Countingup vs FreshBooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Countingup
Countingup is a UK business current account with built-in accounting software. It combines banking and bookkeeping in one app, automatically categorizing transactions and generating tax estimates in real time.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an accounting and invoicing platform designed specifically for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and small service-based businesses. It is known for its exceptional ease of use and beautiful invoicing tools. FreshBooks focuses on making accounting simple for non-accountants who just need to track income, expenses, and get paid quickly.
Pros
- ✓Business banking and accounting in one app
- ✓Automatic transaction categorization
- ✓Real-time tax estimates
- ✓Simple flat monthly pricing
- ✓Great for sole traders
Cons
- ✗UK only
- ✗Limited accounting features for complex businesses
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software at scale
- ✗No multi-user access
Pros
- ✓Easiest accounting software to learn and use — ideal for non-accountants
- ✓Beautiful, professional invoice templates
- ✓Built-in time tracking and project management
- ✓Excellent mobile app for tracking expenses on the go
Cons
- ✗Not suitable for product-based businesses needing inventory management
- ✗Limited features for complex accounting needs
- ✗More expensive than competitors for what you get on lower tiers
- ✗Payroll requires third-party integration
Countingup vs FreshBooks: Side by Side
| Factor | Countingup | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $19/mo |
| Best For | UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Countingup Features
- ✓Receipt scanning
- ✓expense categorization
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓supplier management
- ✓bank feed integration
- ✓reporting
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
Best For
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
How Countingup and FreshBooks Are Similar
- •Both are Accounting Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Countingup nor FreshBooks is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Countingup and FreshBooks?
Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
Which is better, Countingup or FreshBooks?
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
How much does Countingup cost?
Visit Countingup website for current pricing.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Countingup?
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting