QuickBooks Simple Start is $35/mo. FreshBooks Lite is $19/mo. Both raised prices in 2024. The right choice depends on whether you need invoicing simplicity or full-featured accounting — here's the breakdown.
| Plan | Price/mo | Users | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Start | $35 | 1 | Income/expense tracking, invoicing, tax prep, basic reports |
| Essentials | $65 | 3 | + Bills, time tracking, multi-currency |
| Plus | $99 | 5 | + Inventory, project tracking, 1099 contractors |
| Advanced | $235 | 25 | + Custom reporting, dedicated support, automation |
| Plan | Price/mo | Clients | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | $19 | 5 | Invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, basic reports |
| Plus | $33 | 50 | + Proposals, recurring billing, double-entry accounting |
| Premium | $60 | Unlimited | + Project profitability, advanced reporting, email signatures |
| Select | Custom | Unlimited | + Dedicated account manager, custom onboarding |
FreshBooks charges $11/mo per additional team member (not included in base price).
| Feature | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $35/mo (Simple Start) | $19/mo (Lite, 5 clients) |
| Invoicing | ✓ Good | ✓ Excellent (better UI) |
| Time tracking | ~ Essentials+ only | ✓ All plans |
| Project management | ~ Plus+ only | ✓ Plus+ (profitability tracking) |
| Inventory tracking | ✓ Plus+ | ✗ Not available |
| Payroll | ✓ Add-on ($45+/mo) | ~ Gusto integration (extra cost) |
| Bank reconciliation | ✓ All plans | ✓ All plans |
| Double-entry accounting | ✓ All plans | ~ Plus+ only |
| Tax prep / 1099s | ✓ All plans | ~ Basic (no 1099) |
| Accountant access | ✓ Preferred by accountants | ✓ Supported |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ (higher-rated on App Store) |
| App integrations | 700+ apps | 200+ apps |
| Client portal | ✗ | ✓ All plans |
| Proposals / estimates | ✓ | ✓ Plus+ |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Easier (freelancer-focused) |
Product businesses with inventory: QuickBooks Plus ($99/mo) has inventory tracking — FreshBooks doesn't. If you sell physical goods, QuickBooks is the only real choice between the two.
Businesses with employees: QuickBooks Payroll integrates natively. FreshBooks relies on Gusto, which adds cost and complexity.
Your accountant requires it: Many US accountants prefer or require QuickBooks format. Switching is painful — if your CPA specifically asks for QuickBooks, use it.
Complex reporting needs: QuickBooks has more robust built-in reports (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, AR aging). FreshBooks covers the basics but has less depth.
Freelancers and consultants: FreshBooks is designed for service businesses. Its invoicing is cleaner, time tracking works on all plans, and the client portal lets clients pay and communicate in one place.
Small agencies: FreshBooks Plus/Premium handles project profitability, retainer billing, and team time tracking — exactly what agencies need without the complexity of QuickBooks.
Budget-conscious solo operators: FreshBooks Lite ($19/mo) vs QuickBooks Simple Start ($35/mo) — FreshBooks is 46% cheaper for a comparable solo plan. Multiply that over a year: $228 vs $420.
Non-accountants: FreshBooks consistently gets better usability ratings. If you hate accounting software, FreshBooks is easier to live with.
FreshBooks wins on price ($19 vs $35 at entry level), invoicing UX, time tracking, and client-facing features. Best for freelancers, consultants, and service agencies with under 50 clients.
QuickBooks wins on accounting depth — inventory, payroll, 1099s, double-entry on all plans, and 700+ integrations. Best for product businesses, teams with employees, or businesses whose CPA requires QuickBooks.
FreshBooks is cheaper. FreshBooks Lite is $19/month vs QuickBooks Simple Start at $35/month — a $16/month ($192/year) difference. For freelancers or solo operators with basic needs, FreshBooks Lite covers invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking at nearly half the QuickBooks price.
Not natively. FreshBooks integrates with Gusto for payroll, which costs $40-80/month additional. QuickBooks has native payroll add-ons starting at $45/month. If payroll is a priority, QuickBooks' native integration is more seamless.
Yes, but it requires effort. You can export your QuickBooks data and import transactions into FreshBooks. You'll lose some historical reporting continuity. The best time to switch is at the start of a new fiscal year to avoid mid-year reconciliation complexity.
Yes. In 2024, QuickBooks raised all tiers 17-20% and eliminated annual discounts for new subscribers. FreshBooks raised Lite from $15 to $19/month (+27%), Plus from $25 to $33/month, and Premium from $50 to $60/month. Both are substantially more expensive than 2022 rates.
Both platforms raised prices in 2024 with limited notice. Get alerted the moment your accounting software changes pricing — before the invoice hits.
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