FreshBooks vs Float (2024 Comparison)
FreshBooks offers a comprehensive suite of accounting features, making it a versatile tool for small businesses and freelancers. Its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support enhance the overall user experience.
- Comprehensive accounting features
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent customer support
- Limited cash flow forecasting
- Higher pricing for advanced features
Free plan?
YesStarting price
$9.50 per month
Float excels in cash flow forecasting, offering powerful tools for creating accurate forecasts and budgets. Its seamless integration with accounting software makes it a valuable tool for financial planning.
- Powerful cash flow forecasting
- Seamless integration with accounting software
- Intuitive interface
- Limited invoicing features
- Less comprehensive accounting tools
Free plan?
YesStarting price
$59 per monthWhat is FreshBooks?
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed to simplify the financial management process for small businesses and freelancers. It offers features like invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and reporting, making it easier for users to manage their finances efficiently. With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, FreshBooks helps users save time on accounting tasks, allowing them to focus more on growing their business. The software also integrates with various third-party applications, enhancing its versatility and adaptability to different business needs.
What is Float?
Float is a cash flow forecasting software that helps businesses manage their finances by providing real-time insights into their cash flow. It integrates seamlessly with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent, allowing users to create accurate cash flow forecasts and budgets. Float's intuitive interface and powerful features enable businesses to make informed financial decisions, avoid cash shortages, and plan for future growth. By offering a clear view of their financial health, Float empowers businesses to stay on top of their finances and achieve their financial goals.
Pros and Cons of FreshBooks vs Float
Pros & Cons of FreshBooks
- FreshBooks offers a wide range of accounting features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking, making it a versatile tool for managing finances. Its robust functionality ensures that users can handle all their accounting needs efficiently.
- FreshBooks is known for its intuitive design and straightforward features, making it accessible to users with varying levels of accounting knowledge. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the financial management process, allowing users to focus on growing their business.
- FreshBooks provides reliable customer support, with a dedicated team available to assist users with any issues or questions. Its responsive support team ensures that users receive timely assistance, enhancing the overall user experience.
- While FreshBooks offers basic cash flow forecasting features, it is not primarily focused on this aspect. Users looking for advanced cash flow forecasting tools may find FreshBooks lacking in this area.
- FreshBooks' advanced features come at a higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious users. While its comprehensive features justify the cost, users should evaluate their specific needs before committing.
Pros & Cons of Float
- Float excels in cash flow forecasting, offering powerful tools for creating accurate forecasts and budgets. Its seamless integration with accounting software makes it easy to incorporate into existing financial systems.
- Float integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent, allowing users to create accurate cash flow forecasts and budgets. Its integration capabilities enhance its versatility and adaptability to different business needs.
- Float offers an easy-to-use interface, with a focus on simplicity and clarity in cash flow forecasting. Its intuitive design makes it accessible to users with varying levels of financial knowledge, allowing them to make informed financial decisions.
- Float is not primarily focused on invoicing, offering only basic invoicing features that integrate with its cash flow forecasting tools. Users looking for comprehensive invoicing capabilities may find Float lacking in this area.
- While Float excels in cash flow forecasting, it offers fewer accounting features compared to comprehensive accounting solutions like FreshBooks. Users looking for a full-fledged accounting tool may need to consider additional software.
FreshBooks vs Float: At A Glance
Value to Price
FreshBooks offers a comprehensive suite of features at a competitive price, making it a great value for small businesses and freelancers. Its robust functionality and ease of use justify its pricing, providing users with a reliable accounting solution. On the other hand, Float offers excellent value for businesses focused on cash flow management, with its seamless integration with popular accounting software. If you need a full-fledged accounting solution, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float is ideal for cash flow forecasting.
Ease of Use
FreshBooks is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their finances. Its intuitive design and straightforward features make it accessible to users with varying levels of accounting knowledge. Float also offers an easy-to-use interface, with a focus on simplicity and clarity in cash flow forecasting. If you prioritize ease of use in accounting tasks, FreshBooks is the better option, while Float excels in simplifying cash flow management.
Functionality
FreshBooks provides a wide range of accounting features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking, making it a versatile tool for managing finances. Float, on the other hand, specializes in cash flow forecasting, offering powerful tools for creating accurate forecasts and budgets. If you need a comprehensive accounting solution, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float is ideal for businesses focused on cash flow management.
Scalability
FreshBooks is designed to grow with your business, offering scalable features that can accommodate the needs of small businesses and freelancers. Its flexibility and adaptability make it a reliable choice for businesses looking to expand. Float also offers scalability, with its ability to handle complex cash flow forecasting for growing businesses. If you need a scalable accounting solution, FreshBooks is the better option, while Float is ideal for businesses focused on cash flow management.
Integrations
FreshBooks integrates with a wide range of third-party applications, enhancing its versatility and adaptability to different business needs. Its extensive integration options make it a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their workflows. Float also offers seamless integration with popular accounting software, making it easy to incorporate into existing financial systems. If you need a tool with extensive integration options, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float excels in integrating with accounting software.
Customer Support
FreshBooks offers excellent customer support, with a dedicated team available to assist users with any issues or questions. Its responsive support team ensures that users receive timely assistance, enhancing the overall user experience. Float also provides reliable customer support, with a focus on helping users make the most of their cash flow forecasting tools. If you prioritize customer support, FreshBooks is the better option, while Float offers reliable support for cash flow management.
Security
FreshBooks prioritizes security, with robust measures in place to protect user data and ensure the safety of financial information. Its commitment to security makes it a trustworthy choice for businesses looking to safeguard their financial data. Float also emphasizes security, with measures in place to protect user data and ensure the integrity of cash flow forecasts. If you prioritize security in accounting tasks, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float offers reliable security for cash flow management.
Overall Rating
FreshBooks receives a high overall rating for its comprehensive features, ease of use, and excellent customer support. Its versatility and adaptability make it a valuable tool for small businesses and freelancers. Float also receives a strong overall rating, with its focus on cash flow forecasting and seamless integration with accounting software. If you need a full-fledged accounting solution, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float is ideal for businesses focused on cash flow management.
FreshBooks vs Float: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features
Invoicing
FreshBooks excels in invoicing, offering customizable templates and automated billing features that make it easy to create and send professional invoices. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the invoicing process, allowing users to manage their billing efficiently. Float, while not primarily focused on invoicing, offers basic invoicing features that integrate with its cash flow forecasting tools. If invoicing is a priority for your business, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float is suitable for businesses focused on cash flow management.
Expense Tracking
FreshBooks provides robust expense tracking features, allowing users to easily categorize and manage their expenses. Its intuitive interface and automated features make it easy to track expenses and generate reports. Float also offers expense tracking capabilities, with a focus on integrating expenses into cash flow forecasts. If you need comprehensive expense tracking, FreshBooks is the better option, while Float is ideal for businesses focused on cash flow management.
Time Tracking
FreshBooks offers a powerful time tracking feature, allowing users to track billable hours and manage projects efficiently. Its user-friendly interface and integration with invoicing make it easy to track time and generate invoices. Float, while not primarily focused on time tracking, offers basic time tracking features that integrate with its cash flow forecasting tools. If time tracking is a priority for your business, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float is suitable for businesses focused on cash flow management.
Cash Flow Forecasting
Float excels in cash flow forecasting, offering powerful tools for creating accurate forecasts and budgets. Its seamless integration with accounting software makes it easy to incorporate into existing financial systems. FreshBooks, while not primarily focused on cash flow forecasting, offers basic forecasting features that integrate with its accounting tools. If cash flow forecasting is a priority for your business, Float is the better choice, while FreshBooks is suitable for businesses focused on comprehensive accounting solutions.
Budgeting
Float offers robust budgeting features, allowing users to create and manage budgets with ease. Its intuitive interface and integration with cash flow forecasting make it a valuable tool for financial planning. FreshBooks also offers budgeting capabilities, with a focus on integrating budgets into its accounting tools. If budgeting is a priority for your business, Float is the better choice, while FreshBooks is suitable for businesses focused on comprehensive accounting solutions.
Reporting
FreshBooks provides comprehensive reporting features, allowing users to generate detailed financial reports with ease. Its user-friendly interface and customizable reports make it easy to analyze financial data. Float also offers reporting capabilities, with a focus on integrating reports into cash flow forecasts. If reporting is a priority for your business, FreshBooks is the better choice, while Float is suitable for businesses focused on cash flow management.
Pricing Comparison of FreshBooks and Float
To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve outlined the pricing plans and essential features of FreshBooks and Float. This comparison will highlight the best option for managing your finances.
FreshBooks Pricing Plans
- Track unlimited expenses to manage your finances effectively.
- Send unlimited estimates to set clear client expectations.
- Get paid with credit cards and bank transfers (ACH) seamlessly.
- Run reports for an easy tax time and financial overview.
- Set up recurring invoices and client retainers for consistent billing.
- Automatically capture receipt data for accurate record-keeping.
- Invite your accountant for seamless collaboration and support.
- Run financial and accounting reports for detailed insights.
- Track project profitability to optimize business performance.
- Customize email templates with dynamic fields for personalization.
- Automatically capture bills and receipt data for efficiency.
- Access advanced financial reports for strategic planning.
- Access to lower credit card transaction fees for cost savings.
- Remove FreshBooks branding from client emails for professionalism.
- 2 team member accounts included for collaborative work.
- A dedicated number for exclusive Select support for priority service.
Float Pricing Plans
- Track and predict cash across your project pipeline.
- Predict your company’s future cash reserves and ‘death date’.
- Track and explore your previous projects and cash activity.
- Add, combine and compare the business impact of each scenario.
- Track each active project with real financial transactions.
- Calculate your total project revenue based on finalized transactions.
- Float instantly reports how confident you can be in your decision making.
- Budget quickly with automatically suggested fixed costs.
- Get granular forecasts for your day-to-day cash position.
- Accurately calculate fully loaded costs of new employees.
- Compare a scenario to your business reality and establish any deviation.
- Export any scenario in CSV or PDF format.
Our Rating Methodology
We thoroughly evaluate each accounting software, focusing on key features like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user reviews and real-world insights, we ensure our recommendations fit your needs. Each of the seven evaluation factors is weighted by importance to provide an accurate final rating, helping you make informed decisions.
FreshBooks or Float: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?
Choose FreshBooks If You Need ...
- Comprehensive accounting solution
If you are a small business owner or freelancer looking for a comprehensive accounting solution, FreshBooks is the better choice. Its wide range of features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking, make it a versatile tool for managing finances.
- User-friendly interface
If you prioritize ease of use in accounting tasks, FreshBooks is the better option. Its intuitive design and straightforward features make it accessible to users with varying levels of accounting knowledge, simplifying the financial management process.
Choose Float If You Need ...
- Cash flow forecasting focus
If you are a business focused on cash flow management, Float is the better choice. Its powerful cash flow forecasting tools and seamless integration with accounting software make it a valuable tool for financial planning.
- Seamless integration with accounting software
If you need a tool that integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software, Float is the better option. Its integration capabilities enhance its versatility and adaptability to different business needs, streamlining financial processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for invoicing, FreshBooks or Float?
Which tool offers better cash flow forecasting, FreshBooks or Float?
Which tool is more user-friendly, FreshBooks or Float?
Which tool offers better customer support, FreshBooks or Float?
Which tool is more scalable, FreshBooks or Float?
Which tool offers better integration options, FreshBooks or Float?
Martin Lunendonk
Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.
