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Best Accounting Software For Freelancers in 2025

as analyzed by

As a freelancer, managing your finances efficiently is vital to your success. Juggling income, expenses, and tax obligations can be time-consuming and complex. Accounting software designed specifically for freelancers simplifies these tasks. The best accounting software offers features such as income and expense tracking, invoicing, reporting, and integration with other financial tools. These tools help you stay organized, make informed financial decisions, and minimize tax-time stress. This guide provides a detailed analysis of top accounting software solutions for freelancers, including comparisons, pros and cons, and specific recommendations to empower you and your business.

What's In This Guide

Our Selection Methodology

Our analysis and rankings are based on a comprehensive assessment utilizing a combination of data sources and AI-powered evaluation. We analyzed user reviews from various platforms, expert opinions from accounting professionals, and conducted detailed comparisons of software features. These features included ease of use, pricing, customer support, mobile app availability, and integration capabilities. Our AI algorithms processed this information to identify the top performers.

Selection Criteria

Ease of Use

The software should have an intuitive interface and simple navigation, allowing freelancers to manage their finances without extensive accounting knowledge.

Features

The software should offer essential features, including income and expense tracking, invoicing, reporting, and bank account integration, suitable for freelancer requirements.

Pricing

The pricing should be competitive and offer value for the features provided. Evaluate different plans and determine which best fit your budget and requirements.

Mobile Accessibility

A mobile app or mobile-friendly interface is crucial for freelancers to manage their finances on the go and ensures data accessibility.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support is crucial when issues arise. Evaluate the support options, such as email, phone, and chat, and the availability of helpful resources.

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Top 5 Accounting Software For Freelancers in 2025

Pros

  • Comprehensive features tailored for freelancers.
  • Good reporting and financial insights.
  • Easy to connect to bank accounts.
  • Mobile app accessibility is excellent.

Cons

  • Some advanced features require a more expensive plan.
  • Can be overwhelming for users new to accounting.

Key Specifications

Income and expense trackingYes
InvoicingYes
Bank integrationYes
Mobile appYes
PriceStarting at $15/month

QuickBooks Self-Employed offers a comprehensive suite of features specifically designed for freelancers and independent contractors. It excels in tracking income and expenses, offering detailed reports, and providing accurate financial insights. QuickBooks integrates seamlessly with various banks and financial institutions. It also offers specialized features for mileage tracking and estimated tax calculations, important for anyone self-employed. The mobile app makes managing finances on the go convenient. While QuickBooks might be more expensive than other options, its robust features and scalability make it a strong long-term investment. It's well suited for freelancers of all sizes.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface.
  • Easy invoicing and expense tracking.
  • Good customer support.

Cons

  • Limited reporting compared to QuickBooks.
  • Does not support as many integrations.

Key Specifications

Income and expense trackingYes
InvoicingYes
Time TrackingYes
Bank integrationYes
Mobile appYes
PriceStarting at $17/month

FreshBooks is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it an excellent choice for freelancers for a basic accounting tool. The interface is intuitive, focusing on ease of use for invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking. It simplifies the process of sending invoices and tracking payments. FreshBooks is focused on getting your invoices out the door and getting you paid.. The pricing is relatively competitive when comparing to its capabilities. The mobile app is well-designed and allows freelancers to manage their accounting from anywhere. It's a good fit for freelancers who prioritize easy invoicing.

Pros

  • Completely free basic accounting.
  • Unlimited invoicing.
  • Easy to set up.

Cons

  • Limited features in the free version.
  • Customer support is only available via email.

Key Specifications

Income and expense trackingYes
InvoicingYes
Bank integrationYes
Mobile appYes (invoicing only)
PriceFree (paid options for payroll/payments)

Wave is a completely free accounting software designed for small business owners and freelancers. This makes it a great option for those on a budget. Wave offers basic expense tracking, invoicing, and reporting features without any monthly fees. Although the feature set is not as extensive as other options, it provides enough functionality for small or new freelancers. There are no limitations on the number of invoices or transactions, and offers unlimited bank connections. While the free plan isn't enough for businesses with complex financial needs, it is a solid choice for those who need the basics and want a free solution. However, paid options exist for payroll and payment processing.

#4

Xero

Best for Growing Businesses

https://www.xero.com/

Pros

  • Great bank integration.
  • Excellent reporting capabilities.
  • Scalable for growing businesses.
  • Extensive third-party integrations.

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve compared to FreshBooks.
  • Can be more expensive than other options.

Key Specifications

Income and expense trackingYes
InvoicingYes
Bank integrationYes
Mobile appYes
PriceStarting at $27/month

Xero offers a robust accounting solution for small and growing businesses, also suitable for freelancers with more complex financial needs. It provides plenty of good features for financial reporting and detailed expense tracking, and a good user interface. Xero has integrations with a wide array of third-party applications, helping to streamline all areas of your business. Its features and its scalability make Xero a good option for freelancers who anticipate growth. Its comprehensive tools and advanced features may benefit experienced freelancers looking to develop their business accounting capabilities, but beginners may find the learning curve a bit steeper than other simpler options..

#5

Asana

Best for Project Management Integration

https://asana.com

Pros

  • Complete project management with time and billing features.
  • Effective work management across multiple clients.
  • Excellent invoicing capabilities to ease all financial tasks for freelancers.
  • Integration with time tracking helps financial reporting.

Cons

  • May not offer the same level of features like other, standalone options.
  • Limited free options for certain users.

Key Specifications

Time TrackingYes
InvoicingYes
Mobile AppYes
Task ManagementYes
Overall Software TypeProject Management
PriceStarts at $0 (Free limited features)

While primarily known as a project management and collaboration platform, Asana also provides invoicing and time-tracking capabilities, making it a versatile choice for freelancers who already use Asana for other aspects of project management. Asana allows the freelancer to integrate accounting tasks directly into project workflows. This can be advantageous if you want to manage everything using one platform. With invoice capabilities, it seamlessly integrates with time tracking for the overall efficiency. Its pricing caters to different business types. It lets you create invoices and link them with your projects, and lets you view your task-related finances and financial reports, which can enhance operational efficiency for freelancers who use it.

Conclusion

Choosing the right accounting software can significantly streamline your freelance finances. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. For comprehensive features and scalability, QuickBooks Self-Employed is an excellent option. FreshBooks offers a user-friendly interface for those prioritizing ease of use. Wave is ideal for freelancers looking for free, basic accounting tools. And Xero is a strong contender for growing businesses with its advanced capabilities. Carefully consider your requirements and compare these options to find the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accounting software necessary for freelancers?

Yes, many accounting software options are designed for freelancers. They often offer features like income and expense tracking, invoicing, mileage tracking, and tax preparation tools tailored to self-employment.

What should I look for when choosing accounting software for freelancers?

Consider factors like pricing, ease of use, features (invoicing, expense tracking, reporting), integration with other tools, and the level of customer support offered. Also, consider the software's ability to scale as your business grows.

How does the pricing typically work for freelance accounting software?

Most cloud-based accounting software solutions operate on a subscription model. Prices can vary based on the features and the number of users. Some offer free plans with limited features, while others have tiered pricing structures that increase with functionality.

Do most of these software solutions offer a mobile app?

Yes, many offer mobile apps that enable you to track expenses, send invoices, and manage your finances on the go. These apps often sync with the web-based platform for real-time data access.

Can accounting software do my taxes for me?

While accounting software can simplify your taxes by tracking income and expenses, it's not a substitute for a tax professional. However, the software helps streamline the information-gathering process for tax season. Some platforms also offer tax-filing integrations or partnerships.