A FreshBooks alternativethat grows past invoicing.
FreshBooks is a well-liked invoicing tool for freelancers and small service businesses. But plans are priced by billable clients, every team member costs extra, and CRM and inventory aren't part of the picture.
Encarmo's invoicing and accounting core is free forever with unlimited clients and users, and CRM, inventory, HR and payroll are native modules for when you grow.
Sources: FreshBooks US pricing page and Encarmo pricing. List prices before promotional discounts, checked October 2026.
You're a solo freelancer or contractor who mainly needs to invoice clients and track billable time.
You're growing past solo invoicing and want CRM, inventory or payroll on the same free invoicing core, without per-client or per-seat fees.
Why look for a FreshBooks alternative?
FreshBooks does clean invoicing and time tracking well. Small businesses usually look elsewhere for three reasons.
What is Encarmo?
A modular business platform: accounting, invoicing, payroll, HR, CRM, inventory, scheduling and reporting in one connected system.
FreshBooks is built around invoicing a client list. Encarmo starts there too, with invoicing free forever and unlimited clients, then adds CRM, inventory, HR and payroll as you grow past one person billing clients.
Everything shares one ledger, one login and unlimited users.
Annual billing saves 17%, or two months free, on every plan.
Who should switch from FreshBooks?
Two kinds of business land on this page, and the right answer depends on which one you are.
You mainly send invoices, track time against projects and log expenses, without needing CRM, inventory or payroll. FreshBooks fits you well.
You're hiring, tracking leads before they become clients, or need payroll alongside invoicing, without a tool and bill for each. This is who Encarmo is built for.
If solo invoicing and time tracking are all you need, FreshBooks is a proven choice. If invoicing is one part of a growing business, Encarmo is built for you.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Encarmo | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Client invoicing | Native, free forever | Yes, a core strength |
| Time tracking | Native, billable hours to invoices | Yes, a core strength |
| Expense tracking | Native, with approvals | Yes, a core strength |
| Double-entry accounting | Native, free forever | Plus plan and up |
| Sales CRM and leads | Native, $14/mo | Not available |
| Inventory | Native, $12/mo | Not a core feature |
| Billable clients | Unlimited, every plan | 5 on Lite, 50 on Plus |
| Team users | Unlimited, included | $11/mo per extra user |
Where the differences actually show up.
What you would actually pay.
Depends on how many clients you bill and which modules you need. Monthly list prices.
FreshBooks and HubSpot figures are US monthly list prices, checked October 2026. Scenario 3: Premium $70 + 14 seats at $11; payroll $40 + $6 × 15.
The subscriptions are visible. The overhead isn't.
When a growing business runs a separate tool for each department, the subscriptions are only part of the bill.
Encarmo was built to remove that overhead. Whether it makes sense depends on how many clients you bill, your team size and how many tools you run.
Pros and cons, stated plainly.
Who should choose which?
Side-by-side summary.
| Encarmo | FreshBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary strength | Full business system | Invoicing and time tracking |
| Invoicing | Free, unlimited clients | Client caps on Lite and Plus |
| Time tracking | Native | Core strength |
| CRM | Native, $14/mo | Not included |
| Payroll | Native, $19/mo | Add-on, $40/mo + $6 per user |
| Pricing model | Flat, unlimited users and clients | Tiered, plus per-seat fees |
Questions people ask us.
Straight answers on pricing, migration and where each platform fits.
Visit the help centerIs Encarmo a good FreshBooks alternative?
Yes, if you're growing past solo invoicing and want CRM, inventory or payroll in the same system. Invoicing and accounting are free forever with unlimited clients.
Can I move my clients and invoices from FreshBooks?
Yes, and migration is free. We bring across clients, open invoices, expenses and transaction history.
Can I still track billable time?
Yes. Track hours against clients and projects, turn them into invoice lines, and the same hours can feed payroll.
Does Encarmo charge per client or per team member?
No. Every plan includes unlimited clients and unlimited users.
Where do the FreshBooks prices come from?
From FreshBooks' US pricing page, list prices before promotional discounts, checked October 2026.
Ready to replace FreshBooks with one connected system?
Start free with accounting and invoicing, and add the modules you need as you grow.