FreshBooks vs Xero Comparison
Compare FreshBooks and Xero side-by-side — pricing, features, scores, and which one is right for you.
The bottom line
FreshBooks and Xero are both strong contenders in the accounting space, but they serve different needs. Xero edges ahead with an overall score of 83/100 compared to FreshBooks's 76/100. FreshBooks is easier to get started with (9/10 for ease of use vs 8/10). On pricing, neither offers a free tier — FreshBooks starts at $19/mo and Xero at $25/mo. Xero rates higher for value for money (8/10 vs 7/10), making it a better pick if budget is a concern.
At a glance
| FreshBooks | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 76/100 | 83/100 |
| Starting price | $19/mo | $25/mo |
| Free tier | No | No |
| Best for | Accounting built for owners | Beautiful accounting software |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | FreshBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Expense tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Bank reconciliation | Plus+ | Yes |
| Financial reports | Yes | Yes |
advanced
| Feature | FreshBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | Add-on | Add-on (Gusto) |
| Inventory | No | Established |
| Multi-currency | Yes | Established |
| Tax filing | No | Add-on |
integrations
| Feature | FreshBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| Shopify | Yes | Yes |
| Zapier | Yes | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
Choose FreshBooks if...
- You're ready to invest from $19/mo
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Choose Xero if...
- You're ready to invest from $25/mo
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is FreshBooks or Xero better?
Xero scores 83/100 compared to FreshBooks's 76/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — FreshBooks excels at ease of use (9/10) while Xero scores 8/10.
How much does FreshBooks cost compared to Xero?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Xero starts at $25/mo. FreshBooks is the more affordable option.
Does FreshBooks or Xero have a free plan?
Neither FreshBooks nor Xero offers a free tier. FreshBooks starts at $19/mo and Xero at $25/mo.
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