--- title: "FreshBooks vs Xero - 2026 Comparison - Software Advice" description: "FreshBooks vs Xero - See how these products stack up against each other with real user reviews, product feature comparisons and screenshots. Find out which one is best for your organization." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/vs/xero/" page_type: "comparison" language: "en" --- 1 million+ businesses helped. Get advice Get Free Advice [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / [Expense Report Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/expense-management-comparison/) / FreshBooks vs Xero Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. [](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/) FreshBooks 4.5 [(4534)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/reviews/) [](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/) Xero 4.4 [(3341)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/) + Add product Add product # FreshBooks vs. Xero: 2026 Comparison Updated November 3, 2026 Written by [Alejandra Aranda](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/author/alejandra-aranda/) Content Analyst Edited by [Lindsay Page](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/author/lindsay-page/) Editor Product comparison Compare up to 3 products side-by-side + Add product [FreshBooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/) 4.5 [(4534)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/reviews/) Recent verified reviews come from small businesses (86%) in the accounting, IT services, and retail industries. **Starting Price:** $21.00 per month Pros: - Standby customer service - Robust security measures Cons: - Confusing navigation - Lack of comprehensive features Pros & Cons VS [Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/) 4.4 [(3341)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/) Recent verified reviews come from small businesses (77%) in accounting, marketing and advertising, and IT services. **Starting Price:** $25.00 per month Pros: - Appealing user interface - Great reporting and dashboards Cons: - Add-on charges for certain features - Poor customer support Pros & Cons Why You Can Trust Our Comparison 7,875 verified reviews evaluated 228 features analyzed 228 integrations considered ## FreshBooks vs Xero: At a glance | Rating dimension | FreshBooks | Xero | | --- | --- | --- | | Overall rating | 4.5
[Based on 4,534 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/reviews/) | 4.4
[Based on 3,341 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/) | | Ease of use | 4.5 | 4.4 | | Value for money | 4.3 | 4.2 | | Functionality | 4.3 | 4.3 | | Customer support | 4.4 | 4.0 | | Ease of deployment | 4.5 | 4.4 | ## Pricing Comparison FreshBooks starts at $21.00 per month, making it the cheaper entry point compared with Xero at $25.00. | Pricing attribute | FreshBooks | Xero | | --- | --- | --- | | Starting price | $21.00/month | $25.00/month | | Free version | Not available | Not available | | Free trial | Available | Available | | Value for Money | 4.3
[Based on 4,534 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/reviews/) | 4.2
[Based on 3,341 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/) | | Plans | 4 plans | 3 plans | ### See full Pricing plans FreshBooks has **4 different plans**. The pricing starts at $21.00 per month. Xero has **3 different plans**. The pricing starts at $25.00 per month. #### FreshBooks’s plans ##### Lite Freshbooks is currently providing a directbuy discount. Please contact Freshbooks for further details. $21.00 /month ##### Plus Freshbooks is currently providing a directbuy discount. Please contact Freshbooks for further details. $38.00 /month ##### Premium Freshbooks is currently providing a directbuy discount. Please contact Freshbooks for further details. $65.00 /month ##### Select The plan includes unlimited billable clients and special features. Pricing upon request #### Xero’s plans ##### Starter An easy financial foundation - track cash flow with the essentials. $25.00 /month ##### Standard Go beyond the basics - automate tasks and access performance dashboards. $55.00 /month ##### Premium Future proof your scaling business - with advanced tools and analytics. $90.00 /month Confused about pricing? We've got you covered. Get a personalized pricing breakdown tailored to your specific needs—no guesswork, no generic estimates. ## Reviewers Perspective #### Ease of Use FreshBooks Reviewers Rating 4.5/5 > “offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, and the ability to customize” Xero Reviewers Rating 4.4/5 > “It’s intuitive user interface, first rate customer service...” #### Editor's analysis Both Xero and FreshBooks received praise from their users. Reviewers mentioned the user-friendliness of their interfaces, the benefit of integrating the software with third-party apps, and mobile accessibility. In addition, Xero users appreciate different platform elements: - A customizable home screen - The software’s visually appealing design - Local payment methods integration - Continuous updates and training videos On the other hand,... FreshBooks reviewers highlight, regarding its ease of use: - Ease of navigation, creation of invoices, and management of receipts - Customizable templates - Automated reminders - Integration with PayPal and Stripe - Modern design On the negative side, there are also some concerns about both platforms' functionality and ease of use: Xero users complain about the menu structure, which can be confusing, as well as for limited customization options for invoices. There are also mentions of a sluggish performance of the interface, the lack of offline access, and the reliance on multiple apps for full functionality. FreshBooks users express dissatisfaction with the transition from the "Classic" to the newer version. They say that specific features are sometimes difficult to locate, and the interface can feel cluttered or overwhelming. Some users report that the interface is buggy, slow, and not responsive enough, with limitations on the number of users and clients. #### Value for Money FreshBooks Reviewers Rating 4.3/5 > “pricing is budget friendly for small and big organizations” Xero Reviewers Rating 4.2/5 > “The affordability along with a package of extended features make it a great tool” #### Editor's analysis Xero and FreshBooks have received mixed reviews from users regarding the affordability and features available in each pricing plan. In general, reviewers from both platforms value the flexibility of the pricing plans. Users from both platforms appreciate the availability of a 30-day free trial. However, there are some differences that set the tools apart in terms of value: Xero users appreciate different pricing elements: - Budget-friendl... y pricing, especially for SMBs - Budgeting and expense tracking are included in the basic tiers - Reasonable pricing compared to other accounting tools On the other hand, FreshBooks reviewers highlight, regarding its value for money: - Reasonable entry-level pricing - Holistic package of features offered, including time tracking, customizable invoices, expense management, and mobile app access On the negative side, there are some concerns about both platforms' pricing: - Xero users complain about the need for additional paid add-ons, the confusing pricing structure, and the lack of customization. - FreshBooks reviewers express concerns about the pricing structure, which increases with the number of clients and additional users. Some reviewers find the costs for higher-tier plans and additional features to be prohibitive, especially when compared to competitors. #### Customer Support FreshBooks Reviewers Rating 4.4/5 > “One major pro for me is tailored customer support from agents in my hometown” Xero Reviewers Rating 4.0/5 > “It provides customer assistance via phone, email, and live chat” #### Editor's analysis Regarding the customer support options Xero and FreshBooks offer, both tools have multiple channels. Xero support channels include articles, learning courses, and online support 24/7 via email. They don’t have a phone number, but they can make calls to customers if needed. On the other hand, FreshBooks has different support channels depending on your time of request, region, and plan type: a region-specific phone number, live chat for specif... ic regions, and an email ticket to an appropriate support specialist. Both reviewers of Xero and FreshBooks have mixed opinions about the platforms’ customer support. On the positive side, Xero and FreshBooks users think that the support team is responsive, helpful, and quick to respond. They also appreciate the personalized support (even local agents in the case of Xero). The users also mention that both customer services offer multiple channels, including chat. However, some concerns about customer support include: - Xero reviewers complain about the lack of phone support, long response times for email support, the lack of direct assistance, and the perceived indifference of the support team to feature requests and basic functionality issues. - FreshBooks users express concern about long response times and unhelpful or generic answers from the support team, some support tickets remain unresolved for extended periods, the limited availability of the live chat, and the perception of a decline in customer service over time. ## Expert Analysis of Features #### Invoice creation FreshBooks Feature Rating 4.6/5 Xero Feature Rating 4.7/5 **Invoice creation for FreshBooks:** Of the 90 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of invoice creation, 99% rated this feature as important or highly important. FreshBooks invoices **Invoice creation for FreshBooks:** - Ease and efficiency of creating invoices - User-friendliness - Customizable templates - Automation - Professional-looking invoices - Seamless workflow for tracking payments - Duplicate and edit invoices - PDF downloads However, some users experience issues with invoice creation on Xero, as they mention the need for better preview descriptions and additional line items. **Invoice creation for Xero:** Of the 101 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of invoice creation, 99% rated this feature as important or highly important. Xero invoices **Invoice creation for Xero:** - Ease of creating invoices - Intuitive interface - Customization options - Quick process of generating invoices - Set up recurring invoices - Integrations with payment processors Xero and FreshBooks offer tools to generate and customize invoices. #### Online invoicing FreshBooks Feature Rating 4.7/5 Xero Feature Rating 4.7/5 **Online invoicing for FreshBooks:** Of the 120 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of online invoicing, 95% rated this feature as important or highly important. FreshBooks online invoicing **Online invoicing for FreshBooks:** - Reduce paper-based methods - Cash flow and payment collection improvement - Automated payment reminders - Integration with online payment methods However, some users experience **issues with online invoicing** **on** **Xero,** as they find the initial setup challenging but manageable with basic knowledge. **Online invoicing for Xero:** Of the 96 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of online invoicing, 96% rated this feature as important or highly important. Xero invoices in the sales dashboard **Online invoicing for Xero:** - Quick send of invoices - Online payment via Stripe and GoCardless - Ease of tracking invoice status - Reminders sending - Invoice access from anywhere - Convert quotes to invoices Xero and FreshBooks allow users to manage invoices online. #### Billing and invoicing FreshBooks Feature Rating 4.6/5 Xero Feature Rating 4.6/5 **Billing and invoicing for FreshBooks:** Of the 118 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of billing and invoicing, 94% rated this feature as important or highly important. FreshBooks billing and invoicing **Billing and invoicing for FreshBooks:** - Intuitive and highly customizable - Professional invoices with branded elements - Late fees - Detailed insights - Invoice management with the mobile app **Billing and invoicing for Xero:** Of the 162 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of billing and invoicing, 92% rated this feature as important or highly important. Xero dashboard **Billing and invoicing for Xero:** - Recurring invoices - Payment tracking - Suppliers and customers' invoice management Both Xero and FreshBooks offer tools for streamlining the process of billing and invoicing. However, some users find the template creation process cumbersome, but overall find the system efficient and user-friendly. ## Integrations FreshBooks connects with 106 software tools, Xero with 122 tools. ### FreshBooks most popular Integrations - [Google Workspace4.7 from 87,167 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/google-workspace-profile/) - [PayPal Payments4.6 from 26,830 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/paypal-profile/) - [Slack4.7 from 24,244 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/remote-support/slack-profile/) - [Trello4.5 from 23,647 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/trello-profile/) - [Salesforce Sales Cloud4.4 from 19,024 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2764-Salesforce/) [See all 106 integrations](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/#integrations) ### Xero most popular Integrations - [Google Workspace4.7 from 87,167 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/google-workspace-profile/) - [PayPal Payments4.6 from 26,830 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/paypal-profile/) - [Microsoft 3654.6 from 14,183 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/microsoft-365-profile/) - [QuickBooks Time4.7 from 7,026 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/quickbooks-time-profile/) - [Zoho CRM4.3 from 7,010 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/zoho-crm-profile/) [See all 122 integrations](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/#integrations) ## Our verdict [FreshBooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/) Full-featured accounting Xero is a robust accounting software solution focused on features tailored to small businesses, particularly those in the accounting, IT services, and retail sectors. It offers a wide range of functionalities that cater to businesses' diverse needs, making it a preferred choice for small enterprises looking for a full-featured accounting tool. [Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/) Ideal for client-based businesses FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software ideal for small businesses, particularly those that are client-based. It excels in providing tools for billing, invoicing, and expense management, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require efficient client management and financial tracking. ## Other Popular Comparisons [PayPal Payments vs FreshBooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/vs/paypal/)[QuickBooks Online vs FreshBooks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/135928-freshbooks/vs/393202-QuickBooks-Online/) Stuck Between Options? Our experts can help you compare top options, so you can find the best fit for your needs. ## See what companies are saying about Software Advice ## Sources 1. Our independent and objective research is based on market demand signals along with analysis of our proprietary data, including product information, verified user reviews, and advisor conversations with buyers. We did not consider client status when selecting products in this list. 2. **Product descriptions:** In our descriptions of each featured product, we included the following details: **Most valued features:** Our research team analyzed verified accounting software reviews on Software Advice to identify each product’s highest-rated features (among features with at least 5 reviews). We then summarized user sentiment using real reviews for each feature. **Review excerpts:** Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, sentiment, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Software Advice or its affiliates. Excerpts are trimmed for brevity.