LockMargin vs FreshBooks
Same invoicing features. 100% offline. No subscription. Save $625 over 3 years.
FreshBooks is a solid cloud invoicing tool — but it costs $19/month ($228/year) and requires constant internet access. LockMargin offers the same core features as a one-time $59 purchase, works fully offline, and encrypts your data with AES-256-GCM.
This isn't about which tool is "better" in absolute terms. It's about which tool is better for you — depending on whether you value cloud convenience or data ownership.
The Real Cost Over 3 Years
| FreshBooks | LockMargin | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $228 | $59 (one-time) |
| Year 2 | $228 | $0 |
| Year 3 | $228 | $0 |
| Total | $684 | $59 |
| You save | $625 with LockMargin | |
FreshBooks prices based on Lite plan ($19/mo). LockMargin Standard license is a one-time payment with free minor updates forever.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | FreshBooks | LockMargin |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Time Tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Expense Tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recurring Invoices | ✅ | ✅ (reactive engine) |
| Client Management | ✅ | ✅ |
| PDF Export | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-Currency | ✅ | ✅ |
| Works Offline | ❌ | ✅ 100% |
| AES-256-GCM Encryption | ❌ | ✅ Client-side |
| One-Time Payment | ❌ | ✅ $59 forever |
| Data Location | FreshBooks servers | Your machine |
| Account Required | Yes | No |
| Mobile App | ✅ iOS/Android | ❌ (desktop only) |
| API Access | ✅ | ❌ (coming in v1.0) |
Who Should Choose FreshBooks?
- You need mobile invoicing from your phone
- Your team needs real-time cloud collaboration
- You rely on third-party integrations (Slack, Shopify, etc.)
- You're comfortable with subscription pricing
Who Should Choose LockMargin?
- You value data ownership — your invoices never leave your machine
- You work offline frequently (travel, unreliable internet, remote locations)
- You handle sensitive client data and want AES-256-GCM encryption
- You're tired of subscription fatigue — pay once, own forever
- You prefer a fast, native desktop app over a web app
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import my FreshBooks data into LockMargin?
LockMargin supports CSV import for clients and invoices. Export your data from FreshBooks (Settings → Export) and import into LockMargin. Full migration guide available in our docs.
Does LockMargin have the same features as FreshBooks?
LockMargin covers all core invoicing features: invoices, quotes, recurring billing, time tracking, expenses, client management, and PDF export. Where we differ: LockMargin adds client-side encryption and works 100% offline. FreshBooks has mobile apps and a public API (LockMargin API coming in v1.0).
What happens if I stop paying for FreshBooks?
Your FreshBooks account is suspended and you lose access to your data (unless you exported it). With LockMargin, your license is perpetual — you own it forever, and your data is always on your machine.
Is LockMargin secure?
LockMargin uses AES-256-GCM encryption with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 key derivation (100,000 iterations). Your encryption key is stored in the Windows Credential Manager, never in the database or files. Even if someone steals your laptop, they cannot read your data without your master password.
Ready to try LockMargin?
Download free. No account required. No credit card. See if it works for you — and if not, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid licenses.