FreshBooks vs HubSpot CRM
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.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a powerful and easy-to-use customer relationship management platform trusted by over 150,000 companies worldwide. It offers a completely free core CRM with optional paid Marketing, Sales, and Service Hubs for growing teams. HubSpot is the go-to CRM for companies that want to align their marketing, sales, and customer service teams in one platform.
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
- ✓Generous free plan that is genuinely useful for small teams
- ✓All-in-one platform covering marketing, sales, and service
- ✓Excellent onboarding resources and HubSpot Academy
- ✓Strong integrations with 1000+ tools
Cons
- ✗Can get very expensive as you add paid Hubs and contacts
- ✗Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- ✗Reporting is limited on free and starter plans
FreshBooks vs HubSpot CRM: Side by Side
| Factor | FreshBooks | HubSpot CRM |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
HubSpot CRM Features
- ✓Contact management
- ✓email tracking
- ✓deal pipelines
- ✓live chat
- ✓meeting scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓marketing automation
- ✓landing pages
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Best For
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation
Also Consider
If neither FreshBooks nor HubSpot CRM 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 HubSpot CRM?
FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. HubSpot CRM is best for smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
Which is better, FreshBooks or HubSpot CRM?
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose HubSpot CRM if smbs wanting a free crm with room to grow into marketing automation.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does HubSpot CRM cost?
HubSpot CRM starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Who should use HubSpot CRM?
SMBs wanting a free CRM with room to grow into marketing automation