Managing finances is challenging for small businesses, and FreshBooks may not always meet every need. This guide highlights the best FreshBooks alternatives, covering key features, pricing, pros and limitations, and scalability. Choose the alternative that fits your team size, accounting needs, and long-term goals.
Running a small business comes with countless responsibilities, and managing finances and sending invoices is often one of the most time-consuming challenges. While FreshBooks is a popular choice, it may not meet every business’s unique needs.
In this guide, we explore the best alternatives, highlighting their features, pricing, and benefits so you can find the solution that works for your business. Whether you need a full accounting platform or a simple invoicing tool, we’ll help you make the right choice.
Key Takeaways
Tofu is a strong alternative to FreshBooks, designed for small businesses, freelancers, and contractors who need a fast, no-fuss way to handle estimates and invoices. No spreadsheets, extra hardware, or technical know-how are required. With mobile and web access, you can create, send, and track invoices from your phone, tablet, or desktop.
Tofu’s field-ready features make it ideal for service-based teams working on-site. You can work offline, convert estimates into pay-ready invoices instantly, accept payments online, in person, or with a tap, and monitor payment status in seconds.
Tofu provides functionalities that FreshBooks offers, such as invoice customization, payment tracking, and client management, while adding flexibility for field-based teams. With Tofu, service-based businesses can keep jobs organized, maintain clear client records, and manage cash flow efficiently, all without complicated software.
Simplify your invoicing on the go with Tofu.
Tip: Tofu offers easy-to-use tools that allow businesses to create invoices quickly.
Wave is a user-friendly accounting and invoicing platform, ideal for those looking to manage their business finances without the complexity of enterprise software. The platform provides free core tools for invoicing, accounting, and payments, making it an excellent choice for startups and solo entrepreneurs.
QuickBooks Online is a powerful, cloud-based accounting platform built for professionals who want more than basic invoicing. It combines invoicing, payments, expense tracking, and advanced financial tools in one system.
Join thousands of contractors and small teams who manage estimates, invoices, and payments the easy way with Tofu.
While FreshBooks excels at simple invoicing and project tracking, Xero provides real-time financial dashboards, multi-user collaboration, and advanced reporting tools. This makes it a stronger choice for businesses looking for detailed insights and scalability.
Zoho Invoice provides an easy, efficient way to manage billing and payments without the complexity of full-scale accounting software. Compared with FreshBooks, it emphasizes simplicity, real-time invoice tracking, and multi-currency capabilities. Its flexible features adapt as your business grows, while integrations with platforms like Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, and Xero keep all your financial workflows connected.
As a FreshBooks alternative, Square Invoices offers efficient billing, automated reminders, and professional invoice templates, while integrating with other Square products like POS systems and payment readers. Its intuitive design makes it easy to manage invoices and payments quickly, even on the go.
Create, send, and track invoices instantly — right from your phone or desktop.
Choosing the best invoicing software can be challenging, especially with so many FreshBooks alternatives available. Each platform offers unique features, pricing, and benefits, making it important to consider your business’s specific needs.
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a side-by-side comparison of their key features, pricing, and strengths:
Some businesses explore alternatives because FreshBooks doesn’t always cover every requirement, particularly for growing companies or those with more complex demands. Many alternatives provide additional business tools, expanded functionalities, and features that may better align with a company’s workflow, team size, or scaling priorities.
While FreshBooks provides scalable plans, from Lite ($21/month) to Premium ($65/month) and custom enterprise options, users sometimes encounter extra costs for features like advanced payments, additional integrations, or larger teams. For some, this can make budgeting more complicated than expected.
For professionals aiming to scale operations or manage multiple clients, FreshBooks has some limitations:
These constraints can make it harder for growing businesses to manage finances efficiently without supplementing FreshBooks with additional tools. This is especially relevant given that over 20% of buyers now look for accounting platforms that extend beyond core functions to include payroll and invoicing.
When looking for an alternative, it’s important to focus on the features that make managing your finances easier, save time, and help your business grow. Choose a platform that scales with your business, so it can support you as your team and client base expand.
Key capabilities to consider include:
FreshBooks is a popular option for small businesses, but it doesn’t always provide the depth or flexibility every team needs. The alternatives highlighted in this article each bring different strengths, whether it’s affordability, advanced reporting, mobile-first invoicing, or integrations that support wider business operations.
The best choice depends on your priorities. Freelancers may prefer a lightweight tool with simple invoicing, while growing companies often look for more robust accounting and reporting features. Startups and service businesses might value scalability, transparent pricing, or the ability to work efficiently on mobile devices.
By evaluating your team size, workflow, and long-term goals, you can select a platform that reduces administrative work, improves cash flow, and supports your business as it grows.
FreshBooks offers invoicing, expense tracking, and project management in a simple finance and accounting system. Businesses benefit from features like fully customizable invoice templates and time and expense tracking to manage projects and cash flow efficiently.
Common reasons include pricing concerns, limited scalability, and the lack of advanced features such as budgeting, forecasting, or detailed reporting. Companies often look for software that better supports team collaboration and growth.
Top FreshBooks alternatives that help small businesses include Tofu, Wave, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Invoice, and Square Invoices. These platforms offer scalable solutions, professional invoicing, and tools that grow with your business.
When choosing the right accounting software, consider your business requirements. You might look for alternatives if FreshBooks’ pricing doesn’t fit, if your team requires additional features, or if customer support is a concern. Compare functionality, integrations, and scalability to find the best fit.
Yes. Wave and Zoho Invoice offer free plans. Square Invoices provides a free plan with pay-as-you-go processing. Many platforms, including Tofu, also provide free trials so you can test features before committing.
Tofu makes invoicing fast, professional, and mobile-friendly