12 Best Accounting Software for Freelancers in 2025

When you’re a freelancer, managing finances can be both time-consuming and confusing. From tracking income and expenses to sending invoices and preparing for taxes, keeping everything organized is crucial to your success. Luckily, the best accounting software for freelancers can streamline this process, making it easier to focus on what you do best.

Whether you’re a freelance writer, web designer, or consultant, there are accounting tools specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of freelancers. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 12 best accounting software options for freelancers in 2025, so you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.

Why Should Freelancers Use Accounting Software?

Freelancers face different challenges compared to regular employees. Managing multiple clients, handling payments, dealing with taxes, budgeting, and invoicing can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why accounting software is so helpful. It makes these tasks easier and helps you keep your finances organized, saving you time and reducing stress.

Also Read: Top 10 Accounting Software for Small Businesses in 2025

• Track Income & Expenses: Accounting software helps you track income and expenses, so you know exactly how much you’re earning and spending.
• Invoicing & Payment: Many tools offer customizable invoicing templates that help you get paid faster.
• Tax Management: Accounting software can automate tax calculations and prepare reports that make filing taxes less stressful.
• Time-Saving Automation: With features like automated invoicing and receipt tracking, you save hours on manual bookkeeping.

Now that you understand the importance of using accounting software, let’s dive into the top 12 options that can help freelancers take control of their financials.

1. QuickBooks Self-Employed

QuickBooks Self-Employed is widely regarded as one of the best accounting software for freelancers, thanks to its easy-to-use interface and robust features. It’s perfect for freelancers who need to track mileage, separate business and personal expenses, and file quarterly taxes.

Pros:

• Tracks mileage automatically.
• Integrates with TurboTax for easy tax filing.
• Generates detailed profit and loss reports.
• Customizable invoice templates.

Cons:

• Limited features on the basic plan.
• No double-entry accounting.

Pricing: Starting at $3.50/month.

Best For: Freelancers who want a comprehensive solution for tracking income, expenses, and taxes.

2. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is another excellent choice for freelancers, particularly those who want a tool that focuses on invoicing. It helps you create and send invoices, track expenses, and generate reports in a simple and intuitive way. It’s also highly customizable, making it ideal for freelancers across various industries.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface.
• Allows you to set up automatic payment reminders for clients.
• Time-tracking capabilities for billing by the hour.
• Supports multiple currencies.

Cons:

• Higher pricing for additional features.
• Limited accounting features compared to other software.

Pricing: Starting at $10.50/month.

Best For: Freelance professionals who need a user-friendly, invoicing-heavy solution.

3. Wave Accounting

Wave Accounting is a top choice if you’re looking for the best free accounting software for freelancers. It offers a wide range of features like invoicing, receipt scanning, and accounting tools, all at no cost. It’s a great option for freelancers who need a solid solution without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Completely free for most features.
• Unlimited invoicing and receipt scanning.
• Strong accounting capabilities.
• Integrates with bank accounts for automatic transactions.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to paid tools.
• Premium services, such as payroll, cost extra.

Pricing: Free, with paid features for payroll and payments.

Best For: Freelancers looking for the best free accounting software for freelancers.

If you’re in the food business, consider using a specialized restaurant accounting software free download designed for small restaurant owners.

4. Xero

Xero is a robust accounting software that caters to freelancers and small businesses alike. It offers features like invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting, making it a solid all-in-one solution. It’s especially popular among freelancers who work internationally, as it supports multiple currencies.

Pros:

• Excellent for multi-currency transactions.
• Mobile app for managing finances on-the-go.
• Integration with over 800 apps.

Cons:

• Can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.
• More expensive than other options.

Pricing: Starting at $2.90/month.

Best For: Freelancers who want powerful accounting software with multi-currency support.

5. Zoho Books

Zoho Books offers a comprehensive set of features that covers everything from invoicing to inventory management. It’s an excellent choice for freelancers who want an affordable yet powerful accounting solution. Zoho Books also includes features like automated workflows and client management, which make it easy to stay organized.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing.
• Automation features for invoicing and reminders.
• Integrates with other Zoho apps.
• Excellent customer support.

Cons:

• Limited payroll features.
• Somewhat steep learning curve for beginners.

Pricing: Starting at $10/month.

Best For: Freelancers who need a powerful accounting tool at a reasonable price.

6. FreeAgent

FreeAgent is designed specifically for freelancers and small business owners. It’s easy to use and provides an all-in-one solution for managing your finances. It includes invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and tax management, making it a great tool for freelancers who need to stay on top of everything.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for freelancers and small businesses.
• Supports tax reporting and VAT.
• Excellent customer service.
• Automated invoicing and recurring billing.

Cons:

• The user interface can be clunky at times.
• More expensive than other tools.

Pricing: Starting at $11/month.

Best For: Freelancers who need an all-in-one accounting tool with tax features.

7. AND.CO

AND.CO is an intuitive accounting software made for freelancers and small businesses. It offers features like contract creation, time tracking, invoicing, and payment processing. It’s perfect for freelancers who need an easy-to-use tool that covers all the basics.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface.
• Helps with contract management.
• Integration with popular payment platforms like PayPal and Stripe.

Cons:

• Limited customization options.
• Doesn’t offer advanced accounting features.

Pricing: Free for the basic plan, paid plans start at $18/month.

Best For: Freelancers who want a simple and effective tool for managing invoices and contracts.

8. Kashoo

Kashoo is a straightforward accounting software designed to simplify bookkeeping for freelancers. It includes basic features like income and expense tracking, invoicing, and tax reports. While it doesn’t offer as many advanced features as other tools, it’s ideal for freelancers who just need the basics.

Pros:

• Simple interface, perfect for beginners.
• Affordable pricing.
• Automatic bank reconciliation.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features for tax filing and reporting.
• Limited customer support.

Pricing: Starting at $216/year.

Best For: Freelancers who need a no-frills, simple accounting solution.

9. Bonsai

Bonsai is an all-in-one tool for freelancers, providing contract creation, invoicing, time tracking, and expense tracking. It’s perfect for freelance writers, designers, and other professionals who need a solution for more than just accounting.

Pros:

• Customizable contracts and proposals.
• Automatic payment reminders.
• Time tracking and project management features.

Cons:

• Limited accounting features compared to other tools.
• The learning curve for advanced features.

Pricing: Starting at $9/month.

Best For: Freelancers who want an all-in-one tool for managing contracts, proposals, and invoices.

If you run multiple freelance ventures, using accounting software for managing multiple businesses can simplify your operations.

10. SlickPie

SlickPie is a cloud-based accounting software that’s perfect for freelancers on a budget. It offers features like invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, and it has a simple interface that’s easy to navigate.

Pros:

• Free for basic features.
• Supports multi-currency transactions.
• Good reporting tools.

Cons:

• Limited features for advanced accounting needs.
• No mobile app.

Pricing: Free, with paid features starting at $39.95/month.

Best For: Freelancers looking for a free and easy-to-use accounting tool.

11. AccountingSuite

AccountingSuite offers a complete accounting solution with tools for invoicing, expenses, and time tracking. It also has project management features that make it a great choice for freelancers who juggle multiple clients and projects.

Pros:

• Multi-currency support.
• Project management tools.
• Mobile app for managing finances on-the-go.

Cons:

• More expensive than other tools.
• Complex setup for beginners.

Pricing: Starting at $19.99/month.

Best For: Freelancers who need a robust accounting tool with project management features.

12. AccountEdge Pro.

AccountEdge Pro is designed for freelancers and small business owners who need a more advanced accounting solution. It offers features like payroll management, time tracking, invoicing, and inventory tracking. It’s perfect for freelancers who need full control over their finances.

Pros:

• Advanced features like payroll and inventory tracking.
• Customizable invoicing.
• Excellent customer support.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve.
• More expensive than other tools.

Pricing: Starting at $20/month.

Best For: Freelancers with more advanced accounting needs

How to choose the best accounting software 

When it comes to choosing the best accounting software for freelancers, it’s completely understandable if you feel a bit overwhelmed, even after reviewing all the options available. With so many features to consider and a variety of tools to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the best choice for your business. If you’re still unsure, here are a few practical steps you can take to guide you in making a more informed decision:

Consult with Your Accountant

If you already have an accountant helping with your financials, they might have insights into which accounting software works best for your particular situation. Many accountants already use specific tools to manage clients’ finances, so it might save you time and effort to simply adopt the same software they’re already familiar with. This avoids the need for any redundant work or confusion.

Ask a Financially Savvy Friend

If you’re down to a couple of options and can’t seem to make a decision, reaching out to a friend who has a better grasp of accounting can provide a fresh perspective. Most of us know someone who works in finance, whether professionally or just has a passion for numbers. They can give you advice on which software might best suit your needs and help you weigh the pros and cons from a practical standpoint.

Reach Out to Fellow Freelancers

Another great way to find the best accounting software is by asking other freelancers who are already managing their own business finances. Fellow freelancers who have already experienced the ins and outs of different accounting tools can share their real-world experiences and provide feedback based on what’s working for them. You can also join online communities or forums, like the one we have (over 10,000 members strong), where freelancers actively discuss and recommend tools they use.

Make the Leap and Test It Out

At the end of the day, any of the top accounting software options on the list will likely serve your needs well. Don’t overthink it too much—choose a tool that seems to fit your current requirements and dive in. Most platforms offer free trials, so you can get a hands-on feel for the software before committing fully. The key is to get started and adjust as you grow.

Whichever software you choose, remember that having something in place is far better than having no system at all. Once you find the right tool, it will help you streamline your financial management, freeing up more time to focus on your work.

Conclusion: 

Choosing the best accounting software for freelancers depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. If you’re looking for a free solution, Wave Accounting offers the best free accounting software for freelancers with a solid set of features. For those willing to invest in a paid tool with more advanced features, QuickBooks Self-Employed or FreshBooks are excellent choices.

Ultimately, the best freelance accounting software for you will be the one that simplifies your workflow, helps you stay organized, and fits within your budget.

FAQ Section

1. What is the best free personal accounting software?

Wave Accounting is widely considered the best free personal accounting software. It provides tools for invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, making it a great choice for freelancers and personal use.

2. Is there a completely free accounting software?

Yes, Wave Accounting offers a completely free version with most of the features you’ll need, including invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning. However, premium services like payroll cost extra.

3. Are there any free accounting software options for freelancers?

Yes, Wave Accounting and SlickPie offer free versions of their software with essential features like invoicing and expense tracking, making them great choices for freelancers on a budget.

4. What’s the best accounting software for freelance writers?

For freelance writers, FreshBooks and Bonsai are great options. Both offer simple invoicing, time tracking, and project management features that cater to the needs of writers.

5. Can I use accounting software for small business and freelancers?

Yes, most of the accounting software listed in this article, like QuickBooks Self-Employed, FreshBooks, and Xero, are perfect for both freelancers and small business owners.