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Accounting & Finance

FreshBooks vs Zoho Books

Which accounting & finance tool is right for you? Compare features, pricing, and user reviews to make the best choice.

F

FreshBooks

4.44,200 reviews

Freelancers, solopreneurs, and small service-based businesses that need fast invoicing, time/expense tracking, and simple accounting without the complexity of full ERP systems.

Starting at $19–$60/month
Z

Zoho Books

4.41,800 reviews

Small businesses and growing teams that want an affordable, automation-friendly cloud accounting system with strong invoicing, bank reconciliation, and integrations—especially those already using the Zoho ecosystem.

Starting at Free–$275/month (plan-based; not per-user)

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureFreshBooksZoho Books
Pricing$19–$60/monthFree–$275/month (plan-based; not per-user)
G2 Rating4.4 (4,200 reviews)4.4 (1,800 reviews)
Capterra Rating4.54.4
Best ForFreelancers, solopreneurs, and small service-based businesses that need fast invoicing, time/expense tracking, and simple accounting without the complexity of full ERP systems.Small businesses and growing teams that want an affordable, automation-friendly cloud accounting system with strong invoicing, bank reconciliation, and integrations—especially those already using the Zoho ecosystem.

Pros & Cons

FreshBooks

Pros

  • + Very easy to use for invoicing and getting paid quickly
  • + Strong time tracking and client/project workflows for service businesses
  • + Automations (recurring invoices, reminders) reduce admin work
  • + Good integrations and accountant-friendly access

Cons

  • Not a full double-entry accounting suite for complex inventory/manufacturing needs
  • Costs can rise with higher tiers/add-ons and scaling requirements
  • Reporting and customization can be limited compared with more advanced accounting platforms

Zoho Books

Pros

  • + Strong value with a capable free tier and scalable plans
  • + Robust invoicing/AR features (recurring invoices, client portal, payment links)
  • + Good bank reconciliation and reporting for day-to-day bookkeeping
  • + Integrates well with Zoho apps and many third-party services

Cons

  • Advanced accounting needs (complex inventory/manufacturing, multi-entity consolidation) may require add-ons or other tools
  • Some features and pricing vary by country/region and can be confusing to compare
  • Learning curve for setting up workflows, taxes, and templates to match local requirements