EngageBay vs FreshBooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: September 14, 2026
EngageBay is our recommended pick for most teams — budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Try EngageBay →Read our full EngageBay review →EngageBay
EngageBay is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer support platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers a free plan that includes CRM, email marketing, live chat, and helpdesk tools — making it one of the most generous free plans in the market. EngageBay is positioned as an affordable alternative to HubSpot.
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
- ✓One of the most generous free plans available — includes CRM, marketing, and support tools
- ✓Affordable paid plans compared to HubSpot
- ✓All-in-one platform reduces the need for multiple subscriptions
- ✓Good automation features
Cons
- ✗Less brand recognition and fewer integrations than HubSpot
- ✗Interface can feel cluttered with so many features
- ✗Customer support response times can vary
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
EngageBay vs FreshBooks: Side by Side
| Factor | EngageBay | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3/5 ★ | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $19/mo |
| Best For | Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting |
| Our Pick | 🏆 Recommended | — |
EngageBay Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓live chat
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓landing pages
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓reporting
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
EngageBay
FreemiumFree to start
Free: $0 · Basic: $12/mo · Growth: $24.99/mo · Pro: $49.99/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
EngageBay
- →Small businesses wanting all-in-one CRM and marketing
- →Startups replacing multiple tools with one platform
- →Companies migrating away from expensive HubSpot plans
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
EngageBay is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing advanced customization
- ✗Teams requiring sophisticated marketing attribution
- ✗Businesses needing dedicated enterprise support
Integrations
EngageBay
Zapier, Gmail, Outlook, Stripe, SendGrid, Mailgun, Twilio, Xero
Our Take
Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
Best For
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Also Consider
If neither EngageBay nor FreshBooks is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EngageBay and FreshBooks?
EngageBay is best for budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
Which is better, EngageBay or FreshBooks?
Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan. Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting.
How much does EngageBay cost?
EngageBay starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use EngageBay?
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting