Ready to Make the Switch?
Start your 14-day free trial. No credit card required to explore. Cancel anytime.
📱 Take it on the go with our iOS app
See why contractors and small businesses are switching to PayStream Pro for simpler invoicing, transparent pricing, and a modern experience.
Everything you need — without the bloat or the price tag.
| Feature | PayStream Pro | QuickBooks Simple Start | QuickBooks Essentials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $24.99/mo | $35/mo | $65/mo |
| Free Trial | ✓ 14 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Unlimited Invoices | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expense Tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bank Connections (Plaid) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online Payments (Stripe) | ✓ Built-in | Extra fee via QB Payments | Extra fee via QB Payments |
| Financial Reports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| iOS Companion App | ✓ Included | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI Cash Flow Forecasting | ✓ Premium plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Smart Payment Reminders | ✓ Premium plan | ✓ Basic reminders | ✓ Basic reminders |
| Setup Time | ~2 minutes | 15–30 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Contract Complexity | No contracts | No contracts | No contracts |
| Payroll | ✓ Included in Basic & Premium | $50+/mo add-on | $50+/mo add-on |
| Hidden Fees | ✓ None — flat monthly price | Stacked add-ons & processing fees | Stacked add-ons & processing fees |
| Built for Contractors | ✓ Purpose-built | General purpose | General purpose |
| 256-bit Encryption | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Compared to QuickBooks Essentials — with features built for how you actually work.
Built lean, priced fair, designed for real work.
No onboarding wizard, no 30-step setup. Create an account, connect your bank, and start invoicing immediately.
Flat monthly pricing — payroll is included in every paid plan, not a $50+/mo add-on stacked on top. What you see is what you pay.
QuickBooks tries to be everything for everyone. PayStream Pro is laser-focused on contractors, freelancers, and small businesses.
A clean, modern interface with a native iOS companion app. No clunky dashboards or confusing menus.
Premium plan includes AI cash flow forecasting and smart payment reminders — features QuickBooks charges extra for or doesn't offer.
256-bit encryption. Payments handled by Stripe. We never store your card numbers or bank credentials.
Start your 14-day free trial. No credit card required to explore. Cancel anytime.
📱 Take it on the go with our iOS app