5 Best FreshBooks Alternatives for European Startups

FreshBooks is arguably one of the most user-friendly invoicing tools on the planet. For freelancers and early-stage startups, its "client-first" interface is a dream. But as your European business grows, you might hit a wall.

While FreshBooks is excellent at tracking hours and sending pretty invoices, it is fundamentally a North American product. It doesn't always "think" in European terms—whether that's handling complex VAT reverse-charge rules automatically, integrating with local payment methods like Multibanco or iDEAL, or connecting to your specific local bank without a third-party headache.

If you love the simplicity of FreshBooks but need something that actually understands your local tax authority, it’s time to look closer to home.

Check out our full directory of Invoicing & Accounting tools here.

Why "Good Enough" Isn't Enough for European Compliance

FreshBooks handles basic VAT, yes. But does it handle your specific country's digital reporting requirements?

The E-Invoicing Wave

Europe is currently undergoing a massive shift toward mandatory B2B e-invoicing.

• Spain: The "VeriFactu" and "Crea y Crece" laws are changing how invoices must be issued.
• Poland: KSeF is making real-time reporting mandatory.
• France & Italy: Already have strict e-reporting standards.

US-based tools often lag behind these updates, requiring you to manually export data or use "bridge" software. European tools are built with these mandates as their core feature, ensuring you remain compliant by default.

Top 5 European FreshBooks Alternatives

We’ve curated 5 tools that match FreshBooks for ease of use but beat it on local compliance.

1. Bokio (Sweden/UK)

Best for: Freelancers and small businesses wanting a "free-forever" feel.

Bokio is perhaps the closest European equivalent to the FreshBooks philosophy: make it incredibly simple. Based in Gothenburg, it uses AI to help you categorize receipts and transactions.

• Why it wins: It simplifies bookkeeping with "Smart Templates." You don't need to know debit/credit codes; just select "Bought a laptop" and it handles the backend. It also supports direct VAT filing in the UK and Sweden.
• Key Feature: It offers a robust free plan that is often sufficient for solopreneurs.

2. InvoiceXpress (Portugal)

Best for: Pure invoicing power and certification.

In countries like Portugal, invoicing software must be certified by the tax authority (AT). InvoiceXpress is the market leader here. It doesn't try to be a full accounting suite; it focuses 100% on creating compliant, professional invoices.

• Why it wins: It is strictly an invoicing tool, meaning it is lightweight and fast. It integrates perfectly with local payment methods like Multibanco references, which are essential for getting paid in Portugal.

3. Fakturoid (Czech Republic)

Best for: Solopreneurs who hate chasing payments.

Fakturoid is a cult favorite in Central Europe (Czechia/Slovakia). Their mascot is a robot, and that’s the philosophy: automate everything.

• Why it wins: The "Robot" feature. It automatically matches incoming bank payments to invoices and sends polite (and then firm) reminders to clients who haven't paid. It effectively acts as your accounts receivable department.

4. ContaSimple (Spain)

Best for: Self-employed users who want their taxes done for them.

ContaSimple is designed explicitly for the "Autónomo" (self-employed) market in Spain. It bridges the gap between invoicing and tax filing.

• Why it wins: It fills out the official tax forms (like Models 303, 130, and 111) for you based on your invoice data. FreshBooks can export data, but ContaSimple actually prepares the government document.

5. Holded (Spain)

Best for: Startups planning to scale rapidly.

If you are leaving FreshBooks because you’ve "outgrown" it, Holded is your next step. It offers the sleek, modern UI that FreshBooks users love, but with serious power under the hood (Inventory, CRM, Projects).

• Why it wins: It’s an "ERP for small business." You get the ease of use of a startup tool with the feature set of enterprise software.

Note: If you are looking for a heavier, more traditional accounting solution (like an alternative to QuickBooks rather than FreshBooks), check out our guide on QuickBooks Alternatives for European SMBs.

How to Choose

• If you just want to send invoices: Go with InvoiceXpress or Fakturoid. They are laser-focused and won't overwhelm you.
• If you want to do your own bookkeeping: Bokio is the most accessible entry point.
• If you need to manage stock and projects: Holded is the robust choice.

Conclusion

You don't have to sacrifice usability to get compliance. Tools like Bokio and Fakturoid prove that accounting software can be just as user-friendly as FreshBooks while keeping the European tax authorities happy.

Don't settle for a tool that treats your country's regulations as an afterthought.

Ready to find your perfect match? Browse our full category of Invoicing & Accounting Tools.