Best FreshBooks Alternatives (2026)
FreshBooks is invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small businesses, starting at $17/mo. Here are the best alternatives — whether you need something cheaper, simpler, or with different features.
Why people switch from FreshBooks
- →Client limits on lower plans
- →Not ideal for product businesses
- →Limited inventory features
Accounting software for small and medium businesses
QuickBooks
Accounting software for small and medium businesses
QuickBooks by Intuit is the most widely used accounting software for small businesses. It handles invoicing, expenses, payroll, tax filing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting — available in desktop and cloud versions.
Xero
Beautiful accounting software for small business
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular with small businesses and accountants, particularly outside the US. Known for its clean UI, strong bank feed integrations, and large add-on marketplace.
Wave
Free accounting and invoicing for small businesses
Wave is a free accounting, invoicing, and payments platform for freelancers and small businesses. It offers unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and double-entry accounting at no cost — making it a popular alternative to QuickBooks for budget-conscious business owners.
FreshBooks vs alternatives: quick comparison
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Pricing model | G2 score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FreshBooks (current) | $17 | ✗ | paid | 4.5/5 |
| QuickBooks | $17.5 | ✗ | paid | 4/5 |
| Xero | $15 | ✗ | paid | 4.3/5 |
| Wave | Free | ✓ | freemium | 4.4/5 |
How to switch from FreshBooks
- 1. Export your data first
Before cancelling, export everything from FreshBooks — contacts, projects, records, or reports. Most tools offer a CSV export under Settings → Data Export. Download and store it as a backup even if you don't need it immediately.
- 2. Trial the alternative with a real project
Wave offers free plans — sign up and run a live project in parallel before committing. Most paid alternatives also offer 14–30 day trials.
- 3. Import and run both tools briefly
Use the import wizard in your chosen alternative to bring across your exported data. Run both tools in parallel for 2–4 weeks so your team can adapt without losing continuity. Most migrations take less than a day for small teams.
- 4. Cancel before the next billing cycle
Cancel FreshBooks before renewal to avoid being charged for another month or year. Check whether you're on a monthly or annual plan — annual plans often have no mid-cycle refunds. Keep your final data export on file.
Our verdict
If you are switching from FreshBooks, QuickBooks is our top pick — accounting software for small and medium businesses, with a G2 score of 4/5. For a free option, Wave is worth considering. Use the comparison links above to do a side-by-side before committing.
FreshBooks alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to FreshBooks?
QuickBooks is our top-ranked alternative. It starts at $17.5/mo and scores 4/5 on G2.
Is there a free alternative to FreshBooks?
Yes — Wave all offer free plans.
What is the cheapest alternative to FreshBooks?
Wave offers the lowest entry point with a free plan. Paid plans start at Free/mo.
Not sure which tool to pick?
See a detailed breakdown of FreshBooks pricing before you decide.
See FreshBooks pricing →