Best Accounting Software for Freelancers
Short answer. For freelancers, FreshBooks is the usual starting point. Invoicing and time tracking are built in, entry pricing is low, and it is built around service work rather than inventory or payroll.
Freelancers need three things from accounting software: send invoices, track money in and out, and be ready at tax time. Most major platforms are built for businesses with employees and inventory, which is why they can feel heavy for a one-person operation.
Compare at a glance
| Platform | Rating | Best known for | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melio | Best for free bill pay | Free | Visit ↗ | |
| Wave | Free accounting for very small businesses | $0 | Visit ↗ | |
| FreshBooks | Best for freelancers | $19/mo | Visit ↗ |
Swipe the table sideways for pricing and links.
Melio
AP Software
Best for free bill pay
- Free ACH bill payments
- Pay by card even when vendors take checks
- Straightforward setup for small teams
Wave
Accounting Software
Free accounting for very small businesses
- Free invoicing and accounting core
- Pay only for payments and payroll
- Lighter reporting than paid platforms
FreshBooks
Accounting Software
Best for freelancers
- Invoicing and time tracking built in
- Low entry pricing
- Fewer integrations than QuickBooks