FreshBooks vs PayPal: Pricing Comparison (2026)
FreshBooks starts at $23/mo. PayPal starts at Free. PayPal is $23/mo cheaper on the entry tier than FreshBooks.
See price history: FreshBooks · PayPal
SMB accounting positioned as the alternative to QuickBooks for service-based businesses and freelancers. Distinctive for its focus on invoicing UX and time-tracking-to-invoice workflow (unusual in accounting software). Priced $21-$65/mo. Owned by JMI Equity (private equity) since 2015 — expect steady annual price increases. Popular with consultants, agencies, and service businesses that need to invoice clients more than manage inventory.
The consumer + business payments network with 400M+ active accounts globally. Positioned as the trusted-name alternative to Stripe for merchants selling to buyers who want the PayPal 'Buy Now' checkout familiarity. Distinctive for its 20+ year buyer/seller protection reputation and cross-border reach (200+ markets, 100+ currencies). Priced as pure transaction fees (no monthly subscription for Standard/Checkout); PayPal Advanced at $30/mo unlocks virtual terminal + customization. Owns Braintree (developer-focused payments) and Venmo (consumer P2P) — sold as separate products. Publicly traded (NASDAQ: PYPL). Global market share behind Stripe on developer-first SaaS but ahead in mainstream e-commerce brand recognition.
All plans compared
| # | Plan | FreshBooks monthly | FreshBooks annual | PayPal monthly | PayPal annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lite / PayPal Standard | 23 | 20.70 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Plus / PayPal Checkout | 43 | 38.70 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Premium / PayPal Advanced (Pro) | 70 | 63 | 30 | 30 |
| 4 | Select | custom | custom | — | — |
What each is best for
SMB accounting positioned as the alternative to QuickBooks for service-based businesses and freelancers. Distinctive for its focus on invoicing UX and time-tracking-to-invoice workflow (unusual in accounting software). Priced $21-$65/mo. Owned by JMI Equity (private equity) since 2015 — expect steady annual price increases. Popular with consultants, agencies, and service businesses that need to invoice clients more than manage inventory.
The consumer + business payments network with 400M+ active accounts globally. Positioned as the trusted-name alternative to Stripe for merchants selling to buyers who want the PayPal 'Buy Now' checkout familiarity. Distinctive for its 20+ year buyer/seller protection reputation and cross-border reach (200+ markets, 100+ currencies). Priced as pure transaction fees (no monthly subscription for Standard/Checkout); PayPal Advanced at $30/mo unlocks virtual terminal + customization. Owns Braintree (developer-focused payments) and Venmo (consumer P2P) — sold as separate products. Publicly traded (NASDAQ: PYPL). Global market share behind Stripe on developer-first SaaS but ahead in mainstream e-commerce brand recognition.
At a glance
| FreshBooks | PayPal | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Entry price | $23/mo | Free |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Per Seat | — |
| Last verified | August 24, 2026 | August 21, 2026 |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified August 24, 2026. Tracked daily.
Frequently asked questions
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Common questions about FreshBooks and PayPal
- How much does FreshBooks cost in 2026?
- Does FreshBooks have a free plan?
- How often does FreshBooks change prices?
- What are the best FreshBooks alternatives in 2026?
- How much does PayPal cost in 2026?
- Does PayPal have a free plan?
- How often does PayPal change prices?
- What are the best PayPal alternatives in 2026?