FreshBooks vs Pilot
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.
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
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
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
FreshBooks vs Pilot: Side by Side
| Factor | FreshBooks | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
How FreshBooks and Pilot 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 FreshBooks nor Pilot 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 Pilot?
FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
Which is better, FreshBooks or Pilot?
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software