QuickBooks vs FreshBooks 2026: Which Accounting Software is Better?
QuickBooks and FreshBooks are the two most popular small business accounting solutions. But they serve different needs.
Quick Answer:
- Choose QuickBooks for comprehensive accounting
- Choose FreshBooks for service businesses and freelancers
At a Glance
| Feature | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | All businesses | Service businesses |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Starting Price | $30/mo | $17/mo |
| Free Trial | 30 days | 30 days |
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks Online
| Plan | Price/Mo | Billable Clients |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Start | $30 | Unlimited |
| Essentials | $60 | Unlimited |
| Plus | $90 | Unlimited |
| Advanced | $200 | Unlimited |
FreshBooks
| Plan | Price/Mo | Billable Clients |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | $17 | 5 |
| Plus | $30 | 50 |
| Premium | $55 | 500 |
| Select | Custom | Unlimited |
Verdict: FreshBooks is cheaper to start, but QuickBooks offers more for the money.
Key Differences
QuickBooks Strengths
- ✅ Full double-entry accounting
- ✅ Inventory management
- ✅ Payroll integration
- ✅ Extensive reporting
- ✅ Industry standard
FreshBooks Strengths
- ✅ Easiest to use
- ✅ Best invoicing
- ✅ Great time tracking
- ✅ Client portal
- ✅ Excellent mobile apps
Feature Comparison
Invoicing
| Feature | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Custom invoices | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recurring invoices | ✅ | ✅ |
| Payment reminders | ✅ | ✅ |
| Online payments | ✅ | ✅ |
| Client portal | Basic | ✅ Great |
Winner: FreshBooks — Better invoicing experience.
Accounting
| Feature | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Double-entry | ✅ Full | ✅ Available |
| Bank reconciliation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Chart of accounts | ✅ | ✅ Limited |
| Journal entries | ✅ | ✅ |
| Financial reports | ✅ Extensive | ✅ Basic |
Winner: QuickBooks — More comprehensive accounting.
Time Tracking
| Feature | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in | Add-on | ✅ Native |
| Team tracking | Paid add-on | ✅ Included |
| Project linking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Billable time | ✅ | ✅ |
Winner: FreshBooks — Time tracking included.
Who Should Use What?
Choose QuickBooks If:
- You need advanced accounting
- Inventory management matters
- You want payroll integration
- Your accountant prefers it
- You’re growing quickly
Choose FreshBooks If:
- You’re a service business
- Invoicing is critical
- You bill by the hour
- Ease of use is priority
- You’re a freelancer
Our Verdict
| Need | Winner |
|---|---|
| Invoicing | FreshBooks |
| Accounting | QuickBooks |
| Ease of use | FreshBooks |
| Features | QuickBooks |
| Freelancers | FreshBooks |
| Growing business | QuickBooks |
Bottom Line
QuickBooks is the better choice for comprehensive business accounting.
FreshBooks excels for service providers who prioritize invoicing and time tracking.
Related Articles
Last updated: January 2026