FreshBooks vs Quicken
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.
Quicken
Quicken is a personal finance and small business accounting tool with decades of history. It helps small business owners track income, expenses, invoices, and taxes with a desktop-first approach.
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
- ✓Long track record and trusted brand
- ✓Good for very small businesses and sole traders
- ✓Strong personal finance features
- ✓One-time or annual pricing
- ✓Desktop and mobile access
Cons
- ✗Feels dated compared to cloud-native tools
- ✗Desktop-first approach limits collaboration
- ✗Not suited for growing businesses
- ✗Limited integrations
FreshBooks vs Quicken: Side by Side
| Factor | FreshBooks | Quicken |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
Quicken Features
- ✓Personal finance
- ✓budgeting
- ✓investment tracking
- ✓bill management
- ✓tax planning
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Quicken if sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking.
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Best For
Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking
How FreshBooks and Quicken 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 Quicken 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 Quicken?
FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Quicken is best for sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking.
Which is better, FreshBooks or Quicken?
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose Quicken if sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Quicken cost?
Visit Quicken website for current pricing.
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Who should use Quicken?
Sole traders and very small business owners wanting a simple trusted tool for basic bookkeeping and personal finance tracking