QuickBooks vs FreshBooks
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: QuickBooks (4.4/5)
We tested QuickBooks and FreshBooks side-by-side. QuickBooks comes out ahead overall, but FreshBooks may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Overall | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | Yes | No |
| Payroll | Yes | No |
| Tax Preparation | Yes | No |
| Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Inventory | Yes | No |
| Time Tracking | No | Yes |
| Expenses | No | Yes |
| Client Portal | No | Yes |
| Projects | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks: From $30/mo
FreshBooks: $19/mo – $60/mo
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
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
Key Specifications
| Spec | QuickBooks | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Pricing | From $30/mo | $19/mo – $60/mo |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, CA | Toronto, Canada |
| Employees | Part of Intuit (15,000+) | N/A |
| Payroll | Yes (add-on) | N/A |
| Best For Region | United States | N/A |
Our Verdict
QuickBooks wins overall. Choose QuickBooks if you value US small businesses needing full accounting. Choose FreshBooks if you prioritize Freelancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks better than FreshBooks?
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 QuickBooks and FreshBooks?
QuickBooks is known for: The #1 small business accounting software for invoicing, expenses, and taxes.. FreshBooks is known for: Best invoicing and accounting software for freelancers..
Which is cheaper, QuickBooks or FreshBooks?
QuickBooks pricing: From $30/mo. FreshBooks pricing: $19/mo – $60/mo.
Can I use QuickBooks and FreshBooks 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 QuickBooks?
Most widely used (accountants know it). Excellent integration ecosystem (750+ apps). Full-service payroll available
What are the pros of FreshBooks?
Best-in-class invoicing. Built-in time tracking. Client portal
Which accounting software should I choose?
Choose QuickBooks if you value US small businesses needing full accounting. Choose FreshBooks if you prioritize Freelancers.