Accounting Software

FreshBooks vs Exact Online

Both are accounting software. The short answer: choose FreshBooks if you are freelancers and service businesses billing clients for time; choose Exact Online if you are dutch and Belgian SMEs and accountants.

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FreshBooks logo FreshBooksExact Online logo Exact Online
Best forFreelancers and service businesses billing clients for timeDutch and Belgian SMEs and accountants
Free planNo (trial may exist)No (trial may exist)
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesBilling & Invoicing Software, Accounting Software, Freelancer & Agency ToolsAccounting Software, ERP Software
Strengths
  • Very easy invoicing
  • Time tracking built in
  • Good client experience
  • Strong in Benelux tax rules
  • Modules for wholesale and manufacturing
  • Accountant collaboration
Watch out for
  • Pricing tiers limit billable clients
  • Less suited to inventory businesses
  • Benelux focus
  • Modules add up in price
Visit FreshBooksVisit Exact Online

Which should you choose?

FreshBooks: Invoicing-first accounting software with time tracking, expenses and client portals.

Exact Online: Cloud business software for accounting, invoicing, inventory and payroll, widely used in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all accounting software compared.