Freshbooks Review - Features, Pricing & Deals
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing software that caters to small businesses, freelancers, and independent contractors. The platform combines essential financial management tools with user-friendly features to help businesses handle their day-to-day accounting needs.
At its core, the software offers customizable invoicing, expense tracking, and time management capabilities. Users can create professional invoices, track billable hours, and manage project expenses all in one place. The platform also includes basic accounting features like bank reconciliation and financial reporting to help businesses stay on top of their finances.
The software comes in several pricing tiers starting at $19 per month for the Lite plan, which includes basic features for up to 5 billable clients. More comprehensive plans are available for businesses that need additional capabilities like automated payment reminders or unlimited client billing.
While FreshBooks started as a simple invoicing tool, it has grown to include features like client portals, project management, and payment processing. The platform connects with over 100 business apps and provides mobile access through iOS and Android devices.
Who is Freshbooks for?
FreshBooks is ideal for small business owners, freelancers, and service professionals who need straightforward accounting software without the complexity of traditional financial systems. Users appreciate how it simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and financial management while providing professional-looking documents that improve client relationships.
- Solo entrepreneurs benefit from its user-friendly interface that handles invoicing and expense tracking efficiently, allowing them to focus on their core business instead of paperwork.
- Service-based freelancers can track billable hours and automatically convert them into professional invoices, streamlining their billing process.
- Small business owners with up to 50 clients find value in the automated payment reminders and client management features that help maintain steady cash flow.
- Creative professionals appreciate the customizable invoices and project collaboration tools that present a polished image to clients while keeping projects organized.
- Mobile business owners can manage their finances on the go with the iOS and Android apps that allow for receipt capturing and invoice sending from anywhere.
- Growing businesses can scale their operations with FreshBooks' tiered plans that expand features as their client base and needs increase.
This accounting solution is particularly popular among consultants, graphic designers, web developers, photographers, and other professional service providers who need to manage both their time and finances efficiently.
Online Reviews (Last 6 Months Summarised)
FreshBooks offers a mixed bag for small business owners and freelancers. Users love its intuitive interface and robust invoicing features, with many praising the responsive customer support and convenient mobile app. However, the software isn't without drawbacks - some find it pricier than competitors and note limitations in project management and customization options.
The platform seems to work well for those seeking a straightforward accounting solution, but might frustrate users looking for more advanced tools. Electronic payment compatibility and recent format changes have sparked some user complaints. While not perfect, FreshBooks generally delivers a solid accounting experience for those willing to invest in its capabilities.
Features
- Invoicing Powerhouse: Create professional, customizable invoices with automatic tax calculations, recurring billing, and multi-language support to streamline your financial workflow.
- Intelligent Time Tracking: Easily log hours, use automatic timers, and collaborate with team members while seamlessly converting tracked time into billable invoices.
- Expense Management: Capture receipts instantly, categorize expenses automatically, and generate comprehensive spending reports to simplify financial record-keeping.
- Robust Financial Reporting: Access detailed profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and sales tax summaries that provide crystal-clear insights into your business's financial health.
- Project Collaboration Tools: Invite team members and clients to collaborate, share files, track project conversations, and manage deadlines in one integrated platform.
- Seamless Bank Integration: Connect bank accounts automatically, reduce manual data entry errors, and synchronize financial transactions with minimal effort.
- Client Management System: Maintain a comprehensive client database, utilize a dedicated client portal, and keep internal notes for personalized business interactions.
- Flexible Payment Processing: Accept online payments in multiple currencies, process credit card transactions directly through invoices, and accelerate your cash flow.
- Advanced Security Features: Protect your financial data with 256-bit SSL encryption and integrate smoothly with popular business applications for enhanced workflow efficiency.
Pricing
- FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial for all plans, allowing users to test features before committing to a paid subscription.
- Lite Plan starts at $19 monthly (or $7.60 with 60% off), supporting up to 5 billable clients with unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking.
- Plus Plan priced at $33 monthly (or $13.20 with 60% off) offers expanded features for up to 50 billable clients, including automated invoicing and client retainers.
- Select Plan offers customized pricing with exclusive support, lower transaction rates, and advanced features, requiring direct contact with FreshBooks for a personalized quote.
- Additional add-ons include Team Member Accounts at $11 per user monthly and Advanced Payments at $20 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
FreshBooks offers three main plans with different features. The Lite plan ($19/month) includes unlimited invoices and time tracking but limits you to 5 billable clients. The Plus plan ($33/month) adds automated invoices, late fees, client retainers, and increases your client limit to 50. The Premium plan ($60/month) includes all Plus features with unlimited clients and adds project profitability tracking. All plans currently have a 60% discount for the first 6 months if you're a new user.
Can I accept credit card payments through FreshBooks?Yes! All FreshBooks plans let you accept credit card and ACH payments directly through your invoices. This helps you get paid faster since clients can click a button and pay you right away. FreshBooks charges a small processing fee per transaction (around 2.9% + 30¢ for credit cards). If you upgrade to their Advanced Payments add-on ($20/month) or Select plan, you'll get lower transaction rates.
How does the time tracking feature work?FreshBooks time tracking lets you log hours in several ways. You can use the built-in timer to track work as you do it, or manually enter hours later. The mobile app includes the timer feature too, so you can track time on the go. You can easily mark time as billable, add notes about what you worked on, and then add those hours directly to client invoices. Team members can track their time too if you add them to your account.
Is there a mobile app for FreshBooks?Yes, FreshBooks has a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The app lets you create and send invoices, capture receipt photos, track time, view client information, and check your business dashboard while away from your computer. Most users find it helpful for basic tasks, though some advanced features work better on the desktop version. The app receives regular updates to improve functionality and fix bugs.
What happens after my 30-day free trial ends?When your 30-day free trial ends, you'll need to choose and pay for a subscription plan to continue using FreshBooks. You won't lose any data you've entered during your trial period. If you don't subscribe, you'll lose access to most features but can still log in to view your information. FreshBooks doesn't automatically charge you when the trial ends - you'll need to manually provide payment information to continue. They also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied after subscribing.
