What are the main advantages of FreshBooks?

The key advantages of FreshBooks include: The invoicing system is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to create and send professional invoices quickly, ensuring you get paid on time.. Automated payment reminders take the hassle out of chasing clients for payments, which is a lifesaver when you're managing multiple clients.. The time tracking feature lets you log hours easily and convert them directly into invoice items, which is perfect for freelancers juggling various projects.. Expense management is enhanced by features like receipt scanning and automatic bank imports, making it easier to keep your finances in check.. The mobile app allows you to manage invoices and expenses on the go, which is essential for freelancers who are often out and about.. FreshBooks’ customer support is responsive and helpful, which is a key advantage when you're dealing with financial matters..

What are the drawbacks of FreshBooks?

Some limitations of FreshBooks include: The Lite plan feels overly restrictive with only 5 billable clients, making it less suitable for growing freelancers or small businesses.. Some features, like mileage tracking, can be clunky and not very user-friendly, which is frustrating when you're trying to log expenses.. While the mobile app is useful, it lacks some advanced features found on the desktop version, which can limit its usability when you're away from your computer.. The pricing can escalate quickly if you need to upgrade to accommodate more clients, which might not be ideal for those on a tight budget.. The integration options with other apps are somewhat limited compared to competitors, which might hinder workflow for those who rely on multiple tools..

What can you use FreshBooks for?

FreshBooks is commonly used for: Freelancers who need to manage invoicing across multiple clients without the hassle of manual calculations., Small service businesses looking for a straightforward way to track billable hours and expenses without diving into complex accounting., Creative professionals who want to present polished, branded invoices to clients to enhance their professional image., Consultants who need to track time spent on various projects and convert that time into invoices seamlessly., Entrepreneurs who require a simple solution for managing their finances without needing extensive accounting knowledge..

FreshBooks is a paid tool. Lite $8.50/mo. Plus $15/mo. Premium $27.50/mo.

What platforms does FreshBooks support?

FreshBooks is available on Web, iOS, Android.

FreshBooks - Review, Pricing & Alternatives

About FreshBooks

FreshBooks has evolved from a simple invoicing tool into a comprehensive accounting solution aimed squarely at freelancers and small service businesses. I put it to the test and found it primarily shines in its invoicing capabilities. The platform allows you to create professional-looking invoices that can be customised with your branding, which is a big win for freelancers wanting to make a good impression. You can set up recurring invoices, send automated payment reminders, and even charge late fees, taking a lot of the admin hassle out of chasing payments. Plus, clients can pay directly via credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay, which is incredibly convenient.

Time tracking is another standout feature; you can log hours against specific projects or clients and convert that time directly into invoice line items. This is especially useful for freelancers juggling multiple projects, as it helps you keep everything organised without having to manually calculate hours worked. The expense management tools are decent too, with features like receipt scanning and automatic bank imports. However, I found the mileage tracking to be a bit clunky and not as intuitive as it should be.

In terms of pricing, FreshBooks presents a fairly straightforward structure, with three tiers: Lite at $8.50 per month for up to 5 billable clients, Plus at $15 for 50 clients, and Premium at $27.50 for unlimited clients. While the Lite plan is a good entry point, it feels a bit restrictive for anyone with a growing client base. The Plus plan is where you’ll want to be if you have more clients, but it can quickly add up if you’re not careful. Overall, while FreshBooks has a lot to offer, it’s worth considering whether the pricing aligns with your current needs and client load.

Who should use FreshBooks? If you're a freelancer or a small service business owner who wants an easy way to manage invoicing and time tracking, it's a solid choice. However, if you need more advanced accounting features or have a larger client base, you might want to look elsewhere. FreshBooks is great for those who want to simplify their financial tasks without diving deep into complex accounting practices.

Our Review

Verified 11 May 2026

Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team

When I first tried FreshBooks, I was all set to find just another run-of-the-mill invoicing tool, but I quickly realised it’s much more than that. My first impression was the clean, user-friendly interface that makes creating invoices feel almost like a breeze. I whipped up an invoice in less than five minutes, complete with my branding and all the payment options a client could want. The ability to set up recurring invoices is a real time-saver, especially for someone like me who prefers to spend more time writing and less time stressing about cash flow.

The time tracking feature caught my eye as well. I often juggle multiple projects, and being able to log hours directly into the invoicing system meant I never missed a billable minute. It’s especially useful when you’re working with hourly rates. However, I must admit I found the mileage tracking somewhat frustrating. It feels like a half-hearted attempt; compared to the rest of the tool, it just doesn’t measure up. If you're someone who travels for work, you might find it lacking.

Pricing is another area where FreshBooks has its pros and cons. The entry-level Lite plan at £8.50 per month is a good way to get started, but with only five billable clients allowed, it can feel stifling if your business begins to grow. The Plus plan at £15 opens up to 50 clients, which is much more manageable, but that’s still a hefty monthly fee for freelancers just starting out. In comparison, tools like Wave offer similar invoicing features for free, which might make FreshBooks seem a bit pricey.

In terms of customer support, I found their team to be friendly and responsive, which is a big plus in the world of financial management. You want to know someone is there to back you up when you’re dealing with money. Overall, FreshBooks is a solid choice for freelancers and small service business owners who want an easy way to manage invoicing and time tracking without the headaches of complex accounting. If you’re a growing business or need more advanced features, you might want to keep looking – but for simplicity and ease of use, FreshBooks is definitely worth considering.

Getting started with FreshBooks

After reading this guide, you'll be able to set up your FreshBooks account, create your first invoice, and manage your clients—all in under five minutes. This will help you streamline your invoicing and accounting processes.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

Go to [FreshBooks](https://www.freshbooks.com).

Click on the “Sign Up” button located on the top right of the homepage.

Enter your email address, create a password, and click “Create Account.”

Follow the prompts to enter your business details, including your business name and type.

Choose a pricing plan. You can start with the Lite plan at $8.50/month, and a free trial may be available.

Step 2: Your first invoice

Once logged in, click on the “Invoices” tab in the left sidebar.

Click the “Create Invoice” button.

Select the client you want to bill from the dropdown list or click “Add a Client” to create a new one.

Fill in the invoice details: add line items, descriptions, and amounts.

Customise the invoice by clicking on “Design” to add your logo and change colours.

Click “Save Invoice” and then “Send” to email it directly to your client.

Step 3: Get better results

Use the “Recurring Invoices” feature by clicking on “Invoices” and then “Recurring” to automate regular billing.

Set up “Expense Tracking” by clicking on the “Expenses” tab and then “Add Expense” to keep track of your costs.

Use the “Time Tracking” feature to log hours worked by clicking on the “Time Tracking” tab, which can be linked to specific invoices.

Pro tip

Set up automated payment reminders in the invoice settings. This saves you time chasing payments and helps improve cash flow.

Common mistake to avoid

Many users forget to customise their invoice templates. Always add your branding elements like logos and colours to ensure your invoices look professional and reflect your business identity.

The Verdict

FreshBooks is a solid recommendation for freelancers and small service businesses looking to simplify their invoicing and time management. However, if you're on a budget or have a larger client base, you might want to consider alternatives like Wave or QuickBooks. Overall, it’s a good fit for those who value user-friendliness and efficient client management.

Best For

Freelancers managing multiple clients and projects.
Small service businesses looking for a straightforward invoicing solution.
Creative professionals wanting to enhance their brand image through customised invoices.
Consultants tracking billable hours and expenses.
Entrepreneurs needing a simple financial management tool without extensive accounting knowledge.

At a Glance

FreshBooks is an intuitive cloud-based invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small service businesses. With features like automated time tracking and expense management, it simplifies financial tasks, making it a solid choice for those looking to streamline their invoicing and client management processes.

Strengths

+The invoicing system is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to create and send professional invoices quickly, ensuring you get paid on time.
+Automated payment reminders take the hassle out of chasing clients for payments, which is a lifesaver when you're managing multiple clients.
+The time tracking feature lets you log hours easily and convert them directly into invoice items, which is perfect for freelancers juggling various projects.
+Expense management is enhanced by features like receipt scanning and automatic bank imports, making it easier to keep your finances in check.
+The mobile app allows you to manage invoices and expenses on the go, which is essential for freelancers who are often out and about.
+FreshBooks’ customer support is responsive and helpful, which is a key advantage when you're dealing with financial matters.

Limitations

-The Lite plan feels overly restrictive with only 5 billable clients, making it less suitable for growing freelancers or small businesses.
-Some features, like mileage tracking, can be clunky and not very user-friendly, which is frustrating when you're trying to log expenses.
-While the mobile app is useful, it lacks some advanced features found on the desktop version, which can limit its usability when you're away from your computer.
-The pricing can escalate quickly if you need to upgrade to accommodate more clients, which might not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
-The integration options with other apps are somewhat limited compared to competitors, which might hinder workflow for those who rely on multiple tools.

Use Cases

-Freelancers who need to manage invoicing across multiple clients without the hassle of manual calculations.
-Small service businesses looking for a straightforward way to track billable hours and expenses without diving into complex accounting.
-Creative professionals who want to present polished, branded invoices to clients to enhance their professional image.
-Consultants who need to track time spent on various projects and convert that time into invoices seamlessly.
-Entrepreneurs who require a simple solution for managing their finances without needing extensive accounting knowledge.