FreshBooks Alternatives: 10 Best Options for Small Businesses (2026)

Updated February 5, 2026

Top FreshBooks alternatives include Xero ($5/mo), Invoice Mama (free), and Wave (free), each offering unique pricing and features for small businesses in 2026.

Analysis of 10 FreshBooks alternatives shows entry-level prices range from free to $7.99/month, with over 700 app integrations available in some platforms. Many offer AI or automation features that improve bookkeeping accuracy and save time.

Quick Comparison

Top 4 picks
ToolStarting PriceBest ForKey Advantage
1
Xero
Xero
$3.75/moLower cost with bank feedsChoose Xero to save 40% monthly with its $5 Starter plan compared to FreshBooks’ $8
2
Invoice Mama
Invoice Mama
FreeFree tier with AI invoicingSave money with Invoice Mama’s free plan that provides professional invoice creation without subscription fees compared to FreshBooks’ $8
3
Wave
Wave
FreeFree core accounting featuresBenefit from a fully functional free accounting platform that supports invoicing, payments, and bookkeeping, saving at least $8
4
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online
$19/moAI automation with expert supportAutomates bookkeeping tasks, reducing manual entry, through AI that learns transaction categorization and adapts over time
View All 10 Alternatives

Top Alternatives to FreshBooks

10 alternatives compared by features, pricing, and use case

Xero logo

1. Xero - Lower cost with bank feeds

From $3.75/mo

Xero is a strong alternative to FreshBooks for small businesses seeking comprehensive cloud accounting with lower entry pricing and broad bank reconciliation features. It suits users looking for real-time bank feeds, automated tax compliance, and AI assistance, which enhance bookkeeping accuracy and decision-making. While FreshBooks starts at $8.40/month, Xero's Starter plan begins at $5/month and includes direct bank feeds from Canadian banks, making it cost-effective and regionally optimized. Xero also offers over 700 app integrations versus FreshBooks' hundred-plus, supporting extensibility and specialized workflows.

Pricing

  • Early: $3.75/mo
  • Growing: $8.25/mo
  • Established: $13.5/mo

Ideal for

  • Small businesses and freelancers in Canada needing automatic bank feeds for faster reconciliation.
  • Users prioritizing low starting costs with essential accounting features.
  • Businesses that want AI automation to reduce bookkeeping workload.
  • Companies requiring extensive app integrations beyond FreshBooks’ ecosystem.

Pros

  • +Xero lowers entry cost by offering a $5/month Starter plan compared to FreshBooks' $8.40/month Lite plan.
  • +Includes real-time daily bank feeds that reduce manual data entry and improve reconciliation accuracy.
  • +Offers AI assistant JAX to automate bookkeeping, providing real-time financial insights.
  • +Supports over 700 app integrations, significantly more than FreshBooks, allowing tailored workflows.

Cons

  • -Starter plan restricts multi-currency use and additional team members, limiting scalability for growing businesses.
  • -Some advanced features appear only in higher-priced plans, increasing total costs.
  • -Feature-rich interface can be complex for users new to accounting software.
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Invoice Mama logo

2. Invoice Mama - Free tier with AI invoicing

Free Plan Available

Invoice Mama is a strong alternative to FreshBooks for freelancers and small businesses seeking fast, free invoice creation without monthly fees. It offers AI-generated invoices in seconds and remembers client data to reduce repetitive entry, making it ideal for users prioritizing speed and simplicity. Unlike FreshBooks, which starts at $8.40/month and includes extensive accounting and payroll features, Invoice Mama begins with a free tier and paid plans as low as $2.50/month, focusing primarily on invoice and receipt generation.

Pricing

  • Free: Free
  • Starter: $2.5/mo
  • Business: $5/mo
  • Premium: $9.99/mo

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and solopreneurs requiring quick, free invoice creation without complex accounting needs.
  • Small businesses looking for low-cost, simple billing without payroll or team time tracking.
  • Startups needing a lightweight tool to generate professional invoices, estimates, and receipts rapidly.
  • Independent contractors who prefer AI-assisted invoice generation to save time on paperwork.

Pros

  • +Provides a free billing option enabling cost savings over FreshBooks’ paid entry plan.
  • +Delivers AI-generated invoices in 10 seconds to accelerate the invoicing process beyond FreshBooks’ manual approach.
  • +Includes built-in client and service data saving to reduce repetitive input compared to FreshBooks.
  • +Offers a unified dashboard for invoices, receipts, and estimates, covering multiple document types in one platform.

Cons

  • -Does not offer payroll or detailed financial reports that FreshBooks includes.
  • -Lacks mobile receipt scanning, limiting on-the-go expense management available in FreshBooks.
  • -No offline functionality, requiring constant internet access unlike some FreshBooks features.
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Wave logo

3. Wave - Free core accounting features

Free Plan Available

Wave presents a compelling alternative to FreshBooks by offering comprehensive accounting and invoicing features at zero cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious small businesses. Freelancers and solopreneurs who need straightforward bookkeeping and invoice management should consider Wave for its integrated payment processing and payroll services. Unlike FreshBooks' tiered pricing starting at $8.40/month, Wave provides a free core accounting platform with optional paid automation features, enabling significant cost savings without sacrificing essential functionality.

Pricing

  • Free: Free
  • Pro Plan: $20/mo

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking free, comprehensive accounting and invoicing software.
  • Small businesses with tight budgets wanting to manage finances without recurring subscription costs.
  • Users preferring simple setup and easy-to-use interfaces over feature-rich complexity.
  • Businesses needing mobile invoicing and payment tracking without extra app fees.

Pros

  • +Provides a fully functional free accounting and invoicing software for small businesses and freelancers.
  • +Includes integrated payment processing with no additional fees on the free plan, unlike FreshBooks add-ons.
  • +Offers easy-to-use interface tailored for users without accounting experience.
  • +Mobile apps available on iOS and Android with no extra cost for invoicing and payment tracking.

Cons

  • -Some essential features like unlimited bank connections require a $20/month upgrade, adding cost over FreshBooks's included receipt scanning.
  • -Payroll is a paid, region-limited service, whereas FreshBooks offers more integrated payroll support as add-ons.
  • -Customization options for invoices are less extensive than FreshBooks's templates and styling.
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QuickBooks Online logo

4. QuickBooks Online - AI automation with expert support

From $19/mo

QuickBooks Online is a strong alternative to FreshBooks for small and mid-sized businesses seeking AI-driven automation combined with expert bookkeeping support. Businesses that need scalable user access—supporting up to 25 users compared to FreshBooks' smaller team limit—and integration with over 800 apps will benefit from QuickBooks’ flexibility. While QuickBooks Online starts at $19/month, higher tiers include advanced AI-powered financial insights, budget forecasting, and expert access, differentiating it from FreshBooks’ simpler, freelancer-focused plans.

Pricing

  • Simple Start: $19/mo
  • Essentials: $37.5/mo
  • Plus: $57.5/mo
  • Advanced: $137.5/mo

Ideal for

  • Small to mid-sized businesses needing scalable user management and team collaboration.
  • Businesses seeking AI automation to reduce bookkeeping time and increase accuracy.
  • Companies requiring integration with specialized workflows via 800+ third-party apps.
  • Users wanting access to expert bookkeeping and tax help alongside software tools.

Pros

  • +Automates transaction categorization and bookkeeping tasks using AI, saving significant time weekly.
  • +Supports up to 25 users per plan, suitable for growing businesses needing multiple collaborators.
  • +Offers AI-driven financial insights and budgeting tools beyond basic reporting.
  • +Provides live bookkeeping and tax expert support free for the first 30 days.

Cons

  • -Starting price is higher than FreshBooks, with entry-level plans at $19/month versus $8.40/month.
  • -The broader feature set can overwhelm users unfamiliar with accounting software.
  • -Requires consistent internet access, lacking meaningful offline functionality.
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Invoice2go logo

5. Invoice2go - Lower starting price with unlimited team

From $7.99/mo

Invoice2go is a strong alternative to FreshBooks for small businesses seeking a straightforward invoicing and estimating tool with robust mobile capabilities. It offers fully customizable invoice templates and supports multi-channel delivery, enhancing professionalism and client reach. Small businesses and service providers who prioritize quick invoicing and seamless payments should consider Invoice2go due to its simplified interface and integration with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. A key difference is Invoice2go's lower starting price of $7.99/month and tiered plans offering unlimited team members, contrasting FreshBooks' more integrated accounting focus at $8.4/month with client limits.

Pricing

  • Starter: $7.99/mo
  • Professional: $11.98/mo
  • Premium: $44.99/mo

Ideal for

  • Small service businesses needing fast, mobile invoicing with multi-channel client communication.
  • Companies seeking invoicing software that syncs easily with QuickBooks or Xero without full accounting overhead.
  • Teams requiring unlimited user access without additional per-user fees.
  • Solo entrepreneurs and freelancers preferring a simpler platform focused on billing and payments rather than full accounting.

Pros

  • +Offers a 25% lower starting price than FreshBooks, beneficial for budget-conscious small businesses.
  • +Provides unlimited team member access on all plans, unlike FreshBooks’ paid team add-ons.
  • +Supports multi-channel invoice sending including messaging apps to increase client engagement.
  • +Syncs with QuickBooks and Xero improving bookkeeping efficiency for users relying on these platforms.

Cons

  • -Higher premium plan price at $44.99/month compared to FreshBooks $26/month for advanced features.
  • -Limited native functionality for payroll and deeper accounting features found in FreshBooks.
  • -Requires credit card to start free trial which can be a barrier to entry.
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6. Hiveage - Free tier with unlimited invoices

Free Plan Available

Hiveage is a good alternative to FreshBooks for freelancers and small businesses seeking easy, cost-effective invoicing with expandable features. It offers a free tier allowing unlimited invoices for up to 5 clients, which is ideal for startups and agencies with smaller client bases. Hiveage emphasizes invoicing and recurring billing without the complexity of full accounting, unlike FreshBooks which includes payroll and accounting features. Its pricing starts at $0 for basic invoicing and scales up to $49/month, contrasting with FreshBooks' starting price of $8.40/month, making it budget-friendly for lean operations.

Pricing

  • Free: Free
  • Basic: $19/mo
  • Pro: $29/mo
  • Plus: $49/mo

Ideal for

  • Freelancers or startups managing fewer than 5 clients needing a free invoicing solution.
  • Small agencies requiring customizable recurring billing and subscription management.
  • Businesses wanting access to multiple payment gateways for global client payments.
  • Entrepreneurs who prefer a straightforward invoicing tool without full accounting complexity.

Pros

  • +Offers a free plan with unlimited invoicing for up to 5 clients, saving early-stage businesses money.
  • +Supports over a dozen payment gateways, providing flexible and global payment options.
  • +Includes automated payment reminders and receipts to enhance cash flow management.
  • +Features mobile apps for invoicing on-the-go with iOS and Android support.

Cons

  • -Does not provide full accounting, payroll, or tax filing features like FreshBooks.
  • -Free plan's 5-client limit may be too restrictive for expanding businesses.
  • -Higher pricing for advanced features, with Plus plan at $49/month, is steeper than FreshBooks' Premium plan.
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Zoho Invoice logo

7. Zoho Invoice - Forever-free plan with 500 invoices

Free Plan Available

Zoho Invoice is a strong alternative to FreshBooks by offering a fully free invoicing solution for small businesses and freelancers, supporting up to 500 invoices annually with no subscription fees. Businesses seeking cost-effective billing with essential features like recurring invoices, time tracking, and automated payment reminders should consider Zoho Invoice. Unlike FreshBooks, which charges at least $8.40/month for basic plans, Zoho Invoice provides comprehensive invoicing and expense tracking at no cost, albeit with user and project limits.

Pricing

  • Free: Free

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and startups sending under 500 invoices annually seeking no-cost invoicing.
  • Small businesses needing automated recurring billing without monthly fees.
  • Users already invested in the Zoho ecosystem wanting seamless app integration.
  • Cost-conscious entrepreneurs requiring basic expense tracking alongside invoicing.

Pros

  • +Zoho Invoice offers a completely free plan supporting up to 500 invoices per year, reducing costs for small businesses.
  • +Includes built-in automated payment reminders to improve cash flow without additional fees.
  • +Supports multiple invoice delivery options including email, SMS, and WhatsApp, enhancing customer reach.
  • +Provides a secure customer self-service portal enabling invoice approvals and payments online.

Cons

  • -Zoho Invoice’s free plan permits only two users and three projects, limiting use for larger teams.
  • -Invoice branding on the free plan may not meet professional customization needs for all users.
  • -Omits payroll features, requiring separate software solutions for employee payments.
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Odoo logo

8. Odoo - Open source, modular ERP at $7.25/month

Free Plan Available

Odoo is a strong alternative to FreshBooks for businesses needing a fully integrated and customizable platform, with a lower entry price starting at $7.25 per user monthly versus FreshBooks' $8.40 base plan. Companies seeking open source software that avoids vendor lock-in and offers over 40,000 modular apps should consider Odoo to tailor their financial and operational workflows. Unlike FreshBooks, which limits billable clients by plan, Odoo supports global banking integrations and AI-powered accounting automation to reduce manual work and support international compliance.

Pricing

  • Community: Free
  • Enterprise: $7.25/mo

Ideal for

  • Businesses requiring customizable, modular ERP solutions with integrated accounting and CRM beyond simple invoicing.
  • Companies with international operations needing multi-currency support and bank integrations across 28,000 institutions.
  • Tech-savvy SMEs who want open source software to avoid vendor lock-in and tailor workflows.
  • Organizations looking for cost-effective solutions with AI automation to minimize manual financial data entry.

Pros

  • +Offers open source access allowing businesses to fully customize workflows and avoid vendor lock-in.
  • +Includes AI-powered accounting automation with 98% invoice data recognition accuracy, surpassing FreshBooks’ manual receipt scanning.
  • +Integrates seamlessly with 28,000 global banks, enabling automated transaction imports and reconciliations.
  • +Provides a modular platform with over 40,000 apps extending beyond accounting to CRM, inventory, and sales.

Cons

  • -Has a steeper learning curve due to extensive features and ERP complexity compared to FreshBooks’ simpler interface.
  • -Some critical features require the Enterprise edition, increasing costs beyond the free Community version.
  • -Customization and implementation often need technical skills, which FreshBooks’ straightforward setup does not require.
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ZipBooks logo

9. ZipBooks - Free unlimited invoices starter plan

Free Plan Available

ZipBooks is a strong alternative to FreshBooks for small businesses and freelancers seeking a free entry-level accounting solution with unlimited invoicing included. It caters well to users who want simple, automated bookkeeping with features like bank connectivity and machine learning-based transaction categorization at no cost. Unlike FreshBooks, which starts at $8.40/month and limits billable clients on lower tiers, ZipBooks offers essential tools for free and scales to $15/month for recurring billing and team management. Its smart tagging and customizable reporting provide deeper financial insights for project-based analyses.

Pricing

  • Starter: Free
  • Smarter: $15/mo
  • Sophisticated: $35/mo
  • Accountant

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and startups needing free unlimited invoicing and basic bookkeeping.
  • Small businesses seeking automated bank feeds and smart transaction categorization.
  • Service providers requiring synced time tracking with invoicing on a budget.
  • Companies wanting customizable financial reports filtered by projects or locations.

Pros

  • +Provides free unlimited invoicing on the Starter plan, reducing startup costs compared to FreshBooks.
  • +Automates transaction categorization via machine learning that simplifies bookkeeping tasks.
  • +Includes customizable financial reporting with tagging for detailed analysis beyond FreshBooks' standard reports.
  • +Supports team permission controls and multi-user management in paid plans similar to FreshBooks.

Cons

  • -Does not include payroll management features offered by FreshBooks' add-ons.
  • -Higher-tier ZipBooks plans needed for multi-bank connections and smart tagging, increasing costs.
  • -Fewer third-party app integrations than FreshBooks limit workflow customization options.
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10. Sage Intacct - AI-driven automation for enterprises

Sage Intacct is a strong alternative to FreshBooks for medium to large businesses seeking advanced AI-driven automation in finance processes. It automates up to 90% of data entry and reporting tasks, significantly reducing manual work compared to FreshBooks’ manual time and expense tracking. Companies with 20+ employees, complex billing needs, or multi-entity operations should consider Sage Intacct for its industry-specific features and faster financial close time — up to 79% quicker month-end close than traditional processes. Unlike FreshBooks’ fixed monthly pricing plans, Sage Intacct uses custom pricing tailored to enterprise requirements, supporting scalability and complexity for growing businesses.

Pricing

  • Sage Intacct Enterprise

Ideal for

  • Medium to large businesses with 20+ employees needing AI-automated finance workflows
  • Companies managing multiple entities or complex billing arrangements
  • Industry-specific businesses such as SaaS, retail, and nonprofits requiring specialized reporting
  • Organizations seeking to accelerate financial closing processes and increase reporting accuracy

Pros

  • +Automates up to 90% of bookkeeping and reporting, greatly reducing manual data entry.
  • +Speeds up month-end close by as much as 79%, enabling faster financial decisions.
  • +Supports multi-entity and complex billing needs unmatched by FreshBooks.
  • +Provides over 200 industry-specific reports for detailed financial analysis.

Cons

  • -Custom pricing can complicate budgeting for small businesses compared to FreshBooks’ fixed plans.
  • -Steeper learning curve due to advanced, AI-driven features requires training.
  • -Lacks clear information on mobile app availability, possibly limiting mobile accessibility compared to FreshBooks.
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How to Choose the Right FreshBooks Alternative

Choose FreshBooks alternatives based on client limits, pricing, AI automation, payroll needs, and preferred integrations for streamlined small business accounting workflows.

Your SituationBest Alternative
1Freelancers needing free invoicing
Invoice Mama (Free)
2Small businesses with bank feed needs
Xero ($5/mo)
3Budget-conscious users wanting full accounting
Wave (Free)
4Growing teams requiring multi-user access
QuickBooks Online ($19/mo)
5Businesses needing open source customization
Odoo ($7.25/mo)
6Service businesses wanting fast mobile invoicing
Invoice2go ($7.99/mo)
7Startups needing unlimited free invoicing
Hiveage (Free)
8Entrepreneurs needing free unlimited invoicing
ZipBooks (Free)

Must-Have Features to Compare

1
Professional invoicingAll alternatives support customizable invoicing.
2
Automated bank feedsAvailable in Xero, QuickBooks, Odoo; absent in Invoice Mama.
3
AI bookkeeping automationOffered by Xero, QuickBooks, Odoo for faster data entry.
4
Free entry-level pricingInvoice Mama, Wave, ZipBooks, Hiveage offer free tiers.
5
Multi-user team supportQuickBooks and Invoice2go support unlimited or large teams.
6
Mobile apps with receipt scanningFreshBooks, Wave, Hiveage offer mobile scanning; Invoice Mama lacks it.

How to Migrate From FreshBooks to an Alternative

Migrating from FreshBooks typically takes 1-2 weeks, involving data export and import of invoices, clients, and expenses to maintain continuity.

Pre-Migration Checklist

  • 1Export Chart of Accounts from FreshBooks
  • 2Export customer and vendor contact lists
  • 3Export invoices and payment history
  • 4Export expense and receipt data
  • 5Download time tracking records
  • 6Backup project and proposal data
  • 7Import data into new software via CSV or API
  • 8Verify data accuracy post-import
  • 9Configure payment gateways
  • 10Train team on new software features

Ready to migrate?

Complete each step in order for a smooth transition.

FreshBooks Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about switching from FreshBooks - answered with specific data.

Still have questions?

Our comparisons are based on publicly available information and updated regularly.

Accounting Software Review Insights 2024

Based on a survey of 3,400 respondents

68% of Xero users saved $500-$1,200 annually versus FreshBooks

Cost Savings

72% prefer software with integrated bank feeds, benefiting Xero and QuickBooks

Feature Preference

59% of freelancers choose Invoice Mama for AI-assisted invoicing speed

Feature Usage

83% of Wave users appreciate free core accounting without monthly fees

User Satisfaction

74% of QuickBooks customers rely on AI automation to reduce bookkeeping time

Automation Usage

Source: Analysis of 3,400+ verified reviews across G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius (2024)

Still not sure which alternative is right for you?

Every business has unique needs. Explore each option's features and pricing to find the best fit for your workflow.

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Unbiased comparisonsRegularly updatedBased on public data