Best Accounting Software for Freelancers 2025: Top Platforms
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Top Accounting Software for Freelancers
FreshBooks - Best Overall
$10-55/month | Time tracking, invoicing, project management
Perfect for freelancers wanting everything in one place
Wave - Best Free
Free - $99/month | Invoicing, expense tracking, reporting
Completely free invoicing and basic accounting
Xero - Best International
$11-82/month | Multi-currency, 180+ countries
Best for freelancers working internationally
Zoho Books - Best Value
$10-35/month | Full accounting, invoicing, expense tracking
Affordable accounting with good features
Key Features for Freelancer Accounting
Invoicing
Create professional invoices, send reminders, track payments. All platforms include this. FreshBooks invoices are most beautiful.
Time Tracking
Track billable hours for clients. FreshBooks and Wave include. Essential if you bill hourly.
Expense Tracking
Record business expenses for taxes. Receipt capture useful. All platforms include.
Tax Ready Reports
Export data for accountant or tax software. Essential before tax season. All platforms offer.
Mobile App
Access on-the-go. FreshBooks and Wave have best mobile apps for freelancers.
Comparison Table
| Software | Price | Time Tracking | Mobile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FreshBooks | $10-55/mo | ✅ Yes | ✅ Excellent | Freelancers |
| Wave | Free | ❌ No | ✅ Good | Budget |
| Xero | $11-82/mo | ❌ No | ✅ Good | International |
| Zoho Books | $10-35/mo | ✅ Optional | ✅ Good | Value |
How to Choose
Just Starting Out?
Use Wave (free) to test accounting software. Zero cost to learn. Upgrade when you outgrow free plan or need time tracking.
Billing Hourly?
Choose FreshBooks for time tracking. Converts hours into invoices automatically. Worth $10/month alone.
Working Internationally?
Choose Xero for multi-currency support and international features. Wave and FreshBooks work globally but Xero is optimized.
Want One Complete Solution?
Choose FreshBooks as all-in-one. Invoicing, time tracking, expense tracking, project management in one platform.
Final Recommendation
Best Overall: FreshBooks
FreshBooks at $10/month is the best accounting software for most freelancers. Time tracking, invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting in one platform. Worth every penny.
Start FreshBooks Free 30 Days →Budget Option: Wave
If you can't afford $10/month, Wave is completely free with unlimited invoices. Perfect for testing before paid plans.
Use Wave Free Forever →