FreshBooks Review (2025): Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons of This Popular Accounting Software
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for service-based small business owners, freelancers, consultants, and agencies who need a smart, simplified way to manage finances.
Known for its clean interface and robust automation, FreshBooks helps users save time on tasks like invoicing, time tracking, and expense logging—without needing a degree in accounting.
What sets FreshBooks apart is its client-focused structure. It doesn’t just help you record numbers; it improves how you run your business.
From project collaboration to automated billing and real-time financial reporting, it’s a complete solution built around the needs of solo professionals and growing teams.
About the Company
FreshBooks was founded in 2003 by Mike McDerment after he accidentally saved over an invoice using Microsoft Word. Frustrated with the tools available at the time, he built a better way to bill clients—and FreshBooks was born. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, FreshBooks has evolved from a basement startup into a globally recognized name in small business accounting.
Today, FreshBooks supports over 30 million users in more than 160 countries and continues to cater to the evolving needs of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and teams with a strong focus on customer experience and product simplicity.
- Founder: Mike McDerment
- Founded: 2003
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Official Website: freshbooks.com/accounting-software
Key Features
FreshBooks combines a suite of essential tools into one cohesive platform. Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
Invoicing & Billing
- Custom Invoices: Build branded, professional-looking invoices in seconds.
- Recurring Invoices & Auto Billing: Automate billing cycles and payment collection.
- Late Payment Reminders: Gently nudge clients with reminders and late fees.
- Online Payments: Accept credit cards, ACH, and PayPal payments directly from invoices.
Expense Tracking
- Bank Reconciliation: Automatically import and categorize expenses from your bank.
- Mobile Receipt Capture: Snap photos of receipts and log them on the go.
- Expense Categories: Assign tax-friendly tags and create custom categories.
- Multi-Currency Support: Great for freelancers working with global clients.
Time Tracking
- Built-in Stopwatch: Record time spent on tasks with a single click.
- Billable Hours: Convert logged time directly into invoices.
- Team Timesheets: Track employee hours and monitor productivity.
Project Management
- Client Collaboration: Share files, notes, and project updates in one place.
- Profitability Tracking: Monitor how much you’re earning per project.
- Milestone Management: Keep track of tasks and delivery timelines.
Reporting & Analytics
- Profit & Loss Statements: Get a clear view of your business’s health.
- Tax Summaries: Make tax time less stressful.
- Client Reports: See who your best clients are and who owes what.
- Dashboard Overview: Visual snapshots of income, expenses, and overdue accounts.
Mobile Functionality
- iOS and Android Apps: Full control over your finances from your phone.
- Mobile Invoicing: Create, send, and manage invoices on the go.
- Mileage Tracking: Log vehicle travel for client work easily.
Integrations
- Over 100 Integrations: Including Stripe, Gusto, HubSpot, Asana, Slack, Shopify, and Zapier.
- API Access: Developers can create custom workflows with open API capabilities.
User Interface and Experience (UI/UX)
FreshBooks is celebrated for its simplicity. The UI is clean, colorful, and intuitively organized—ideal for users who don’t speak accounting.
- Navigation: The sidebar neatly organizes key features like Invoices, Expenses, Time Tracking, and Projects.
- Dashboard: Instantly see your income, outstanding invoices, and expense breakdown.
- Onboarding: New users benefit from tooltips, guided steps, and even customer success outreach.
- Mobile Experience: The apps mirror the web platform, ensuring full capability from anywhere.
- Accessibility: Entirely web-based with mobile support—no downloads, just sign in and go.
Platforms Supported
| Platform | Supported? |
|---|---|
| Web (Cloud-Based) | ✅ |
| Windows/macOS | ✅ (via browser) |
| Android App | ✅ |
| iOS App | ✅ |
| Offline Access | ❌ (limited to cached mobile actions) |
Pricing
FreshBooks offers tiered pricing based on the number of billable clients and available features:
| Plan | Price (Annual Billing) | Who It’s For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | $17/month | Solo freelancers | 5 billable clients, basic invoicing |
| Plus | $30/month | Small teams | 50 clients, recurring billing, proposals |
| Premium | $55/month | Growing businesses | Unlimited clients, advanced reporting |
| Select | Custom pricing | High-volume users or enterprises | Dedicated account manager, custom setup |
- Free Trial: 30 days (no credit card required)
- Add-Ons: $11/month per additional team member
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very easy to set up and use, even for non-accountants
- Excellent mobile experience with full features
- Time tracking and invoicing are tightly integrated
- Responsive customer support and onboarding help
- Great for client-based service businesses
Cons
- Client limits on lower-tier plans may require upgrades
- Not ideal for product-based businesses (limited inventory features)
- Lacks complex accounting tools like full double-entry journal views
Customer Support and Resources
FreshBooks prides itself on its customer service:
- Live Chat: Available during business hours (M–F)
- Email Support: 24-hour response time standard
- Phone Support: For Plus plans and higher
- Help Center: Dozens of articles, step-by-step guides, and videos
- Webinars: Weekly onboarding webinars and advanced feature sessions
- Accountant Access: Invite your accountant at no extra cost
Real-World Use Cases / Ideal Users
Freelancers & Creatives
Graphic designers, writers, and photographers benefit from automated invoicing, tracked time, and professional client communication—all from one app.
Small Agencies
Marketing firms and creative agencies can manage multiple projects, assign tasks to contractors, and create client reports—all while tracking profitability in real-time.
Coaches & Consultants
Generate client invoices in seconds, accept payments online, and prepare quarterly tax summaries with ease—perfect for independent professionals.
Example: A digital marketing consultant uses FreshBooks to track billable hours, send retainer invoices, and collaborate with a virtual assistant—freeing up hours of admin work each week.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Platform | Rating | Common Praise |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.5/5 | Clean interface, ease of use |
| Capterra | 4.5/5 | Automation, time tracking |
| Trustpilot | 4.3/5 | Customer support, mobile app |
Selected User Reviews:
- “FreshBooks is exactly what I needed. I went from spending 10 hours a week on invoicing to just 2.” — Michael T., Creative Director
- “Clean, intuitive, and the mobile app is excellent. I invoice clients right from my car.” — Sara N., Consultant
Best Alternatives
| Software | Best For | How It Compares |
|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Online | More robust accounting needs | Better for inventory and payroll |
| Wave Accounting | Budget-conscious freelancers | Free but lacks time tracking and automation |
| Xero | Global SMBs and e-commerce | Great multi-currency and payroll tools |
| Zoho Books | Zoho ecosystem users | Cheaper, modular, and CRM-friendly |
| Bonsai | Freelancers needing contracts + CRM | Focuses on end-to-end client workflows |
Summary
FreshBooks is a standout accounting software for service-based professionals who prioritize ease, automation, and client management. It removes the pain of invoicing and bookkeeping, letting users focus on growing their businesses instead of struggling with spreadsheets.
While it isn’t suited for inventory-heavy businesses, its combination of time tracking, invoicing, and mobile flexibility makes it one of the best choices in 2025 for freelancers, consultants, and small teams.
Ready to give it a try? Explore more or start a free 30-day trial at FreshBooks.com. You can also browse usefully.site for comparisons and alternatives tailored to your business.
Media
FreshBooks Tutorial: Complete Business Finance Guide for 2025
FreshBooks Walkthrough 2025 | How To Use FreshBooks Accounting For Beginners
Freshbooks Walkthrough 2025: How To Use Freshbooks Accounting Software
