QuickBooks Online vs FreshBooks (October 2026)
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QuickBooks Online
The most widely used small business accounting software in the US, from invoicing to payroll add-ons.
Visit QuickBooks OnlineFreshBooks
Invoicing and accounting built for freelancers and service businesses, with time tracking and proposals.
Visit FreshBooksVerdict. FreshBooks has the lower entry price (USD 23.00 against USD 38.00). QuickBooks Online also has a free plan; FreshBooks does not. QuickBooks Online confirms 2 of our 3 key features; FreshBooks confirms 1.
Side by side
| Feature | QuickBooks Online | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Simple Start: USD 38 per month | Lite: USD 23 per month |
| Other plan or fee | Free | Plus: USD 43 per month |
| Another plan or fee | Essentials: USD 85 per month | Premium: USD 70 per month |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Automatic bank import | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited invoices | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Number of plans listed | 5 | 3 |
| Our score | 78/100 (#2 of 4) | 76/100 (#3 of 4) |
| Best for | Best free starting point | Good all-round option |
| A year on the cheapest paid plan | USD 456 | USD 276 |
| Notes | 50% off for the first 3 months on paid plans; 30-day free trial | 30-day free trial, no card; Intro discounts for new customers |
Shaded cells mark the lower price. Sources: QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks.
Which to choose
Choose FreshBooks if you want the lower starting price.
Choose QuickBooks Online if its features above matter more to you than price.
See all options: best invoicing and accounting apps.
More: QuickBooks Online pricing, QuickBooks Online alternatives, QuickBooks Online vs Wave, FreshBooks pricing, FreshBooks alternatives, FreshBooks vs Wave.