Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team FreshBooks and QuickBooks Online are two of the most searched-for accounting tools for freelancers. FreshBooks leans towards client invoicing, while QuickBooks is a fuller accounting platform. This guide compares their US plans as shown on each company’s pricing page.
Prices are in US dollars and were checked on 19 September 2026. Both companies advertise introductory discounts, so compare the regular price too.
Quick comparison
| FreshBooks | QuickBooks Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Lite: $23/month (intro offer $1/month for the first year) | Simple Start: $38/month (50% off for 3 months) |
| Free trial | 30 days, no credit card | 30 days |
| Users | Team members cost $11/month each | Simple Start: 1 user plus 2 accountants |
| Client limit | Lite: 5 billable clients | No client limit listed |
| Higher plans | Plus $43, Premium $70 | Essentials $85, Plus $140, Advanced $340 |
FreshBooks
Lite includes unlimited invoices, estimates, expense tracking, real-time reporting and tax-time reports for up to 5 billable clients. Plus, at $43 a month, raises the limit to 50 clients and adds proposals, client retainers, e-signatures, double-entry accounting, bank reconciliation and accountant access.
Pros
- Focused on client invoicing
- 30-day free trial, no credit card
- Plus adds accountant access and reconciliation
Cons
- Lite covers only 5 billable clients
- Extra team members cost $11 a month each
- Payroll and advanced payments cost extra
Visit FreshBooks30-day free trial
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks lists four US plans. Simple Start ($38 a month regular price) covers invoicing, expense tracking, automated bookkeeping and general business reports for one user. Essentials ($85) adds enhanced reporting and employee time tracking, and Plus ($140) adds inventory and project profitability tracking.
Each plan was advertised at 50% off for the first three months when we checked, so plan for the regular price after that.
Pros
- Full accounting features
- Simple Start includes access for two accountants
- Higher plans add reporting and projects
Cons
- Higher regular price than FreshBooks Lite
- The 50% discount lasts three months
- Full features cost significantly more
Visit QuickBooks Online30-day free trial
How to choose
If invoicing clients is your main job: try FreshBooks first.
If you want a broader accounting platform or work with an accountant: compare QuickBooks Simple Start using its trial.
If you have many clients: note that FreshBooks Lite stops at 5 billable clients.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
FreshBooks Lite has the lower regular price ($23 against $38 a month). Compare what each plan includes, not just the price.
Can I try both?
Yes. Both list a 30-day free trial.
Do the prices change?
Yes. Both were advertising introductory discounts when we checked.
Related reading: Wave vs FreshBooks: Which One to Pick As a Freelancer (2026) · Best Accounting Software for Freelancers in the US (2026)
This article is general information, not tax or financial advice. Prices were checked on 19 September 2026.