Updated October 27, 2026
FreshBooks: send an invoice, track time and expenses, and see what you actually earned
Short version: FreshBooks is cloud invoicing and accounting software for freelancers and small businesses. First, a 30-day free trial is reported, with no card required. Plans start at about $23 per month, but they cap how many clients you can bill, so your client count decides the plan.
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Which plan fits your clients and team?
First, answer three quick questions, so the estimate below shows the plan that matches.
Plan that fits
Estimated per month
This uses reported list prices and ignores promotions and payment fees, so it is not a FreshBooks quote.
Try this planFrom tracked hour to paid invoice without re-typing a number
Because time, expenses and invoices live together, billing stops being a monthly scramble.
Unlimited professional invoices
First, you create and send invoices from a template, so clients see a branded request for payment within minutes.
Time tracking you can bill
Next, tracked hours flow into invoices, so billable work does not slip through the cracks.
Expense tracking and receipts
Then you log expenses as they happen and match them to clients, so tax time starts with organized records.
Online payments
Clients can pay by card or bank transfer. However, processing fees apply, and an Advanced Payments add-on costs extra.
Double-entry accounting and reconciliation
In addition, Plus and above are reported to add bank reconciliation and real accounting reports, so an accountant can work from the same data.
Recurring billing and retainers
Finally, repeat clients get invoices on a schedule, while retainers let you collect money before the work starts.
Plans are capped by billable clients, not by features alone
FreshBooks prices by how many clients you invoice, while team members cost extra. Also, all prices are in USD for monthly billing and reported as of October 2026. However, promotions and earlier 2026 prices differ, so confirm the current amounts on the official pricing page.
Lite
Lite covers invoicing, expenses and time tracking, but it leaves out bank reconciliation and accountant access.
Choose LitePlus
Plus adds double-entry accounting, bank reconciliation and recurring billing, so a growing business gets real books.
Get PlusPremium
Premium removes the client limit and adds project profitability, so agencies and busy firms can scale.
Pick PremiumSelect
Select adds dedicated support and white-label options, so larger businesses get a tailored setup.
Ask about Select| Feature | Lite | Plus | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price, billed monthly | $23 | $43 | $70 |
| Billable clients | 5 | 50 | Unlimited |
| Bank reconciliation and double-entry | No | Yes | Yes |
| Accountant access | No | Free, up to 10 | Also free, up to 10 |
| Project profitability | No | No | Yes |
| Extra team member | $11 a month | Same price | Same price again |
Overall, annual billing is reported to save about 10%. Also, Advanced Payments is reported at $20 a month and Payroll at $40 a month plus $6 per employee. Promotions, such as 80% off the first four months, have been reported, but they change often and may exclude the free trial.
Three freelance and small-business situations, and the plan each one points to
The client count is the clearest signal, because it decides where you hit a cap.
A freelancer with a few retainers
Five clients or fewer fit on Lite, so invoicing and time tracking cost little. However, an accountant cannot get access on this plan.
A small studio or consultancy
For instance, dozens of clients need Plus, and the bookkeeping tools help at tax time. As a result, an outside accountant can log in for free.
An agency or busy service firm
Finally, more than fifty clients require Premium, while project profitability shows which jobs actually earn money.
Where it shines
- Invoicing is quick, so getting paid takes less effort.
- Time and expenses connect to invoices, so billing is more complete.
- A long free trial also lets you test real clients.
- Finally, accountants join free on Plus and above.
Worth checking first
- Client caps are firm, so count every billable client.
- Team members cost extra, however, at about $11 each.
- Payments and payroll add fees, because they are separate.
- Likewise, archived clients may still count toward the cap.
Client caps, team seats and promo pricing: answers before you subscribe
Short answers to what people ask most.
Getting started
What is FreshBooks?
FreshBooks is cloud invoicing and accounting software for freelancers and small businesses. Specifically, it handles invoices, expenses, time tracking and reports. In addition, higher plans add double-entry accounting and bank reconciliation.
Is there a free plan or trial?
No free plan is offered. Instead, a 30-day free trial is reported, with no card required, and a 30-day money-back guarantee is also reported. However, promotional offers may skip the trial, so read the terms before you buy.
Who is FreshBooks best for?
Overall, it suits freelancers, consultants and small service businesses that invoice clients regularly. However, businesses that need inventory or complex accounting may need other software. Therefore, list your must-have features first.
Plans and pricing
How much does FreshBooks cost?
Reported October 2026 pricing on monthly billing is $23 for Lite, $43 for Plus and $70 for Premium, while Select is custom. Earlier in 2026 some sources showed $21, $38 and $65, so prices have moved. Therefore, confirm the amount on the official pricing page.
How do client caps work?
For example, Lite allows up to 5 billable clients, Plus allows 50, and Premium is unlimited. However, archived clients are reported to count toward the cap. Therefore, count every client before you choose a plan.
What do team members and accountants cost?
Extra team members are reported at $11 per month each, while Select includes two. Meanwhile, accountants are reported to join free on Plus and above, up to ten. Therefore, a small team can add seats gradually.
What are the extra fees?
First, Advanced Payments is reported at $20 a month, and Payroll at $40 a month plus $6 per employee. In addition, payment processing fees apply to card payments. As a result, check the current rates before you plan your budget.
Is annual billing cheaper?
Generally, annual billing is reported to save about 10%. However, promotions can be larger for new customers, for example 80% off the first few months. Therefore, compare the offers on the pricing page before you commit.
Everyday use
Can I track time and expenses?
Yes, since time tracking and expense tracking are reported on the plans. In addition, tracked time can flow into invoices. However, team time tracking is reported on higher plans, so check what you need.
Do I need Plus for bookkeeping?
Specifically, bank reconciliation and double-entry accounting are reported to start on Plus. Therefore, Lite users who want real books should upgrade. On the other hand, a solo freelancer with five clients may not need them.
Does FreshBooks integrate with other tools?
For example, integrations with PayPal, Mailchimp, payroll tools and project software are reported. However, the exact list changes over time. Therefore, check that your key tools are supported before you subscribe.
Send your first invoice from the trial
First, start the 30-day trial. Then add a real client, track an hour of work, and send an invoice to see how long it takes.
Start the 30-day trial