FreshBooks vs QuickBooks: Which is Best for Your Business in 2025?
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Quick Verdict
🏆 Best for Freelancers: FreshBooks - Time tracking, invoicing, project management built-in
📊 Best for Full Accounting: QuickBooks - Complete accounting, payroll, taxes
💰 Best Value: FreshBooks - Better for service businesses and freelancers
⚙️ Most Comprehensive: QuickBooks - More accounting features and integrations
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | FreshBooks | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $10/month | $15/month |
| Time Tracking | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Add-on |
| Project Management | ✅ Included | ❌ No |
| Payroll | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best For | Service businesses | All businesses |
Key Differences
Primary Use Case
FreshBooks: Built for service businesses - designers, agencies, consultants, freelancers
QuickBooks: Built for all types of businesses - retail, B2B, services, everything
Time Tracking
Winner: FreshBooks - Built-in time tracking with mobile app. QuickBooks requires separate tool or addon.
Invoicing
Winner: FreshBooks - Beautiful invoices, recurring billing, payment reminders. QuickBooks invoicing is more basic.
Payroll
Winner: QuickBooks - Integrated payroll management. FreshBooks has no payroll features.
Accounting Features
Winner: QuickBooks - More comprehensive accounting, financial reports, tax forms. FreshBooks is more project/invoice focused.
Pricing Comparison
FreshBooks
- Lite: $10/month (1 user, basic)
- Plus: $25/month (unlimited projects, team members)
- Premium: $55/month (advanced features, workflows)
QuickBooks Online
- Simple Start: $15/month
- Essentials: $25/month
- Plus: $55/month
- Advanced: $85/month
Who Should Use Each?
Choose FreshBooks if:
- ✅ You're a freelancer or consultant
- ✅ Time tracking is important
- ✅ You manage projects and clients
- ✅ You don't need payroll
- ✅ Simple accounting is enough
Choose QuickBooks if:
- ✅ You need full accounting suite
- ✅ Payroll is important
- ✅ You have employees
- ✅ Tax management is critical
- ✅ You want integration with accountants
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use FreshBooks AND QuickBooks together?
Yes, many service businesses use FreshBooks for invoicing/projects and QuickBooks for full accounting. FreshBooks integrates with QuickBooks via accounting integrations. Check compatibility first.
Which is better for a solo freelancer?
FreshBooks is far better for solo freelancers. It includes everything you need - invoicing, time tracking, project management. QuickBooks is overkill and more expensive for solo freelancers.
Can I migrate from QuickBooks to FreshBooks?
Migration is complex since they serve different purposes. If moving from QuickBooks, usually integrate FreshBooks with QuickBooks instead of fully migrating. Consult with accountant.
Which has better mobile app?
FreshBooks has better mobile app for invoicing, time tracking, and project management. QuickBooks mobile app is okay for viewing. FreshBooks mobile experience is superior.
Final Recommendation
Best for Service Businesses: FreshBooks
FreshBooks is the superior choice for freelancers, agencies, consultants, and service businesses. Built-in time tracking, project management, and invoicing are exactly what you need. Simpler and more affordable than QuickBooks for most service businesses.
Try FreshBooks 30 Days Free →Choose QuickBooks If:
You need full accounting features, payroll management, or already use QuickBooks Desktop. For most service businesses, FreshBooks is the better choice.
Try QuickBooks Online →