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FreshBooks is listed from $23, but its client limits and add-ons are worth checking before you stay or switch. One Reddit user said their plan was changing from $29.95 to $50 while losing features; that is one customer’s account, not a published price change for every plan. For alternatives, Xero, Wave and QuickBooks Online cover different needs, while Exact Online and Melio suit narrower use cases. Compare the limits and costs that matter to your workflow before moving.
01Why people leave FreshBooks
A sharp reported price increase
One Reddit poster said their plan was moving from $29.95 to $50, with features reduced. Treat this as one user’s experience, not a universal price.
Client limits need checking
The published FreshBooks listing flags client limits as a reason to check plan details before switching; it does not publish the specific caps.
Add-ons may change the bill
The listing advises checking add-ons before switching, but does not specify their prices or which features require them.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Connected-app businesses
XeroXeroXero is listed from $7 and is positioned for micro-businesses with few invoices, businesses wanting connected apps, and teams needing cash-flow forecasts. If FreshBooks’ plan limits or add-ons are pushing you to compare, Xero gives you a lower listed starting price and a different set of stated strengths. Check its plan caps before choosing based on price.
Trade-off: Plan caps are not detailed on the vendor's site.
7.5/10from
$7/mo - Free bookkeeping starters
WaveWaveWave is listed from $15.83 with a free plan, and is aimed at small businesses starting with free bookkeeping, owners needing invoicing and estimates, and businesses open to paid automation. It is a candidate if you want to compare a free starting point with FreshBooks’ listed $23 starting price, rather than commit based on the headline alone.
Trade-off: Check fees and paid add-ons before switching.
6.6/10from
$15.83/mofree plan - Intuit users
QuickBooks OnlineQuickBooks OnlineQuickBooks Online is listed from $17.92 with a free plan. The pricing page identifies it as a fit for self-employed users needing basic bookkeeping, businesses already using Intuit products, and teams needing shared online access. It may suit you if those priorities outweigh FreshBooks’ freelancer-oriented invoicing and time-based billing positioning.
Trade-off: Check plan caps and extra fees.
5.3/10from
$17.92/mofree plan - SME finance and ERP
Exact OnlineExact OnlineExact Online starts at $25 and is positioned for SMEs combining finance and ERP, accountancy firms, and wholesale or manufacturing businesses. It is a more specialized option than a freelancer-focused FreshBooks setup. Consider it if your reason for leaving is needing finance and ERP together, rather than simply finding a lower starting price.
Trade-off: Key plan limits are unpublished.
6.8/10from
$25/mo - Routine vendor bill pay
MelioMelioMelio is listed from $20 with a free plan and is aimed at small teams paying routine vendor bills, businesses needing basic invoice collection, and teams using QuickBooks Online or Xero. It is worth comparing if bill payment is the main gap in your FreshBooks workflow, but it is not presented as a full accounting replacement.
Trade-off: Fees and payment reliability reports call for caution.
6.8/10from
$20/mofree plan - Existing QuickBooks users
QuickBooks Desktop ProQuickBooks Desktop ProQuickBooks Desktop Pro may be relevant if your business is already invested in QuickBooks and needs broad accounting workflows. That makes it a possible destination for someone leaving FreshBooks who wants a desktop product, but the pricing page does not publish a current price or specific Desktop Pro details. Confirm renewal terms and fit before planning a move.
Trade-off: Current price and product specifics are not published.
4.0/10from
Custom
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 FreshBooks FreshBooks (current) | 7.2 | $23/mo | No | Freelancers who invoice clients |
| Xero Xero | 7.5 | $7/mo | No | Micro-businesses with few invoices |
| Wave Wave | 6.6 | $15.83/mo | Yes | Small businesses starting with free bookkeeping |
| QuickBooks Online QuickBooks Online | 5.3 | $17.92/mo | Yes | Self-employed users needing basic bookkeeping |
| Exact Online Exact Online | 6.8 | $25/mo | No | SMEs combining finance and ERP |
| Melio Melio | 6.8 | $20/mo | Yes | Small teams paying routine vendor bills |
| QuickBooks Desktop Pro QuickBooks Desktop Pro | 4.0 | Custom | No | Businesses already invested in QuickBooks |
Questions people ask
What is the difference between FreshBooks and QuickBooks?
The published FreshBooks listing emphasizes freelancers who invoice clients, expense tracking for small businesses, and time-based billing. The QuickBooks Online listing highlights basic bookkeeping for self-employed users, Intuit product connections, and shared online access. These are positioning differences from our comparison, not a complete feature-by-feature breakdown.
How much is FreshBooks software?
The published FreshBooks listing says it starts at $23, but it does not specify the plan or billing period. One Reddit user reported their own plan changing from $29.95 to $50 while losing features. That post is an individual account, not confirmation of current pricing across FreshBooks plans.
What are the top three accounting software options?
Among the accounting options in this comparison, Xero scores 7.5, Exact Online 6.8, and Wave 6.6. Those are the published editorial scores, not an industry-wide ranking. Their stated fits differ: Xero for connected apps, Exact Online for SME finance and ERP, and Wave for a free bookkeeping starting point.