US-only • Money-focused review • Updated for 2025
FreshBooks Invoicing Review (2025): Best for Freelancers & Service Businesses?
If you want a lightweight invoicing-first workflow (with great client experience), FreshBooks is often the best pick for freelancers and service-based businesses.
Rankings are editorial — no paid placements. This page contains no affiliate links at this time.
Quick verdict (30-second summary)
Why FreshBooks wins
- Invoicing-first: simple, fast, and client-friendly.
- Service workflows: time tracking, projects, retainers.
- Low friction: easier to set up than “accounting suites.”
When it’s not the best pick
- You want “all-in-one” accounting + deep reporting.
- You need complex inventory, multi-entity, or advanced bookkeeping.
What FreshBooks is (and isn’t)
What it is
- A modern invoicing-first platform for service businesses.
- Great for time tracking, projects, and recurring billing.
- Built around client experience and getting paid fast.
What it’s not
- Not a “full accounting suite” like QuickBooks for advanced needs.
- Not ideal if you want deep reporting and complex bookkeeping.
FreshBooks invoicing features (money-focused)
Core invoicing
- Professional invoices, estimates, and recurring invoices
- Automated reminders
- Client portal / easy approvals (varies by setup)
Service workflows
- Time tracking → invoice
- Projects and team collaboration
- Retainers / recurring billing patterns
Get paid faster
- Online payments (varies by region/plan)
- Payment links / smoother client checkout
Reporting basics
- Simple reporting for small businesses
- Enough visibility for most freelancers
FreshBooks pricing: what you actually pay
Pricing changes often. Check the current plans directly to stay accurate.
Actual costs depend on tier, add-ons, and promotions.
Pros & Cons (honest take)
Pros
- Best client experience for service invoicing
- Time tracking → invoice workflow
- Low setup friction
- Great for freelancers & small teams
Cons
- Not ideal for accounting-heavy businesses
- Advanced reporting can be limited vs accounting suites
- Some features vary by plan
Who FreshBooks is best for (and who should avoid it)
Best for
- Freelancers, consultants, agencies
- Service businesses billing hourly or monthly retainers
- Owners who want a smooth “get paid fast” system
Avoid if
- You need deep bookkeeping + complex reporting
- You want a single system for invoicing + full accounting
FreshBooks alternatives (quick comparisons)
Choose FreshBooks for invoicing-first + service workflows.
Choose QuickBooks if you want invoicing + accounting in one system.
Choose FreshBooks for a premium workflow and time tracking.
Choose Wave if your priority is ultra-low cost for simple invoicing.
Want the full side-by-side table? See the complete comparison →
Final verdict: should you use FreshBooks for invoicing in 2025?
If you’re a freelancer or service business that wants a clean invoicing workflow (and time tracking), FreshBooks is one of the best “low friction” picks.
Disclosure: This page contains no affiliate links at this time. Rankings are editorial.
FAQ
Is FreshBooks good for freelancers?
Yes—FreshBooks is one of the best choices for freelancers who invoice clients and track time.
What’s the best alternative if I need accounting too?
QuickBooks is usually better if you want invoicing + accounting and deeper reporting.
Is FreshBooks cheaper than QuickBooks?
Pricing varies. FreshBooks often feels “lighter,” but check current plans to compare accurately.