Best 6 FreshBooks alternatives for 2025: Top software picks

Choosing the right accounting software is crucial for every company, from startups and small businesses to rapidly scaling enterprises. FreshBooks is one of the most popular choices among small businesses and freelancers, offering intuitive invoicing software, expense tracking, and basic reporting features. But while it's a solid platform, it's not always the best fit for growing companies or finance leaders with more complex needs.

This guide is designed for finance managers and executives looking for the best alternatives to FreshBooks in 2025. Whether you're outgrowing the platform or need deeper integrations and reporting, read on to explore top FreshBooks competitors and how they compare.

What is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. It offers invoicing software, expense tracking, time management, and basic financial reporting. With its intuitive interface, FreshBooks simplifies financial tasks, allowing users to focus more on their core business.​

The software includes features like customizable invoice templates, automated payment reminders, and integration capabilities with various business tools. Its accessibility across multiple devices ensures that users can manage their finances on the go. However, while FreshBooks is effective for basic accounting needs, businesses seeking advanced functionalities or scalability might explore other alternatives.

Why look for an alternative to FreshBooks?

While FreshBooks is a popular accounting solution for freelancers and small businesses, there are several reasons why organizations might seek alternatives that better align with their evolving needs.​

Diverse feature requirements

As businesses grow, they often require more advanced functionalities that FreshBooks may not offer. For example, companies needing complex project management tools, inventory management, or comprehensive financial reporting might find FreshBooks lacking in these areas. Exploring alternatives can provide access to these essential features, ensuring that the software scales with the business's complexity.​

Cost considerations

Budget constraints are a significant factor for many businesses when choosing accounting software. While FreshBooks offers quality services, its pricing structure might not be feasible for all, especially startups or small enterprises looking for a free plan. Alternatives may offer similar or enhanced functionalities at a more affordable rate, providing better value for the investment.​

Integration and scalability

It’s crucial for budgeting software to integrate seamlessly with other business tools. FreshBooks may have limitations in this regard, potentially slowing down efficiency. Alternatives may provide broader integration capabilities and scalability options, accommodating the ever-changing needs of a business.​

Customer support and user experience

Reliable customer support and an intuitive user interface are important for efficient accounting software. Some users may find FreshBooks' support services or user experience not meeting their expectations. Exploring other options can lead to finding accounting software with better support and a more user-friendly design.​

Top 6 alternatives to FreshBooks

1. Rippling

Rippling is a unified platform that brings together finance, HR, payroll, and IT into one cohesive system. Its spend management software allows businesses to automate expense policies, streamline approvals, and tightly integrate with payroll and accounting tools, all from a single dashboard.

FreshBooks vs Rippling
While FreshBooks focuses primarily on invoicing software and basic expense tracking, Rippling delivers broader functionality across departments, including global payroll, automated compliance, and deeper reporting insights.

Why choose Rippling
For businesses looking for a scalable and centralized solution, Rippling is a powerful upgrade in accounting software. It’s ideal for accountants and finance managers who want real-time visibility into spending and headcount, without having to juggle multiple platforms.

2. QuickBooks

QuickBooks by Intuit remains a go-to choice for many small to mid-sized businesses thanks to its robust accounting features, including tax prep, payroll, and expense tracking.

FreshBooks vs QuickBooks
QuickBooks offers more comprehensive tools than FreshBooks, especially for users who need double-entry accounting, inventory management, and integration with banking and payment platforms.

Why choose QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a strong option for businesses with more complex financial needs or those planning to scale. The software’s flexibility, coupled with a large support community, makes it a popular choice.

3. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is part of the broader Zoho suite and offers small and mid-sized businesses a well-rounded set of features, including automated workflows, tax compliance tools, and seamless integration with other Zoho apps.

FreshBooks vs Zoho Books
Zoho Books provides more customization and better automation options than FreshBooks, as well as capabilities for multi-user collaboration and banking integration.

Why choose Zoho Books
For businesses already using other Zoho applications, or those looking for a budget-friendly, modular accounting system, Zoho Books is a smart and scalable choice.

4. NetSuite

Oracle’s NetSuite is a full-fledged ERP platform, offering deep accounting and enterprise-grade financial tools. It’s well-suited for companies with global operations or advanced reporting needs.

FreshBooks vs NetSuite
Unlike FreshBooks, NetSuite supports features like multi-entity accounting, automated billing, and real-time dashboards for finance leaders.

Why choose NetSuite
Ideal for large enterprises, NetSuite brings end-to-end visibility and robust controls across financial and operational workflows—far beyond FreshBooks' capabilities.

5. Xero

Xero is a cloud-based accounting tool designed to meet the needs of growing businesses with global footprints. It’s known for its clean interface, multi-currency support, and strong app marketplace.

FreshBooks vs Xero
Xero goes beyond FreshBooks in terms of third-party integrations, bank reconciliation, and real-time collaboration between accountants and clients.

Why choose Xero
Xero is a good match for small to mid-sized businesses that value usability and international compatibility in a finance platform.

6. Wave

Wave is an accounting solution built with freelancers, solopreneurs, and very small businesses in mind. It includes tools for invoicing, receipt scanning, and basic financial reporting.

FreshBooks vs Wave
While both platforms cater to similar users, Wave accounting has a big advantage in offering a free plan. However, it lacks the more advanced automation features that FreshBooks (and its competitors) offer.

Why choose Wave
For startups or side hustlers watching their budget, Wave accounting delivers essential features without the monthly price tag.

Key features to look for in a FreshBooks alternative

When evaluating alternatives to FreshBooks, it’s essential to consider how well a platform meets your current needs and how it will scale as your business grows. Whether you’re a finance manager overseeing multiple departments or a small business owner handling day-to-day operations, here are the top features to prioritize:

Integration with other business tools

A great accounting platform should do more than handle numbers. It should connect seamlessly with the rest of your tech stack. Look for options that integrate with payroll systems, CRMs, project management tools, and banking platforms to eliminate manual data entry and maintain consistency across departments.

Ease of use and customer support

Even the most powerful software can fall short if it’s difficult to navigate. Prioritize platforms that offer intuitive dashboards, easy onboarding, and responsive customer support. This is especially important for small teams or non-finance users who need to hit the ground running.

Scalability for growing businesses

Your accounting software needs today won’t be the same tomorrow. Select a platform that can grow with your business by offering advanced features like multi-entity support, customizable workflows, and robust reporting. The ability to scale without switching tools can save significant time and cost in the long run.

Automation and workflow management

Manual data entry is time-consuming and error-prone. Many FreshBooks alternatives offer automation for recurring and customizable invoices, payment reminders, and bank reconciliations. These features reduce administrative overhead and free up time for strategic work.

Comprehensive reporting and insights

Basic reporting can only take your business so far. Look for platforms that provide customizable financial reports, real-time dashboards, and detailed analytics to help inform budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.

Rippling: The best alternative to FreshBooks

Rippling is more than just an accounting solution. It’s an all-in-one workforce management platform that connects your workforce data across finance, HR, IT, and beyond. For businesses looking to replace FreshBooks, Rippling offers:

• Global payroll services and tax compliance tools
• Smart approval workflows and role-based permissions
• Real-time  expense tracking and reporting software
• Integration with benefits, performance, and device management tools

FreshBooks competitors FAQs

What is the disadvantage of FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is limited in customization, lacks advanced reporting features, and doesn’t offer native payroll or inventory management, which can be a dealbreaker for growing companies.

Do accountants use FreshBooks?

Some accountants do use FreshBooks for basic bookkeeping, especially for freelance clients. However, many prefer platforms like QuickBooks or Xero for their broader accounting capabilities.

Which FreshBooks alternative is best for small businesses?

QuickBooks and Zoho Books are excellent FreshBooks alternatives for small businesses due to their affordability, ease of use, and expanded feature sets. For those wanting a free option, Wave is a strong contender.

This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of April 22, 2025.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.