$35
$65
$99
$235
QuickBooks Online is often thought of as the industry standard of accounting software for small business and it’s not hard to see why. This platform offers a wide range of features that may be useful to both large and small businesses alike. Plus, it has add-on functionality, like bookkeeping and tax preparation assistance that can be combined with your subscription for a separate fee.
Still, QuickBooks is fairly pricey compared to a lot of its competitors on this list. Additionally, since it has so many different functions, it may not be as intuitive or user-friendly as some other platforms that may have fewer components.
Learn more about QuickBooks Online.
QuickBooks Online offers the following features:
QuickBooks Online integrates with 750 other business software platforms, including:
$19
$33
$60
Custom
FreshBooks has several features that freelancers and solo entrepreneurs or “solopreneurs” can use to run their businesses, including invoicing capabilities, client portals, and time tracking. Plus, the platform offers ready-made financial reports, which will make things easier for your accountant come tax time.
However, for small business owners who have employees, FreshBooks’ accounting features may not be up to par. This software solution lacks the ability to generate customizable reporting and some important features, like payroll and tax preparation, are only possible through integrations with third-party providers.
Learn more about FreshBooks.
FreshBooks offers the following features:
FreshBooks integrates with over 100 other business software platforms, including:
$15
$42
$78
Xero’s standout feature is that it doesn’t limit the number of users allowed on its plans, which makes it a particularly affordable option for small and large teams alike. It also lets you set permissions for each user so your business’s most important data stays in good hands.
At the same time, some of its features are limited on lower level plans, particularly invoicing and bill entry. While Xero does offer a wide variety of tutorials and courses to help people learn how to use its software, it does not provide a customer service phone number.
Learn more about Xero.
Xero offers the following features:
Xero connects with a variety of other business software platforms, including:
$0
$20
$50
Premium: $70Elite: $150Ultimate: $275
Zoho Books’ mobile app is what really sets it apart from the competition. It allows you to add widgets to your phone’s home screen for easy access, offers built-in mileage tracking for iOS, and it even works with smartwatches, like the Apple Watch. Bonus: Mobile app access is included at all plan levels, even the free option.
Yet, this platform is a bit lacking when it comes to its integrations. It currently only partners with 112 other business software solutions. Other accounting software options offer hundreds of integration options.
Learn more about Zoho Books.
Zoho Books offers the following features:
Zoho Books integrates with 112 other business software platforms, including:
$60.08
$103.92
$177.17 All prices shown for Sage 50 Accounting reflect having one user. Costs will be higher if you add more users.
Fans of desktop-based software should consider Sage 50 Accounting. Unlike the other cloud-based applications on this list, Sage 50 allows you to store your data locally on your computer. Those in the construction, hospitality, and nonprofit sectors may find this platform especially useful, as it offers industry-specific reporting.
At the same time, though, this program only functions on Windows computers – though Sage does offer different software for Apple users. Plus, it’s more expensive than most of the other options on this list, especially when you consider that the platform upcharges for adding additional users.
Learn more about Sage 50 Accounting.
Sage 50 Accounting offers the following features:
Sage 50 Accounting integrates 19 with other business software platforms, including:
$0
$16
If you’re a new business owner who’s running a startup with limited funds, you may want to consider Wave as your accounting software. It offers a free plan and, at just $16 per month, its paid option is very affordable compared to other accounting software platforms.
That said, it offers limited features and many of them — including payroll and mobile receipt collection — require an additional fee. It also doesn’t offer any direct integrations. Instead, they’re made through Zapier, a paid, third-party app.
Learn more about Wave.
Wave offers the following features:
It’s possible to integrate Wave with other apps, however, you’ll have to use Zapier to do it, which is a paid, third-party application. Wave doesn’t integrate with any other business solutions directly.
$0
$15
$35
Custom
ZipBooks offers many features that owners of service-based businesses will likely find useful, including invoicing, expense tracking, project tracking and time tracking. Plus, compared to many other plans on the market, even its paid tiers are remarkably affordable.
Yet, other features are lacking, such as inventory management and mileage tracking options, which means it may not be a fit for all business owners. Additionally, some plans limit the number of users you can have at any given time.
Learn more about ZipBooks.
ZipBooks offers the following features:
ZipBooks integrates with other business software platforms, including:
$20
$30
$50
Inventory-based business owners may want to consider using AccountEdge. This platform offers a host of features that will make inventory management much easier, such as the ability to track product variations, serial numbers and warranties. All plans also offer free email support, which can make it simple to get technical support when you need it.
That said, AccountEdge is primarily a desktop software. If you want the freedom to access it from anywhere, you’ll need to upgrade to the highest-tier plan. Additionally, some features, like phone support, credit card payments and payroll are only available if you pay an additional fee.
Learn more about AccountEdge.
AccountEdge offers the following features:
AccountEdge integrates with six other business software platforms directly:
You can also link additional apps through Zapier.
Accounting software refers to any programs that help small business owners tackle common accounting tasks, such as invoicing, expense tracking, payment collection, bank reconciliation, and inventory management.
These programs also typically generate financial reporting based on the information provided. Business owners can then use those reports to make business decisions.
These days, most accounting software is cloud-based and often comes with a mobile app. However, it’s possible to find desktop-based options, where data is stored locally on your computer.
If you decide that using small business accounting software isn’t right for you, there are two main alternatives for keeping your finances in check.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what is the best accounting software for a small business. You’ll need to research a few different options to find a plan with features that suit your business’s needs and a price point that works well within your budget.
Many accounting software programs offer a free plan, although it often comes with limited features. Of the programs that made our list, Zoho Books, Wave and ZipBooks all have free plans available.
QuickBooks Online currently offers four different accounting software plans — all of which have different price points. As of the time of writing, here is the monthly cost for each one:
