Such metrics are frequently a sign of how popular each solution is and how extensive is its online presence. For example FreshBooks Twitter profile vertical analysis formula example has currently followers. Moreover, viewing unbilled charges and time is possible on FreshBooks, but you can’t generate a report for it.

In our research, Gusto ranks among the best payroll services in the industry. Read our in-depth Gusto payroll review to learn about its features and pricing. If you’re a freelancer consistently working with the same handful of clients, you’ll likely do fine with FreshBooks’ cheapest plan. Otherwise, you’ll need to upgrade to a heftier FreshBooks plan or consider invoicing software that doesn’t curtail the number of people you can charge each month. Of course, even though Xero is more comprehensive than similar accounting products, you should make sure it has the right features for you before committing to a plan.

Third-party Integrations

In addition, you can bill for tracked hours, track and manage time for a specific project and allow your employees to track their time (if you’re using the team members add-on). Both FreshBooks and Xero have a hearty number of apps you can integrate for further functionality. Xero offers built-in integrations for superior connections, including Shopify, Hubdoc, Stripe and HubSpot. You can also browse the Xero App Store to connect to over 1,000 third-party apps. These are separated by function and industry to make it easier to search.

• Over the years, Xero built a very robust—and complex—accounting software.
• Sure, they’re not well-known like accounting tool, QuickBooks, however they are both extremely viable options for your accounting solutions.
• Both FreshBooks and Xero have 14 out of 16 reports that we expect to see in an accounting software service.
• Both FreshBooks and Xero are cloud-based accounting software that operate under the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model.
• Has robust reporting tools and report customization options, basic inventory tracking in all plans and a capable mobile app; Early plan limits the number of invoices and bills.

It also lacks multicurrency support for all but its most expensive plan. So if you’re selling products outside of the United States, FreshBooks or Zoho (which do have multicurrency support) will make your life a little easier. In contrast, QuickBooks Online builds user limits into each plan. For instance, its cheapest plan allows for one user plus accountant access.

You’re our first priority.Every time.

In terms of user experience, FreshBooks isn’t intimidating to people with no accounting experience. It’s easy to understand the navigational flow of FreshBooks, and it somehow makes accounting easy for non-accountants. However, missing features like purchase orders (POs) and vendor credits are forgivable for FreshBooks since it didn’t include inventory management as a feature. Therefore, we see a situational approach here wherein we see FreshBooks and Xero’s A/P management as the best in their respective fields. FreshBooks is a bit complicated and limited in its banking features, especially with bank reconciliation.

Can you invite your accountant into your FreshBooks account?

This is an important question; if you are a small business owner, would you want the same accounting software McDonald’s uses? You want something that makes your life easier, not complicates it by providing unnecessary options every time you try to create and send invoice. Like FreshBooks, Xero comes with built-in, albeit basic project management capabilities so you can keep track of time, costs, and project profitability within the same tool.

Add new Freshbooks clients to Google Contacts as new contacts

You’re also equipped to make fast and informed budget forecasts based on current figures with powerful built-in analytics. Having this functionality can really change how you run your business financially. Similar to FreshBooks, you can take a photo of receipts and track mileage on the go on the mobile app. Xero uses OCR technology to scan key information and auto-fills your claim which can then be submitted in one click, with the receipt attached. You can also set automatic reminders and their frequency — and everything can be done from the Xero mobile app. FreshBooks was originally designed as an invoicing tool and evolved into a full-fledged accounting solution over the years.

And if you need support, our award-winning team always has your back. The total price for a Yearly plan is billed at the time of purchase. It includes both the monthly discount outlined above, as well as an additional 10% discount for selecting a yearly plan. Xero offers Xero Central, allowing users to contact the Xero support team that is available for trial users. Then there is the live chat option available for paid users; unfortunately, this does not extend to live calls. The accounting software that fits your business could be the difference in a better CRM direction for your business.

Get the accounting features you need to run your business, without add-ons and upgrades. I started The Digital Merchant to test the tools, services, and products I use in my digital business. Now, I’m here with other online business owners buying, testing, and evaluating the best digital tools, services, and software we can find – for every stage of the business. The good news is both Xero and FreshBooks cater to the needs of freelancers and small businesses to create customized, affordable options.