Picture this: You’re running your own business, juggling clients, projects, invoices, and that never-ending list of administrative tasks. You finally decide it’s time to get a tool to make things smoother. You’ve narrowed it down to 17hats and FreshBooks, but which one will actually help you stay on top of things?
17hats vs FreshBooks: The Ultimate Showdown for Small Business Owners
When I first needed an all-in-one tool for managing my plumbing business, I faced a similar dilemma. After diving deep into both options, here’s how they stack up.
1. Core Purpose: What’s Their Focus?
Both tools serve different purposes at their core, which will influence which is better for you.
17hats: The All-in-One Toolkit
17hats is designed specifically for solopreneurs and small business owners who need an all-in-one platform. It focuses on:
- Client Management
You can track leads, manage contacts, and automate follow-ups. - Project Management
Includes task lists, workflow automation, and even email templates to manage multiple clients. - Invoicing & Payments
It helps create invoices and accept payments seamlessly, but it’s more basic compared to FreshBooks’ capabilities.
FreshBooks: The Accounting Powerhouse
FreshBooks started as an invoicing platform but evolved into full-fledged cloud accounting software. It excels in:
- Invoicing & Payments
It’s built with invoicing at its core. You can send custom invoices, set up recurring payments, and even charge late fees. - Expense Tracking
Tracks expenses automatically, with options for categorizing them and generating detailed reports. - Time Tracking & Projects
Essential for service-based businesses, it offers easy time tracking linked directly to projects and invoices.
Verdict:
- If you’re after a fully-rounded business management platform that handles everything from client relationships to workflows, 17hats is your pick.
- If you need superior accounting and invoicing, especially if you’re working with an accountant, FreshBooks is the clear choice.
2. User Interface & Ease of Use
17hats
When I first tried 17hats, I was surprised at how intuitive it was. The dashboard gives you an overview of everything: clients, tasks, and invoices in one glance. However, with all its features, there’s a learning curve. You’ll find yourself needing to spend a bit of time familiarizing yourself with all the moving parts.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks, on the other hand, is much more straightforward—especially when it comes to accounting. Its sleek design, guided setup, and clean interface made it a joy to use right out of the gate. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, it’s quick to pick up.
Verdict:
- FreshBooks wins in terms of simplicity and ease of use, especially if invoicing and accounting are your main needs.
- 17hats is user-friendly, but because it does more, it requires more initial effort.
3. Automation & Workflow Features
17hats
This is where 17hats really shines. It’s loaded with automation features that save you tons of time. From automated workflows to pre-written email templates, it helps you automate repetitive tasks so you can focus on growing your business. Need to send a contract after a client agrees to a quote? It does that automatically. Follow-up emails? Handled.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks also offers automation, but it’s more limited. You can automate invoicing, set reminders for late payments, and auto-charge clients for recurring services. However, its automation features don’t extend beyond financial tasks.
Verdict:
- 17hats wins here hands-down for its all-in-one automation, which goes far beyond just payments and invoicing.
- FreshBooks handles financial automation well, but it’s not built to manage broader workflows like 17hats.
4. Pricing: What’s the Real Cost?
17hats
- Essentials Plan: $25/month (client management, invoicing, lead tracking)
- Standard Plan: $45/month (adds project management, workflows, online scheduling)
- Premier Plan: $75/month (everything + advanced features)
You can manage an unlimited number of clients regardless of the plan, which is great as your business grows.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks operates on a tiered pricing system based on the number of clients you manage:
- Lite: $17/month (up to 5 billable clients)
- Plus: $30/month (up to 50 clients)
- Premium: $55/month (unlimited clients)
- Select: Custom pricing for larger needs
If you go above the client limits, you’ll need to upgrade your plan, which can be pricey for growing businesses.
Verdict:
- FreshBooks starts cheaper but gets expensive as your client base grows.
- 17hats is pricier upfront but offers better value long-term if you’re managing a lot of clients.
5. Collaboration & Client Interaction
17hats
17hats allows you to create client portals, where clients can view invoices, contracts, and other important documents. This makes the whole client communication experience much more professional and seamless.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks doesn’t offer dedicated client portals, but it does let clients view and pay invoices online. You can also collaborate with team members or accountants, which is crucial if you’re managing a bigger operation.
Verdict:
- 17hats is better for client-facing collaboration, giving clients a more professional, all-in-one experience.
- FreshBooks is stronger for internal collaboration, particularly if you work with accountants or team members.
6. Reporting & Insights
17hats
17hats gives basic reports on finances, tasks, and client activity. It’s enough to give you a bird’s-eye view of your operations, but it’s not as detailed as you might want for in-depth financial analysis.
FreshBooks
This is where FreshBooks really excels. Its accounting reports are extensive, from profit-and-loss statements to sales tax summaries. If you’re serious about understanding your financial health, FreshBooks is the better tool.
Verdict:
- FreshBooks wins for advanced financial reporting.
- 17hats covers basic reporting across multiple aspects of your business but lacks depth in financial insights.
7. Customer Support
Both platforms offer solid customer support, but there are some differences:
- 17hats has live chat, email support, and a robust help center.
- FreshBooks offers phone support, along with chat and email, which can be more helpful if you prefer speaking with a representative directly.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose 17hats if you need a complete business management tool that handles not only invoicing but also client management, workflows, and automation. It’s a powerhouse for solo business owners or freelancers managing multiple clients and projects.
- Choose FreshBooks if you need easy-to-use accounting software that focuses on invoicing, expenses, and reports. If you plan to work closely with an accountant or prioritize your financials, FreshBooks will make your life easier.
In the end, it’s all about what your business needs most.