How to Use FreshBooks for Small Business in 2026?

Quick Start

This guide covers every FreshBooks feature:

• Iniziare — Create your FreshBooks account and set up your company profile
• How to Use Custom Invoicing — Send invoices with your company logo and get paid faster
• How to Use Payment Management — Track online payments and set up automatic payment reminders
• How to Use Expense Categorizing — Organize new expenses into categories for better reporting
• How to Use Time Tracking — Track time on projects and bill clients accurately
• How to Use Financial Reporting — Run profit and loss statements and balance sheet reports
• How to Use Apps Integration — Connect FreshBooks to payment processors and other tools
• How to Use Project Management — Manage projects and track profitability in one place
• How to Use Mileage Tracking — Log business mileage automatically with mobile apps

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Risoluzione dei problemi | Prezzi | Alternative

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used FreshBooks for over two years and tested every feature covered here.

This how to use FreshBooks tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

I’ve sent hundreds of invoices, tracked thousands of expenses, and run dozens of financial reports using this software.

FreshBooks is one of the most popular contabilità software tools for small business owners today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

This guide shows you how to use FreshBooks to manage your Attività commerciale finances step by step.

Every feature is covered with helpful tips and real examples.

Whether you need to send invoices, track time, or run payroll, this guide walks you through it.

You’ll also learn how to connect FreshBooks with PayPal and other payment processors.

By the end, you’ll know how to use FreshBooks like a pro — even if you’ve never touched contabilità software before.

FreshBooks is designed to help small business owners manage everything from invoices to expenses in one place.

No accounting degree required.

Let’s get started with everything you need to know about using FreshBooks for your business.

FreshBooks Tutorial

This complete FreshBooks tutorial walks you through every feature step by step.

From initial setup to advanced tips, you’ll learn everything you need to manage your business finances.

FreshBooks is cloud-based accounting software that works on any computer with a web browser.

You can also access it from your phone using the FreshBooks mobile apps for iPhone and Android.

Getting Started with FreshBooks

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about 3 minutes to create your FreshBooks account.

Watch this quick overview first:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to the FreshBooks website and click “Try It Free.”

Enter your email address and create a password.

FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

You can sign up using your email or Google account.

Choose your industry during sign-up so FreshBooks can customize your experience.

✓ Checkpoint: Controlla il tuo posta in arrivo for a confirmation email and click the verification link.

Step 2: Set Up Your Company Profile

Click the Settings tab and select “Business Profile.”

Enter your company name, address, and contact details.

Add your company logo so it appears on every invoice you send.

You can customize your company profile with your phone number, website URL, and tax ID.

After entering your business information, click the Save Changes button to apply the settings.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like after setup:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the FreshBooks dashboard with your basic information saved.

Step 3: Connect Your Bank Account

Go to Settings and click “Connections and Integrations.”

Connect your bank account so FreshBooks can track payments and expenses automatically.

You can also connect PayPal and other payment processors here.

This step is important because it allows FreshBooks to import transactions and categorize them for you.

You can also import clients into FreshBooks using a CSV file that contains their contact details.

To invite team members to your FreshBooks account, select the Add Team Member button and enter their basic information.

How to Use FreshBooks Custom Invoicing

Custom Invoicing lets you send invoices with your branding and get paid faster.

FreshBooks customers are paid an average of 5 days faster than those who don’t use the software.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Custom Invoicing in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Create a New Invoice

Click “Invoices” in the left sidebar, then select “New Invoice.”

Choose an existing client or add a new client with their contact details.

You can import clients using CSV files if you have a large list.

For each new client, add their name, email, and billing address.

FreshBooks stores all your client data so you never have to enter it again.

Step 2: Customize Your Invoice

Add your company logo and choose colors that match your brand.

Enter each line item with description, quantity, and rate.

Set your payment terms and add late fees if you want.

FreshBooks allows users to customize their invoices by adding a logo and selecting color schemes that match their business branding.

You can also add notes, discounts, and tax rates to each invoice.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your invoice should show your logo, line items, and total amount.

Step 3: Send the Invoice

Click “Send” to email the invoice directly to your client.

FreshBooks sends invoices via email with a direct link for online payments.

You can also save recurring templates for clients you bill monthly.

Clients can view and pay invoices through the FreshBooks client portal.

You can share direct links for payment on websites or social media to collect money without manual invoices.

How to Use FreshBooks Payment Management

Payment Management lets you accept online payments and keep track of your cash flow.

You can connect payment processors like Stripe and PayPal to get paid directly.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Payment Management in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Enable Online Payments

Go to Settings and click “Accept Online Payments.”

Choose your preferred payment processor such as Stripe, PayPal, or credit card.

Follow the prompts to connect your account.

FreshBooks can connect with many popular business tools and payment processors.

This ensures your customers can pay you using the method they prefer.

Step 2: Set Up Payment Preferences

Choose which payment methods your customers can use.

Enable automatic payment reminders so clients get notified before due dates.

You can also add late fees for overdue invoices.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your payment settings should show connected processors and reminder rules.

Step 3: Track Incoming Payments

Visit the dashboard to see outstanding invoices and recent payments.

FreshBooks provides a dashboard that summarizes your financial information at a glance.

You can also share direct links for payment on websites or social media.

FreshBooks helps you monitor cash flow by showing all pending and completed payments in one view.

Use the revenue reports to see which clients have paid and which invoices are still outstanding.

How to Use FreshBooks Expense Categorizing

Expense Categorizing lets you organize new expenses by category for cleaner bookkeeping.

Keeping track of every expense helps you save money at tax time.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Expense Categorizing in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Add a New Expense

Click “Expenses” in the left sidebar, then select “New Expense.”

Enter the expense date, amount, and vendor name.

If your bank account is connected, FreshBooks imports transactions automatically.

You can set up vendors in FreshBooks by either manually entering their details or importing them from a CSV file.

Keeping track of every expense from the start makes tax season much easier.

Step 2: Assign Expense Categories

Select the right expense category from the dropdown menu.

FreshBooks uses standard expense categories like Viaggio, Office Supplies, and Meals.

Attach receipts by uploading photos or using the mobile app’s OCR scanning.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your expense should show the correct category and attached receipt.

Step 3: Review and Save

Double-check the amount and category before clicking “Save.”

Mark expenses as billable if you want to pass costs to a client.

FreshBooks automatically categorizes imported bank transactions for you.

Users can track their expenses in FreshBooks by categorizing them for better organization and segnalazione.

This makes it easy to see exactly where your money is going each month.

How to Use FreshBooks Time Tracking

Monitoraggio del tempo lets you track time spent on client work and bill hours accurately.

This is especially useful for freelancers and consultants who bill by the hour.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Time Tracking in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Start the Timer

Click “Time Tracking” in the left sidebar.

Select the client and project you’re working on.

Click the green play button to start the timer.

FreshBooks allows users to track time, log expenses, and invoice clients from one place.

Step 2: Log Your Hours

Let the timer run while you work, or enter hours manually.

Add notes about what you worked on for each time entry.

You can also track time from the FreshBooks mobile apps on iPhone and Android.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your time entry should show the client, project, and total hours logged.

Step 3: Convert Time to Invoices

Select the time entries you want to bill.

Click “Generate Invoice” to create an invoice from your tracked hours.

FreshBooks calculates the total based on your hourly rate automatically.

This saves you from calculating billable hours manually in a spreadsheet.

Freelancers especially love this feature because it connects time directly to income.

How to Use FreshBooks Financial Reporting

Rendicontazione finanziaria lets you generate profit and loss statements, balance sheet reports, and tax summaries.

These reports give business owners a clear picture of their financial health.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Financial Reporting in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Reports Dashboard

Click “Reports” in the left sidebar of your FreshBooks account.

You’ll see a list of available reports including income, expenses, and taxes.

Double-entry accounting and balance sheet reports are available on Plus plans and higher.

FreshBooks allows users to generate various financial reports including tax summaries and expense reports.

These reports help business owners understand their income, revenue, and where their money goes.

Step 2: Run a Report

Select the report type such as “Profit and Loss” or “Tax Summary.”

Choose your date range and click “Run Report.”

FreshBooks pulls your financial data and displays revenue, expenses, and net income.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: Your report should display income and expense totals for the selected period.

Step 3: Export or Share

Click “Export” to download the report as a CSV or PDF file.

You can also invite your accountant to access your FreshBooks data directly.

Share reports with your accountant so they can create journal entries at tax time.

Your accountant can access your FreshBooks data directly using their own login.

Clients can be invited to join FreshBooks to facilitate collaboration through assigned roles.

How to Use FreshBooks Apps Integration

Apps Integration lets you connect FreshBooks to other tools your business already uses.

FreshBooks integrates with payment processors, project management software, and more.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Apps Integration in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Visit the App Store

Click “Apps” in the left sidebar to open the FreshBooks app store.

Browse categories like Payments, CRM, eCommerce, and Project Management.

FreshBooks offers integrations with services like Gusto for payroll management.

Step 2: Connect an App

Click on the app you want and select “Connect.”

Follow the setup prompts to link your accounts.

Most integrations take less than two minutes to set up.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: The app should show “Connected” status in your integrations list.

Step 3: Configure Sync Settings

Choose which data syncs between FreshBooks and the connected app.

Enable automatic syncing so your data stays up to date.

You can also run payroll through connected payroll apps like Gusto.

FreshBooks allows users to automate their business processes by connecting to other apps and services.

Popular integrations include Stripe for payments, Shopify for eCommerce, and Zapier for custom workflows.

Each integration is designed to save you time and reduce manual data entry across your tools.

How to Use FreshBooks Project Management

Gestione del progetto lets you manage projects, assign tasks, and track profitability in one place.

This is perfect for teams that need to invite team members and collaborate on work.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Create a New Project

Click “Projects” in the left sidebar and select “New Project.”

Enter the project name, client, and billing method (flat rate or hourly).

Set a budget so FreshBooks can track profitability against your costs.

You can choose between flat-rate and hourly billing depending on your agreement.

Step 2: Add Team Members and Tasks

Invite team members to the project by entering their email addresses.

Create tasks and assign them to specific team members.

Each team member costs $11/month as an add-on to your plan.

Team members can log their own time and expenses directly within the project.

You can control what each person can access by assigning specific roles and permissions.

✓ Checkpoint: Your project should show assigned team members and task list.

Step 3: Track Project Progress

Monitor hours logged, expenses incurred, and budget remaining.

FreshBooks shows you real-time project profitability data.

Generate invoices directly from project time and expenses.

FreshBooks helps users get organized by providing tools specifically designed for managing client work.

You can view all active projects from the dashboard and quickly see which ones are over budget.

How to Use FreshBooks Mileage Tracking

Mileage Tracking lets you log business miles automatically using your phone’s GPS.

This feature is included in all FreshBooks plans at no extra cost.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enable Mileage Tracking

Open the FreshBooks mobile app on your iPhone or Android device.

Go to “Mileage” and enable automatic GPS tracking.

Allow location access so the app can detect your trips.

The app runs in the background and tracks your driving automatically.

Step 2: Review and Classify Trips

After each trip, the app logs the distance and route automatically.

Swipe right to mark a trip as “Business” or left for “Personal.”

FreshBooks calculates the tax deduction based on current mileage rates.

✓ Checkpoint: Your mileage log should show classified trips with distances.

Step 3: Add Mileage to Expenses

Business trips are automatically added to your expense reports.

You can also bill mileage directly to a client’s invoice.

Review your mileage summary before tax season.

FreshBooks can be accessed via mobile app on iPhone and Android dispositivi for on-the-go tracking.

This feature alone can save you hundreds of dollars in missed deductions each year.

FreshBooks Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing FreshBooks for over two years, here are my best tips.

Scorciatoie da tastiera

Action	Shortcut
Create New Invoice	Click “+” then “Invoice”
Start Timer	Click play button on Time Tracking page
Add New Expense	Click “+” then “Expense”
Search Clients	Use the search bar at the top of the dashboard
View Reports	Click “Reports” in the left sidebar
Record Payment	Open invoice, click “Record Payment”

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Client Portal: Your clients can log in to view invoices, make payments, and send messages through a dedicated portal. Enable it under Settings.
• Recurring Invoice Templates: Save hours each month by setting up recurring templates that send invoices automatically on a schedule you choose.
• Bank Reconciliation: Match imported bank transactions with your FreshBooks entries to ensure accurate financial records. Available on Plus plans and higher.

Power User Tips

• Import Clients in Bulk: Use a CSV file to import dozens of clients at once instead of adding them one by one. This is a huge time saver when migrating from other accounting software.
• Customize Email Templates: Edit the default invoice email to include your personal message and branding. This makes your communications look more professional to customers.
• Use the Dashboard Daily: Check your FreshBooks dashboard every morning to see outstanding invoices, recent expenses, and your overall cash flow. This takes less than a minute and keeps you on top of your finances.
• Set Up Expense Rules: Create rules so FreshBooks automatically assigns expense categories to recurring transactions from the same vendor. This eliminates repetitive data entry.
• Use Estimates Before Invoicing: Send estimates to clients first for approval, then convert the approved estimate into an invoice with one click. This keeps your billing process smooth and professional.
• Review Your Dashboard Weekly: Make it a habit to check your FreshBooks dashboard at least once a week. This gives you a clear view of outstanding invoices, recent expenses, and your overall financial health. Small business owners who track their numbers regularly make better decisions about spending and growth.

FreshBooks Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not Connecting Your Bank Account

Connecting your bank is the single most important step when learning how to use FreshBooks. It saves hours of manual data entry every month.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Expense Categories

Proper expense categories also help your accountant understand your finances and file taxes correctly.

Mistake #3: Not Setting Up Payment Reminders

FreshBooks can help users automate payment reminders to ensure timely payments from clients. This one feature alone helps small business owners get paid faster.

Mistake #4: Not Using the Mobile App

The mobile app gives you access to all your financial information from your phone so you can manage your business from anywhere.

Mistake #5: Skipping Bank Reconciliation

Bank reconciliation in FreshBooks ensures your books are accurate and helps catch duplicate or missing transactions before they become problems.

FreshBooks Troubleshooting

Problem: Bank Account Won’t Connect

Cause: Your bank may require multi-factor authentication or have a temporary outage.

Aggiustare: Log into your bank’s website first to clear any security prompts. Then try connecting again in FreshBooks. If it still fails, contact the support team for help.

Problem: Invoice Not Received by Client

Cause: The invoice email may have landed in your client’s spam folder or the email address was wrong.

Aggiustare: Check the client’s email address for typos. Ask the client to whitelist FreshBooks emails. You can also resend the invoice or share a direct payment link.

Problem: Expense Categories Not Matching Reports

Cause: Expenses may be assigned to the wrong category or left uncategorized after import.

Aggiustare: Go to Expenses, filter by “Uncategorized,” and assign the correct category to each entry. Run bank reconciliation to match transactions with your records. Check that each expense has the correct date and amount.

Problem: Can’t Import Client Data

Cause: Your CSV file may have incorrect formatting or missing required columns.

Aggiustare: Download the FreshBooks CSV template first and format your data to match. Make sure each row has at minimum a client name and email address. Save the file as UTF-8 encoded CSV before uploading.

Problem: Reports Showing Wrong Numbers

Cause: Uncategorized expenses or duplicate transactions are throwing off your profit and loss statements.

Aggiustare: Run bank reconciliation to match all transactions. Check for duplicate entries and recategorize any expenses labeled “Uncategorized.” Then regenerate your report.

Problem: Mobile App Not Syncing

Cause: Poor internet connection or an outdated version of the FreshBooks mobile app.

Aggiustare: Update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. Make sure you have a stable internet connection. Log out and log back in if the problem continues.

📌 Nota: If none of these fix your issue, contact FreshBooks support. They offer phone, email, and live chat support during business hours. The support team is known for being responsive and helpful.

Che cos'è FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small business owners, freelancers, and contractors who need to manage their business finances without an accounting background.

Think of it like having a bookkeeper on your computer that handles invoices, expenses, and reports automatically.

FreshBooks was built for people who don’t have an accounting background but still need to manage their business finances properly.

Over 30 million people have used FreshBooks to send invoices, track expenses, and run financial reports.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

• Custom Invoicing: Create branded invoices and send them to clients in seconds
• Payment Management: Accept online payments through multiple payment processors
• Expense Categorizing: Track and organize expenses with receipt scanning
• Monitoraggio del tempo: Log hours and convert them into invoices for clients
• Financial Reporting: Generate profit and loss statements and balance sheet reports
• Apps Integration: Connect FreshBooks with other tools and payment processors
• Gestione del progetto: Manage projects, assign tasks, and invite team members
• Mileage Tracking: Automatically log business miles using mobile apps

FreshBooks helps users save time by reducing paperwork and automating tasks like payment reminders. The FreshBooks platform can be accessed via web browser and mobile apps on iPhone and Android devices.

FreshBooks offers customer support and a help center with articles and tutorials to assist users in navigating the software. The support team is available via phone, email, and live chat.

You can customize your FreshBooks settings by navigating to the Settings tab and adjusting your Business Profile, Connections and Integrations, and Advanced Preferences.

Users can visit FreshBooks’ app store to explore integrations that can connect FreshBooks with other tools your business already uses. This includes payment processors, inventory trackers, eCommerce apps, and project management software.

FreshBooks helps users get organized by providing tools specifically designed for small business owners who need simple yet powerful accounting without hiring a full-time bookkeeper.

FreshBooks enables users to connect their bank accounts for easier tracking of payments and expenses. The software can automate many of your daily business processes by connecting to other apps and services through its app store.

Users can snap photos of receipts and categorize expenses using the FreshBooks mobile app. The built-in OCR scanning reads receipt data automatically so you don’t have to type anything manually.

For a full review, see our FreshBooks review.

FreshBooks Pricing

Here’s what FreshBooks costs in 2026:

Piano	Prezzo	Ideale per
Leggero	$ 21/mese	Freelancers with up to 5 clients
Più	$ 38/mese	Piccole imprese with up to 50 clients
Premio	$ 65/mese	Growing businesses with unlimited clients
Selezionare	Costume	Large businesses needing dedicated support

Prova gratuita: Yes — 30 days with full access, no credit card required.

Garanzia di rimborso: No formal guarantee, but you can cancel anytime.

Additional team members cost $11/month per person on any plan.

The Advanced Payments add-on costs $20/month and lets you store and charge client credit cards automatically.

FreshBooks also offers payroll through Gusto integration starting at $40/month plus $6 per employee.

Annual billing saves you 10% on all plans.

The Lite plan is perfect for freelancers who only work with a handful of clients at a time.

The Plus plan adds double-entry accounting, recurring invoices, and receipt scanning — features most small businesses need.

Premium gives you unlimited clients and project profitability tracking for growing businesses.

Select is for larger companies that need dedicated support and lower transaction fees.

💰 Best Value: Plus at $38/month — it covers up to 50 clients, includes recurring invoices, double-entry accounting, and receipt scanning. Most small business owners will never need more than this plan.

FreshBooks vs Alternatives

How does FreshBooks compare to other accounting software? Here’s the competitive landscape.

We tested FreshBooks against every major competitor to help you decide which tool fits your business best.

Attrezzo	Ideale per	Prezzo	Rating
FreshBooks	Invoicing and time tracking	$21/mo	⭐ 4.3
QuickBooks	Advanced accounting features	$35/mese	⭐ 4.3
Xero	Multi-currency and global teams	$25/mo	⭐ 4.4
Onda	Free accounting for startups	Gratuito	⭐ 4.2
Zoho Books	All-in-one business suite	$15/mo	⭐ 4.3
Saggio	Enterprise-level accounting	$25/mo	⭐ 4.1
Expensify	Expense management and receipts	$5/mo	⭐ 4.2
NetSuite	Large enterprise ERP needs	Costume	⭐ 4.0

Quick picks:

• Best overall: FreshBooks — Best invoicing and easiest setup for small business owners
• Best budget: Wave — Free accounting software with no monthly fees
• Best for beginners: Zoho Books — Simple interface with affordable pricing
• Best for growing businesses: QuickBooks — Deeper reporting and inventory tracking
• Best for freelancers: FreshBooks — Fast invoicing, time tracking, and easy expense management
• Best for enterprise: NetSuite — Full ERP with advanced accounting and global operations

🎯 FreshBooks Alternatives

Looking for FreshBooks alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🚀 Puzzle IO: AI-powered accounting that automates bookkeeping tasks and gives real-time financial insights for startups and growing companies.
• 💰 Destra: Captures receipts and extracts financial data automatically so you spend less time on manual data entry and bookkeeping.
• 🌟 Xero: Cloud accounting with unlimited users on all plans, great for international teams that need multi-currency support and strong reporting.
• ⚡ Synder: Syncs sales data from multiple eCommerce channels like Shopify and Amazon into your accounting software automatically.
• 🔧 Fine mese facile: Simplifies the month-end close process with automated checklists, reconciliation tools, and collaboration features for accounting teams.
• 🧠 Docyt: AI-driven accounting that handles back-office finances for multi-location businesses like restaurants, alberghi, and franchises.
• 🏢 Saggio: Enterprise-grade accounting with payroll, HR, inventory management, and advanced reporting built in for larger companies.
• 🎨 Zoho Books: Affordable accounting with a clean interface, automazione features, and strong integration with the full suite of Zoho business apps.
• 💰 Onda: Completely free accounting and invoicing software with no monthly fees, perfect for freelancers and startups on a tight budget.
• ⭐ Accelerare: Personal and small business finance tracking with budgeting, investment monitoring, and bill management tools built in.
• 📊 Hubdoc: Automatically fetches and stores financial documents from banks, vendors, and utility companies for easy access and record keeping.
• 🎯 Expensify: Best-in-class expense tracking with smart receipt scanning, automatic report generation, and approval workflows for teams.
• 🔥 QuickBooks: The most popular accounting software for small businesses with deep reporting, inventory tracking, payroll, and tax preparation features.
• 💼 Ingresso automatico: Automates data entry by extracting financial information from invoices, receipts, and bank statements using smart OCR technology.
• 🏢 NetSuite: Full ERP system for large enterprises that need advanced accounting, resource planning, inventory management, and global operations support.

For the full list, see our Alternative a FreshBooks guide.

⚔️ FreshBooks Compared

Here’s how FreshBooks stacks up against each competitor in a head-to-head comparison.

We look at pricing, features, ease of use, and which type of business each tool serves best.

Keep in mind that FreshBooks was designed specifically for freelancers and small business owners who don’t need complex accounting features.

• FreshBooks contro Puzzle IO: Puzzle IO focuses on AI-powered bookkeeping for startups with automated journal entries. FreshBooks is the better pick for freelancers and small businesses who need easy invoicing and want to get paid faster.
• FreshBooks contro Dext: Dext is mainly a receipt capture and data extraction tool, not full accounting software. Choose FreshBooks if you need invoicing, online payments, expense tracking, and financial reporting all in one platform.
• FreshBooks contro Xero: Xero offers unlimited users on every plan and stronger multi-currency support for global businesses. FreshBooks wins on ease of use, faster invoicing, and a simpler interface for small business owners.
• FreshBooks contro Synder: Synder excels at syncing eCommerce sales data from platforms like Shopify and Amazon. FreshBooks is the better choice for service-based businesses and freelancers who need time tracking and custom invoicing.
• FreshBooks vs Easy Month End: Easy Month End is designed specifically for month-end close processes and reconciliation checklists. FreshBooks is a full accounting platform with features you use daily like invoicing, expense tracking, and time management.
• FreshBooks contro Docyt: Docyt uses AI for back-office accounting at multi-location businesses like restaurants and hotels. FreshBooks is simpler, more affordable, and better suited for single-location small businesses and freelancers.
• FreshBooks contro Sage: Sage handles enterprise accounting with built-in payroll, HR, and inventory management. FreshBooks is much easier to learn, more affordable, and designed specifically for small business owners and freelancers.
• FreshBooks contro Zoho Books: Zoho Books is cheaper and integrates with the full Zoho suite of business apps. FreshBooks has better invoicing features, a more intuitive interface, and stronger time tracking for service-based businesses.
• FreshBooks contro Wave: Wave is completely free but limited in features and customer support options. FreshBooks offers more advanced tools like time tracking, project management, mileage tracking, and dedicated phone support for paying customers.
• FreshBooks contro Quicken: Quicken focuses on personal finance management with budgeting and investment tracking tools. FreshBooks is built specifically for business accounting, invoicing clients, managing expenses, and keeping track of income and revenue.
• FreshBooks contro Hubdoc: Hubdoc automatically fetches and stores financial documents from banks, vendors, and utilities. FreshBooks is a full accounting platform that handles invoicing, expense tracking, time management, and complete financial reporting.
• FreshBooks contro Expensify: Expensify is best for expense tracking and receipt scanning with automatic report generation. FreshBooks gives you all of that plus invoicing, time tracking, project management, and full financial reporting for your business.
• FreshBooks contro QuickBooks: QuickBooks has deeper reporting, inventory tracking, and more advanced accounting features for larger businesses. FreshBooks is easier to use, more affordable, and better for freelancers and small business owners who need to send invoices quickly and track time.
• FreshBooks contro AutoEntry: AutoEntry automates data extraction from invoices, receipts, and bank statements with smart scanning technology. FreshBooks does all of this plus custom invoicing, online payments, time tracking, and full double-entry accounting.
• FreshBooks contro NetSuite: NetSuite is a full enterprise resource planning system for large corporations with complex accounting, inventory, and supply chain needs. FreshBooks is designed for small business owners who want simple, affordable accounting software.

Start Using FreshBooks Now

You learned how to use every major FreshBooks feature:

• ✅ Custom Invoicing
• ✅ Payment Management
• ✅ Expense Categorizing
• ✅ Time Tracking
• ✅ Financial Reporting
• ✅ Apps Integration
• ✅ Project Management
• ✅ Mileage Tracking

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with Custom Invoicing.

It takes less than 5 minutes to send your first invoice.

FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.

Sign up, set your company profile, and start managing your business finances today.

If you get stuck, the FreshBooks support team is available by phone, email, and live chat.

FreshBooks has helped millions of small business owners and freelancers take control of their finances.

Whether you need to send invoices, manage expenses, or generate reports, this accounting software has you covered.

Domande frequenti

Is FreshBooks easy to learn?

Yes. FreshBooks is cloud-based accounting software designed for non-accountants. The interface is simple and you can start sending invoices within minutes. Most small business owners pick it up faster than other accounting software like QuickBooks because FreshBooks focuses on ease of use over advanced features.

What are the downsides of FreshBooks?

FreshBooks has client limits on lower plans — the Lite plan only supports 5 clients. It also lacks advanced inventory tracking and detailed reporting that larger businesses may need. If you need complex accounting features, other accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero may be a better fit.

How do FreshBooks work?

FreshBooks works by connecting to your bank account and tracking your income and expenses automatically. You create invoices, log expenses, and track time inside the FreshBooks platform. It then generates financial reports like profit and loss statements so you can see how your business is performing.

Is FreshBooks easier to use than QuickBooks?

Yes, most users find FreshBooks easier to use than QuickBooks. FreshBooks was built for small business owners and freelancers who don’t have an accounting background. QuickBooks has more advanced features but comes with a steeper learning curve. Choose FreshBooks if you want simple invoicing and expense tracking. If you need advanced inventory management or detailed custom reports, QuickBooks may be the better option.

How to start with FreshBooks?

Sign up for a free 30-day trial at the FreshBooks website. Enter your basic information like company name and email. Then set up your company profile, add your company logo, and connect your bank account. You can start creating and sending invoices right away without entering a credit card.

How much do FreshBooks cost monthly?

FreshBooks costs $21/month for the Lite plan, $38/month for Plus, $65/month for Premium, and custom pricing for Select. Additional team members cost $11/month each. FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial and 10% off if you choose annual billing. FreshBooks also frequently runs promotional discounts for new users.

Does FreshBooks have a chart of accounts?

Yes. FreshBooks includes a chart of accounts on Plus plans and higher. It supports double-entry accounting and lets you create journal entries for transactions that need manual adjustments. Your accountant can also access the chart of accounts to review your financial information directly. This feature is essential for businesses that need accurate balance sheet reports.

How to do bookkeeping manually step by step?

You can do bookkeeping manually by recording every transaction in a spreadsheet, categorizing expenses, and reconciling bank statements monthly. However, using FreshBooks makes this much easier. The software automates expense tracking, categorizes transactions, and generates loss statements automatically. You can also create journal entries in FreshBooks for adjustments that need manual recording. Most small business owners save several hours per week by switching from manual bookkeeping to FreshBooks.

Which is better, QuickBooks or FreshBooks?

It depends on your needs. FreshBooks is better for freelancers and small business owners who want easy invoicing, time tracking, and managing expenses. QuickBooks is better for larger businesses that need advanced reporting, inventory tracking, and payroll. Both are solid choices for accounting, but FreshBooks wins on simplicity and getting you paid faster. QuickBooks offers more depth for businesses that have outgrown basic bookkeeping needs.

How much does FreshBooks charge per transaction?

FreshBooks uses Stripe for credit card processing at about 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. ACH bank transfers are typically 1% with a $10 cap. Select plan customers get access to lower transaction fees. You can also connect PayPal as an alternative payment processor.

How to get started with FreshBooks?

Visit the FreshBooks website and sign up for the 30-day free trial. Enter your company name, industry, and email address. Complete your company profile by adding your logo and contact details. Then connect your bank account and you’re ready to create your first invoice. You can import existing client data from CSV files and start managing your business finances right away. The whole setup takes about three minutes.