FreshBooks vs Xero
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Accounting built for freelancers and small teams.
The verdict
Both FreshBooks and Xero are credible accounting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose FreshBooks if you want a lower starting price (from $19/mo) and a higher overall rating (4.5/5). Accounting built for freelancers and small teams.
Xero — Beautiful accounting software.
FreshBooks vs Xero: side by side
| Dimension | FreshBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $19/moWinner | From $29/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Freelancers, Small Business | Smb, International |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.5/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
FreshBooks key facts
- Vendor
- FreshBooks
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $19/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Freelancers, Small Business
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2003
- Headquarters
- Toronto, Canada
Xero key facts
- Vendor
- Xero Limited
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $29/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, International
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Wellington, New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Is FreshBooks better than Xero?
Neither is universally better — FreshBooks edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is FreshBooks or Xero cheaper?
FreshBooks is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $19/mo. FreshBooks starts at from $19/mo; Xero starts at from $29/mo.
Can FreshBooks replace Xero?
Yes for most teams — both are accounting tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.