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Freshbooks

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24
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Xero

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4
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Freshbooks vs Xero: What are the differences?

### Introduction
Freshbooks and Xero are popular cloud-based accounting software solutions that cater to small and medium-sized businesses. Both platforms offer a range of features to help businesses manage their finances efficiently.

1. **User Interface**: Freshbooks has a more user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easier for users with limited accounting knowledge to navigate and understand the software. On the other hand, Xero has a more complex interface that may require some learning for new users to fully grasp all the functionalities.

2. **Feature Set**: Freshbooks primarily focuses on invoicing and time tracking, making it ideal for service-based businesses. Xero, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive set of features including inventory management, purchase orders, and budgeting tools, catering to a wider range of business needs.

3. **Integration Options**: Xero provides a wider range of integrations with third-party apps and services compared to Freshbooks. This allows users to streamline their workflow by connecting Xero with other business tools they may already be using.

4. **Scalability**: Xero is better suited for growing businesses that may require more advanced accounting features and customization options as they expand. Freshbooks, on the other hand, is more suitable for small businesses or freelancers looking for a simpler accounting solution without the need for complex features.

5. **Mobile Apps**: Freshbooks offers a more robust mobile app with a user-friendly interface, allowing users to manage their finances on the go easily. While Xero also has a mobile app, some users may find it less intuitive and user-friendly compared to Freshbooks.

6. **Pricing**: Freshbooks follows a simpler pricing model with tiered plans based on the number of clients, whereas Xero's pricing is based on the number of users and includes additional costs for extra features like payroll. This difference in pricing models may influence the choice of business owners based on their specific needs and budget constraints.

In Summary, Freshbooks is a user-friendly accounting software focusing on invoicing and time tracking, while Xero offers a more comprehensive feature set and scalability options for growing businesses, with differences in user interface, integration options, mobile apps, and pricing models. 
Decisions about Freshbooks and Xero
Dale Ross
Independent Contractor at Self Employed · | 8 upvotes · 51K views

I started out as an Independent Contractor just about a month ago and wanted to start on the right foot. I did a bit of searching on Hacker News when I needed an Invoicing Solution. Freshbooks caught my eye initially but I decided to check StackShare for a more cost-effective solution. The Zapier integrations are pretty neat, the templates are cool and I'm looking forward to what else it has in store.

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Pros of Freshbooks
Pros of Xero
    Be the first to leave a pro
    • 2
      Easy Invoicing
    • 2
      Smart Reports with automatic bank reconciliation

    Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions

    What is Freshbooks?

    It is simple and intuitive. It makes running your small business easy, fast and secure. Easily send invoices, track time, manage expenses, and get paid online.

    What is Xero?

    Inventory, invoicing, time tracking, expenses, and hundreds of other apps all seamlessly integrate with Xero to save your business precious time and money.

    Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

    What companies use Freshbooks?
    What companies use Xero?
    See which teams inside your own company are using Freshbooks or Xero.
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    What tools integrate with Freshbooks?
    What tools integrate with Xero?

    Sign up to get full access to all the tool integrationsMake informed product decisions

    What are some alternatives to Freshbooks and Xero?
    QuickBooks
    It is an accounting software package. You can access and manage your books from your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone anytime you choose. Create access privileges so that your colleague or accountant can login and work.
    Harvest
    Time tracking is simple and lightning fast with Harvest. Set up takes seconds, and there's nothing to install. We've simplified the timesheet and timesheets approval process so you can stay focused on work.
    FreeAgent
    Accounting software for small businesses. It is made specifically for freelancers, small business owners and their accountants.
    Wave
    It is a free, online software alternative to Quickbooks. Wave helps manage invoices, credit card payments, accounting & payroll. Best for small businesses & freelancers.
    Zoho
    Unique and powerful suite of software to run your entire business. It contains word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, note-taking, wikis, web conferencing, customer relationship management, project management, invoicing, and other applications.
    See all alternatives