FreshBooks vs Xero
FreshBooks
XeroWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
Xero edges it overall, winning 3 of 4 rating categories. FreshBooks is cheaper to start ($23 vs $27).
You’re freelancers and service businesses that bill clients for time. Invoicing-first accounting for freelancers and service businesses: beautiful invoices, time tracking, expenses and proposals, with full double-entry accounting underneath.
Visit FreshBooksYou’re small businesses that want unlimited users and clean, modern accounting. Cloud accounting with unlimited users on every plan, clean bank reconciliation and 1,000+ integrations: a popular QuickBooks alternative, especially for growing teams.
Visit XeroSide by side
| FreshBooks | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Value | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Features | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Output quality | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Category | Accounting & invoicing | Accounting & invoicing |
| Free plan | No: 30-day free trial, no card | No: intro discount for new customers |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $23/mo | $27/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | - | - |
| Top plan | Premium: $70/mo | Established: $97/mo |
| Seats | 1 user; $11/mo per extra team member | Unlimited users on all plans |
| Trial / refund | 30-day free trial, no credit card | Intro discount (often 80% off for 3 months) |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Best for | Freelancers and service businesses that bill clients for time | Small businesses that want unlimited users and clean, modern accounting |
FreshBooks: pros & cons
- Easiest invoicing and time tracking
- Great client-facing experience
- Frequent intro promos
- Client limits on Lite and Plus
- Extra users cost $11/mo each
Xero: pros & cons
- Unlimited users on every plan
- Cheaper than QuickBooks at similar tiers
- Excellent bank reconciliation
- Early plan caps invoices at 20 a month
- US payroll handled via Gusto integration
Questions from readers
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