FreshBooks has been around since 2003 and is one of the most recognised invoicing platforms for freelancers. Clervo is newer, leaner, and built specifically for the mobile-first, on-the-go workflow that modern freelancers and tradespeople actually use. Both do invoicing well — but they're aimed at different types of users. Here's an honest comparison.
The Core Difference
FreshBooks is an invoicing and accounting platform. It handles invoicing, but also time tracking, expense management, project management, and financial reporting. It's built for freelancers who want everything in one place — including the features they'll use at tax time.
Clervo is an invoicing and quoting tool. It does one thing — billing — and does it fast. No accounting module, no payroll, no project management. Just professional invoices and quotes, sent from your phone in under a minute.
If you want a full accounting suite, FreshBooks has the edge on features. If you want the fastest, simplest path from job done to invoice sent, Clervo wins.
Invoicing and Quoting
Both apps create professional invoices and quotes. Clervo is faster to use on mobile — the interface is stripped back to just what you need, with no navigating past features you don't use. Quotes convert to invoices in one tap.
FreshBooks has a solid mobile app but is more complex to navigate. Its invoicing features are extensive — recurring invoices, retainer billing, multi-currency — which is useful if you need that depth, and noise if you don't.
Mobile Experience
Clervo is designed around mobile use from the ground up. Everything — creating quotes, sending invoices, checking payment status — is optimised for a phone screen. It's the app you use standing on a job site, not sitting at a desk.
FreshBooks has a capable mobile app, but the full feature set is better suited to desktop. Mobile invoicing works, but it's not where the product shines.
Accounting Features
FreshBooks includes expense tracking, profit and loss reports, bank reconciliation, and accountant access. If you want to replace your accounting software or give your accountant direct access to your books, FreshBooks handles it.
Clervo doesn't offer accounting features. If you need full accounting, you'll use a separate tool — or hand your Clervo invoice history to an accountant.
Pricing
FreshBooks starts at around $17–19/month for the Lite plan, which limits you to 5 billable clients. The Plus plan (unlimited clients) is around $30/month. Pricing increases further for team features.
Clervo is free to get started. Check clervo.com/pricing for current plan details.
Who Should Use Each
Choose Clervo if:
You're a tradesperson or freelancer who invoices from your phone
You want fast, simple invoicing without accounting complexity
You use a separate accountant or accounting tool for your books
You want quotes and invoices in one clean workflow
Choose FreshBooks if:
You want invoicing and basic accounting in one platform
You track time against projects and bill by the hour
You have recurring clients and need automated billing
You want to give your accountant direct access to your financials
For most sole traders and freelancers who just need to invoice clients and get paid — without the accounting overhead — Clervo is the faster, simpler choice.