FreshBooks vs Bullhorn
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
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
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
FreshBooks vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | FreshBooks | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither FreshBooks nor Bullhorn 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 FreshBooks and Bullhorn?
FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, FreshBooks or Bullhorn?
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform