Let’s be honest — for most freelancers, accounting isn’t the fun part. It’s that necessary, unavoidable task we often put off until tax season hits… and panic sets in.
You started freelancing to do what you love, not to wrestle with spreadsheets, right?
Thankfully, it’s 2025, and the world of accounting software has come a long way. Whether you’re a designer, developer, writer, or consultant, there’s a tool out there that won’t just make managing your money easier — it’ll actually feel empowering.
Below are 15 of the best accounting tools designed specifically with freelancers in mind. I’ve personally tested or deeply reviewed each one, and I’ve included the pros, cons, pricing, and who it’s best for. Let’s dive in.
1. FreshBooks
Best for: Freelancers who want a clean interface and strong client billing features.
- Easy time tracking and expense categorization
- Impressive invoicing options (recurring, late fees, etc.)
- Integrates with over 100 apps (including Stripe, Gusto, and Zoom)
Downside: Pricing gets steep if you add more than five clients.
Pricing: Starts at $17/month (Lite plan)
2. QuickBooks Self-Employed
Best for: Solo freelancers who want automatic tax tracking and mileage logs.
- Automatic transaction import from bank accounts
- Quarterly tax estimate reminders
- Simple interface tailored to freelancers
Downside: Limited invoicing features compared to others.
Pricing: Starts at $20/month
3. Wave
Best for: Freelancers looking for a totally free option.
- Free invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning
- Clean dashboard and reports
- Optional paid add-ons (payroll, payments)
Downside: No built-in time tracking.
Pricing: Free
4. Bonsai
Best for: Freelancers who also need contracts, proposals, and project management.
- All-in-one platform for freelance business
- Auto-invoicing and payment reminders
- Templates for contracts, proposals, and task tracking
Downside: Can be overkill if you just want accounting features.
Pricing: Starts at $25/month
5. Zoho Books
Best for: Budget-conscious freelancers who need automation.
- Automated workflows and bank reconciliation
- Great mobile app
- Built-in client portal
Downside: Slight learning curve at first.
Pricing: Free for revenue under $50K/year
6. AND.CO (by Fiverr)
Best for: Simplicity seekers who want invoicing + contracts + payments.
- Sleek interface with built-in proposals and time tracking
- Automatic expense tracking
- Perfect for beginners
Downside: Limited reporting and integrations
Pricing: Free with Fiverr branding, $18/month for Pro
7. Hectic
Best for: New freelancers who want a guided business hub.
- All-in-one dashboard (CRM, invoicing, projects, and more)
- Very freelancer-focused design
- Client onboarding flows built in
Downside: Not as feature-rich for deep accounting tasks
Pricing: Free plan available, Pro starts at $11.99/month
8. Xero
Best for: Freelancers with international clients or growth in mind.
- Multi-currency support
- Excellent reporting tools
- Huge integration ecosystem
Downside: Not as beginner-friendly as Wave or FreshBooks
Pricing: Starts at $15/month
9. FreeAgent
Best for: UK freelancers looking for tax-compliant automation.
- Built-in tax timeline and reminders
- Bank feeds and invoice templates
- UK-specific features (VAT, HMRC integration)
Downside: Mainly built for UK users
Pricing: Around £14/month with discounts
10. Kashoo
Best for: Freelancers who want simplicity and offline mode.
- Minimalist UI with fast invoice creation
- Offline functionality for travel freelancers
- Built-in receipt scanning
Downside: Not as scalable as Xero or Zoho Books
Pricing: Starts at $20/month
11. Harpoon
Best for: Freelancers who want forecasting and goal tracking.
- Tracks billable hours, invoices, and revenue goals
- Visual income forecasting
- Expense categorization and client analytics
Downside: May feel too structured for casual freelancers
Pricing: $19/month
12. ZipBooks
Best for: Freelancers who want a modern UI and basic automation.
- Simple design and smart categorization
- Client scoring and basic reporting
- Free starter plan with invoicing
Downside: Advanced features locked behind paywall
Pricing: Free plan available, Smarter plan $15/month
13. Fyle
Best for: Freelancers who spend heavily on business expenses.
- Real-time expense tracking from cards and receipts
- Strong audit trail and approval workflows
- Integrates with major banks and cards
Downside: Not built for full accounting (best paired with another tool)
Pricing: Custom pricing
14. Outright (GoDaddy Bookkeeping)
Best for: Etsy/eBay freelancers and online sellers.
- Auto-imports from PayPal, Amazon, Etsy, and eBay
- Simple income/expense tracking
- Tax categorization built in
Downside: Limited features compared to modern tools
Pricing: Around $10/month
15. Lili
Best for: Freelancers who want banking + accounting in one.
- Business checking account with built-in invoicing
- Tax tools, auto-savings, and expense tagging
- Designed for gig workers and solopreneurs
Downside: Not as flexible for complex bookkeeping
Pricing: Free account, paid upgrades from $9/month
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been DIY-ing your freelance finances with a tangle of Excel files, receipts in drawers, and late-night panic before tax deadlines — it’s time for a change.
The right accounting tool doesn’t just save you time and money. It gives you peace of mind. It lets you focus more on your craft and less on the chaos of paperwork.
Take a moment, go through this list again, and choose the one that matches your workflow and goals. Don’t overthink it. Even starting with a free plan can make a huge difference.
Your future self — and your accountant — will thank you.