FreshBooks vs EngageBay
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 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 →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.
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.
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
- ✓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
FreshBooks vs EngageBay: Side by Side
| Factor | FreshBooks | EngageBay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.3/5 ★ |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | Free |
| Best For | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting | Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
EngageBay Features
- ✓CRM
- ✓email marketing
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓live chat
- ✓helpdesk
- ✓landing pages
- ✓appointment scheduling
- ✓reporting
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 FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose EngageBay if 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
Best For
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan
Also Consider
If neither FreshBooks nor EngageBay 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 EngageBay?
FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. EngageBay is best for budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
Which is better, FreshBooks or EngageBay?
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose EngageBay if budget-conscious smbs wanting a hubspot alternative with a strong free plan.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does EngageBay cost?
EngageBay starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Who should use EngageBay?
Budget-conscious SMBs wanting a HubSpot alternative with a strong free plan