The honest answer
For most freelancers with a handful of clients, QuickBooks is more software than you need, and the entry-level pricing is higher than dedicated freelancer tools like FreshBooks or Wave.
When it does make sense
If you expect to hire contractors or employees soon, or you already know your accountant works exclusively in QuickBooks, starting there avoids a migration later.
What freelancers actually need
Simple invoicing, expense tracking tied to a bank feed, and a way to estimate quarterly taxes. QuickBooks Simple Start covers this but at a higher price point than FreshBooks or Wave for the same core functionality.
Better options for most freelancers
See our comparisons of the best accounting software for freelancers for lower-cost alternatives built specifically for solo operators.
