FreshBooks Reviews: The Best Accounting Tool for Freelancers

FreshBooks Reviews

Table of Contents

If you’re like me, managing invoices, tracking expenses, and filing taxes used to feel overwhelming. That was until I discovered FreshBooks. It’s designed for people like us—not accountants, but business owners who need to get the job done. FreshBooks makes everything so simple that you might even start enjoying accounting (well, almost).

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software that has been around since 2003. It started as a simple invoicing tool but has grown into a full-fledged accounting platform with features like expense tracking, time logging, and tax filing. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the growing needs of modern businesses, and as of today, it’s trusted by over 30 million users worldwide. That’s a huge number, which speaks volumes about its reliability.

In this article, I’ll discuss each and everything about FreshBooks reviews, so keep reading!

FreshBooks Reviews

Why FreshBooks?

You might be wondering, why should you consider FreshBooks. Here are a few standout reasons:

  • Ease of Use: FreshBooks has a clean and intuitive interface. Even if you’re new to accounting, you’ll find it easy to navigate.
  • Time-Saving Features: From automated invoicing to expense tracking, FreshBooks takes care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on your business.
  • Great for Small Businesses: Whether you’re a freelancer, a consultant, or a small business owner, FreshBooks has plans tailored to your needs.

Another reason to love FreshBooks is its ability to grow with your business. For instance, a freelancer starting with the Lite plan can upgrade to Premium as their client base grows. This scalability makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of businesses.

Have you ever struggled to send invoices on time or track your expenses accurately? FreshBooks eliminates these worries with its easy-to-use tools, ensuring you stay organized and efficient.

FreshBooks Plans and Pricing

FreshBooks offers several pricing plans, making it accessible to businesses of different sizes. Here’s a breakdown:

PlanMonthly CostBest ForFeatures
Lite$15Freelancers with basic needsInvoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and estimates
Plus$25Growing small businessesEverything in Lite + recurring billing and proposals
Premium$50Established businessesAdvanced reporting, unlimited invoices
Custom PlanCustom QuoteLarge or specialized businessesTailored features and dedicated support
FreshBooks Reviews

Each plan is designed to meet specific business needs. For example, the Lite plan is ideal for freelancers who need to send a few invoices a month. On the other hand, the Premium plan is perfect for established businesses handling multiple clients and needing advanced reporting tools.

For instance, my friend Manish, a freelance graphic designer, uses the Plus plan. He says it’s perfect for tracking his invoices and expenses without getting bogged down in details. He especially loves how easy it is to generate professional-looking invoices that impress his clients.

Another great thing about FreshBooks is that you can try it for free with their 30-day trial. This gives you a chance to explore its features before committing to a paid plan.

Key Features

FreshBooks comes packed with features designed to simplify your accounting tasks. Let’s look at some of the highlights:

Invoicing Made Easy

  • Create professional invoices in minutes.
  • Add your logo and customize templates.
  • Set up automatic reminders for unpaid invoices.

Invoicing is one of the standout features of FreshBooks. Imagine sending an invoice and forgetting about it while FreshBooks does the follow-up for you. Isn’t that a time-saver? You can even set recurring invoices for clients you work with regularly.

Expense Tracking

  • Snap photos of receipts to log expenses.
  • Categorize expenses for better reporting.
  • Sync your bank account for automatic updates.

FreshBooks makes expense tracking effortless. You can log expenses on the go, ensuring you never miss a deduction during tax season. Plus, the software categorizes expenses automatically, making it easier to generate detailed reports.

Time Tracking

  • Log hours for each project.
  • Convert tracked time into invoices.
  • Analyze where you’re spending the most time.

Time tracking is a lifesaver for freelancers and consultants who bill by the hour. FreshBooks makes it simple to track your time and turn those hours into invoices with just a few clicks. This ensures you get paid for every minute of work.

Reports and Insights

  • Generate profit and loss statements.
  • View tax summaries.
  • Access detailed client reports.

FreshBooks provides clear, easy-to-understand reports that give you a complete overview of your business’s financial health. Whether you need to prepare for tax season or assess your profitability, these reports have you covered.

Integrations

  • Works with apps like PayPal, Stripe, and G Suite.
  • Connects to over 100 other tools.

Integrations are another strong point of FreshBooks. If you’re already using tools like Slack, Trello, or Zoom, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly FreshBooks integrates with them. This ensures your workflow remains smooth and efficient.

FreshBooks Reviews

Pros and Cons

Let’s break it down:

Pros

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Excellent customer support.
  • Secure and reliable platform.
  • Time-saving automation.
  • Scalable plans to grow with your business.

Cons

  • Limited features for large businesses.
  • Additional cost for more users.
  • Some banks may not work with the payment option.
  • Reporting features could be more advanced.

While it’s not perfect, the pros far outweigh the cons for most small businesses. The software’s ease of use and time-saving features make it a valuable tool for managing finances.

My Experience with FreshBooks

I started using FreshBooks last year for my content writing business. Before that, I was juggling Excel spreadsheets and manual invoices. It was a nightmare. FreshBooks changed everything. I could create invoices in minutes, track expenses on the go, and even get insights into my business’s performance. It saved me hours every month and reduced my stress levels significantly.

For example, I once forgot to send a payment reminder to a client. FreshBooks’ automated system took care of it, and I got paid without any awkward follow-ups. That’s the kind of peace of mind it offers.

Another instance was during tax season. FreshBooks’ tax summary report made it so easy to organize my deductions and file taxes without any hassle. It’s like having a personal accountant in your pocket.

FreshBooks Reviews

Who Should Use FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is ideal for:

  • Freelancers who need simple invoicing and expense tracking.
  • Small Business Owners who want an easy way to manage their finances.
  • Consultants and Agencies that need time tracking and detailed reports.

Are you self-employed or running a small business? If yes, FreshBooks is tailored for you. It’s also great for creative professionals like designers, writers, and photographers who need to manage multiple clients and projects.

FreshBooks vs. Competitors

Here’s how FreshBooks stacks up against other accounting software:

SoftwareEase of UseBest FeatureDrawback
FreshBooks5/5Simple and user-friendlyLimited advanced features
QuickBooks Online4/5Advanced reportingSteeper learning curve
Xero4/5Great for medium businessesHigher cost for advanced plans
Zoho Books3.5/5Affordable for small businessLimited customer support

FreshBooks wins in simplicity and ease of use, but if you’re a large business, you might want to consider QuickBooks or Xero. Each software has its strengths, so your choice will depend on your specific needs.

Real User Reviews

Positive Reviews

“My life was a mess until I started using FreshBooks. It’s like having a personal accountant.” – Manish B., Chartered Accountant.

“FreshBooks makes invoicing and expense tracking a breeze. It’s helped me stay organized and get paid faster.” – Lillian S., Credentialing Consultant.

Negative Reviews

“The app’s electronic payment option doesn’t work with all banks.” – Timothy E., Construction Business Owner.

“I wish FreshBooks had more advanced reporting features.” – Matt H., Director.

FAQs About FreshBooks Reviews

Is FreshBooks suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. FreshBooks is designed for non-accountants and is incredibly user-friendly.

Does FreshBooks work on mobile?

Yes, FreshBooks has a mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing you to manage finances on the go.

Can FreshBooks handle tax calculations?

Yes, FreshBooks generates tax summaries and helps with tax compliance.

Is FreshBooks worth the price?

For small businesses and freelancers, it’s worth every penny, thanks to its time-saving features.

What are the alternatives to FreshBooks?

Alternatives include QuickBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books, each with its pros and cons.

    Final Thoughts

    FreshBooks is a fantastic tool for freelancers and small business owners. It simplifies accounting tasks, saves time, and reduces stress. While it may not have all the bells and whistles for larger companies, it’s a lifesaver for anyone looking for a simple, reliable accounting solution.

    So, what do you think? Are you ready to give FreshBooks a try? Let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to help!

    This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    Pinterest
    Reddit
    Picture of Ashrafia Khatun

    Ashrafia Khatun

    Author

    Leave a Comment

    You may also like

    If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to make video creation easier and more

    If you’re running a website with high traffic, you know how important it is to have

    Privacy and security are significant concerns in our digital lives. From online shopping to banking, we