Business mileage tracking is an essential process, whether you’re a solo entrepreneur looking to maximize your tax deductions or an employer who needs to reimburse their staff for time spent on the road. We know that professionals like yourself already have a million and one things to keep track of at any given time. A few minutes saved each day can add up quickly, which is why automating this small but essential task can be a game-changer for small businesses.
But with so many mileage-tracking apps on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In this guide, we’re going over the 10 top mileage trackers available, explaining their features, pros, cons, pricing, and everything else you need to know.
🌟 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mileage-tracking apps are used to help small business owners claim mileage tax deductions and track reimbursement costs.
Apps can track miles either automatically with GPS or through manual tracking and logging.
The best automatic mileage tracking platforms do more than track miles—they also integrate with accounting software, categorize other expenses, and have useful reporting tools.
FreshBooks is the best mileage-tracking app overall for small businesses, sole proprietors, and entrepreneurs.
What is a mileage-tracking app?
Mile-tracking apps solve one of the most common challenges for solopreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners is tracking business mileage. Travelling between locations is often part of the job. And tracking this manually can be a messy, time-consuming process full of guesswork, rough estimates, and calculation errors.
Rather than tracking mileage in spreadsheets or bulky binders, many business owners are switching to modern, automated mileage-tracking apps to save time, money, and stress.
There are 2 kinds of mileage tracker apps: automatic and manual. Automatic mileage trackers work by using GPS data to log your trips without requiring any special input. Manual ones require users to start and stop a timer for every trip. Both are faster, more convenient options than tracking mileage on paper logs or with spreadsheets, but automatic trackers are the best option for ease-of-use, error reduction, and convenience.
Why mileage-tracking apps matter for business owners
Mileage trackers don’t just help you keep track of your business trips. An accurate, automatic mileage tracker is vital for both claiming tax-deductible mileage and reimbursing employees for mileage on their vehicles—saving you money, time, and stress.
A reliable business mileage tracker is crucial for effective cash flow management. By taking the time to set up an IRS-compliant, accurate mileage-tracking system, you’ll find it far easier to keep up with predictable expense reporting, ensuring you’re never surprised by unexpected mileage costs or forced to file your taxes without claiming deductions for all the miles you drove for business that year.
1. FreshBooks (Best overall for small business owners)
FreshBooks has the top mileage tracker app for small businesses. This feature is included with all their small business management software plans, making it a great all-in-one tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
FreshBooks offers integrated, automatic mileage tracking through the mobile app, and it’s simple to categorize each trip as either business or personal. From here, it’s easy to adjust or reclassify trips, generate quick, IRS-compliant mileage reports, and set local mileage rates according to your location.
The mileage tracker seamlessly integrates with FreshBooks’ small business tools, saving you time and money. You can even see your potential tax deduction based on your mileage log report, so you can deduct your actual mileage from your taxes rather than taking the standard IRS deduction.
Who it’s best for
FreshBooks mileage tracking is best for small business owners, sole proprietors, and newer entrepreneurs looking for a comprehensive mileage tracking and small business management solution—all in the same app.
Standout features
- available on FreshBooks iOS and FreshBooks Android apps
- automatically tracks mileage
- allows manual adjustment of trip logs
- checks mileage allowance rates for your country
- shows potential tax deductions
- provides downloadable reports for tax filing
Pricing
- The mileage-tracking app is available with all FreshBooks packages, even during the free trial.
- FreshBooks pricing plans start at $21.00 USD per month for its full-service accounting software platform, which includes a wide range of features, including mileage tracking.
Additional FreshBooks features
- Receipt and expense tracking: Easily track and analyze your expenses and organize your receipts. You can snap photos of your receipts and link them to expense reports right from your phone.
- Accounting software: Get real-time updates, collaborate with your accountant, and get clear insights into your financial health with powerful reporting and accounting tools.
- Invoicing software: Create professional invoices in minutes. Set up online payments, request deposits upfront, and automate payment reminders all in one place.
Drawbacks
- Mileage tracking is only available for users in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
- Slightly higher monthly cost compared to competitors but includes extensive features for full small business management.
- On lower-tiered plans, additional team members are a paid add-on.
2. Zoho Expense (Best finance system integration)
Zoho Expense includes a mileage tracker in their expense management software. It’s a popular expense tracking app for growing and enterprise companies, thanks to its scalability and integration with the Zoho ecosystem.
Who it’s best for
Medium-sized businesses that plan to scale into larger enterprises in the near future.
Standout features
- automated mileage tracking
- multiple methods for tracking mileage
- automatic expense tracking and expense approval on the go
- integration with Zoho ecosystem, including Zoho Books
- mobile app for both iOS and Android
Pricing
- paid plan starts at $4 USD per user per month
- free plans available with basic mileage tracking for up to 3 users
- free trial available
Drawbacks
- Some users report issues with data syncing.
- Advanced mileage-tracking tools are locked behind paid plans.
3. QuickBooks Online (Best for accounting)
QuickBooks includes an automated mileage tracker as part of its accounting platform, which means it’s a very commonly used platform for tracking business miles. Mileage data is automatically placed into the same ledger as invoices, reports, and expenses, simplifying the accounting process.
Who it’s best for
Smaller businesses that are already using other QuickBooks accounting products.
Standout features
- bank feeds
- digital receipt capture
- custom mileage rates and rules
- simple mileage report generation
- optional limited access for staff
- approval tools
- easy synchronization with P&L reports and tax schedules
Pricing
- $38 USD per month
- no free app trial available
Drawbacks
- Mileage isn't as accurate as competitors, according to users.
- Limits users to the QuickBooks accounting platform.
- Users report a higher battery drain than other apps.
- It only supports mileage tracking for the master admin, with no tracking options for employees and organizations.
4. Driversnote (Best for simple UI)
When it comes to automatic tracking, simplicity, and ease of use, Driversnote is often considered a top choice. Trips are logged as soon as the vehicle starts moving, and the logbook is automatically generated with no extra input needed from your employees. You can easily classify business trips and personal trips, and you can instantly download IRS-ready reports from within the app.
Who it’s best for
Companies prioritizing ease-of-use in a mileage tracker.
Standout features
- automatic tracking and trip logging using GPS
- optional iBeacon add-on device for greater accuracy and reduced battery drain
- easy trip classification
- 15 trips per month at no cost
Pricing
- starts at $9.50 USD per month or $114 USD per year
- optional iBeacon device costs approximately $40 USD (one-time purchase for each iBeacon)
Drawbacks
- It’s a higher plan price for a mileage-tracking-only service than many competitors.
- According to users, it has reduced accuracy and high battery drain when used without the iBeacon add-on.
- It has very limited integration features.
5. MileageWise (Best for built-in compliance)
The MileageWise system claims to be built with IRS mileage-tracking compliance in mind. While most mileage trackers generate reports that have all the essential data you need to make a mileage deduction on your taxes, MileageWise automatically audits every trip logged against more than 70 IRS criteria, ensuring thorough, detailed trip records with built-in compliance. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have detailed data to support your mileage claims in case of a tax inquiry or audit.
Who it’s best for
Businesses that are looking to ensure IRS compliance with minimal manual checks.
Standout features
- built-in IRS compliance checks
- retroactive trip logging tools
- IRS-compliant AI log generator for missed trips
- high privacy standards, with all records maintained for the IRS-required 6-year period
Pricing
- starts at $199 USD per vehicle, per year
- 14-day free trial available
Drawbacks
- The pricing is somewhat confusing to understand.
- The UI is more challenging to learn than many competitors.
- There are no accounting integrations.
6. Everlance (Best for affordability)
If cost is a top concern for you in a mileage tracker, Everlance is a good option. It’s one of the few apps with a free plan that you’ll actually find useful, with 30 free, automated trip logs per month and unlimited manual tracking. It’s also easy to add in premium features as needed without paying a large monthly fee, making it a good choice if you need to track your mileage on a budget.
Who it’s best for
Gig economy workers and new entrepreneurs are looking for basic mileage tracking
Standout features
- automatic connection with bank and credit card accounts
- integration with business expense reports
- easy report exporting tools
- real-time tax saving estimate tools on the app dashboard
Pricing
- 30 logged trips per month in free plan
- starts at $8.99 USD per month or $69.99 USD per year with unlimited mileage tracking
Drawbacks
- Some users report occasional dropped trips.
- Users report a high battery drain compared to other apps.
- There are no fleet management tools for larger organizations.
7. TripLog (Best for large teams)
TripLog automatically captures many parts of travel and trip expenses, such as tracking fuel costs, tolls, and time spent working on client projects. This app combines multiple useful features into a single platform, simplifying mileage tracking and expense tracking into one, easy-to-use hub.
Who it’s best for
Larger teams looking for a centralized solution for combined mileage and expense tracking.
Standout features
- reliable automatic GPS tracking
- compatibility with TripLog Drive device
- add-on for offline tracking
- fuel cost, toll, and client work expense-tracking tools
- support for multiple vehicles and custom mileage rates
- advanced and simple reporting options
- integration with several accounting software platforms
Pricing
- starts at $8 USD per month (billed annually) for single-user premium plans
- $79.99 and $19.99 for the TripLog Drive or Beacon
- free plan with basic, unlimited mileage tracking for individuals
Drawbacks
- Multi-vehicle management can be challenging for some users.
- Reviewers mention significant battery drain without a hardware device add-on.
- There’s high pricing at higher service tiers.
8. MileIQ (Best for industry recognition)
MileIQ is one of the longest-standing, most popular mileage trackers out there. That makes it a great choice if you’re looking for something your accountant, bookkeeper, or staff are already familiar with. Plus, it offers simple trip classification with just a swipe of your finger, making it easy to learn for anyone on your team.
Who it’s best for
Businesses looking for a mileage tracker with good brand recognition from industry professionals.
Standout features
- great recognition in the accounting and tax prep industries
- proven track record with users
- simple trip classification
- automatic trip logging
- simple, tax-ready report generation
Pricing
- starts at $7.50 USD per month (billed annually) for plan with unlimited trips
- free app plan with 40 trips per month included
Drawbacks
- limited native accounting integrations
- missing many niche features offered by other apps
- mileage tracking errors reported by some users
9. Shoeboxed (Best for audit protection)
Shoeboxed is a receipt scanner app that doubles a a mileage and expense tracker. They claim to clean up your audit trail by turning paper receipts and expenses into data for tax deductions and reimbursements. While Shoeboxed isn’t a specialized mileage tracking tool, their software does offer robust documentation for expenses compared to many other apps.
Who it’s best for
Businesses that have significant paper receipts and expenses that need to be made audit-ready.
Standout features
- AI and human-verified expense verification
- mail in paper receipt via Magic envelope
- mileage and receipts are automatically entered into audit-proof reports
Pricing
- free 30-day trial available
- Plans start at $9 a month
Drawbacks
- There may be delays due to the mailing and processing of physical receipts.
- A higher price point than other apps that only offer mileage-tracking.
- Some users report mobile sync problems.
10. Hurdlr (Best for tax planning)
If your priority is tax planning and estimating, Hurdlr is a great option. This app automatically ties every logged mile to a live-updated tax picture, helping you get a sense of what your situation might look like come tax time. It automatically tallies your potential mileage deductions against the IRS standard mileage rate to help you determine which option will save you more when it’s time to file your taxes for the year.
Who it’s best for
1099 drivers who want an app to track mileage, expenses, and quarterly estimated taxes in a single place.
Standout features
- real-time tax estimates based on mileage records
- integrations with FreshBooks and Xero
- autotag rule options for repeat routes
- accountant-ready tax report features
Pricing
- free trial available
- pricing not available upfront
Drawbacks
- Lack of pricing available prior to signing up.
- Some users report poor battery performance on longer trips.
- Older phones struggle with GPS accuracy.
Mileage tracker app | Free trial available? | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
FreshBooks | Included in all FreshBooks free trials | Automatic mileage tracking, manual trip adjustment, country-specific mileage allowance rates, tax deduction info, downloadable tax reports | Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sole proprietors |
Zoho Expense | Free plan available, free trial available | Automated mileage tracking, multiple tracking methods, expense approval | Businesses looking to scale into larger enterprises |
QuickBooks Online | None | Bank feeds, digital receipt capture, custom mile rates and rules | Businesses already using other QuickBooks products |
Driversnote | Free plan available | Automatic GPS trip logging, hardware add-on compatibility, easy trip classification | Businesses looking for an easy-to-use interface |
MileageWise | Free trial available | Built-in IRS compliance tools, retroactive trip logging, AI log generator | Businesses prioritizing IRS compliance |
Everlance | Free plan available, free trial available | Integration with bank and credit card accounts, business expense report tools, real-time tax savings estimates | Side job workers, gig economy drivers, solo entrepreneurs |
TripLog | Free plan available | Automatic GPS tracking, fuel cost, toll, and time tracking tools, multi-vehicle support | Large teams that need a central hub for mileage and expense tracking |
MileIQ | Free plan available | Broad industry recognition, easy trip classification, tax report generation tools | Businesses looking for a mileage tracker that their accountants and staff are familiar with |
Shoeboxed | Free trial available | Superior documentation and audit trails, human-verified receipts | Organizations looking for the best possible audit protection |
Hurdlr | Free trial available | Real-time tax estimator based on mileage, FreshBooks integration, compliant tax reporting tools | 1099 drivers looking to simplify mileage and expense tracking |
How to choose the best mileage-tracking app
We’ve broken down the top mileage trackers on the market, but how do you choose the right one for you? In general, here are the key steps you should take when choosing a mileage app for your business:
- Step 1: Choose whether you want the convenience and ease-of-use of an automatic tracker or the simplicity and affordability of a manual tracker.
- Step 2: Look for an app that offers automated report generation.
- Step 3: Choose an app that integrates with your current accounting system, if possible (e.g., incorporating the free FreshBooks mileage tracker with your existing FreshBooks accounting system).
- Step 4: Set your monthly budget and do your research on both free versions and paid versions of different platforms to find the best option for your needs and price point.
- Step 5: Check user reviews for information on mileage tracker performance, ease of use, battery life, and data security.
- Step 6: If you plan to grow your business and hire more employees, make sure your chosen platform has options to scale as you do.
- Step 7: If you’re tracking mileage for tax purposes, make sure it’s compliant with IRS guidelines on claiming tax deductions for business mileage (which requires you to include the date, starting location, destination, purpose, and miles driven for every trip.
Remember: The right mileage tracker saves time, ensures IRS compliance, and maximizes your deductions. By taking your time with this decision, you’ll save money and stress down the line.
Make mileage tracking a breeze with FreshBooks
A great mileage tracker ensures tax compliance, business efficiency, and maximum tax deductions. If you’re looking for a tool for tracking mileage that combines ease-of-use, accounting software integration, tax code compliance, and a great list of features, FreshBooks is the app for you.
With comprehensive tracking tools, compliant, tax-ready reports, and a simple-to-learn interface that doesn’t compromise on functionality, FreshBooks is here to simplify mileage tracking for small businesses, entrepreneurs, gig economy workers, and more. Try FreshBooks for free today and see how simple it can be to track your mileage and manage your small business expenses.
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