Lite
Save ~20% with annual billing
What's included:
- 5 billable clients
- Unlimited invoices
- Expense tracking
- Time tracking
- Basic reports
- Payment processing
Complete pricing breakdown for FreshBooks. Compare plans, features, and find the best value.
FreshBooks starts at $23/month for the Lite plan. 4 plans available.
💰 Prices last verified: March 9, 2026
Save ~20% with annual billing
Save ~20% with annual billing
Save ~20% with annual billing
| Tool | Starting Price | Free Tier | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F FreshBooks Current | $23/mo | Freelancers and consultants | ||
| Z Zoho Invoice | Free | Small businesses needing professional invoicing | Compare | |
| W Wave | Free | Small business owners starting out with limited budgets | Compare | |
| IN Invoice Ninja | Free | Freelancers and consultants | Compare | |
| Bo Bonsai | $15/mo | Freelancers and consultants needing quick proposals, contracts, and invoicing | Compare | |
| HB HoneyBook | $36/mo | Freelancers and consultants needing invoicing plus client management | Compare |
FreshBooks offers a tiered pricing model designed to accommodate businesses at different stages of growth. Starting at $21 per month, the plans are structured based on the number of billable clients and required features. Understanding each tier's value is crucial for making an informed decision about which plan best suits your business needs.
The Lite plan, priced at $21 monthly, is ideal for solo entrepreneurs or freelancers with up to 5 billable clients. It includes core features like unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking. However, it has limitations on client management and reporting capabilities. For growing businesses, the Plus plan at $38 per month expands client capacity to 50 and adds more advanced features like recurring invoices and multiple team members.
The Premium plan, at $65 per month, is recommended for established small businesses requiring comprehensive financial management. This tier offers unlimited billable clients, advanced reporting, and advanced payment features. For enterprises with complex needs, the Select plan offers custom pricing with dedicated support and advanced integrations.
Hidden costs to consider include additional user fees ($11 per user monthly) and potential payment processing charges. While FreshBooks' pricing might seem higher compared to some alternatives, the time saved through automation often justifies the investment. They frequently offer promotional discounts, such as 50% off for the first few months, which can make the transition more financially attractive.
When comparing FreshBooks to competitors like QuickBooks or Wave, its pricing is competitive, especially for service-based professionals. The key is to evaluate not just the monthly cost, but the potential productivity gains and reduced administrative overhead the software provides.
| Feature | Lite | Plus | Premium | Select |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invoicing Unlimited invoices with customizable templates | ||||
| Time Tracking Built-in timer with project assignment | ||||
| Expense Tracking Receipt scanning and categorization | ||||
| Project Management Track project budgets and profitability | ||||
| Client Portal Secure portal for client communication | ||||
| Recurring Billing Plus plan and above | ||||
| Bank Reconciliation Plus plan and above | ||||
| Double-Entry Accounting Plus plan and above | ||||
| Mileage Tracking Mobile app with GPS tracking | ||||
| Payment Processing Accept credit cards and bank transfers |
FreshBooks offers solid value for its feature set. It's best suited for Freelancers and consultants and Service-based small businesses. Starting at $23/mo, it's accessible for most budgets.
FreshBooks emerges as an exceptional accounting solution for service-based professionals and small businesses seeking a user-friendly, comprehensive financial management platform. Its strengths lie in intuitive design, robust invoicing capabilities, and integrated time tracking that can dramatically reduce administrative overhead.
While the software excels for freelancers and small service businesses, it may not be ideal for larger enterprises or businesses requiring complex accounting features. Companies needing advanced inventory management, multi-company accounting, or extensive financial reporting might want to explore alternatives like QuickBooks Online or Xero.
Our final recommendation is that FreshBooks is an excellent choice for solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small service-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Its pricing, while slightly higher than some competitors, is justified by the time-saving features and professional-grade tools. The 30-day free trial allows you to thoroughly evaluate whether the platform meets your specific business needs.
On a 5-point scale, we rate FreshBooks a solid 4.5/5 for its target market. The platform successfully balances ease of use, powerful features, and affordability, making it a top recommendation for service professionals looking to streamline their financial management.
FreshBooks costs $23/month for the Lite plan. 4 plans available ranging up to $70/month.
No, FreshBooks doesn't offer a permanent free plan. Pricing starts at $23/month for the Lite plan. However, they may offer a free trial period.
The Lite plan ($23/mo) includes: 5 billable clients; Unlimited invoices; Expense tracking; Time tracking. Higher tiers add more advanced features.
FreshBooks is affordable for small teams at $23/mo. Best for: Freelancers and consultants and Service-based small businesses. Highly rated (4.5/5).
FreshBooks starts at $23/mo vs Zoho Invoice at Free. FreshBooks is more affordable. Compare features side-by-side to decide.
Yes, most invoicing tools including FreshBooks offer 10-20% discounts when you pay annually instead of monthly. This can save you approximately $55 per year depending on your plan.