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Our take
FreshBooks remains the easiest invoicing tool for freelancers who bill by time or project. Time tracking that converts to invoice lines, automatic late-payment reminders, and genuinely beginner-friendly design justify the $23/mo starting price — though the 5-client cap on Lite and the lack of a free plan are real drawbacks.
FreshBooks pricing
Up to 5 billable clients
Up to 50 billable clients
Unlimited billable clients
Tailored plan for larger teams
- Trial: 30-day free trial, no credit card required
- Annual billing saves roughly 10% versus monthly.
- Frequent introductory promos (often 70–90% off the first 3–4 months; the exact offer varies).
- No permanent free plan — the 30-day trial is the way to test it.
- Add-ons: extra team member $11/mo; Advanced Payments $20/mo; payroll via Gusto from $40/mo + $6/user.
- Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30 for cards; 1% for ACH (capped at $15).
Key features
- Customizable invoices with automated payment reminders
- Recurring invoices (Plus plan and above)
- Built-in time tracking that converts tracked hours into invoice line items
- Expense tracking with receipt scanning
- Online payments: cards, ACH, Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Tax-time reports, profit & loss, and balance sheet
- Client portal for sharing invoices and documents
- iOS and Android apps with mileage and expense capture
- Project profitability tracking (Premium plan)
Pros and cons
FreshBooks: pros
- Best-in-class beginner-friendly invoicing and time tracking — no accounting background needed
- Tracked time and expenses flow into invoices automatically
- Recurring invoices plus automatic reminders handle late payers for you
- Customer support is consistently praised in reviews
FreshBooks: cons
- Client caps bite early — the $23 Lite plan allows only 5 billable clients
- No free plan
- Add-ons stack up ($11 per extra team member, paid payroll add-on)
- Less reporting depth than QuickBooks Online
Who is FreshBooks best for?
Solo service freelancers who bill by time or by project and want effortless invoicing without learning accounting.
Affiliate note: Up to $200 per paid subscription, plus roughly $5–$10 per free-trial signup; 120-day cookie; $50 minimum payout.
FreshBooks FAQs
How much does FreshBooks cost?
Lite is $23/mo (up to 5 billable clients), Plus is $43/mo (up to 50), Premium is $70/mo (unlimited), and Select is custom-priced. Annual billing saves roughly 10%, and introductory promos are frequent.
Does FreshBooks have a free plan?
No — there is no permanent free plan. You can test it with a 30-day free trial that doesn’t require a credit card.
Is FreshBooks good for freelancers?
Yes, especially for service freelancers who bill by time or by project. Tracked time and expenses flow into invoices automatically, and recurring invoices with auto-reminders chase late payers for you.
Does FreshBooks track time?
Yes — built-in time tracking is one of its core strengths, and tracked hours convert directly into invoice line items.