FreshBooks vs SurePayroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
SurePayroll is our recommended pick for most teams — small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Try SurePayroll →Read our full SurePayroll 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.
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is an online payroll service designed specifically for small businesses. It is owned by Paychex and offers full-service payroll processing, automatic tax filing, and employee self-service tools. SurePayroll is known for its simple setup and affordable pricing, making it a top choice for small business owners running payroll for the first time.
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
- ✓Very easy to set up and use — ideal for first-time payroll users
- ✓Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing included
- ✓Affordable flat-rate pricing for small teams
- ✓Strong mobile app for running payroll on the go
Cons
- ✗Limited features for larger or more complex businesses
- ✗Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- ✗Less customizable than enterprise payroll solutions
FreshBooks vs SurePayroll: Side by Side
| Factor | FreshBooks | SurePayroll |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.4/5 ★ |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting | Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
FreshBooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓payments
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓mobile app
- ✓client portal
SurePayroll Features
- ✓Full-service payroll processing
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service portal
- ✓new hire reporting
- ✓workers compensation integration
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Best Use Cases
SurePayroll
- →Small US businesses running payroll for a handful of employees
- →Self-employed individuals paying themselves and contractors
- →Companies wanting simple automated payroll at low cost
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
SurePayroll is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Companies with international employees
- ✗Businesses needing full HR management
- ✗Large companies with complex payroll requirements
Integrations
SurePayroll
QuickBooks, Xero, AccountEdge, Sage
Our Take
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Best For
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Best For
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll
Also Consider
If neither FreshBooks nor SurePayroll 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 SurePayroll?
FreshBooks is best for freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. SurePayroll is best for small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
Which is better, FreshBooks or SurePayroll?
Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose SurePayroll if small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll.
How much does FreshBooks cost?
FreshBooks starts at $19/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does SurePayroll cost?
SurePayroll starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use FreshBooks?
Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting
Who should use SurePayroll?
Small businesses with under 100 employees looking for simple, affordable full-service payroll