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FreshBooks

Invoicing and accounting for small businesses

InvoicingAccountingExpensesSmall BusinessFreelancers

By Trace Cohen · Facts checked 2026-10-28 · How we assess tools

Quick answer

FreshBooks is invoicing-first accounting software for freelancers and small service businesses. It handles invoices, estimates, online payments, expense tracking, time tracking and reports. List prices are $23/month for Lite (5 clients), $43 for Plus (50 clients) and $70 for Premium (unlimited), with a 30-day free trial and a payroll add-on.

FreshBooks is cloud accounting software built around invoicing. Freelancers, agencies and small service businesses use it to send invoices and estimates, take card and ACH payments, track expenses and time, and run the reports their accountant needs at tax time. Payroll and team members are add-ons. Plans are priced by how many clients you bill.

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$23

Lite / month

30-day

Free trial

30-day

Money-back guarantee

ACH + cards

Online payments

Key Highlights

Invoices, estimates, proposals and client retainers

Accept cards, ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay and buy now, pay later

Real-time expense tracking and receipt scanning

Tax-time, financial and accounting reports, with accountant access

Optional payroll add-on with automated tax calculations

Why We Recommend FreshBooks

Invoicing and payments

Customized and recurring invoices, scheduled late fees and automated payment reminders, with card, ACH and digital wallet payments.

Expenses

Track expenses in real time and scan receipts; Premium captures multi-line bill items.

Projects and time

Time tracking, project budgets and profitability checks for client work (Premium and above for profitability).

Accounting and reports

Financial and accounting reports plus tax-time reports, with access for your accountant.

Payroll add-on

FreshBooks Payroll runs unlimited payruns with automated tax calculations for $40/month plus $6 per user.

Best For

Freelancers and consultants who bill clients by invoice

Agencies and service businesses tracking time and project profitability

Small teams that want simple accounting their accountant can access

Pricing

Lite: $23/month (5 billable clients) Plus: $43/month (50 billable clients) Premium: $70/month (unlimited clients) Select: custom pricing Add-ons: team members $11/user/month, Advanced Payments $20/month, Payroll $40/month + $6/user List prices billed monthly; FreshBooks often runs introductory discounts

Limitations to Know

Plans cap billable clients (5 on Lite, 50 on Plus)

Team members, Advanced Payments and payroll cost extra on most plans

Built for service businesses, less suited to inventory-heavy companies

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does FreshBooks cost?

According to freshbooks.com/pricing, Lite is $23/month, Plus $43/month and Premium $70/month at list price, with custom pricing for Select. FreshBooks frequently offers introductory discounts and a 30-day free trial.

Does FreshBooks do payroll?

Yes, as an add-on. FreshBooks Payroll costs $40/month plus $6 per user and includes unlimited payruns and automated tax calculations.

Can my accountant use FreshBooks?

Yes. Plus and higher plans let you give your accountant access to your books and reports.

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