Freshbooks vs Sage Accounting

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Our analysts compared Freshbooks vs Sage Accounting based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Accounting Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Sage Accounting Software Tool

Product Basics

Freshbooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses. Its core features include invoicing, expense tracking, online payments, project management, and basic reporting. It's user-friendly and integrates with popular tools like Stripe and PayPal. Freshbooks shines for solopreneurs and small teams seeking a simple, affordable solution to manage basic accounting tasks. Its intuitive interface and mobile app make it accessible even for non-accountants. Users appreciate its automated features like recurring invoices and expense categorization, saving them time and effort. Compared to some competitors, Freshbooks may lack advanced accounting functionalities like inventory management or double-entry bookkeeping. However, its focus on simplicity and ease of use makes it a popular choice for those starting out or needing a lightweight accounting solution. Pricing starts at a reasonable monthly fee and scales based on the number of clients and features needed. This pay-as-you-go model ensures users pay only for what they use, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Mobile app access
  • Automated invoicing
  • Online payments
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Limited features
  • No double-entry
  • Price increases with clients
  • Basic reporting
  • Not for large businesses
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Sage Accounting is a robust software solution designed to streamline financial management tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and cash flow management. It is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses across various industries, including retail, services, and manufacturing, due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Users benefit from real-time financial insights, automated bank reconciliation, and seamless integration with other business tools. Unique features like customizable dashboards and multi-currency support enhance its appeal. Compared to similar products, users often praise its intuitive design and reliable customer support. Pricing details can vary based on the specific needs and scale of the business, so it is advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Sage Accounting stands out for its ability to simplify complex accounting tasks, making it an invaluable asset for businesses seeking efficiency and accuracy in their financial operations.
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$4.50 Monthly
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$62/User, Monthly
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Small
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Windows
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Android
Chromebook
Windows
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Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

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Videos
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Improve Efficiency: Automate every routine task such as sending invoice reminders and collecting payments from patrons so users can redirect their attention to cultivating their organization.  
  • Elaborate Reports: Produce in-depth reports that provide critical KPIs, giving users a live snapshot of their business' health and enabling them to make wiser decisions. 
  • Quicker Payments: Initiate simple online payment methods so patrons can quickly make payments and users are compensated faster. 
  • Establish Due Dates: Swiftly inaugurate due dates for invoices with the invoicing module, ensuring patrons are always aware of their payment deadlines. 
  • E-Sign Estimates and Proposals: Permit customers to e-sign estimates and proposals so users may rapidly return to their important tasks.  
  • Increase Accuracy: Prompt bank reconciliations allow users to instantly scan bank accounts and correspond account activity with financial records. 
  • Mobile Availability: Scan receipts, develop sophisticated invoices, respond to customer feedback and more with FreshBooks' mobile app available on iOS and Android devices. 
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  • Streamlined Financial Management: Sage Accounting simplifies complex financial tasks, allowing businesses to manage invoices, track expenses, and reconcile bank transactions efficiently.
  • Real-Time Financial Insights: Gain immediate access to up-to-date financial data, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning without waiting for end-of-month reports.
  • Improved Cash Flow Management: By automating invoicing and payment reminders, Sage Accounting helps businesses maintain a healthy cash flow and reduce the risk of late payments.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Multiple users can access the system simultaneously, facilitating teamwork and ensuring everyone is on the same page with financial data.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, Sage Accounting can easily scale to accommodate increased transactions and additional users, ensuring continuity and efficiency.
  • Compliance Assurance: Stay compliant with tax regulations and financial reporting standards through automated updates and built-in compliance checks.
  • Time Savings: Automating routine accounting tasks frees up valuable time for business owners and accountants to focus on strategic initiatives and growth opportunities.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduce the need for extensive manual bookkeeping and minimize errors, leading to cost savings in both time and resources.
  • Data Security: Protect sensitive financial information with robust security measures, including encryption and regular backups, ensuring peace of mind.
  • Customizable Reporting: Generate tailored financial reports that meet specific business needs, providing insights into performance and areas for improvement.
  • Seamless Integration: Connect Sage Accounting with other business tools and applications, such as CRM systems and payment processors, for a unified workflow.
  • Accessibility: Access your financial data from anywhere with cloud-based functionality, allowing for flexibility and remote work capabilities.
  • Reduced Human Error: Automated calculations and data entry minimize the risk of mistakes, ensuring accuracy in financial records.
  • Enhanced Customer Relationships: Professional invoicing and timely payment reminders improve customer interactions and satisfaction.
  • Environmental Impact: Digital record-keeping reduces the need for paper, contributing to environmentally sustainable business practices.
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  • Invoicing: Personalize invoices and thank-you emails with company logos via the invoicing apparatus. Users may request deposits on invoices at the start of a project so they'll have the right amount of funds to financially sponsor a project in its preliminary stages. 
  • Expense Management: Link bank accounts and credit cards to FreshBooks instead of manually inputting data with the expense module. It displays data in real time so users will instantly know where their money is going. 
  • Time Tracking: Manage project and task durations through the time tracking feature. It's equipped with a timer that accurately records a time log of tasks that easily appears on invoices. Users may also see how their employees spend their time from completed responsibilities to arising issues to address before they become major problems. 
  • Project Management: Store files and vital attachments in the centralized project management accessory, enabling teams to efficiently find what they need so they can get right back to high-caliber tasks. Users may also allocate project deadlines, share images and files through FreshBooks and even designate rates or hours to particular projects.  
  • Estimates: Produce adjustable proposals in addition to outlining a project's extent, timeline and necessary deliverables. Users may quickly transform estimates into invoices and permit their clientele to validate estimates online. This tool also allows users to send invoices in different currencies and add discounts. 
  • Accounting: Receive precise profit and loss calculations and effortlessly share valuable financial data and reporting information with accountants. This module streamlines bank reconciliations by importing and arranging financial transactions, validating or revising automated matching recommendations and drafting and exporting Excel-friendly summary reports.  
  • Reports: Color-code spending breakdowns and obtain profit and loss reports with the reporting attribute. Users may save, export and even print financial reports for their accountants. This tool also enables users to have a headache-free tax season because it stores valuable data such as money earned to taxes that have already been paid off.  
  • Payments: Initiate various payment options such as VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Apple Pay with the payment feature. This tool also instantly creates payments, collects reports, activates quick and painless bank deposits, requests deposits and provides payment schedules and partial payments for client flexibility. It also automatically sends receipts to patrons. 
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  • Cloud-Based Access: Access your financial data from anywhere with an internet connection, ensuring flexibility and convenience for remote work.
  • Automated Bank Feeds: Automatically import bank transactions to save time on manual data entry and reduce errors.
  • Invoicing Capabilities: Create, send, and track professional invoices with customizable templates to maintain brand consistency.
  • Expense Management: Easily record and categorize expenses, helping you keep track of where your money is going.
  • Multi-Currency Support: Handle transactions in multiple currencies, ideal for businesses dealing with international clients or suppliers.
  • Real-Time Reporting: Generate up-to-date financial reports to gain insights into your business's performance and make informed decisions.
  • VAT Compliance: Automatically calculate VAT and generate VAT returns, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
  • Integration with Third-Party Apps: Seamlessly connect with other business tools like payment processors and CRM systems to streamline operations.
  • Inventory Management: Track stock levels and manage inventory efficiently to prevent overstocking or stockouts.
  • Project Tracking: Monitor project costs and profitability, helping you stay on budget and assess project performance.
  • Role-Based Access Control: Assign different access levels to team members, ensuring data security and privacy.
  • Mobile App Availability: Manage your accounting tasks on the go with a mobile app that offers core functionalities.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Tailor your dashboard to display key metrics and insights that matter most to your business.
  • Recurring Invoices and Payments: Set up recurring billing for regular clients to automate invoicing and payment collection.
  • Customer and Supplier Management: Maintain detailed records of customers and suppliers, facilitating better relationship management.
  • Audit Trail: Keep a comprehensive log of all transactions and changes for transparency and accountability.
  • Data Import and Export: Easily import and export data to and from other systems, ensuring seamless data migration and backup.
  • Multi-User Collaboration: Allow multiple users to work simultaneously, enhancing team collaboration and productivity.
  • Custom Financial Reports: Create tailored financial reports to meet specific business needs and reporting requirements.
  • Payment Processing Integration: Integrate with payment gateways to facilitate smooth and secure payment processing.
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Product Ranking

#2

among all
Accounting Software

#43

among all
Accounting Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Banking And Cash Management Budget And Expense Management Financial Statements And Revenue Management General Ledger And Chart Of Accounts Integration And Extensibility Inventory Management Journal Entries Mobile Support Multi-company Accounting And Asset Management Platform Capabilities Project Accounting Reporting And Analytics Tax Management 94 94 73 86 98 75 88 81 97 97 49 89 100 92 100 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 4096 reviews
Great User Sentiment 890 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

Freshbooks has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 4096 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

85%
of users recommend this product

Sage Accounting has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 890 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

4.8 (28)
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4.6 (586)
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4.2 (382)
4.5 (3332)
4.2 (382)
4.0 (150)
4.4 (126)

Awards

Freshbooks stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

No awards.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Customer Support: Approximately 89% of users that mentioned it in their review said customer support is supportive, helpful and quick to respond to issues.
Appliances: Precisely 58% of users that discussed the system functionalities enjoyed this program's appliances because they can create clean reports, set up repeating invoices, and add and manage credit cards.
Simple and intuitive interface: Freshbooks' clean layout and straightforward navigation make it easy for even non-accountants to manage their finances.
Time-saving features: Automated invoicing, expense categorization, and online payments let users save time and effort on routine accounting tasks.
Mobile app for on-the-go management: Access invoices, track expenses, and manage clients from smartphones or tablets, ensuring flexibility and productivity.
Affordable plans for growing businesses: Choose a plan that scales with your needs and budget, with options starting at an accessible price point.
Seamless integrations with popular tools: Streamline workflows by connecting Freshbooks with tools like Stripe, PayPal, and Google Workspace, centralizing financial data.
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Unlimited Invoices: User reviews highlight that Sage Accounting allows for unlimited quotes and invoices, which is a key advantage over some competitors that impose limitations on these features.
Cash Flow Tracking: Users praise Sage Accounting for its effectiveness in managing cash flow, a critical aspect of running a business successfully.
Strong Customer Support: Reviews consistently mention Sage 50 Accounting's excellent customer support, indicating a positive user experience and reliable assistance when needed.
Comprehensive Features: Sage 50 Accounting is lauded for its wide array of features, including invoicing, bill payments, inventory management, cost control, and payroll functions, making it a suitable choice for businesses seeking a complete accounting solution.
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Limited features for complex accounting: Freshbooks may not handle advanced accounting needs like inventory management, double-entry bookkeeping, or fixed assets.
Not ideal for large businesses: As businesses grow, Freshbooks' scalability and feature set might become insufficient for complex financial operations.
Price increases with client base: The cost of Freshbooks can rise significantly as you add more clients, potentially exceeding initial budget expectations.
Basic reporting and analytics: Freshbooks' reporting capabilities may be insufficient for businesses requiring in-depth financial analysis and data insights.
Limited customer support for free plans: Free trial and Lite plan users might have limited access to customer support, potentially hindering troubleshooting and issue resolution.
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Limited Features: User reviews indicate Sage Accounting lacks features like bill pay, which may be a dealbreaker for some businesses.
Potential Performance Issues: Some user reviews mention slowness when handling large data volumes, suggesting potential performance bottlenecks for businesses with high transaction volumes.
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Freshbooks emerges from user reviews as a reliable and user-friendly accounting solution for solopreneurs and small businesses. Its intuitive interface, mobile app access, and automated features like invoicing and online payments are consistently praised for saving time and streamlining workflows. Compared to competitors like QuickBooks, users appreciate Freshbooks' ease of use for non-accountants, while acknowledging its limitations in advanced functionalities like double-entry bookkeeping or inventory management. This makes it ideal for those starting out or needing a lightweight accounting solution, but potentially less suitable for complex financial needs as businesses grow. Another key differentiator for Freshbooks is its affordability, with tiered plans starting at an attractive price point. However, user reviews also highlight a potential drawback: as client bases expand, so does the cost, which can become a concern for some users. Additionally, while basic reporting and analytics are included, users seeking in-depth data analysis may find Freshbooks' capabilities limited compared to more robust competitors. Overall, user reviews paint a picture of Freshbooks as a user-friendly and affordable accounting solution for solopreneurs and small businesses seeking to simplify their financial management. Its strengths lie in ease of use, automation, and mobile access, while its limitations emerge in advanced features and scalability for larger businesses. Ultimately, the decision to choose Freshbooks hinges on individual needs and priorities, with users emphasizing the importance of weighing its strengths against its limitations to ensure a perfect fit.

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How can Sage Accounting help your business grow with the times? Sage Accounting software has garnered a mixed bag of user reviews over the past year, with some users singing its praises while others hit a sour note. Users appreciate Sage Accounting's robust automation capabilities, particularly for tasks like bank reconciliation and financial reporting, which streamline financial operations and reduce manual effort. Its comprehensive add-ons, such as payroll and HR, are also seen as major pluses, transforming it into a comprehensive business management solution. However, the software's steep learning curve and less intuitive interface have left some users feeling like they're stuck in a maze. Users have also pointed out that Sage Accounting's pricing, while not publicly disclosed, is often higher than that of competitors, making it a potential budget buster for smaller businesses or startups. A key differentiator for Sage Accounting is its scalability, making it a good fit for businesses anticipating rapid growth or those with complex accounting needs, such as multi-entity consolidation. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with ambitious expansion plans, as they can avoid the headache of switching software as they grow. However, this strength also underscores a significant weakness: Sage Accounting's complexity can be overwhelming for smaller businesses or those with simpler accounting requirements. In essence, it's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – overkill for some. In conclusion, Sage Accounting is most suitable for medium to large businesses with experienced accounting personnel who can navigate its advanced features and leverage its automation capabilities. It's a powerful tool for businesses that need to manage complex financial operations and have the resources to invest in a premium solution. However, smaller businesses or those new to accounting software might find more user-friendly and affordable options on the market.

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