans and pricing.
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