Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Self-Employed - Tracks mileage, expenses, and income with automated tax estimates for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
- 2#2: FreshBooks - Cloud-based invoicing, expense tracking, and time management designed specifically for freelancers and solopreneurs.
- 3#3: Wave - Free online accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning for small businesses.
- 4#4: Hurdlr - Automates mileage tracking, expense categorization, and quarterly tax calculations for gig workers and self-employed professionals.
- 5#5: Keeper Tax - AI-powered app that scans transactions to find and file maximum tax deductions for freelancers.
- 6#6: FreeAgent - All-in-one accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing for self-employed users.
- 7#7: Bonsai - Freelancer platform combining contracts, proposals, invoicing, and expense tracking in one tool.
- 8#8: Xero - Cloud accounting platform for tracking finances, invoicing, and reconciling bank transactions for small businesses.
- 9#9: Zoho Books - Affordable online accounting with invoicing, inventory, and expense management for self-employed users.
- 10#10: Invoice Ninja - Open-source invoicing app with time tracking, expense management, and client CRM for freelancers.
We selected and ranked these tools based on feature robustness, user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that address the unique needs of freelancers and small business owners.
Comparison Table
Navigating self-employment taxes and finances is simplified with this comparison table, which details top options like QuickBooks Self-Employed, FreshBooks, Wave, Hurdlr, Keeper Tax, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, strengths, and potential limitations to find software that aligns with their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Self-Employed Tracks mileage, expenses, and income with automated tax estimates for freelancers and self-employed individuals. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | FreshBooks Cloud-based invoicing, expense tracking, and time management designed specifically for freelancers and solopreneurs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Wave Free online accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning for small businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Hurdlr Automates mileage tracking, expense categorization, and quarterly tax calculations for gig workers and self-employed professionals. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Keeper Tax AI-powered app that scans transactions to find and file maximum tax deductions for freelancers. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | FreeAgent All-in-one accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing for self-employed users. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Bonsai Freelancer platform combining contracts, proposals, invoicing, and expense tracking in one tool. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Xero Cloud accounting platform for tracking finances, invoicing, and reconciling bank transactions for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Zoho Books Affordable online accounting with invoicing, inventory, and expense management for self-employed users. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 10 | Invoice Ninja Open-source invoicing app with time tracking, expense management, and client CRM for freelancers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Tracks mileage, expenses, and income with automated tax estimates for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Cloud-based invoicing, expense tracking, and time management designed specifically for freelancers and solopreneurs.
Free online accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning for small businesses.
Automates mileage tracking, expense categorization, and quarterly tax calculations for gig workers and self-employed professionals.
AI-powered app that scans transactions to find and file maximum tax deductions for freelancers.
All-in-one accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing for self-employed users.
Freelancer platform combining contracts, proposals, invoicing, and expense tracking in one tool.
Cloud accounting platform for tracking finances, invoicing, and reconciling bank transactions for small businesses.
Affordable online accounting with invoicing, inventory, and expense management for self-employed users.
Open-source invoicing app with time tracking, expense management, and client CRM for freelancers.
QuickBooks Self-Employed
specializedTracks mileage, expenses, and income with automated tax estimates for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Automatic GPS mileage tracking that logs drives in real-time and classifies them as business expenses for easy tax deductions
QuickBooks Self-Employed is a streamlined accounting solution designed specifically for freelancers, sole proprietors, and gig workers to track income, expenses, and mileage effortlessly. It automatically imports transactions from linked bank accounts and credit cards, categorizes them for tax purposes, and generates quarterly tax estimates to simplify filing. The mobile app enables on-the-go mileage tracking via GPS, invoicing, and profit/loss reporting, making it ideal for self-employed users without needing full accounting complexity.
Pros
- Seamless bank and credit card integration for automatic transaction import and categorization
- GPS-powered mileage tracking that qualifies expenses for tax deductions
- Quarterly tax estimates and deduction finder to maximize refunds and simplify filing
Cons
- Limited advanced features like inventory management or payroll compared to full QuickBooks
- Invoicing is basic and lacks customization options for complex billing
- Customer support primarily through self-help resources rather than live chat for all plans
Best For
Freelancers, rideshare drivers, and sole proprietors who need simple, mobile-friendly income/expense tracking and mileage logging for tax optimization.
Pricing
$15/month (billed annually at $170/year) or $20/month billed monthly; no free tier but 50% off first 3 months.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud-based invoicing, expense tracking, and time management designed specifically for freelancers and solopreneurs.
Proposal-to-invoice workflow with automated recurring billing and late payment reminders
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small service-based businesses handling self-employment accounting. It simplifies invoicing, time tracking, expense management, and client payments with an intuitive interface that minimizes bookkeeping hassle. The software also includes project tracking, automated reminders, and basic financial reporting to help users stay organized and get paid faster.
Pros
- Intuitive and visually appealing interface
- Professional, customizable invoices with fast payment integration
- Seamless time tracking for billable hours
Cons
- Higher pricing with client limits on entry-level plans
- Limited advanced reporting and inventory tracking
- No built-in payroll in base plans
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs in service-based industries who need effortless invoicing and time tracking without complex accounting.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); annual billing discounts apply.
Wave
specializedFree online accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning for small businesses.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no subscription required
Wave is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed individuals, providing free tools for invoicing, income and expense tracking, and basic financial reporting. It includes receipt scanning via mobile app, bank account reconciliation (in supported regions), and customizable invoices sent via email or shared links. While core features are free forever with no limits on customers or invoices, it monetizes through optional payment processing and payroll add-ons.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting, invoicing, and reporting with no usage limits
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile app for quick expense scanning and tracking
- Professional invoice templates and automated reminders for payments
Cons
- No built-in mileage tracking or time tracking for billable hours
- Limited advanced reporting and integrations compared to paid competitors
- Payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30) can add up for high-volume users
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking a no-cost, straightforward solution for invoicing clients and basic bookkeeping without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for unlimited accounting, invoicing, and reports; 2.9% + $0.30 per credit card transaction for payments; payroll starts at $20/month + $6 per employee (US/Canada only).
Hurdlr
specializedAutomates mileage tracking, expense categorization, and quarterly tax calculations for gig workers and self-employed professionals.
GPS-automatic mileage tracking that logs drives without manual input and maximizes deductible miles
Hurdlr is a mobile-first accounting solution designed specifically for freelancers, contractors, and self-employed professionals to simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation. It automatically tracks mileage via GPS, scans receipts for instant expense categorization, and syncs with bank accounts to monitor income and outflows in real-time. The app also provides tax estimates, deduction optimization, quarterly filing reminders, and direct Schedule C support for US taxes.
Pros
- Seamless automatic mileage tracking with GPS and IRS-compliant logs
- Real-time tax estimates and deduction finder
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go expense management
Cons
- Free plan has significant limitations like no bank sync
- Web version feels secondary and less feature-rich
- Limited advanced reporting and integrations with other tools
Best For
Mobile-first freelancers and gig economy workers who prioritize effortless mileage and expense tracking over complex desktop accounting.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Pro $7.50/month (billed annually at $90/year); Business $20/month (billed annually at $240/year).
Keeper Tax
specializedAI-powered app that scans transactions to find and file maximum tax deductions for freelancers.
AI-driven deduction engine that proactively flags write-offs from everyday transactions
Keeper Tax is a mobile-first app tailored for freelancers and self-employed workers that automatically scans bank transactions to identify potential tax deductions. It securely connects to financial accounts, categorizes expenses, and estimates tax savings in real-time. The platform also integrates with tax filing partners to streamline the preparation and submission process, focusing on maximizing write-offs rather than full-scale bookkeeping.
Pros
- AI-powered automatic deduction detection from bank transactions
- Intuitive mobile app with real-time insights
- Seamless integration with tax filing services
Cons
- Limited full accounting features like invoicing or payroll
- Primarily US-focused with no international support
- Paid upgrades required for advanced tax filing and CPA reviews
Best For
Gig workers and solo freelancers who want effortless deduction tracking without complex bookkeeping.
Pricing
Free for basic transaction scanning and deduction estimates; Pro plans start at $20/month or $190/year, with tax filing from $49+ based on complexity.
FreeAgent
specializedAll-in-one accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing for self-employed users.
Real-time TaxForecast tool that automatically calculates and updates self-assessment tax estimates based on your finances.
FreeAgent is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for UK freelancers, sole traders, and small businesses, offering automated invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and HMRC-compliant VAT and tax submissions. It integrates directly with major UK banks for real-time transaction feeds and provides tax forecasting tools to help self-employed users estimate liabilities throughout the year. The platform simplifies self-employment accounting with project tracking and customizable reporting, making it easier to stay compliant without an accountant.
Pros
- Seamless HMRC integration for VAT and tax returns
- Automatic bank feeds and smart categorization
- Comprehensive tax forecasting for self-employed users
Cons
- Primarily UK-focused, limited international support
- Subscription pricing can add up for basic needs
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
UK-based freelancers and sole traders who need automated, compliant accounting with strong bank integration.
Pricing
Starts at £19/month for sole traders (annual billing), up to £39/month for advanced plans; often free or discounted via partnered accountants.
Bonsai
specializedFreelancer platform combining contracts, proposals, invoicing, and expense tracking in one tool.
AI-powered proposal and contract generation that directly feeds into invoicing and accounting records
Bonsai is an all-in-one freelance management platform that includes accounting tools tailored for self-employed professionals, such as invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and basic financial reporting. It automates workflows from proposals and contracts to payments and profit/loss statements, helping solopreneurs manage finances without needing separate software. While it covers essential self-employment accounting needs like income/expense categorization and tax-ready reports, it lacks advanced features like double-entry bookkeeping or payroll.
Pros
- Seamless integration of invoicing, time tracking, and expense management
- User-friendly interface ideal for non-accountants
- Automated reports for profit/loss and taxes
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting like reconciliations or inventory
- No support for payroll or multi-entity businesses
- Higher cost if only using accounting features
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking an intuitive, workflow-integrated solution for basic accounting alongside client management.
Pricing
Starts at $17/month (Bootstrap plan) up to $55/month (Business plan); annual discounts available, with a 14-day free trial.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform for tracking finances, invoicing, and reconciling bank transactions for small businesses.
Hubdoc-powered bank feed automation that intelligently matches and extracts data from transactions and receipts
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses and self-employed professionals, providing essential tools like invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and financial reporting. It excels in automating bank feeds for quick transaction categorization and offers multi-currency support, making it suitable for freelancers with international clients. With unlimited users and extensive app integrations, it scales well as a solo operation grows into a small team.
Pros
- Automatic bank feeds with smart categorization for effortless reconciliation
- Intuitive mobile app and user-friendly interface
- Unlimited invoicing and robust integrations with 1,000+ apps
Cons
- Pricing can feel steep for basic self-employment needs
- Payroll and advanced inventory features require add-ons or higher plans
- Limited built-in time tracking for billable hours
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs seeking scalable, professional accounting with strong automation and collaboration tools.
Pricing
Early plan at $15/month (annual billing, 20 invoices/bills), Rising $42/month (50 invoices/bills, multi-currency), Established $78/month (unlimited, advanced automation).
Zoho Books
specializedAffordable online accounting with invoicing, inventory, and expense management for self-employed users.
Seamless integration with the full Zoho One suite for unified business management
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small businesses and self-employed professionals, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting. It includes tools for project accounting, inventory management, multi-currency support, and tax preparation to simplify compliance. The software integrates seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem and third-party apps, making it scalable for growing solopreneurs.
Pros
- Highly affordable with a functional free tier for low-revenue users
- Comprehensive feature set including automation and multi-currency
- Strong integrations with Zoho apps and payment gateways
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to simpler tools
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Self-employed freelancers and solopreneurs seeking scalable accounting that integrates with CRM and productivity tools.
Pricing
Free plan for organizations with <$50K annual revenue; paid plans start at $20/month (billed annually) for Standard, up to $275/month for Elite.
Invoice Ninja
specializedOpen-source invoicing app with time tracking, expense management, and client CRM for freelancers.
Fully open-source self-hosting with unlimited usage and no client or invoice limits
Invoice Ninja is an open-source invoicing and billing software tailored for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses, enabling users to create professional invoices, quotes, and proposals quickly. It supports expense tracking, time logging, payment processing via gateways like Stripe and PayPal, and generates basic financial reports for income and profitability. Self-employed users benefit from its recurring billing, client portals, and customization options, with choices for free self-hosting or affordable cloud plans.
Pros
- Free self-hosted version with unlimited invoices and clients
- Seamless integrations with payment processors and accounting tools
- Customizable templates and client portals for professional branding
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting like double-entry bookkeeping or payroll
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server maintenance
- Cloud plans limit clients on lower tiers without upgrades
Best For
Tech-savvy freelancers and solopreneurs focused on invoicing and basic expense tracking who want a cost-effective, customizable solution.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted; cloud-hosted starts free (2 clients), Pro at $11/month (50 clients), Enterprise at $19/month (unlimited).
Conclusion
After reviewing the top 10 self-employment accounting tools, QuickBooks Self-Employed emerges as the clear winner, excelling in mileage, expense, and tax tracking for freelancers. FreshBooks stands out as a strong alternative with its cloud-based invoicing and time management, while Wave remains a top free option for unlimited needs. Each tool offers unique strengths, but QuickBooks Self-Employed delivers the most comprehensive solution for self-employment finances.
Ready to streamline your self-employment accounting? Try QuickBooks Self-Employed today to simplify tracking and focus on growing your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
