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FreshBooks

FreshBooks

Overview

What is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is an accounting service for small businesses. The solution enables users to send and manage invoices, track billable time and collect online payments. The vendor’s value proposition this that their solution provides a straightforward service that simplifies the billing…

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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

FreshBooks is a user-friendly accounting software that has been highly praised by users for its ability to streamline invoice creation, …
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Know what you are buying first

2 out of 10
November 02, 2023
Our main use for FreshBooks is invoicing and estimates, linking with our credit union is very spotty so not reliable enough to do any …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Popular Features

View all 20 features
  • Dashboards (52)
    4.6
    46%
  • Standard reports (50)
    4.1
    41%
  • Expense management (46)
    3.1
    31%
  • Accounts receivable (50)
    2.6
    26%

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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Lite

$15

Cloud
per month

Plus

$30

Cloud
per month

Premium

$55

Cloud
per month

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttp://www.freshbooks.com/?ref=11573&ut…

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services
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Product Demos

Working Better Together with FreshBooks

YouTube

InfoPoc: Freshbooks Connector for Salesforce - Demo

YouTube

Create Freshbooks Invoices for New WooCommerce Orders

YouTube

FreshBooks Demo

YouTube

Freshbooks Demo

YouTube

Become a Certified FreshBooks Accounting Partner

YouTube
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Features

Customization

This addresses a company’s ability to configure the software to fit its specific use case and workflow.

1.2
Avg 7.0

Security

This component helps a company minimize the security risks by controlling access to the software and its data, and encouraging best practices among users.

6.4
Avg 7.9

Reporting & Analytics

Users can report on and analyze usage, performance, ROI, and/or other metrics of success.

4.5
Avg 7.6

General Ledger and Configurable Accounting

Financial management solution, including capabilities for general ledger and configurable accounting

4.7
Avg 7.4

Order Management

The ability to process orders, and track them from quote to cash.

3.9
Avg 7.4
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Product Details

What is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is an accounting service for small businesses. The solution enables users to send and manage invoices, track billable time and collect online payments. The vendor’s value proposition this that their solution provides a straightforward service that simplifies the billing process.

FreshBooks Features

General Ledger and Configurable Accounting Features

  • Supported: Accounts payable
  • Supported: Accounts receivable
  • Supported: Expense management
  • Supported: Time tracking
  • Supported: Regulations compliance

Order Management Features

  • Supported: Pricing
  • Supported: Order entry
  • Supported: Credit card processing

Reporting & Analytics Features

  • Supported: Dashboards
  • Supported: Standard reports

Customization Features

  • Supported: API for custom integration
  • Supported: Plug-ins

Security Features

  • Supported: Role-based user permissions

FreshBooks Screenshots

Screenshot of DashboardScreenshot of Invoice OverviewScreenshot of Beautiful, Customizable InvoicesScreenshot of Invoice seamlessly across devicesScreenshot of ExpensesScreenshot of Time TrackingScreenshot of Time TrackingScreenshot of Time TrackingScreenshot of Time TrackingScreenshot of App IntegrationsScreenshot of Recurring BillingScreenshot of PaymentsScreenshot of ReportsScreenshot of Projects

FreshBooks Videos

Accounting, for the Non-Accountant.
Say Hello to FreshBooks Cloud Accounting

FreshBooks Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsWindows, Mac
Mobile ApplicationApple iOS, Android
Supported LanguagesEnglish

Frequently Asked Questions

QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Zoho Invoice are common alternatives for FreshBooks.

Reviewers rate Self-service portal highest, with a score of 9.1.

The most common users of FreshBooks are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).

FreshBooks Customer Size Distribution

Consumers0%
Small Businesses (1-50 employees)95%
Mid-Size Companies (51-500 employees)5%
Enterprises (more than 500 employees)0%
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(205)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

FreshBooks is a user-friendly accounting software that has been highly praised by users for its ability to streamline invoice creation, email tracking, and expense management. With FreshBooks, users can effortlessly create, email, and track invoices, as well as set up recurring invoices. The detailed reports provided by FreshBooks allow users to efficiently manage their financials and gain insights into their expenses and client details. Clients also appreciate the convenience of accessing their accounts, viewing/printing invoices, and even filing disputes through FreshBooks. Another notable aspect of FreshBooks is its responsive and helpful customer support team, which is always ready to address any issues or questions that users may have.

Freelancers in particular rely on FreshBooks to stay organized and generate reports for estimating, invoicing, expense tracking, and timekeeping. However, the versatility of FreshBooks extends beyond freelancers. It has been widely used across industries for invoicing clients and keeping the process organized and efficient. For example, Picobarn implemented FreshBooks as a mandatory tool for its employees, enabling them to streamline the invoicing process and provide real-time project tracking. Additionally, FreshBooks has been adopted by organizations to integrate accounting and bookkeeping activities, simplifying day-to-day tasks and ensuring security. By replacing manual bookkeeping processes with FreshBooks, users have saved time and resources while improving client understanding of financial documents.

FreshBooks handles all invoicing needs effectively by making invoice creation quick and easy while enabling online payments. The software has become a valuable tool for independent representatives in various business sectors such as graphic design, helping them track business expenses effortlessly. Similarly, freelance writers and editors find FreshBooks indispensable for tracking hours worked, invoicing clients accurately, and managing their one-person operations smoothly. Companies also utilize FreshBooks to track time and expenses for both staff and consultants working on client projects. In addition to customer invoicing and expense tracking capabilities, it provides direct access for tax advisors, facilitating bank account reconciliation and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

While FreshBooks has garnered positive feedback from users, some have experienced challenges with credit card integrations and payment processing, leading them to explore alternative options. Despite this, FreshBooks has remained a popular choice for businesses seeking to centralize invoicing and accounting processes, improving efficiency and organization. Consultants and support teams have also found value in FreshBooks as it helps them track time, invoice clients, and consolidate tasks within one program.

FreshBooks has successfully helped users streamline their invoicing process, resulting in faster invoice creation, professional-looking invoices, and improved payment tracking. By allowing users to set automatic reminders for overdue invoices, FreshBooks ensures timely follow-up for payment. However, some users prefer to send manual reminders.

FreshBooks has been praised for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and use for multiple purposes. It is particularly beneficial for small businesses and freelancers who need a simple accounting solution without the complexity of tools like QuickBooks. Users appreciate the ease of use and simplicity of FreshBooks for handling administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, expense tracking, and invoicing. The software eliminates the need for more complex tools and reduces the need to hire additional staff.

One of the key advantages of FreshBooks is its cloud-based nature, allowing users to access and send invoices from their smartphones and tablets. This flexibility enables users to manage their financials on the go, keeping them connected to their business at all times. The ability to track time spent on projects, calculate project estimates, invoice clients, and accept payments all within FreshBooks makes it a valuable tool for freelancers and small businesses alike. Additionally, FreshBooks offers a free trial without requiring credit card information, allowing users to test the software before committing.

FreshBooks caters to a wide range of industries and has been used by marketing and manufacturing customers to properly track invoices and increase productivity and cost savings. It is also utilized across entire organizations for account receivables, setting up and sending invoices, collecting payments, tracking hours on projects, and efficiently managing billing. Moreover, FreshBooks has found its place in small family businesses that depend on it for managing expenses, logging hours, invoicing companies, and tracking total sales. Users have even customized FreshBooks using its API to automate payment entry and tracking according to their specific needs.

Overall, FreshBooks has proven itself as a reliable accounting software that simplifies the invoicing process, tracks expenses effectively, provides comprehensive financial insights, and offers user-friendly features. Its extensive range of functionalities makes it a valuable tool for freelancers, small businesses, and organizations looking to streamline their financial management processes.

Based on user recommendations, FreshBooks receives the following common suggestions:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the interface: Users recommend purchasing the free version of FreshBooks to get acquainted with the interface. This allows users to understand how the software works before committing to a paid plan.

  2. Suitable for small businesses: FreshBooks is highly recommended for small businesses. It is seen as a valuable program that caters to their day-to-day transactions and accounting needs. The software's simplicity and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for small business owners.

  3. Try before committing: Users suggest trying the trial version or taking advantage of the 1-month free trial offered by FreshBooks. This allows potential users to test out the software and assess its suitability for their specific business needs before making any financial commitments.

Overall, users find FreshBooks to be a valuable and user-friendly tool for online accounting, billing, invoicing, and expense tracking. They recommend giving it a try, especially for small businesses looking for a simple and easy-to-use accounting or invoicing program.

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-10 of 10)
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Dana Darla | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 1 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
My company is performing all accounting functions for different companies. One of our clients uses FreshBooks as main accounting software to keep track of billing and expenses.
  • N/a
  • N/a
  • N/a
  • Ease of navigating throughout the menu
  • Chart of accounts (report format and ability to edit accounts)
  • Lists (invoices, expenses, etc) sorting and exporting
  • Still down into accounts/amounts from a report
  • Reader-friendly reporting
My client started with FreshBooks on a previous version and since the upgrade it’s been more difficult to navigate and get reporting out of FreshBooks even over previous version. If I had my choice FreshBooks would be one of the last accounting systems to use. Right now we are using a different software for accounts payable, payroll and bank reconciliations.
Ryan Freeman | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 3 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Due to currency limitations within FreshBooks, we run two accounts. One bills our Canadian customers in CAD, and the other bills USA and International clients in USD.
FreshBooks is our primary invoicing system. As a SaaS and consulting company the majority of our billing is based on recurring contracts, so we looked to FreshBooks as a replacement for manual processing of credit cards. FreshBooks automatically generates invoices according to the client's billing profile, and securely stores the card on file. The late fee/interest system is rudimentary, but does a solid job for what we need.
Invoices, payment notifications, and invoice reminders are emailed automatically.
The Time Tracking feature allows us to log time to projects and have that automatically added to invoices when they recur.
For the first several years we were very happy with FreshBooks, especially as their customer service team was really efficient and friendly. Unfortunately, that's changed a lot over the past few years as FreshBooks has tried to evolve from an invoicing tool into a full accounting system. They have increased prices, limited options, and service has degraded. We're now one competitive feature away from canceling both accounts.
  • Recurring invoicing, with a credit card on file.
  • Time tracking added to invoices automatically.
  • Access to a record of emails sent to the customer.
  • The new version does not allow 3rd party payment processors -- only FreshBooks billing via Stripe.
  • The new version has higher costs, with some features removed, and no new features that we need.
  • FreshBooks seems to have lost their identity and their sense of who their customer is.
  • No ability to customize interest/late fees per client or per invoice. Only one structure and a yes/no toggle per client.
Billing/invoicing is a pretty critical function for any business. When your provider aims to pull the rug out from under you and force you into a more expensive credit card processing system (that doesn't integrate with the rest of your business!), that's a significantly problematic issue. I can't recommend a company that has a track record of doing this to their clients.
FreshBooks might be ok for a new/small company that has minimal billing activity and doesn't want to bother with getting their own merchant services account. For anyone with even moderate volume, though, the processing fees are too high.
Coby Pfaff | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
FreshBooks handles all of our invoicing needs. It makes invoice creation quick and easy and allows clients to pay online.
  • Creates Invoices. Invoice creation is easy and fast.
  • Manages Client Info. It's like a mini CRM that stores client contact data and invoice history.
  • Accepts payments online. Integrates seamlessly with our payment provider to accept credit cards online.
  • There are two version of FreshBooks. The newer ones do some things well that the classic version doesn't, for example, allow individual payment terms rather than global payment terms. But the newer version does not do everything that the classic version does.
FreshBooks is great for business of most sizes to invoice clients online. It may not be powerful enough for large enterprise companies, but it's definitely well suited for small to mid-sized businesses.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
FreshBooks allows us to put client billing and business finances on auto-pilot. Our clients pay us via different methods: card, check, PayPal, and FreshBooks supports it all. In addition to client billing, business expenses are easily managed, many of them being auto tracked. FreshBooks makes it super easy to generate tax related reports as well.
  • Handles manual and auto-charged payments as well as dunning (expired cards, declined charges, etc.)
  • Expense tracking is a breeze, especially with recurring expenses.
  • Financial reports can be generated at the click of a button.
  • Customer support is best in the industry (or any industry in my opinion). Phone support is included and they pick up on the first ring every time.
  • New version lacks functionality from the old version that our company uses.
  • Mobile app lacks some desired functionality.
  • Customer portal could use some improvements.
If you're tired of manually keeping up with which clients have paid and not paid, FreshBooks is for you.

FreshBooks is a no brainer for those who want to combine client billing, client management, expense tracking, and reporting into one service/app.

If you're tired of paid services that don't respond to your phone calls or emails, FreshBooks will be a breath of fresh air.
Bart Caylor | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I have been very pleased with FreshBooks. It is a simple and robust solution. I admit I don't use all of the features, but I have it integrated through Zapier to my proposal software (Proposify) so that I can generate quick invoices upon approval. I also like that it keeps notifications going when bills are late.
  • Notification of late bills.
  • Quick invoicing.
  • Easy to use.
  • Has more features than what I need, but I just don't worry about it.
  • I did not like the new version. Once I upgraded, I went back to the classic version...it was easier and had a few features I didn't like.
  • Would like to be able to export users out of FreshBooks. I don't think you can do that right now.
Small business...solo consultants. I do have QuickBooks Online, but use FreshBooks for all of my invoicing.
Ashish Parihar | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I am a freelancer and I have used FreshBooks for more than 4 years. Before that I was creating invoices manually and sending them to clients through my personal email. Well... I really got the burden off my head when I started using FreshBooks. I can create invoices, maintain clients' profile, perform billing easily on it and send them to the client I want. Moreover it keeps all history and reports at one place which is very useful for me.
  • Very good looking user interface. Clean and clear. It really looks like a fresh accounting book in the real world.
  • Easy to use interface, easy to find all features at a same place. I can create invoices in seconds and send to the clients.
  • It is really a great application for small business owners or freelancers like me. I can concentrate on other things while FreshBooks do all accounting for me, easing that burden off my shoulders.
  • It should have a free version which can be used for unlimited time not just 30 days. Although the company can limit the number of clients in them but the free version should always be free.
  • Need more integration features and should be able to integrate with other third party apps and payroll tools for enhancing the functionality. But I look forward to the next updates in FreshBooks.
  • Need an essential feature which is Time Tracking. Hope to get it soon!
Very good for small businesses and freelancers. When your business needs more and more customization and bulk accounting, I think FreshBooks might not be a good fit but still manageable.
Mandy Cramer | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
FreshBooks is a really practical tool for invoicing, keeping track of time and expenses, etc... It's a particularly useful tool if you don't already know how to keep your own books.

Another great thing about FreshBooks is that you are able to do a trial which is free, I mean, completely free. You don't have to enter any credit card information, so if you decide it's not for you, you can quit using it. I'll admit I didn't continue using it because I already had a pretty in-depth system in place that worked for me as far as invoicing and keeping track of my hours and expenses, but I would definitely recommend FreshBooks overall to any new business owner.
  • Great Trial
  • Perfect for streamlining your accounting
  • Accept payments from multiple sources
  • Lovely Design
  • Client limits are sometimes a downer.
  • Credit Card fees still cost you when accepting payments via credit card.
  • Lite Services isn't worth the cost.
  • Unable to perfectly maintain my established branding with FreshBooks. Of course I can upload my logo, but it is not entirely consistent with my overall branding.
It is perfect for new business owners or businesses that want to be able to keep their own books. Of course it is still important to check with an accountant, but this can certainly save some time and money.

This is also great for freelancers because you can choose between billing by project or hourly. You can even keep track of how many hours you are working for each project.

I don't think FreshBooks would work as well with a large company because they might have tons of clients or accounts to keep track of. In those situations, it is best if they have their own accountant.
Mildred M. Tassone | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I use Freshbooks to track time for billing, track time for personal time management and invoicing and estimates. I have been able to standardize estimates and procedures and convert and get paid right from there. It aids in really seeing how much time something takes to do and then bill accordingly.
  • Time tracking is essential to determining how long tasks take for billing later on, but for keeping yourself on time.
  • The mobile version is a solid technology app. Easy to use and sync so you can go between tasks easily and keep thing on target.
  • Customer bill is easy and accurate.
  • Possibly using charts with time on projects. Might even be there, but I haven't seen it.
If you do any kind of hourly billing, this is the best. And if you manage by task, again the best. The estimate feature also makes converting to invoice and getting paid easy. You have the options for payment that, again, make it smoother to get paid, and with partial payments.
LaToya M. Davidson-Perez | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
I'm a sole proprietor of an administrative services business as well as its only employee. When I decided to go into business for myself I looked at the list of vendors who I could efficiently use for my bookkeeping needs. I use FreshBooks to track all of my expenses as well as my income (in a round about way). FreshBooks makes it easy to invoice and keep up with billing and also has a nice aesthetic. However, be sure it's what you want to use because it can be pricey. I used the free version for as long as I could, which at the time only allowed you to have three clients (now it's one), and then had to pay the monthly fee of $19.95 plus tax. And that's the cheapest plan they have. Plus, it only allows you to have 25 clients. There are other vendors now out there who will charge you less including Nutcache (which is free) so if you don't need something quite as robust as FreshBooks, then use a free option. However, FreshBooks has a solid reputation and a solid product that I would recommend to anyone.
  • FreshBooks is, in general, very user friendly, robust and uncomplicated.
  • You have the ability to access FreshBooks via your mobile devices.
  • FreshBooks has the ability for you to set up recurring expenses.
  • You can track your work with the great timer that you can use online, on your phone or, if you're using a Mac, via a widget.
  • Invoicing is very easy and professional.
  • Integrates with PayPal for easy payments.
  • FreshBooks isn't a full-service solution for your accounting/bookkeeping needs as it doesn't allow you to easily track income. You have to add in dummy accounts (which takes up client spots and counts against your total number of clients) and then manually add in the information.
  • FreshBooks doesn't allow you to have staff members on your account unless you pay them at least $39.95 plus tax per month.
  • In order to have no limit on the number of clients you have you have to pay at least $29.95 plus tax per month.
  • Doesn't allow you to have your payments deposited into your bank account.
If you're a small business owner then you may want to consider FreshBooks. But if you don't need the bells and whistles like automatically importing expenses from your bank account or credit card, then try something like Nutcache. FreshBook is a great cloud-based accounting system for businesses of any size. Just know that there are limitations to what it can do. You may need something more robust like QuickBooks. However, I find that as a whole FreshBooks is worth the expense.
Lin Harris | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
FRESHBOOKS is a life saver! We were using QuickBooks and it was so difficult to set up and maintain. You literally had to be an expert with the program in order to use it, especially with regard to set up. We currently use FB as our accounting system. We create invoices, email them out, set up recurring invoices to be issued by automatic option, we can see very detailed reports for expenses and client details. Also, a huge benefit is the ability for clients to have access to their accounts to view/ print invoices and file disputes. It offers a wonderful component of checks and balances without the awkward dispute. We have solved many administrative issues by using FB here. Our President of Operations even utilizes FB for his own personal expenses. It is totally user-friendly so there is no worry about "training". We waste no time getting a client satisfaction as everything is right there, in plain English. If there is ever an issue or question, the rockstars at FB as always VERY helpful and expeditious with their response and take the time out (unscripted and in plain English) to describe the function you are trying to access. Also, they are open to suggestions and they are always well received. They also have taken the time and thought to not only constantly improve this product, but to make sure we know why certain things are not available. Their main objective is to make sure this website-based program can be used for any industry which is pure genius!
  • They are very receptive and helpful if you call for service. They speak plain English and are very personable and engaging. Nothing is scripted. I love how each has such a vibrant personality.
  • Clients can view things with no hassle and you can even upload forms for their viewing so it is a huge time saver!
  • It helps us see at a glance where we are spending, what clients are spending and who is in aging.
  • It is VERY affordable and is a whole solution! It handles every need!
  • SUPER simple to use yet offers so much in depth data!
  • Sincerely I have recommended different features for it to offer but they have an iron-clad platform versatile for every industry so it cannot personalize per say.
  • I wouldn't change a thing!
  • Honest… After my time with it I have made suggestions and got solid reasons why it is not valuable to the product as a whole and if they offered different versions it would muddle the greatness!
  • GREAT job FB! Keep it up! No complaints here!
We do snow removal and it works perfectly for us. We also referred a landscaper who does year-round work and he loves it. We are such strong supporters of FB it is a part of our email signatures.
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