Fastbooks vs QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a powerful platform, but not every business needs all that power. Here is how Fastbooks compares as a simpler, more affordable alternative.
Different Tools for Different Needs
QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting platforms in the world. It offers a comprehensive suite of features including invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, inventory management, bank feeds, and advanced reporting. It is designed to scale from small businesses to mid-sized companies.
Fastbooks takes a different approach. It focuses on the core features most small businesses and freelancers actually use — invoicing, quotes, expense tracking, and reports — and makes them as simple and fast as possible. No training needed, no unused features cluttering the interface.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fastbooks | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quotes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expense tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reports | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-currency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✗ |
| PDF generation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bulk actions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Product catalogue | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✗ | ✓ |
| Payroll | ✗ | ✓ |
| Inventory management | ✗ | ✓ |
| Bank feeds | ✗ | ✓ |
Pricing Comparison
Fastbooks
Free
Free tier available
- Invoicing, quotes, and expenses included
- No credit card required to start
- Paid plans for additional features
QuickBooks
From $30/mo
Simple Start plan
- 30-day free trial, then paid
- Prices increase after promotional period
- Advanced plans up to $200/mo
Pricing as of early 2026. Check each provider's website for current pricing.
Who Should Choose Fastbooks
Fastbooks is built for people who find traditional accounting software overwhelming or unnecessarily complex:
- Freelancers and sole traders who mainly need invoicing and expense tracking
- New businesses that want to get started quickly without a learning curve
- Anyone who has tried QuickBooks and felt it was too much for their needs
- Budget-conscious businesses that want a capable free tier
- Users who appreciate a clean, modern interface
Who Should Choose QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a strong choice for businesses that have outgrown simple tools:
- Growing businesses that need payroll, inventory, and advanced reporting
- Companies that rely on automatic bank feed reconciliation
- Teams with a bookkeeper or accountant who expects QuickBooks access
- Businesses with complex tax situations or multiple entities
- Companies already invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem
The Bottom Line
QuickBooks is a mature, feature-rich platform — and for many businesses, that breadth is exactly what they need. But if you are a freelancer, sole trader, or small business that just wants to send invoices, track expenses, and stay organised without paying $30 or more per month, Fastbooks offers a simpler path. You can always start with Fastbooks and move to a larger platform later if your needs grow.
Try the simpler alternative
Create your free Fastbooks account and see how simple accounting can be. No credit card, no commitment.