Unless you’re a freelance accountant, you probably prefer focusing on your self-employed business and avoiding tasks like tracking expenses and invoices. But needs must — there are taxes to file, vendors to pay, and clients to invoice.
The best accounting software for self-employed professionals automates some of your accounting admin while giving you a real-time idea of your freelance work’s financial health. Plus, it speeds up your tax prep. However, finding the right accounting software requires heaps of research. (Don’t I know it!) You must identify the right feature mix and price point, and check how customizable and user-friendly a platform is.
That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you and listed the top 10 best self-employed accounting software options, complete with pricing plans, features lists, and pros and cons.
The Best Self-Employed Accounting Software Tested by Our Experts
The Best Accounting Software for Self-Employed and Freelancers 2024
Here are our top picks for self-employed and freelance-friendly accounting software.
- FreshBooks – Best for Beginners
- Zoho Books – Best Mobile Accounting App
- Xero – Best for Simplicity and Ease of Use
- QuickBooks – Best for Streamlined Invoicing
- Bonsai – Best for Freelancer Templates
- Sage – Best for Advanced Reporting
- TurboTax – Best for Tax Prep
- Melio – Best Free Accounting Software
- Wave – Best for Expense Tracking
- Moxie – Best for Client Management
- Show Full Guide
The Best Freelance Accounting Tools Reviewed
We write our unbiased reviews based on a combination of feature offerings, hands-on testing, affordability, verified user reviews, and customer service options. For more in-depth information on our testing, check out our methodology.
Here are my top 10 self-employed accounting platforms.
1. FreshBooks — Best for Beginners
Free Trial | 30-day free trial |
---|---|
Price From | $17.10/month (paid annually) |
Live Chat | ✅ Monday to Friday |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | 1099SmartFile, Dropbox, HubSpot CRM, Gusto |
Top 3 Features | Recurring invoices, Client payment options, Time tracking |
Why I Picked It
FreshBooks covers vital self-employed accounting features like invoicing, quotes, payments, and expenses in a super-intuitive platform. While its feature set is similar to QuickBooks, I found it much easier to set up my FreshBooks account while onboarding, so it’s my #1 pick for rookie users.
Key Features
I find FreshBooks comprehensive and straightforward to use. Unlike other competitors, the Freshbook interface includes subtle graffiti-like prompts offering a nudge or extra info (e.g., “See who owes you the most at a glance”). I find this more effective for beginner users than one-off onboarding pop-ups.
The features that set FreshBooks apart are:
- Recurring Invoices – In a couple of clicks, I can create and recur a new invoice — say, monthly on the 1st. I love that I can select pre-added service items using a search bar and drop-down, directly in the invoice. Plus, I can customize reminder emails and late payment fees for each invoice.
- Client Payment Options – My clients can pay with a credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and wire transfer. Plus, they can set up automatic billing (like a subscription) or pay in partial payments.
- Streamlined Expenses – Importing (or exporting) my expenses to a CSV file is a quick task. Also, FreshBooks correctly identifies vendors and bill amounts from photo or PDF receipts in just a minute or two.
- Mileage Tracking – When I turn on mileage tracking on my FreshBooks mobile app, my business miles track automatically from A to B, the mileage then converts into an expense item.
- Time Tracking – I can start a one-click timer or add my hours manually, then select time entries and generate an hour-based invoice.
In addition, I can easily personalize Freshbooks proposal and quote templates, add website checkout links, track client details and sent emails, view accounting reports including balance sheets and profit and loss (P&L), and share data with external collaborators.
FreshBooks Pricing Plans
FreshBooks offers three paid plans, billed monthly or annually, and a free 30-day trial.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Lite | $19.00 | $205.20 ($17.10/month – 10% off) |
Plus | $33.00 | $356.40 ($29.70/month – 10% off) |
Premium | $60.00 | $648.00 ($54.00/month – 10% off) |
Advanced payments, such as recurring and subscription options, cost an extra $20/month.
The Plus plan would suit many self-employed professionals with a client quota of 50 and advanced reporting options. However, to invoice unlimited clients with personalized emails, go for Premium (which is slightly cheaper than QuickBooks’ comparable Essentials plan).
Who’s It Best For?
First-time accounting software users that prioritize speed and ease over high-tech customizations.
Pros
- Free 30-day trial
- Helpful onboarding prompts
- Affordable plans
- Streamlined expenses and invoices
- Many client payment options
Cons
- Accepting payments means extra fees
- Customizable emails only on higher tier plan
2. Zoho Books — Best Mobile Accounting App
Free Trial | 14-day free trial |
---|---|
Price From | Free plan available |
Live Chat | ✅ Monday to Friday |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | Zoho CRM, Square, Google Workspace, Uber for Business |
Top 3 Features | Recurring invoices and expenses, Self-service client portal, Automation |
Why I Picked It
Zoho Books has a wide-ranging accounting suite and a great mobile experience. Compared with other platforms, it’s easy to integrate with other affordable Zoho business products including CRM, Contracts, and Sign.
Key Features
While Zoho Books’ functionality competes with platforms like QuickBooks and FreshBooks, its mobile accounting app is the easiest to use.
Here are its top features.
- Recurring Invoices and Expenses – I can create recurring invoices, expenses, or bills with one click and then fill out further details.
- Bank Reconciliation – After I connect my bank to Zoho, my invoice/expense list is reconciled with my transactions automatically.
- Automation – Zoho Books’ automations are quite powerful. For instance, I can auto-categorize transactions using factors such as dollar amounts.
- Self-Service Client Portal – I save time and admin by giving clients access to a self-service portal, where they see and manage shared quotes, invoices, and payments.
- Project Profitability – First, I create individual projects with tasks, deadlines, and one-click time tracking. Project reports then calculate profitability, projected vs. actual revenue, and more.
- Full Mobile Functionality – The Zoho Books app has full functionality with key tasks and information (e.g., overdue invoices, new expense) on the home screen. In my opinion, the app’s focused interface is way more intuitive than the web version.
I can also bill timesheets, auto-track mileage, accept and make online payments using multiple methods, customize invoices and payment receipts, track sales tax, store files, and forecast cash flows, to mention a few additional features.
Zoho Books Pricing Plans
Zoho Books offers six subscription plans, but the two highest tiers are aimed at inventory-handling businesses. To use its generous free-forever plan, your annual revenue must be under $50,000.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | $0 |
Standard | $20/month | $180 ($15/month – 25% off) |
Professional | $50/month | $1480 ($40/month – 20% off) |
Premium | $70/month | $720 ($60/month – 14% off) |
Emerging freelancers would find the free and Standard plans sufficient. The free one allows up to 1,000 yearly invoices, while Standard includes 5,000. You also have recurring invoices and don’t pay extra for online payments (compared to FreshBooks). However, for retainers, timesheet billing, vendor management, and cashflow forecasts you need Professional and above.
Who’s It Best For
Cost-strapped entrepreneurs with on-the-go accounting needs.
Pros
- Forever-free plan with accounting essentials
- Recurring invoices and billing
- Powerful accounting automations
- Easy integration with the Zoho app universe
- Great mobile app experience
Cons
- Web navigation can be overwhelming
- Time tracking reserved for higher-tier plans
3. Xero — Best for Simplicity and Ease of Use
Free Trial | 30-day free trial |
---|---|
Price From | $15/month |
Live Chat | ❌ |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | Wise, PayPal, Deputy, Insightly CRM |
Top 3 Features | Streamlined invoices, Multiple payment options, Fixed asset management |
Why I Picked It
Xero is speedy, functional, and beautifully designed with an affordable starter plan. Compared with slightly more overwhelming platforms like Sage, your next step is always intuitive on Xero.
Key Features
Xero offers a complete accounting suite including invoicing, payments, expenses, and reporting. It also includes fixed asset management, unlike many competitors.
Here are its top features.
- Streamlined Invoices and Expenses – I add my expenses manually or with the app’s capture feature, and choose which ones I claim to clients. Also, I can quickly fill in Xero’s invoice template and set client invoice reminders.
- Automatic Bank Reconciliation: After adding my bank details, I can reconcile transactions in bulk or one at a time.
- Multiple Client Payment Options: My invoices can be paid by debit or credit card, as well as digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. I can also skip invoicing and send clients a payment link instead.
- Task Tracking – Creating projects and tasks takes a few clicks. From here, I can track task time, estimate quotes, and check project profitability once labor costs and payments roll in.
- Contact Management – I can easily add customers and suppliers to Xero — which quickens invoice and bill management. I can also group contacts according to my priorities (for example, by vertical or geography).
- Fixed Asset Management – If I owned business property or equipment, Xero’s fixed asset accounting tool would help me manage depreciation and disposal. This really sets the platform apart.
I can also use Xero to create quotes and purchase orders, automatically track my mileage in the mobile app, add sales tax on invoices, and customize dozens of advanced reports, including cash summary and income and expenses by contact.
Xero Pricing Plans
Xero charges monthly subscription fees for its three plans.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Early | $15/month | Not available |
Growing | $42/month | |
Established | $78/month |
The Early plan is as good as gold (but way cheaper) if you’ve got a handful of clients and vendor bills — you get up to 20 invoices and up to five bills. But to track projects, claim expenses, and accept multi-currency payments, go for Established. Bulk transaction reconciliation is available on Growing only.
Who’s It Best For
Busy entrepreneurs wanting no-nonsense invoicing, payments, and reporting with intuitive navigation.
Pros
- User-friendly design
- Detailed accounts reporting
- Flexible client payments
- Fixed asset management
- Automated mileage tracking
Cons
- No live chat support
- Bulk reconciliation on top plan only
4. QuickBooks — Best for Streamlined Invoicing
Free Trial | 30-day free trial |
---|---|
Price From | $35/month |
Live Chat | ✅ |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | TurboTax, Mailchimp, A2X, 1099SmartFile, WooCommerce |
Top 3 Features | Streamlined invoices and expenses, In-depth reporting, Tax management |
Why I Picked It
QuickBooks is a well-rounded accounting platform with time tracking, invoice automation, and unlimited live expert help. It offers more features than similar user-friendly platforms like FreshBooks, and integrates easily with other Intuit products like TurboTax.
Key Features
While it may take a minute to explore it all, QuickBooks’ capabilities (both in-app and via integration) address self-employed accounting needs end-to-end.
Here are the highlights.
- Streamlined Invoices and Expenses – Uploading or scanning receipts is super quick and QuickBooks’ 1099 filing tool captures my expense data. (Tax prep sorted.) Equally, customizing my invoice is a breeze. I can add and remove fields, edit payment methods, add private notes, and schedule invoice and reminder emails.
- Bank Reconciliation – No manual transaction tracking required — I simply connect my bank account and QuickBooks tracks payments against invoices and expenses.
- Client Payment Options – Customers can pay me by credit card, e-checks, ACH bank transfers, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Venmo. One-click invoice payments are a bonus.
- In-depth Reporting – I can customize dozens of accounting reports from P&L by customer to unpaid bills by month or vendor. Crucially, the interface is super easy to use — I can customize reports simply by ticking and unticking boxes.
- Tax Management – The “Taxes” panel outlines my sales tax, income tax, and 1099 filings — which I don’t get with some other competitors. Luckily, I get unlimited QuickBooks expert support if I prepare my own taxes.
On top of that, QuickBooks lets me prep tax deductions, automatically track mileage, check cash flows, apply for business loans, connect online sales channels (like Shopify), and integrate with +700 third-party apps.
QuickBooks Pricing Plans
Here are QuickBooks’ four monthly-billed plans.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Simple Start | $35/month | Not available |
Essentials | $65/month | |
Plus | $99/month | |
Advanced | $235/month |
While Simple Start covers invoicing, receipt capture, and payment tracking, Essentials would better suit entrepreneurs needing advanced reporting (like accounts receivable) and time-based billing. QuickBooks’ plans are affordable considering its feature breadth — when compared to Sage’s $60 starter plan that mainly centers around reporting.
P.S. You’ll be asked to choose between a free 30-day trial (and regular pricing thereafter) and a discounted initial three months.
Who’s It Best For
Freelancers growing their businesses and requiring an end-to-end, widely-integrated accounting solution.
Pros
- Expert live tax prep support
- Generous integration library
- Streamlined invoices and expenses
- In-depth reporting
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Time tracking sold separately (QuickBooks Time)
- Pricey starter plan for low-budget freelancers
- Sales support could be better
5. Bonsai — Best for Freelancer Templates
Free Trial | 7-day free trial |
---|---|
Price From | $21/month |
Live Chat | ✅ Monday to Friday, ET working hours |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier |
Top 3 Features | Document templates, Billing automation, Project tracking |
Why I Picked It
Bonsai is a gold mine for freelancer templates, from contracts and proposals to timesheets and project briefs. This is unmatched by any accounting software competitors.
Key Features
Bonsai features invoicing, billing, time tracking, and more in a modern interface. Here are the differentiators:
- Document Templates – I get hundreds of customizable templates for critical docs like contracts, proposals, and invoices. Bonsai grabs a few business details then drafts the docs in seconds. The collection includes industry-specific templates spanning, for example, marketing, legal, and therapy.
- Billing Automation – Once I customize my client invoices, I can choose to automate billing to save time. For instance, invoices can recur automatically, or clients can add their payment details for subscription-like billing.
- “Seen” Receipts – I know if and when a client views an invoice — because Bonsai tells me. So, I know when to expect payment and when to follow up.
- Project Tracking – I can track my projects in Kanban or Gantt views, and check task status, payments, and performance analytics with one click. Plus, I can track my time and compare it against budgeted project hours.
- Relationship Database – I can track multiple contacts per client organization, and manage my pipeline of future clients by creating and tracking proposals.
- Client Portal – My customers get access to my branded portal, where they can view our contracts, invoices, and tracked time — savings us all the messy email threads.
In addition, Bonsai offers multiple payment options (credit card, bank transfer, and PayPal), meeting scheduling, file management, contact and survey forms, and basic financial reports (P&L, invoices, and expenses).
Bonsai Pricing Plans
Bonsai charges monthly or annual subscriptions for three plans.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Starter | $25/month | $252 ($21/month – 16% off) |
Professional | $39/month | $384 ($32/month – 18% off) |
Business | $79/month | $792 ($66/month – 16% off) |
Adding additional users (including clients) incurs an extra $10/user/month.
The Starter plan would suit most freelancers with full access to templates and unlimited invoices and clients (though you can’t brand your emails or client portal.) It’s a bit costly compared to FreshBooks’ $17/month plan, considering it lacks bank reconciliation and advanced accounting reports.
Who’s It Best For
Freelancers wanting low-cost client paperwork support but without heavy reporting needs.
Pros
- Hundreds of industry-specific templates
- Unlimited invoices and clients on all plans
- Free trial
- Recurring invoices
- Modern interface
Cons
- No automatic payment reconciliation
- Limited accounts reporting
- Quite pricey
6. Sage — Best for Advanced Reporting
Free Trial | 30-day free trial |
---|---|
Price From | $50.58/month (billed annually) |
Live Chat | ✅ |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | Microsoft 365, PayPal, Sage Payroll |
Top 3 Features | Robust reporting, Cash flow analysis, Custom expense rules |
Why I Picked It
Sage is a powerhouse accounting platform that helps freelancers keep accurate books and create custom quotes, invoices, and reports.
Key Features
Sage packs a lot of advanced accounting features, especially in data tracking and reporting. Its starter plan is comparable to higher-tier plans on platforms like QuickBooks or FreshBooks.
Here’s what makes Sage Sage.
- Invoice and Expenses Data Fields – While the amount of data linked to client, invoice, expense, and vendor records can feel overwhelming, it’s tremendously useful. For instance, vendor/customer IDs and real-time balance amounts help me keep books error-free.
- Unlimited Invoicing – I can create invoices manually, or from quotes or service items, and email and track it from Sage. I like that I can customize the invoice layout and preview the PDF before sending it.
- Custom Expense Rules – Sage auto-tracks my expenses using bank reconciliation. To prepare for tax season, I can create custom expense rules like: transactions from “Name of Vendor” are automatically expenses for “Project X”.
- Robust Reporting – I can easily customize dozens of report templates from general ledgers to P&Ls, purchase journals, and more. I can add or delete columns, sort and filter data, and export by email or PDF with one click.
- Cash Flow Analysis – This is a dynamic scenario-based tool that helps me calculate future cash flows. For instance, what if I lose client X but double revenues with client Y next year?
Sage also packs in purchase order and approval tracking, advanced budgeting tools, a tax form collection including 1099-NEC, and add-ons including payment processing, time tracking, and receipt auto-entry.
Sage Pricing Plans
Sage offers three premium-priced plans, with monthly or annual billing, and a 30-day free trial.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Pro Accounting | $60.08/month | $607 ($50.58/month – 15.8% off) |
Premium Accounting | $103.92/month | $1,043 ($86.92/month – 16.4% off) |
Quantum Accounting | $177.17/month | $1,780 ($148.33/month – 16.3% off) |
Sage’s Pro plan is around triple the cost of starter plans from FreshBooks or Zoho Books, for instance. But it’s worth it if you want pro-level accounts reporting and advanced cash flow analysis.
Who’s It Best For
Self-employed business people who have large customer and vendor databases or plan to significantly expand their business.
Pros
- Rich invoice and expense data sets
- Free 30-day trial
- Large report and tax form database
- What-if cash flow analysis
Cons
- Payment processing and expenses only as add-on
- Interface doesn’t feel modern
- Customer support could be better
7. TurboTax — Best for Tax Prep
Free Trial | Only pay when you file |
---|---|
Price From | $0 – $129 per year |
Live Chat | ✅ 7 days a week from January to April |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | QuickBooks |
Top 3 Features | Federal and state tax prep and filing, Streamlined document upload, AI tax assistant |
Why I Picked It
TurboTax is a guarantee-backed tax preparation and filing service with live tax expert support. Most competitors don’t offer expert tax advice and filing, though some, like QuickBooks, integrate with TurboTax.
Key Features
While Turbotax lacks invoicing, expense management, and client communication features, it has a full suite of tax-prepping tools.
The key features included with TurboTax are:
- Federal and State Tax Prep – TurboTax guides me through filling out my federal 1040 form. All relevant federal tax data automatically corresponds to state filing data.
- Expert Tax Filing – The platform matches me with a local tax expert based on my business details and experience prepping taxes. I then set up phone or video calls with them to plan the work.
- DIY Tax Filing – Alternatively, I file my own taxes with either computer or human guidance from TurboTax. For instance, I have to answer life and business questions so TurboTax can recommend tax breaks (such as property tax).
- Streamlined Documents – I only have to upload documents (like my 1099-NEC form) and TurboTax records my income and expenses.
- AI Tax Assistant – AI-powered Intuit Assist does accuracy checks on my tax forms and can explain my final tax outcome in plain English. I can also ask it tax-related questions.
- Audit Guidance – Plans include a free 1-to-1 audit guidance session. This is a big relief in the off-chance that I get an IRS audit letter.
Plus, TurboTax offers a 100% guarantee that all info and calculations are correct and that I get the lowest tax due (or highest refund).
TurboTax Pricing Plans
TurboTax charges a one-off annual fee for three tax prep/filing options. The exact amount varies according to tax filing complexity and you only pay when you file.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Turbotax
(Do your own taxes) |
Not available | $0 – $129 |
Live Assisted
(Experts help as you do your taxes) |
$89 – $219 | |
Live Full Service
(Turbotax does your taxes for you) |
Starting at $219 |
On top of this one-off fee, you pay $64 for each additional state filing. If you qualify for free federal returns, you may get complimentary state filing and DIY federal service.
The pricing is a steal. Say you’re in the middle of the Live Assisted bracket — that’s about $12.8/month. While you still need another accounting platform to receive and reconcile payments (like QuickBooks or Xero), that price tag is worth the lack of a tax headache.
Who’s It Best For
Busy freelancers needing stress-free, expert-vetted tax support.
Pros
- Flexible tax assistance options
- Convenient pricing for tax support
- AI tax checker
- User-friendly questionnaires
- Only pay when you file
Cons
- No invoicing, expenses, or accounts reporting
- State filing for an extra fee
8. Melio — Best Free Accounting Software
Free Trial | Free plan available (ACH bank transfers only) |
---|---|
Price From | Free to use |
Live Chat | ✅ Monday to Friday, 9 am – 8pm ET |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | QuickBooks, Xero, Amazon Business |
Top 3 Features | Flexible bill payment, Installment options, Invoice emails |
Why I Picked It
Melio is completely free when you pay and get paid by ACH bank transfer, which sets it apart from competitors’ free plans (like the Zoho Books one, which is restricted to businesses with <$50,000 in annual revenue).
Key Features
Melio’s features center on payments and billing — here are the highlights.
- Bill Payments – I take a photo with my phone or upload a doc — and Melio detects my bill amount, vendor, and bill due date. I can pay manually or schedule bill payments.
- Pay Over Time – Applying for installment-based bill payments doesn’t affect my credit score. Melio pays my vendor and I pay Melio (with interest, of course) from net 30 to 12 monthly installments.
- Payment Flexibility – I can pay multiple vendor bills at once, split bills into multiple payments, or recurring payments. Bonus points: Setting up new vendors and payments takes only a few seconds.
- Auto-sync with Accounting Platforms – I can integrate with either QuickBooks or Xero to view my P&L and other financial calculations in real-time.
- Invoice Emails – I either upload my client invoices manually or sync them from Xero or QuickBooks. Then, I customize, send, and track invoice emails on Melio.
- Branded Payment Link Page – I can design my client-facing payment page with my brand colors and logo, and even choose my preferred URL ending.
In addition, Melio automatically captures vendor bills via QuickBooks, Xero, or Gmail integration, lets me track basic customer and vendor details, and generates CSV payment reports.
Melio Pricing Plans
Melio is a free-to-use platform that charges for non-bank-transfer payments. Here are the fees.
Service | Fee |
---|---|
ACH bank transfer | Free |
Check by mail | $1.50 |
Card payment | 2.9% |
Instant transfer | 1% (Up to $50 total) |
Fast ACH bank transfer | 1% (up to $30 total) |
Fast check | $20 |
International payments | $20 (flat fee) + 2.9% (card payment only) |
If you only pay and get paid by ACH bank transfer, then free-forever Melio is for you. However, for card payments, the 2.9% fee (with no ceiling) can pinch. Still, it’s a competitive rate — FreshBooks, for example, keeps 2.9% + $0.30 per Visa/Mastercard transaction.
Who’s It Best For
Self-employed professionals needing bill payment flexibility.
Pros
- Completely free for ACH bank transfers
- Auto-sync with Xero and QuickBooks
- One-click client payment
- Vendor payment scheduling
- Modern interface
Cons
- No invoice customization
- No time tracking
- No reporting
9. Wave — Best for Expense Tracking
Free Trial | Free plan available |
---|---|
Price From | Free |
Live Chat | ✅ Monday to Friday, ET working hours |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | Zapier |
Top 3 Features | Mobile expenses, Quick payments, Advisory and coaching |
Why I Picked It
Wave is a reliable and user-friendly accounting platform with invoicing, expenses, and payments features. Its mobile receipt scanner is especially fast and effective, topping other competitors’ offer.
Key Features
I find Wave easy to navigate and complete tasks on, compared with some clunkier competitors with more features and customizations. Wave is a solid getting-started solution offering account basics like:
- Mobile Expenses – I can snap unlimited receipt photos on the Wave mobile app. With a couple of taps, my expense is added, reducing my tax season workload.
- Customizable Invoice Templates – I like that I can choose between different invoice styles (for instance, classic, modern, or contemporary) to match my brand. Sending an invoice takes a few clicks, and I can recur invoices and set automated reminders.
- Quick Payments – I can accept card, bank transfer, and Apple Pay payments for a % fee. My dashboard gives me a real-time view of past and pending payments.
- Bank Reconciliation – It takes a few minutes to connect my bank account. Then, my invoices and expenses reconcile with bank transactions.
- Advisory and Coaching – For a fee, I can book a two-hour deep-dive into accounting, or get monthly support from a bookkeeper. They can see all my Wave accounting data so we can have a focused chat.
Wave also gives you accounting reports including year-on-year cash flow comparisons, payment-due notifications, accountant user profiles, and a 24/7 chatbot. That said, you can only integrate with third-party platforms using Zapier (an integration intermediary app).
Wave Pricing Plans
Wave has two plans — one free, one paid — and charges payment processing fees.
Plan | Monthly | Annually | Payment processing fees |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | $0 | Starting at 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction |
Pro | $16/month | $170 ($14.16/month – 12% off) | Starting at 2.9% + $0* per credit card transaction for first 10 transactions/mo |
The free plan could suit you if you’re invoicing and accepting payments. But you need Pro to auto-import bank transactions, send invoice reminders, and capture mobile receipts. Wave Pro is cheaper than competitors’ starter plans, but has fewer rule-based automations and lacks time tracking and integrations.
Who’s It Best For
On-the-move freelancers with business receipts piling up.
Pros
- Effective mobile receipt snapping
- Modern, intuitive design
- Bank transaction imports
- Free-forever plan available
Cons
- Bulk upload for only 10 receipts at a time
- Mobile app limited apart from receipt scanning
- No direct integrations
10. Moxie — Best for Client Management
Free Trial | 14-day free trial |
---|---|
Price From | $25 |
Live Chat | ✅ 24/7 |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | Xero, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Plaid |
Top 3 Features | Personalized invoices, AI project planning, Pipeline tracking |
Why I Picked It
Moxie is an accounting platform for freelancers with competitive features linked to your finance reporting, like time tracking, project planning, and pipeline management.
Key Features
While Moxie is less suitable for advanced finance reporting than Sage, it offers an eye-watering suite of tools that any freelancer needs.
These are the top features:
- Flexible Invoices – After I add my client records, I can create standard, deposit, recurring, or payment plan-based invoice. This flexibility means I can use Moxie for different project types, like retainers and one-off gigs.
- AI Project Assistant – I can chat to Moxie’s conversational bot about my project and it will help me organize key elements like budget, fees, and deadlines. Then, I start adding tasks and see them in a status-categorized board layout.
- Client Pipeline Tracking – Moxie offers a pipeline tracker, with lead details, opportunity value and likelihood, notes, and attachments. While basic, I like that I can easily convert won opportunities to clients and projects, plus I can forecast expected income.
- Client Communication – I can add my clients to the Moxie client portal and communicate with them there. I can set up a virtual business phone, chat with (or call) clients in real-time, and give them access to invoices and project status updates.
- Built-in Calendar – By integrating Google Calendar, I can see and book upcoming meetings. Plus, Moxie sends me event reminders and clients can book meetings with me, too.
Additionally, Moxie lets me (manually) add expenses, create proposals and contracts, track and bill time, and create basic income and expense reports.
Moxie Pricing Plans
Moxie offers two affordably-priced plans and a 14-day free trial.
Plan | Monthly | Annually |
---|---|---|
Pro | $25/month | $240 ($20/month – 25% off) |
Teams | $40/month | $385 ($32/month – 25% off) |
If you’re working solo, Pro is your best option and it’s more feature-packed and affordable than some competitor starter plans (like QuickBooks or Bonsai). However, it’s also slightly less intuitive to navigate.
Who’s It Best For
Self-employed individuals working closely with clients on multi-stage projects, such as advisors, designers, and SEO managers.
Pros
- Flexible invoicing options
- Client and pipeline management
- Effective AI assistant
- Generous live chat support
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Limited accounts reporting
- No streamlined expenses
- Bank reconciliation only via integration
Best Freelancer and Self-Employed Accounting Software: Compared
Here’s a bird’s eye view of our top 10 accounting platforms for the self-employed.
Software | FreshBooks | Zoho Books | Xero | QuickBooks | Bonsai | Sage | TurboTax | Melio | Wave | Moxie |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For | Beginners | Mobile Accounting App | Simplicity and Ease of Use | Streamlined Invoicing | Freelancer Templates | Advanced Reporting | Tax Prep | Free Accounting Software | Expense Tracking | Client Management |
Starting Price | $17.10/month | Free | $15/month | $35/month | $21/month | $50.58/month | $0 – $129 per year | Free | Free | $25/month |
Live Chat | ✅ Monday to Friday | ✅ Monday to Friday | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ Monday to Friday, ET working hours | ✅ | ✅ 7 days a week from January to April | ✅ Monday to Friday, 9am – 8pm ET | ✅ Monday to Friday, ET working hours | ✅ 24/5 |
Mobile App | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS | ✅ Android, iOS |
Integrations | 1099SmartFile, Dropbox, HubSpot CRM, Gusto | Zoho CRM, Square, Google Workspace, Uber for Business | Wise, PayPal, Deputy, Insightly CRM | QuickBooks, Xero, Zapier | TurboTax, Mailchimp, A2X, 1099SmartFile, WooCommerce | Microsoft 365, PayPal, Sage Payroll | QuickBooks | QuickBooks, Xero, Amazon Business | Zapier | Xero, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Plaid |
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, we test the most popular accounting products on the market to find the best options for you. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:How We Review and Test Accounting Products
Benefits of Using Accounting Software as a Freelancer or Self-Employed
Are you currently using spreadsheets or pen and paper to track your accounts? Here’s why you might switch to accounting software for freelancers.
- Data Accuracy – Automated software reduces the risk of inaccurate income, expense, or deduction data, so you get the lowest tax due (or highest tax refund) possible.
- Time Savings – Bank reconciliations, streamlined invoices and expenses, and automated client comms mean less time tax prepping, and more time building your freelance empire.
- Tax Expertise – Instead of becoming a tax expert every filing season, get hands-on support from a licensed pro.
- Happier Clients – Offer your clients consistent, branded invoicing and multiple payment options — and you’ll retain them for longer.
- On-time Vendor Payments – Avoid late payment fees with scheduled or automated bill payments.
- Clear Financial Picture – Get real-time access to your cash flow, invoice status, tax bill estimate, and more.
- Mobile Access – Snap a receipt photo, send an invoice, pay bills — or whatever other task — even while on the go.
How Much Does Accounting Software Cost?
Many top-vetted accounting platforms cost between $15 – $200 a month. They offer tiered subscription plans ranging from low-volume invoicing and expense needs to time tracking, advanced reporting, and inventory management on higher tiers. These are usually the free (or low-cost), standard, and advanced options.
While subscriptions don’t have hidden fees, some platforms do spotlight a massively reduced monthly price that’s valid for a limited number of months — with full pricing to follow. Also, some add-on services, such as tax support or payment processing, may involve extra fees.
Self-Employed Accounting Software: Price Plans Compared
While vendors’ offer per pricing plan varies, I compiled a summary of what you get, on average, for each subscription level.
Key Features | Free | Standard | Advanced |
---|---|---|---|
Average Cost | $0 | $25.30/month | $46.80/month |
Number of Users | 1 | 1 with option to add more | 2+ |
Number of Invoices | Varies from <10 to unlimited | Varies from <50 to unlimited | Unlimited |
Invoice Reminder Automation | ❌ | ✅/❌ | ✅ |
Streamlined Expenses | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Customer Support | FAQs, sales chat | Email, ticket | Live chat, phone call (tax support or filing for extra cost) |
How to Get Started with Accounting Software
Accounting can be tricky, but setting up your accounting software generally isn't.
Here are 5 practical steps to get started.
Sign up and Complete Onboarding
Set up an account using your email and a password, or a third-party account. Many platforms offer a free trial, no credit card required. Where necessary, fill out an onboarding questionnaire. For instance, you might add your business name, number of employees, industry, and previous accounting methods (e.g., spreadsheets, a competitor product).Link a Bank Account or Credit Card
Next, connect your financial institution by adding bank or credit card details. This enables you to automatically reconcile invoices and bills with actual financial transactions.Find a feature titled “Bank Connections” (or similar), click “Connect My Bank” (or similar), and follow your provider’s instructions. For instance, you might select a financial institution and log in securely to your online (or mobile) bank account. Your bank data will then populate accounting reports such as your general ledger and cash flow. If your platform facilitates online payments, connect to a third-party payment service (such as PayPal) and/or add your credit card details.
Enter Client Details
Add your first client record, including their name, company name, email address, and phone number.Alternatively, upload client details in bulk — say, from your customer relationship management (CRM) software — using a CSV file. While you’re here, customize settings such as invoicing currency and when to send late invoice reminders.
Add an Expense
Your bank transactions should already fill up your expenses list. Edit this list to separate personal from business transactions by bulk-deleting irrelevant items. You can also import a CSV file containing expense items and amounts.Alternatively, add a receipt file (such as a PDF) or snap a photo with your platform’s mobile app. Bonus task: set up expense categories (such as travel, technology, and stationery) to give yourself (or your accountant) an easy way to categorize and report expenses.
Send an Invoice
Finally, get that business rolling by sending your first invoice.Personalize your provider’s invoice template with your:
- Logo and brand color
- Client’s company details
- Line items and prices
If given the option, make relevant invoices recurring (for instance, those on retainer) and choose whether recipients can pay your invoice online.
How to Choose the Best Self-Employed Accounting Software
Your self-employed accounting software should deliver value for money. Here’s what to account for.
Budget – Choose your maximum cost. Is it $15, $25, or $60? Use our average figures for self-employed accounting software to determine what plan level meets your budget.
Ease of Use – Typically, software with fewer features and customizations is easier to set up and navigate. Also, you should be able to navigate your account without much training, and find key features in a couple of clicks.
Compatibility – If you want accounting platform access on the go, ensure the vendor offers an app for your mobile device (and that it has the features you need.) Plus, check if your preferred plan includes the third-party integrations you need (say, payroll or cloud storage.)
Key Features – Pick your non-negotiable features, like invoicing, expenses, payments, client communication, and reporting. Check whether vendors include them all in a budget-meeting plan.
Customer Support – Consider your support needs across process automation, tax prep, and other key areas, and compare those against platforms’ customer service offer. Will you need 24/7 support, live chat, and phone calls, for example?