QuickBooks vs FreshBooks 2025: Which Is Better?

Choosing the right accounting software can save your business hours every month and thousands of dollars every year. In 2025, two of the most popular accounting platforms for small businesses are QuickBooks and FreshBooks.

This detailed QuickBooks vs FreshBooks 2025 comparison covers pricing, features, ease of use, integrations, customer support, and migration options so you can choose the best software for your business needs.

Quick Overview: QuickBooks vs FreshBooks (2025)

Freelancers and solopreneurs generally prefer FreshBooks.
Service-based small businesses often find FreshBooks easier to use.
Inventory-based businesses and growing companies usually choose QuickBooks.
Businesses working with accountants typically rely on QuickBooks.
Simple invoicing and time tracking is stronger in FreshBooks.
Advanced reporting and tax preparation is stronger in QuickBooks.

Pricing Comparison (Monthly and Annual – 2025)

QuickBooks Pricing (Online Plans)

Simple Start plan costs around $30 per month or $300 annually.
Essentials plan costs around $60 per month or $600 annually.
Plus plan costs around $90 per month or $900 annually.
Advanced plan costs around $200 per month or $2,000 annually.

QuickBooks frequently offers introductory discounts for the first few months.

FreshBooks Pricing

Lite plan costs around $19 per month or $190 annually.
Plus plan costs around $33 per month or $330 annually.
Premium plan costs around $60 per month or $600 annually.
Select plan pricing is custom.

FreshBooks usually offers a 30-day free trial and discounts on annual billing.

Pricing Verdict

FreshBooks is more affordable for freelancers and very small teams.
QuickBooks offers better long-term value for complex or growing businesses.

Feature-by-Feature Analysis

Core Accounting Features Comparison

Both platforms offer invoicing, expense tracking, and bank synchronization.
QuickBooks includes inventory management, payroll add-ons, and advanced tax reports.
FreshBooks focuses on invoicing, time tracking, and client billing but does not include inventory management.

QuickBooks functions as a full accounting suite.
FreshBooks is a simplified accounting tool designed for service-based businesses.

Ease of Use for Beginners

FreshBooks Ease of Use

FreshBooks is extremely beginner-friendly.
The dashboard is clean and easy to understand.
The setup process usually takes less than 30 minutes.
It is ideal for users with little or no accounting experience.

QuickBooks Ease of Use

QuickBooks has more features, which means a slightly steeper learning curve.
It is better suited for businesses that plan to scale.
Basic accounting knowledge is helpful but not required.

Ease of use winner for beginners is FreshBooks.

Invoicing and Payments Comparison

FreshBooks Invoicing Strengths

FreshBooks offers customizable invoices, automatic late payment reminders, time-based billing, and a client payment portal.

QuickBooks Invoicing Strengths

QuickBooks supports batch invoicing, automated sales tax calculation, multi-currency invoicing, and stronger financial reporting.

FreshBooks works best for freelancers and consultants.
QuickBooks is better for businesses with tax complexity or product sales.

Integration with Other Business Tools

QuickBooks Integrations

QuickBooks integrates with over 700 applications, including Shopify, WooCommerce, PayPal, Stripe, Square, inventory tools, POS systems, and CRM platforms.

FreshBooks Integrations

FreshBooks integrates with more than 100 applications, including Stripe, PayPal, Gusto, Zapier, Trello, and Asana.

QuickBooks is the better option for businesses that rely on multiple software tools.

Reporting and Analytics

QuickBooks Reporting

QuickBooks provides profit and loss reports, balance sheets, cash flow statements, tax summaries, and customizable financial reports.

FreshBooks Reporting

FreshBooks offers income reports, expense summaries, tax overviews, and basic client profitability reports.

QuickBooks is the stronger choice for detailed financial analysis.

Customer Support Comparison

Both QuickBooks and FreshBooks offer phone support, live chat, email support, and knowledge bases.

FreshBooks support is generally faster and more personalized.
QuickBooks support is extensive but can be slower during peak times.

Migration Guide: Switching Between QuickBooks and FreshBooks

Switching from FreshBooks to QuickBooks

This option is best if your business is growing, requires inventory tracking or payroll, or works closely with an accountant.

Steps include exporting data, setting up the chart of accounts, importing customers and invoices, and reconciling bank feeds.

Switching from QuickBooks to FreshBooks

This option works well for freelancers and consultants who want simplicity and do not need inventory features.

Steps include exporting invoices and expenses, importing client data, connecting bank accounts, and customizing invoices.

Most migrations take between one and three hours.

Security and Data Protection

Both platforms use bank-level encryption, secure cloud backups, two-factor authentication, and comply with data protection regulations.
QuickBooks and FreshBooks are both secure and reliable accounting solutions in 2025.

Free Trials and Discount Offers (2025)

QuickBooks does not offer a permanent free plan but frequently provides discounted introductory pricing and free accountant access.

FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial without requiring a credit card and provides discounts on annual plans.

Which Is Better for Your Business? Final Verdict

Choose FreshBooks if you are a freelancer, consultant, or small service-based business that values simplicity, time tracking, and easy invoicing.

Choose QuickBooks if your business sells products, manages inventory, needs payroll, or requires detailed financial reports and accountant collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is QuickBooks better than FreshBooks?
   QuickBooks is better for complex accounting, while FreshBooks is better for simplicity.
2. Can I switch software later?
   Yes, both platforms allow data export and migration.
3. Which software is cheaper long-term?
   FreshBooks is cheaper for small businesses, while QuickBooks offers better scalability.
4. Do accountants prefer QuickBooks?
   Most professional accountants prefer QuickBooks.

Final Thoughts

There is no single best accounting software for everyone.
FreshBooks is ideal for ease of use and client billing.
QuickBooks is ideal for power, reporting, and long-term growth.

Choosing the right platform depends on your business size, complexity, and future plans.