Freshbooks

What is freshbooks

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing platform aimed at small business owners, freelancers, and service providers who need simple, client-facing billing and bookkeeping tools. The product focuses on invoice creation, time and expense tracking, online payments, and basic financial reporting rather than full enterprise accounting. It is designed to minimize the administrative burden of billing and make it easier for non-accountants to run day-to-day financial operations.

FreshBooks is used by independent professionals (consultants, designers, developers), micro-agencies, and small service firms that bill clients by project or hour. The interface and feature set prioritize speed of invoice generation, flexible payment options for clients, and straightforward expense capture. The platform also supports basic team workflows for small firms that need to track time and allocate billable hours across projects.

FreshBooks emphasizes integrations and client-facing professionalism: client portals, automated reminders, and branded invoices are core parts of the workflow. It pairs these billing capabilities with automation for recurring invoices and payment reconciliation so owners spend less time on administrative follow-up and more on client work.

Freshbooks features

FreshBooks includes a set of features focused on billing, tracking and simple accounting. The list below highlights primary capabilities and the practical value each provides.

• Invoicing: Create and send customizable, branded invoices with payment links, automatic late payment reminders, and recurring schedules. Invoices can include discounts, taxes, and detailed itemized lines for time and expenses.

• Time tracking: Built-in timers and manual time entry let users attach hours to projects or tasks and push those hours directly onto invoices. Time tracking supports multiple team members and can generate reports for billable versus non-billable time.

• Expense tracking: Capture expenses by uploading receipts, entering expenses manually, or forwarding receipts by email. Expenses can be categorized, attached to projects, and marked as billable to clients.

• Payments and payments processing: FreshBooks integrates with payment processors to accept credit cards and ACH. Clients can pay directly from invoices; the platform records payment status and reconciles transactions.

• Estimates and proposals: Create estimates that convert to invoices when approved; estimates can be saved as templates and tracked through approval stages.

• Client portal: Secure client-facing pages where clients can view invoices, approve estimates, and pay online. The portal reduces back-and-forth email for billing questions.

• Reporting and basic accounting: Income statements, expense reports, overdue invoice reports, tax summaries, and time reports provide the information small business owners need for bookkeeping and tax preparation.

• Team and permissions: Invite team members, set access levels for billing and time tracking, and manage which staff can create invoices or access financial reports.

• Automation and recurring billing: Schedule recurring invoices, automate follow-up reminders, and use saved templates to speed up repetitive billing tasks.

• Integrations: Connect with third-party apps for payments, CRM, project management, and payroll to create a more complete back-office workflow.

• Mobile apps: iOS and Android apps support on-the-go invoicing, expense capture, and time tracking so users can manage billing from their phones.

What does Freshbooks do?

FreshBooks provides a single place to create client invoices, accept payments, and track time and expenses against projects. It simplifies the billing lifecycle: estimate → work → time/expense capture → invoice → payment → reconciliation. That sequence is central to how service businesses operate, and FreshBooks makes each step accessible without deep accounting knowledge.

The platform also provides operational controls for teams: track billable time by employee or project, set hourly rates, and assign expenses to projects so profitability per client or job is visible. For business owners who invoice frequently, recurring billing and automated reminders reduce late payments and administrative follow-up.

FreshBooks is not positioned as a full, enterprise-grade ERP or deep general ledger system; instead, it focuses on client billing workflows, simplified reporting for taxes and cash flow, and integrations that let businesses pair FreshBooks with payroll, CRM, and point-of-sale systems where necessary.

Freshbooks pricing

FreshBooks offers these pricing plans:

• Lite: $15/month (basic invoicing and limited clients)
• Plus: $25/month (expanded client limits, proposals, and team features)
• Premium: $50/month (higher limits and advanced reports)
• Select: Custom pricing (enterprise or high-volume accounts with premium support and custom terms)

These plan names and price points reflect FreshBooks’ common plan structure: a lower-cost plan for solo users, a mid-tier for growing small businesses, a higher tier for heavier usage, and a custom enterprise option. Annual billing discounts are typically offered and reduce the effective monthly rate; many users choose annual billing to save roughly one to two months of fees per year. Check FreshBooks' current pricing tiers (https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing) for the latest rates and enterprise options.

How much is freshbooks per month

FreshBooks starts at $15/month for the entry-level Lite plan when billed monthly. The most commonly chosen plan for growing small businesses, Plus, is typically in the mid-range at $25/month, while Premium is commonly priced around $50/month. Businesses that require higher limits or dedicated account support move to the Select tier, which uses custom pricing.

Monthly pricing is useful for teams evaluating short-term needs or seasonal businesses; FreshBooks also advertises savings for customers who choose annual billing upfront. For teams on a tight monthly budget, the Lite plan provides the basic invoicing and payment acceptance features most freelancers need.

How much is freshbooks per year

FreshBooks costs around $150–$500/year depending on plan and any annual discount applied. For example, annual billing for the Lite plan typically reduces the effective rate to about $150/year (the equivalent of $12.50/month), while Plus and Premium annual totals commonly land near $250/year and $500/year respectively. Select is billed via a negotiated annual contract for larger customers.

Annual billing is often the most cost-effective option if you plan to use FreshBooks continuously; it reduces per-month fees and can include promotional discounts for the first year. Always verify current annual pricing and promotions on FreshBooks' official site: view FreshBooks' current pricing tiers (https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing) to confirm.

How much is freshbooks in general

FreshBooks pricing ranges from about $15/month to custom enterprise pricing. Entry-level freelancers and sole proprietors typically pay the lower tier, while small firms with multiple billers and higher client volumes use the mid-to-high tiers. The practical cost you’ll pay depends on how many clients you need to invoice, whether you use payroll or add-on services, and whether you choose monthly or annual billing.

Add-ons (payment processing fees, payroll, or accountant access) can increase the total monthly or annual spend. Compare expected monthly invoice volume, payment processor fees, and any required integrations when estimating total ownership cost.

What is freshbooks used for

FreshBooks is primarily used for client billing and the operational tasks that surround invoicing: time and expense capture, payment processing, and simple financial reporting. Service businesses use it to produce professional invoices, track which clients owe money, and monitor cash flow without hiring a dedicated accountant.

Designers, developers, consultants, and other billable-hour professionals use FreshBooks to track time and convert hours into invoices with minimal friction. Agencies and small teams use its project and team features to allocate hours and track profitability at the project level.

Beyond billing, FreshBooks is useful during tax season because it categorizes expenses, generates profit-and-loss summaries, and produces reports that accountants can import or use for preparing tax filings. The system’s audit trail and payment receipts simplify bookkeeping and reconciliation.

Pros and cons of Freshbooks

FreshBooks has practical advantages for small teams and freelancers but also some trade-offs to consider.

Pros:

• Straightforward invoicing workflows that non-accountants can use quickly.
• Built-in time tracking that integrates directly into invoices and reports.
• Professional client-facing features (client portal, branded invoices, online payments).
• Mobile apps for invoicing and expense capture on the go.
• Integrations with payment processors and common business apps that reduce manual data entry.

Cons:

• Not a full general-ledger accounting system for complex bookkeeping needs; businesses needing double-entry features and advanced tax handling may need additional software.
• Higher-tier features and higher client limits require more expensive plans; very large or fast-scaling businesses may find limits restrictive.
• Payment processing fees and add-on services (like payroll) increase overall cost beyond the subscription price.
• Custom enterprise needs require the Select plan, which involves negotiation and is not a simple self-serve upgrade.

When evaluating FreshBooks, weigh the simplicity and speed of client billing against the need for deep accounting features. For many service firms the trade-off favors FreshBooks; for firms with complex accounting needs it is often paired with an accountant’s software.

Freshbooks free trial

FreshBooks typically offers a free trial period so prospective users can test invoicing, time tracking, and integrations without commitment. The trial gives access to core features like sending invoices, tracking time, and connecting a payment processor to simulate the full billing workflow.

During the trial, users should test the most common workflows: creating a branded invoice, starting a timer and converting tracked time into a billable line item, attaching a receipt to an expense, and connecting an external payments account to process a test payment. Trials are also a good time to evaluate reporting output and whether client portals meet your needs.

Trials vary by promotion and time of year; check FreshBooks for the exact length and whether any trial limits apply to the number of clients or invoices. View FreshBooks' trial and signup options (https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing) to see current offers.

Is freshbooks free

No, FreshBooks is not fully free for ongoing use, but it often provides a free trial for new accounts. The platform has a paid subscription model with multiple tiers; some basic features are visible during trial periods but continued use requires choosing one of the paid plans. For occasional or very small users, the entry-level plan is the usual starting point.

Freshbooks API

FreshBooks provides an API and developer resources that allow integrations and custom workflows. The API supports common operations used by billing and accounting software: creating and retrieving clients, invoices, estimates, expenses, projects, and time entries. It is suitable for automating invoice generation, syncing clients from CRM systems, and exporting transactional data to external reporting tools.

Authentication typically uses API keys or OAuth flows depending on the specific FreshBooks product variant and developer scenario. Rate limits and API usage guidelines are documented in the developer portal, and webhooks are available for event-driven notifications (for example, when an invoice is paid).

Developers commonly use the API to:

• Sync clients and invoices with CRMs and project management tools.
• Automate recurring invoice creation and reconcile payment data into a separate accounting system.
• Build custom reporting dashboards by pulling time and expense data programmatically.

For implementation details and SDKs, consult the FreshBooks API documentation: review FreshBooks' API documentation (https://www.freshbooks.com/api) to get endpoints, authentication details, and code examples.

10 Freshbooks alternatives

• QuickBooks Online — Full-featured small business accounting with advanced bookkeeping and payroll integration.
• Xero — Cloud accounting focused on double-entry bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and accountant ecosystem.
• Wave — Free invoicing and accounting geared to sole proprietors and microbusinesses.
• Zoho Books — Part of the Zoho suite with broad automation and CRM integrations.
• Chargebee — Subscription billing and revenue operations for recurring models (best for SaaS billing).
• Sage Business Cloud Accounting — Accounting and invoicing for small to mid-sized businesses with payroll add-ons.
• FreshBooks Classic — Legacy FreshBooks experience for long-time customers who have not migrated (where still available).
• Bonsai — Freelancer-focused contracts, invoices, and proposals with client management.
• Harvest — Time tracking and invoicing focused on teams that need robust time reports.
• Square Invoices — Simple invoicing tied into Square payments and POS for businesses that also need on-site payments.

Paid alternatives to Freshbooks

• QuickBooks Online: Comprehensive bookkeeping, payroll options, and a large accountant-focused ecosystem. Good for companies that need full GAAP-compliant accounting.

• Xero: Strong double-entry accounting, bank feeds, and a large add-on marketplace for inventory and payroll. Suited for businesses that want tight accounting controls.

• Zoho Books: Integrated with the Zoho ecosystem (CRM, Projects, Inventory) and provides automation and advanced workflows for growing small businesses.

• Chargebee: Focused on subscription billing and revenue recognition for subscription-based businesses and SaaS companies.

• Sage Business Cloud Accounting: Designed for small and medium businesses that require traditional accounting with invoicing and payroll options.

Open source alternatives to Freshbooks

• ERPNext: Open source ERP with invoicing, accounting, projects, and payroll modules—good for businesses that want full control and self-hosting options.

• Odoo (Community Edition): Modular ERP with invoicing, accounting, and CRM apps; strong customization possibilities for businesses that can manage self-hosted stacks.

• Invoice Ninja (self-hosted): Open source invoicing and time tracking that can be self-hosted and tailored for freelancers and agencies.

• Dolibarr: Open source ERP/CRM with modules for invoicing and expense tracking for small to mid-sized businesses.

• KMyMoney / GnuCash: Desktop-focused accounting tools for small business bookkeeping; more technical to operate but free and open source.

Frequently asked questions about Freshbooks

What is FreshBooks used for?

FreshBooks is used for invoicing, time tracking, and expense management for small businesses and freelancers. It streamlines client billing workflows—creating and sending invoices, accepting payments, and tracking billable hours—while providing basic reporting for bookkeeping and taxes.

Does FreshBooks integrate with QuickBooks?

Yes, FreshBooks can integrate with QuickBooks via direct integrations or third-party connectors. This lets businesses sync invoices, payments, and client data into QuickBooks for full accounting and tax reporting.

How much does FreshBooks cost per user?

FreshBooks starts at $15/month for the entry-level plan; pricing is tiered by feature set and client limits rather than by per-user seat in most cases. Higher plans such as Plus and Premium increase limits and add features for teams.

Is there a free version of FreshBooks?

No, FreshBooks does not offer a perpetual free plan for active billing, but it typically provides a free trial for new users. Continued access to invoicing, time tracking, and client portals requires a paid subscription.

Can FreshBooks process credit card payments?

Yes, FreshBooks supports payments through integrated processors so clients can pay invoices online by card or ACH. Payment processing fees apply and vary by processor; FreshBooks records payments and reconciles them against invoices automatically.

Can I track time and bill clients by the hour with FreshBooks?

Yes, FreshBooks includes built-in time tracking and timers that attach hours to projects and invoices. You can set hourly rates, mark time as billable or non-billable, and convert time entries into line items on invoices.

Does FreshBooks offer mobile apps?

Yes, FreshBooks provides mobile apps for iOS and Android. The apps let users create invoices, capture expenses with photos of receipts, start and stop timers, and view client balances on the go.

How secure is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks uses industry-standard security practices including encrypted connections and secure data centers. The company provides account security features like two-factor authentication and conforms to common data security expectations for cloud financial software; consult FreshBooks' security documentation for specifics.

Can I import my data from Excel into FreshBooks?

Yes, FreshBooks supports importing clients, invoices, and expense data from CSV/Excel files. The import tools map fields from spreadsheets into FreshBooks entities to help with migration from manual bookkeeping or spreadsheets.

What accounting features does FreshBooks have for tax time?

FreshBooks provides income and expense reports, profit-and-loss statements, and tax summaries to simplify year-end reporting. These reports help accountants reconcile books and prepare tax filings, though businesses with complex accounting needs may export data to a full-fledged accounting package.

freshbooks careers

FreshBooks maintains a team that spans product development, customer support, marketing, and finance functions. Career opportunities typically include roles in software engineering, product management, customer success, and sales. The company often emphasizes remote-friendly roles and positions in North American and European markets.

Candidates interested in FreshBooks careers should evaluate the company’s culture, benefits, and remote work policies. Look for job listings on the FreshBooks careers page and professional networks for up-to-date openings and role descriptions. Larger roles—such as engineering leadership, product directors, or senior customer success—sometimes include interview projects or case studies to assess fit.

FreshBooks also supports internships and entry-level roles in certain markets; those programs can be a pathway into product and support roles. For specific job listings and application details, check FreshBooks' official careers page: FreshBooks careers and job openings (https://www.freshbooks.com/careers).

freshbooks affiliate

FreshBooks runs affiliate and partner programs that reward accountants, bookkeepers, and referral partners who recommend the platform to clients. Affiliates typically receive commissions or partner benefits for referring new paying customers and may get access to partner tools, demo accounts, and marketing collateral.

If you represent an agency or bookkeeping practice, joining FreshBooks' partner program can provide co-marketing opportunities and access to training materials. Partner tiers vary by referral volume and the depth of services provided; larger partners can negotiate custom arrangements.

For program details, payouts, and sign-up instructions, see FreshBooks' partner and affiliate information: FreshBooks partner and affiliate program (https://www.freshbooks.com/partners).

Where to find freshbooks reviews

User reviews and professional evaluations of FreshBooks are available on software review sites and marketplaces. Common sources include product review platforms (search for FreshBooks reviews on major review sites), accounting community forums, and customer testimonials on FreshBooks' website.

When reading reviews, compare comments about invoice workflows, mobile apps, customer support responsiveness, and how well the product integrates with payment processors and third-party tools. Reviews from similar business sizes and industries will provide the most relevant insights.

For up-to-date user feedback and expert comparisons, search for FreshBooks reviews on established software review sites and read case studies published by FreshBooks that describe real customer deployments.