Accounting can be challenging for freelancers, from tracking taxes to avoiding costly errors. As experts who've tested dozens of tools, we've curated the best options to simplify invoicing, expenses, taxes, and more. Each app below stands out for its unique strengths, helping you focus on your work.
Breaking rules can lead to stress and penalties, but cloud-based software makes compliance effortless. Here's our roundup of top choices.
“The most intuitive professional-grade application on the market.”
Xero and QuickBooks dominate recommendations for freelancers. This cloud-based powerhouse offers three plans: Starter at $9/month, Standard at $30/month, and Premium at $70/month—scaled to your business needs.
Starter suits light users with up to five invoices/quotes and 20 bank reconciliations. Higher tiers unlock unlimited invoicing and reconciliations, with Premium adding multi-currency support.
Features include payments, contact management, inventory, bill pay, purchase orders, time tracking, and tax calculations on the go—including W-2 and 1099 forms. Payroll is available in most US states. Seamlessly integrate with other freelance tools, and easily import from QuickBooks.
“A powerful free app for new freelancers.”
For beginners, Wave's core accounting, invoicing, and receipt tools are free. Add-ons like payments and payroll are pay-as-you-go (US: credit cards/banks; most Europe: banks only).
The intuitive dashboard tracks taxes in real-time, generates profit/loss reports, sales tax, and balances—with charts for insights. Security features 256-bit encryption and PCI Level-1 certification.
“An application tailored for non-expert UK and US users.”
FreeAgent simplifies for beginners with plain language—"Work" and "Expenses" instead of jargon like "Accounts Receivable." The dashboard shows tax deadlines, reports, and timesheets.
Pricing starts at £14.50/month (UK) or $12/month (US).
“Low-cost, no-frills accounting without cloud dependency.”
Ideal for basics: daily transactions, multi-bank support, reconciliations, tax calculations, and three reports (profit/loss, balance, ledger). Completely free and efficient for simple freelance ops.
“A strong Xero alternative, but more complex.”
QuickBooks rivals Xero with customizable invoices, double-entry accounting, inventory, payroll, and multi-currency support. A recent project management update trimmed time tracking, frustrating some users.
The interface feels dated and daunting for newcomers. Plans: Simple Start ($15/month), up to Plus ($50/month)—no recurring invoices or vendor bills on basic.
“A user-friendly balance of features and simplicity.”
FreshBooks shines post-2016 redesign for ease, though lighter on advanced tools like inventory or double-entry. Strengths: invoicing, billing, client management. Lite ($15/month, 5 clients) to Premium ($50/month, 500 clients).
Each tool suits different needs—test free trials to find yours. What apps would you add? Share unique features in the comments below.
