For small businesses and freelancers, choosing the right accounting software can mean the difference between seamless financial management and hours of unnecessary work. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the features, strengths, pricing, and ideal use cases of COUNT and FreshBooks to help you make an informed choice.
Key Features and Strengths
COUNT
COUNT simplifies accounting with its AI-powered platform tailored for business owners and entrepreneurs. Its focus on plain English prompts and automation makes it accessible even to those without accounting expertise. It’s designed to reduce manual effort and improve decision-making through actionable insights.
- Affordable for Startups: The free plan offers essential features, while FreshBooks starts at $19/month with limited functionality.
- AI-Driven Bookkeeping: Predictive analytics and categorization streamline expense management, reducing manual work.
- Unlimited Invoicing and Branding: Available at no extra cost, while FreshBooks charges for additional users and limits branding customization.
- Collaboration Tools: COUNT includes team collaboration in all plans, unlike FreshBooks, which charges per additional user.
- Desktop Conversion Wizard: Facilitates smooth transitions from legacy desktop systems to COUNT.
- Revenue-Sharing Model: Bookkeepers gain a 20% lifetime revenue share when onboarding clients.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is a user-friendly accounting platform designed for freelancers, small businesses, and self-employed professionals. Known for its intuitive design, it emphasizes invoicing and client collaboration while also offering tools for expense tracking and tax preparation.
- User-Friendly Invoicing: Offers customizable templates and multiple payment gateways.
- Project Tracking: Available from the Premium tier onward, enabling efficient time tracking and billing for teams.
- Payroll Integration: Provides payroll at $40/month, suitable for service-focused businesses.
- Scalable Plans: Features expand significantly with premium plans, catering to growing teams and projects.
- On-the-Go Tools: Access real-time data and accounting functionalities from any device.
- Time Tracking: Efficiently monitor billable hours and integrate them into invoices.
- Third-Party Integration: Works with platforms like Gusto for payroll and Bench for bookkeeping support.
Pricing
COUNT:
- Free for up to 5 users and businesses with revenue or expense limits of $15k.
- Paid plans start at $29/month, unlocking advanced features for growing businesses.
FreshBooks:
- Plans begin at $17/month, with additional costs for advanced features like team collaboration and project tracking.
Target Markets
COUNT targets startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking intuitive accounting solutions with AI-driven insights. Its straightforward design and automation appeal to those who want to manage finances efficiently without needing extensive accounting expertise. Additionally, COUNT’s revenue-sharing model makes it highly attractive for bookkeepers.
FreshBooks caters to freelancers, creative professionals, and small business owners focused on invoicing and client collaboration. It’s especially well-suited for service-based businesses needing project management and time-tracking features.
Strengths and Drawbacks
COUNT: COUNT’s biggest strengths lie in its AI-driven capabilities and focus on automation, making it a powerhouse for simplifying routine tasks. Its revenue-sharing model and advanced wizard for desktop conversions provide additional value. However, COUNT may lack some of the specialized tools and integrations available in FreshBooks, which can be a limitation for specific industries.
FreshBooks: FreshBooks shines in its simplicity, invoicing tools, and collaboration features, making it a favorite among freelancers and creative professionals. However, its lack of advanced AI-driven insights and the relatively higher cost of scaling up can be drawbacks for businesses looking for more robust automation.
Feature Comparison Table
Conclusion
COUNT and FreshBooks are both excellent accounting platforms, but they cater to different needs. COUNT is ideal for startups and small businesses prioritizing automation, AI insights, and streamlined workflows. FreshBooks, on the other hand, is better suited for freelancers and service-based businesses focusing on invoicing and client collaboration. The choice ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your business and your growth ambitions.
