Best FreshBooks Alternatives in 2026
FreshBooks ($7.6/mo) not the right fit? Here are 3 alternatives we tested and compared — from free options to enterprise-grade tools.
Last updated: February 2026 · 3 alternatives reviewed
FreshBooks
Cloud accounting and invoicing software built for freelancers and small business owners.
- No free plan — only 30-day trial
- Lite plan limited to 5 clients
- Reporting is basic compared to QuickBooks or Xero
📝 Why People Look for FreshBooks Alternatives
FreshBooks excels at one thing: making invoicing dead simple. The invoice builder is the most intuitive in the market, and automatic payment reminders genuinely reduce late payments. The downside is no free plan — Wave offers similar invoicing for free, albeit with a less polished experience.
Coming from spreadsheet invoicing? FreshBooks' onboarding wizard imports your client list and sets up recurring invoices in about 30 minutes. Moving from QuickBooks? FreshBooks has an importer, but you'll lose advanced journal entries.
Top 3 Alternatives to FreshBooks
Xero
Cloud accounting platform popular with small businesses globally, with strong multi-currency and advisor features.
- Best multi-currency accounting — ideal for international businesses
- Unlimited users on all plans (QuickBooks charges per user)
- Starter plan limited to 20 invoices/month
- US payroll requires third-party add-on (Gusto)
Wave Financial
Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning for small businesses and freelancers.
- 100% free accounting and invoicing — no catch
- Unlimited invoices, clients, and users on free plan
- No inventory management
- Limited integrations (no Zapier, limited API)
QuickBooks Online
The industry-standard small business accounting platform with payroll, invoicing, and tax preparation.
- Industry standard — every accountant knows QuickBooks
- Most comprehensive reporting and financial analysis
- Expensive — $30-200/month with no free plan
- Frequent price increases (has raised prices 3x since 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to FreshBooks?
The best free alternatives to FreshBooks include Wave Financial. Each offers a free plan with varying feature limits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to FreshBooks?
Yes. FreshBooks starts at $7.6/mo. Wave Financial (Free / $0/mo) offer lower pricing.
Why do people switch from FreshBooks?
Common reasons include: No free plan — only 30-day trial, Lite plan limited to 5 clients, Reporting is basic compared to QuickBooks or Xero. Each alternative addresses different pain points, so the best choice depends on your specific needs.
Can I migrate my data from FreshBooks?
Most alternatives offer import tools or CSV migration paths. The complexity depends on your data volume and workflow complexity. We recommend running both tools in parallel for 1-2 weeks during transition.