* Prices subject to change. Always check each tool's website for current rates.
Who Should Use Each Tool?
🔵 Choose FreshBooks if you are…
A freelancer billing clients for time
A consultant or agency owner
A service-based small business
Someone with no accounting background
A sole trader or solopreneur
A creative professional (designer, writer, photographer)
Someone who needs a polished client portal
A contractor who tracks billable hours
🟢 Choose QuickBooks if you are…
A product-based business with inventory
A business with employees and payroll
A business working closely with a CPA or accountant
A retail or ecommerce business
A business needing advanced financial reporting
A growing business with complex accounting needs
A business needing 750+ app integrations
A US-based business needing detailed tax prep tools
Frequently Asked Questions
FreshBooks is significantly better for freelancers. It's built around invoicing, time tracking and client management — exactly what freelancers need. The interface is simpler, the invoices look more professional and the client portal lets clients pay online easily. QuickBooks is more powerful but overkill for most freelancers who just need to invoice clients and track expenses.
FreshBooks is cheaper — starting at $19/month vs QuickBooks' $35/month. However, FreshBooks limits the number of clients you can bill on lower plans (5 clients on Lite, 50 on Plus). If you bill many clients, you may need a higher FreshBooks plan that brings the cost closer to QuickBooks. Always compare the plan that covers your specific needs rather than just the starting price.
Yes — both tools allow data export so you can migrate between them. Switching mid-year can complicate tax reporting, so most businesses switch at the start of a new financial year. FreshBooks has a migration tool specifically for QuickBooks users. If you're switching, start by exporting your chart of accounts, customer list and transaction history from your current tool.
Most accountants and CPAs prefer QuickBooks — it's the industry standard and most accountants are trained on it. If you work closely with an accountant, ask them which they prefer before choosing. FreshBooks does have an accountant access feature, but accountants may be less familiar with its interface. If your accountant strongly prefers QuickBooks, that's worth factoring into your decision.
FreshBooks offers payroll as an add-on through a partnership with Gusto, starting at around $40/month plus per-employee fees. This is separate from your FreshBooks subscription. QuickBooks has payroll more tightly integrated into its platform. If payroll is a priority, QuickBooks Payroll or a dedicated tool like Gusto may be a better fit than FreshBooks.