FreshBooks vs Patriot Software2026
FreshBooks
Accounting & Finance
Simple accounting and invoicing for freelancers and small business owners.
Patriot Software
Accounting & Finance
Affordable US payroll and accounting software designed for small businesses.
Our Verdict
FreshBooks is better suited to freelancers and solo operators, while Patriot Software is designed for small to mid-sized businesses. Patriot Software is the more affordable option.
Choose FreshBooks if…
teams at the freelancers and solo operators stage
Choose Patriot Software if…
teams at the small to mid-sized businesses stage
Side-by-Side Comparison
Green highlight = advantage on that metric.
| Feature | FreshBooks | Patriot Software |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting price | $19/mo | $17/mo |
| Free tier | ||
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Ratings & Reviews | ||
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Features & Capabilities | ||
| Best for | freelancers and solo operators | small to mid-sized businesses |
| Tracked features | 8 | 6 |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2003 | 2012 |
| Verified listing | ||
Pricing
FreshBooks
SubscriptionPatriot Software
SubscriptionFreshBooks
$19/moPatriot Software
$17/moFreshBooks
Patriot Software
FreshBooks
30 daysPatriot Software
30 daysRatings & Reviews
FreshBooks
No reviews yetPatriot Software
No reviews yetFeatures & Capabilities
FreshBooks
freelancers and solo operatorsPatriot Software
small to mid-sized businessesFreshBooks
8Patriot Software
6Company
FreshBooks
2003Patriot Software
2012FreshBooks
Patriot Software
Key Differences
FreshBooks
$19/mo
Patriot Software
✓$17/mo
FreshBooks
freelancers and solo operators
Patriot Software
small to mid-sized businesses
FreshBooks
8 tracked features✓
Patriot Software
6 tracked features
FreshBooks is best for…
Strengths
- Easiest accounting for non-accountants
- Professional invoicing with online payments
- Time tracking built in
- 30-day free trial
Patriot Software is best for…
Strengths
- Very affordable payroll and accounting
- Handles all payroll tax filings
- US-based customer support
- Simple easy-to-learn interface
Pricing Comparison
FreshBooks
From $19/mo
Lite plan from $19/month for up to 5 clients.
Patriot Software
From $17/mo
Basic Payroll from $17/month plus $4/employee. Accounting from $20/month.
Pricing information is verified periodically. Visit each vendor's pricing page for current rates and plan details.
Feature Comparison
Only in FreshBooks
- Time Tracking
- Payment Processing
- Financial Reporting
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- API Access
- Zapier Integration
Both tools
- Invoicing
- Expense Tracking
Only in Patriot Software
- Payroll Processing
- Automatic Tax Filing
- Direct Deposit
- Contractor Payments
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main difference between FreshBooks and Patriot Software?
- FreshBooks is better suited to freelancers and solo operators, while Patriot Software is designed for small to mid-sized businesses. Patriot Software is the more affordable option. Choose FreshBooks if you need it for teams at the freelancers and solo operators stage. Choose Patriot Software if you need it for teams at the small to mid-sized businesses stage.
- Is FreshBooks cheaper than Patriot Software?
- Patriot Software is cheaper at From $17/mo vs From $19/mo. Note that pricing tiers vary — check each vendor's current pricing page for up-to-date details.
- Is FreshBooks or Patriot Software better for small businesses?
- FreshBooks is better suited to freelancers and solo operators, while Patriot Software is designed for small to mid-sized businesses. If you're a small team, start with FreshBooks — you can always migrate as you scale.
- Can I switch from FreshBooks to Patriot Software?
- Yes — most teams can migrate from FreshBooks to Patriot Software with a data export/import process. Check whether both tools support CSV or API data export before starting. Patriot Software offers a free trial, so you can test it before cancelling FreshBooks.
- Does FreshBooks or Patriot Software offer a free trial?
- Both FreshBooks (30 days) and Patriot Software (30 days) offer free trials. Try both before committing.