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It's a tale as old as time: your company is taking off, but your accounting software can't keep up, leaving you either in the dark about aspects your finances, or forcing you to manually crunch the numbers.

While, FreshBooks is a popular choice for SMBs, it’s not the perfect fit for everyone, especially if you have a larger corporation. Maybe you need more advanced reporting, better automation, or a pricing model that scales with your business. Either way, it might be time for a FreshBooks alternative.

In my experience, the right tool can help your team handle complex financial tasks, improve accuracy, and save precious time. To help you find your next software, I've reviewed and tested various software options to help you find the best fit for your organization.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the best FreshBooks alternatives, highlighting their key features, pricing, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re looking for deeper financial insights, better integrations, or a more cost-effective solution, this guide will help you find the right tool for your business.

What Is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is an accounting tool designed to simplify financial management for businesses. It's commonly used by accountants, bookkeepers, and financial managers who need efficient tools to handle their daily tasks.

The software provides value by automating invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, making your team's work more manageable.

Why Look for a FreshBooks Alternative?

While FreshBooks is a valuable accounting software, there are several reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Freshbooks alternative because…

  • It lacks advanced reporting features
  • Your team needs industry-specific tools
  • You're facing issues with customer support
  • It doesn't scale well with growing businesses
  • It's not available in your region

If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several accounting software options that are better suited for teams looking for alternative solutions.

Best FreshBooks Alternatives Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top FreshBooks alternatives to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Tool Best For Trial Info Price
1
Ramp

Ramp is a finance platform for expense control, reporting, and analytics.

Best for expense management

Free demo available

From $15/user/month Website
2
BQE Core

BQE Core is software for accounting, invoicing, project management, and more.

Best for project-based businesses

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
3
Bonsai

Bonsai is a business software for self-employed freelancers handling contracts, invoices, and time tracking.

Best for freelancers

7-day free trial

From $9/user/month (billed annually) Website
4
Planful

Planful is cloud software for budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.

Best for financial planning

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
5
ZarMoney

ZarMoney is a cloud-based accounting solution for accounting and inventory management.

Best for customizable invoicing

Free trial + demo available

From $20/month Website
6
Sage 50 Accounting

Sage 50 Accounting manages invoicing, payments, payroll, and reporting.

Best for comprehensive accounting needs

30-day free trial

From $708/year Website
7
Keeper

Keeper is a platform for secure password storage and encrypted file sharing.

Best for data security

Free demo available

From $8/client/month Website
8
Budgyt

Budgyt simplifies budgeting for SMBs and nonprofits, eliminating spreadsheets.

Best for budget management

Free demo available

Pricing upon request Website
9
DayZero

DayZero is an accounting platform for SMBs offering automation and invoicing.

Best for startup financial planning

30-day free trial

From $75/month (billed annually) Website
10
ZipBooks

ZipBooks is free software for invoicing, billing, expenses, and reporting.

Best for small business invoicing

30-day free trial + free plan available

From $15/month (billed annually) Website

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing finance and accounting software since 2023. As CFOs ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different finance and accounting use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.

Best Freshbooks Alternatives Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best FreshBooks alternatives. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for expense management

  • Free demo available
  • From $15/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Ramp is a financial technology platform designed to help businesses manage expenses efficiently. It caters to companies seeking to control spending, automate online payments, and accelerate their accounting processes.

Why Ramp is a good FreshBooks alternatives: Ramp offers corporate cards with customizable spending limits, allowing you to set specific controls for each employee. Its automated expense management system captures receipts and matches them to transactions in real time, reducing manual entry. The platform also provides real-time insights into your company's spending patterns, helping you identify areas to cut costs. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include unlimited virtual cards that can be issued instantly for specific purchases or vendors. You can set up automated approval workflows to ensure expenses are reviewed by the right people before they're incurred. Ramp also offers vendor management tools, giving you a clear view of all your suppliers and associated spending.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Slack, Google Workspace, Okta, and Zapier.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Direct integration with accounting software
  • Real-time spending insights
  • Customizable spending controls

Cons:

  • May not suit very small businesses
  • Limited international support

Best for project-based businesses

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

BQE Core is an all-in-one management solution tailored for architecture, engineering, and professional service firms. It handles project management, accounting, and billing functions for businesses needing detailed oversight.

Why it's a good FreshBooks alternative: BQE Core provides advanced project management tools that help your team manage every aspect of a project from start to finish. The software’s time and expense tracking features ensure accurate billing and invoicing, while its real-time reporting and analytics offer insights that aid in strategic decision-making. Additionally, its automation capabilities reduce manual tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable dashboards that offer a personalized view of your business metrics. You can also benefit from advanced scheduling tools that help allocate resources effectively. Plus, the software's document management system ensures all project-related files are organized and accessible.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, Dropbox, Slack, Salesforce, Xero, HubSpot, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced scheduling features
  • Automated billing processes
  • Real-time analytics

Cons:

  • Limited customization for smaller firms
  • May have a steep learning curve

Best for freelancers

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $9/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Bonsai is a business management platform tailored for freelancers, offering tools for project management, client relations, and financial tracking. It helps users manage tasks, track time, and handle invoicing efficiently.

Why Bonsai is a good FreshBooks alternatives: For freelancers seeking an advanced solution, Bonsai provides features like customizable proposals and contracts, integrated time tracking, and expense management. These tools simplify managing client agreements and project timelines. Additionally, Bonsai's client CRM helps keep all your client information organized in one place.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include task management, allowing you to assign and prioritize tasks. The software also offers a client portal for sharing key files and updates. Plus, its resource planning help to allocate your time effectively across projects.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Zapier, Calendly, and Google Calendar.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Resource planning features
  • Client portal for easy communication
  • Customizable proposals and contracts

Cons:

  • Mobile app functionality is limited
  • Some features may have a learning curve

Best for financial planning

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

Planful is a financial performance management platform designed to help businesses plan, close, and report with greater efficiency. It's tailored for finance teams aiming to enhance decision-making and drive business growth.

Why Planful is a good FreshBooks alternatives: If you're seeking a solution that excels in financial planning, Planful offers capabilities that go beyond basic accounting. It provides tools for budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis, allowing your team to align strategic objectives with financial plans. With features like rolling forecasts, you can stay agile and adjust to business changes promptly. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include AI-powered anomaly detection to catch errors in your data. The software’s predictive forecasting helps you generate accurate financial projections, while its dynamic reporting lets you create insightful financial reports effortlessly. These tools work together to give you confidence in your financial decisions.

Integrations include NetSuite, Salesforce, Workday, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, and Google Sheets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Facilitates cross-departmental collaboration
  • AI-driven insights for better decision-making
  • Advanced financial planning capabilities

Cons:

  • Implementation can be time-consuming
  • May have a steep learning curve

Best for customizable invoicing

  • Free trial + demo available
  • From $20/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

ZarMoney is an all-in-one accounting, invoicing, and inventory management solution designed for businesses in industries like ecommerce and retail. It caters to small and medium-sized enterprises by handling bookkeeping, invoicing, and inventory management.

Why it's a good FreshBooks alternative: With its focus on inventory tracking, ZarMoney helps you efficiently manage your stock levels and automate sales tax calculations. It offers advanced reporting features that provide insights into your business. The software also supports multiple users with role-based access, ensuring secure collaboration.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include daily banking transaction imports, which help you keep track of finances effortlessly. You can manage customizable quotes and estimates, making it easier to tailor proposals for your clients. The software also allows for detailed reporting, giving you access to over 1,000 customizable reports.

Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, Square, Mailchimp, Salesforce, and Xero.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multiple users
  • Advanced reporting capabilities
  • Strong inventory management

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • May require training for the setup

Best for comprehensive accounting needs

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $708/year

Sage 50 Accounting is a desktop-based accounting software designed for small businesses, offering cloud connectivity for flexible access.

Why it's a good FreshBooks alternative: If you're seeking a solution that goes beyond basic invoicing, Sage 50 provides detailed financial reporting and advanced inventory management. You can manage cash flow with 'what-if' scenarios and track expenses by customer ID. The software also allows for advanced budgeting and job costing, giving you deeper insights into your business finances.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced job costing, which lets you control costs through unique records and phases. The software also offers customizable job statuses and contact fields to fit your business needs.

Integrations include Microsoft 365, AutoEntry, Avalara, Stripe, PayPal, and Zynk.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong security features
  • Cloud-connected desktop application
  • Detailed financial reporting

Cons:

  • Primarily suited for Windows users
  • Steeper learning curve

Best for data security

  • Free demo available
  • From $8/client/month

Keeper is an accounting software designed specifically for accountants and bookkeepers to streamline their workflow. It helps with tasks such as client management, bookkeeping, and document collection. 

Why it's a good FreshBooks alternative: Keeper offers features like automated client reminders, which ensure your team collects necessary documents on time. The intuitive dashboard provides a clear overview of ongoing tasks and deadlines, while its document management system simplifies the organization and retrieval of important files. Overall, Keeper's focus on bookkeeping practices makes it a suitable alternative for those seeking a specialized solution.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable task lists that allow your team to tailor their workflow to specific client needs. The software also offers client communication tools, which facilitate seamless interactions and updates. Plus, its real-time collaboration feature allows multiple users to work together efficiently.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Slack, Dropbox, Google Drive, HubSpot, Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective document management
  • Intuitive dashboard
  • Automated client reminders

Cons:

  • Basic reporting capabilities
  • Limited advanced features

Best for budget management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Budgyt is a cloud-based budgeting software designed for small to medium-sized businesses and non-profits. It helps your team manage budgets across multiple departments, offering tools for collaborative financial planning.

Why Budgyt is a good FreshBooks alternatives: If you're seeking a solution focused on budget management, Budgyt offers features tailored for this purpose. It allows you to create unlimited budget versions, making it easy to adjust assumptions and explore different scenarios. You can also control user permissions, decide who can view or edit data, and ensure your team collaborates effectively. Additionally, Budgyt's multi-department formulas are built to handle structural changes, making budgeting straightforward even as your organization grows.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include the ability to import actual data via APIs or manually using CSV files, allowing you to access historical data in seconds. Budgyt also offers an employee module where you can plan employee costs by hourly or salary rates for any department, and allocate payroll expenses across departments, which is ideal for non-profits.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, and ConnectWise.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Employee cost allocation
  • Granular user permissions
  • Unlimited budget versions

Cons:

  • Not designed for expense tracking
  • May lack invoicing features

Best for startup financial planning

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $75/month (billed annually)

DayZero is a modern accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on automation and ease of use. It offers tools like expense tracking, invoicing, and reporting to simplify financial management.

Why DayZero is a good FreshBooks alternatives: For startups aiming to streamline financial planning, DayZero provides automated expense categorization by syncing with your bank accounts and credit cards, reducing manual work. Its customizable invoicing lets you create professional invoices quickly. The platform also offers easy-to-understand reports, such as profit and loss statements and cash flow analyses, giving you a clear picture of your financial health. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated transaction categorization, customizable invoicing templates, and real-time financial reporting. These tools help you stay on top of your finances without the hassle of manual data entry.

Integrations include Shopify, Amazon, Stripe, PayPal, Square, WooCommerce, Etsy, eBay, BigCommerce, and Magento.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time financial updates
  • User-friendly interface
  • Automated transaction categorization

Cons:

  • May lack industry-specific tools
  • Limited advanced features

Best for small business invoicing

  • 30-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $15/month (billed annually)

ZipBooks is an accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers. It helps with invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.

Why it's a good FreshBooks alternative: ZipBooks offers simple invoicing, which is perfect if you need to send professional invoices quickly. Its automated billing feature saves you time by handling recurring payments, while the expense tracking helps you keep an eye on your spending. Additionally, the software’s insightful reporting provides you with smart insights into your business's financial health to help you accurately manage your expenses.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include time tracking to monitor billable hours easily. You can also manage projects and tasks within the software, which helps keep everything organized. Plus, the double-entry accounting system helps to ensure accuracy in your financial records.

Integrations include PayPal, Square, Stripe, Gusto, Google Drive, Slack, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Trello, and Asana.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective for bookkeeping
  • Smart insights
  • Time-saving automation

Cons:

  • Lacks multi-currency support
  • Limited advanced features

Other Freshbooks Alternatives

Here are some additional FreshBooks alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Kashoo

    For simple bookkeeping

  2. Float

    For cash flow forecasting

  3. Xero

    For small business accounting

  4. QuickBooks Online

    For detailed financial reports

  5. Odoo Accounting

    For integrated business apps

  6. Wave Accounting

    For freelancers and consultants

  7. NetSuite Cloud Accounting

    For enterprise resource planning

  8. HoneyBook

    For creative professionals

Freshbooks Alternatives Selection Criteria

When selecting the best FreshBooks alternatives to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points related to accounting software products, like scalability and data security. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage unlimited invoices and billing
  • Track expenses and income
  • Generate financial reports
  • Reconcile bank transactions
  • Support multi-currency transactions

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features and add-ons, such as:

  • Automated tax calculations
  • AI-driven financial insights
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Project-based accounting
  • Mobile app access
  • Invoice templates

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface
  • Easy navigation
  • Customizable settings
  • Responsive design
  • Accessibility options

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates
  • Webinars and workshops
  • Chatbot assistance

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 availability
  • Response time
  • Multi-channel support
  • Knowledge base access
  • Personalized assistance

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Features included in plans
  • Discount options
  • Flexible billing cycles
  • Return on investment

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction rating
  • Commonly reported issues
  • Praise for specific features
  • Customer loyalty
  • Feedback on updates

Key Features of Freshbooks Alternatives

Here are some of the key features of FreshBooks that your alternative solution should offer:

  • Invoicing: Creates professional invoices quickly with customizable templates and automatic payment reminders.
  • Payments: Accepts credit card payments, automates recurring billing, and manages payments with ease.
  • Time Tracking: Logs billable hours efficiently with automated time tracking and project associations.
  • Accounting and Taxes: Tracks income and expenses, generates tax-ready reports, and manages receipts effortlessly.
  • Client Communication: Manages projects, proposals, and estimates to ensure clear communication with clients.
  • Team Management: Integrates payroll and manages team collaborations to support employee payments and teamwork.
  • Mobile Access: Uses iOS and Android apps to manage invoices and payments while on the move.
  • E-Signatures and Estimates: Allows clients to approve proposals online and convert estimates to invoices seamlessly.
  • Project Management: Collaborates with your team, share files, and manage project timelines and discussions in one place.
  • Integrations: Connects with over 100 business apps to enhance workflow efficiency and functionality. 

What's Next?

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Drew Robertson
By Drew Robertson

Drew currently works as the Financial Controller for Black & White Zebra, leading the finance department for the company. Prior to BWZ, he was at EY for six years, including two as a manager.

He received his undergraduate degree at the Ivey Business School in Canada and MBA from Oxford University.