SoftwareDuel

FreshBooks vs OnPay

A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is an accounting and invoicing platform designed specifically for freelancers, self-employed professionals, and small service-based businesses. It is known for its exceptional ease of use and beautiful invoicing tools. FreshBooks focuses on making accounting simple for non-accountants who just need to track income, expenses, and get paid quickly.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

OnPay

OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.

Paid pricing · Get Pricing →

Pros

  • Easiest accounting software to learn and use — ideal for non-accountants
  • Beautiful, professional invoice templates
  • Built-in time tracking and project management
  • Excellent mobile app for tracking expenses on the go

Cons

  • Not suitable for product-based businesses needing inventory management
  • Limited features for complex accounting needs
  • More expensive than competitors for what you get on lower tiers
  • Payroll requires third-party integration

Pros

  • Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
  • Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
  • Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
  • US-based customer support included on all plans

Cons

  • US-only — no international payroll support
  • Mobile app is less polished than competitors
  • Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms

Our Take

Choose FreshBooks if freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.

Best For

Freelancers and small service businesses wanting simple, beautiful invoicing and accounting

Best For

Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees