FreshBooks vs QuickBooks
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: QuickBooks (4.4/5)
We tested FreshBooks and QuickBooks side-by-side. QuickBooks comes out ahead overall, but FreshBooks may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | FreshBooks | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 7.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 7.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Customer Support | 8.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FreshBooks | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Time Tracking | Yes | No |
| Expenses | Yes | No |
| Client Portal | Yes | No |
| Projects | Yes | No |
| Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | No | Yes |
| Payroll | No | Yes |
| Tax Preparation | No | Yes |
| Inventory | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
FreshBooks: $19/mo – $60/mo
QuickBooks: From $30/mo
FreshBooks Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class invoicing
- Built-in time tracking
- Client portal
- Intuitive for non-accountants
Cons
- Limited inventory
- Client limits on lower tiers
QuickBooks Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most widely used (accountants know it)
- Excellent integration ecosystem (750+ apps)
- Full-service payroll available
Cons
- Gets expensive with add-ons
- Learning curve for newcomers
Key Specifications
| Spec | FreshBooks | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Pricing | $19/mo – $60/mo | From $30/mo |
| Year Founded | 2003 | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Canada | Mountain View, CA |
| Employees | N/A | Part of Intuit (15,000+) |
| Payroll | N/A | Yes (add-on) |
| Best For Region | N/A | United States |
Our Verdict
QuickBooks wins overall. Choose FreshBooks if you value Freelancers. Choose QuickBooks if you prioritize US small businesses needing full accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreshBooks better than QuickBooks?
Based on our testing, QuickBooks scores higher with a rating of 4.4/5 compared to FreshBooks's 4.3/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between FreshBooks and QuickBooks?
FreshBooks is known for: Best invoicing and accounting software for freelancers.. QuickBooks is known for: The #1 small business accounting software for invoicing, expenses, and taxes..
Which is cheaper, FreshBooks or QuickBooks?
FreshBooks pricing: $19/mo – $60/mo. QuickBooks pricing: From $30/mo.
Can I use FreshBooks and QuickBooks together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Accounting Software category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of FreshBooks?
Best-in-class invoicing. Built-in time tracking. Client portal
What are the pros of QuickBooks?
Most widely used (accountants know it). Excellent integration ecosystem (750+ apps). Full-service payroll available
Which accounting software should I choose?
Choose FreshBooks if you value Freelancers. Choose QuickBooks if you prioritize US small businesses needing full accounting.