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Quickbooks is undoubtedly the most popular accounting software for small businesses these days. However, if you are looking for accounting software that can automate your tasks and possesses advanced features like:
You might be looking for something better than QuickBooks.
If yes! Go with the Flow
This blog post will help you discover the paid and free QuickBooks alternatives for better outreach of capabilities.
So, stay tuned and hang on till the end.
Choosing the Best QuickBooks Alternatives for Your Small Business
1. Xero
If you are an accountant, a bookkeeper, or own a small business, Xero can play a crucial role in maintaining your accounts. It is one of the sophisticated QuickBooks alternatives that can help you perform your to-do tasks seamlessly.
Xero helps you keep track of your business expenses and automates everything with the Xero accounting app.
From managing invoices to synchronizing finances with your bank, from customizing operations to collaborating online, Xero encompasses all your needs on one unified platform.
Unlike QuickBooks, Xero is a robust cloud-based accounting software that offers scalable features with extensive integration opportunities.
Key Features
Pros
- Offers seamless automation options
- User-friendly interface
- Offers free trial
- Affordable alternative to QuickBooks
Cons
- Need to pay extra for Payroll services
- Basic inventory management
- Offers advanced features in higher-tier plans
Pricing Plans
Starter: $14.50/month
Standard: $23/month
Premium: $31/month
2. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is a popular alternative to QuickBooks online. It is a cloud-based software that caters to your accounting needs. FreshBooks is primarily designed for freelancers and small businesses.
With FreshBooks, you can streamline accounting tasks like tracking expenses, invoicing, time tracking, etc. Thus, its impressive features help you focus on serving customers with less effort in maintaining books.
Additionally, Freshbooks offers a 30-day free trial, just like QuickBooks. If you need small business accounting automation, you can opt for this QuickBooks alternative.
Key Features
Pros
- A flexible tool that grows with your growing accounting needs
- Offers free trial
- No credit card is required
- Customizable chart of accounts
- Bills organization
- Ensures accuracy
Cons
- Expensive
- No built-in payroll solution
Pricing Plans
Lite: $5.70/month
Plus: $9.90/month
Premium: $18.00/month
Select: Talk to Sales
3. Sage 50 Accounting Software
Sage 50 is also one of the most powerful QuickBooks desktop alternatives for seamless business accounting operations.
Although Cloud-based accounting software is revolutionizing the market, Sage 50 offers a smooth desktop solution, keeping you free from relying on an internet connection.
The best part is that it is highly reliable and affordable for business owners seeking an easy to use software for their accounting needs.
Unlike QuickBooks Enterprise subscription, Sage 50 pricing plans are less costly and incorporate industry-specific reports.
Key Features
Pros
- Specialized reports for manufacturing, construction, distribution, and more
- Direct payments and eFile forms
- Offers chat and phone support
Cons
- Audit trails are available only in higher-tiers
Pricing Plans
Pro Accounting: $595/year (1 User)
Premium Accounting: $970/year (1 User)
Quantum Accounting: $1610/year (1 User)
4. Zoho Books
One significant reason to rely on Zoho Books as a QuickBooks alternative is its affordability. If you already use Zoho products, Zoho Books integrates seamlessly within the Zoho ecosystem. It offers cohesive business management.
However, it may lack extensive third-party integrations. Zoho Books offers a robust set of features at an affordable price. This makes it a compelling alternative to QuickBooks.
Its higher-tier plans offer workflow automation and the ability to track project profitability. Such features are ideal for businesses looking to streamline their operations.
Zoho Books compatibility with Zoho's CRM, Expense, and Inventory apps ensures comprehensive functionality for business needs.
Key Features
Pros
- Streamline transactions
- Excessive options beyond billing and accounting
- Easy integration within the Zoho ecosystem
- Offers free plan
- Automation and Customization options
Cons
- Eligible at most for 15 users only
- The free plan has limitations
- Overall, the ecosystem is a bit complicated
Pricing Plans
Free Plan: Free
Standard: $8.98/month
Professional: $17.98/month
Premium: $35.97/month
5. Wave Accounting
Wave accounting is one of the best free QuickBooks alternatives. It is a free software ideal for freelancers and small businesses with basic accounting needs.
You can perform all the business operations on a unified platform, making it an all-in-one suite for money management.
It is user-friendly, cost-effective, and great for invoicing but lacks advanced features for complex inventory or extensive reporting.
Key Features
Pros
- Provides coaches for payroll, bookkeeping, accounting
- Convenient payments
- Hassle-free tracking of expenses & income
- Free version available
Cons
- Lacks audit trials
- Lacks third-party integration
- Customer service is available only in higher-tier plans
Pricing Plans
Starter Plan: $0
Pro Plan: $16/month (billed annually)
6. Quicken
Quicken is an amazing choice for monitoring expenses and managing personal finances. This makes it the best alternative to QuickBooks.
Although it lacks payroll and time-tracking features, it offers robust budgeting tools and scenario-planning features. Multiple subscription plans are available with a diverse range of features tailored to businesses.
With Quicken, you can create budgets, track financial goals, and simulate “what-if” scenarios for better financial planning.
It excels at expense tracking, allowing you to efficiently separate personal and business expenses. This feature is particularly useful for those managing rental properties.
While Quicken leans more towards personal finance management, it can be a good choice for small business owners. Overall, Quicken offers a comprehensive suite of tools for tracking expenses and managing finances.
Key Features
Pros
- Easy to use
- Real estate options
- Affordable
- Tracks many types of expenses
Cons
- Best accounting software for managing home expenses
- Supports only Windows
- Cannot accept online payments
Pricing Plans
Quicken Simplifi: $2.99/month
Quicken Classic: $5.99/month
Quicken Classic Business & Personal: $6.59/month
7. Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is among the top choices under QuickBooks alternatives. It is best suited for large businesses and those expecting rapid expansion.
NetSuite offers enterprise-level accounting software with cloud-based accessibility. Unlike QuickBooks' enterprise solution, which typically requires local installation or additional fees for cloud access, NetSuite provides real-time access to financial data from anywhere.
In addition to robust accounting features, NetSuite includes Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Human Resources (HR) solutions. It also includes payroll management.
This comprehensive suite allows businesses to centralize their software needs. Hence, it streamlines operations and enhances efficiency.
Key Features
Pros
- Offers complete financial management solution
- Customizable dashboard
- Strong compliance management
- Automate tasks
- Best suited for enterprise and mid-sized businesses
Cons
- Extra setup fees
- Steep learning curve
- Pricing structures are non-transparent
Pricing Plans
Starts at $99 per month.
8. Manager
Manager is a free alternative to QuickBooks. It is a robust desktop accounting software available for Windows, Linux, and Mac systems.
Manager provides an alternative to cloud-based tools. This makes it a preferred choice for businesses that prioritize offline work.
It is a free accounting software accessible across multiple operating systems. It supports multiple companies and unlimited invoicing. Manager offers a full suite of accounting features, including sales quotes, billable time tracking, and inventory management.
Additionally, Manager gives you multiple reporting options such as profit and loss statements, aged receivables, and balance sheets. These enable you to gain valuable insights into their financial performance.
Key Features
Pros
- Offers smooth email support
- Unlimited invoices
- Easy Report analytics
- Free desktop accounting software
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Complicated to use the Cloud version
- Bank statements have to be imported manually
Pricing Plans
Free forever
9. Odoo Accounting
Odoo accounting software is another amazing one among all the QuickBooks alternatives for small businesses. It streamlines invoicing and online payments, making it a reliable choice for small businesses.
With Odoo, you can add a professional touch to your business interactions, similar to QuickBooks. You can seamlessly track invoice progress and automate payment reminders.
The software seamlessly manages point-of-sale transactions, expenses, and inventory. This makes it an all-in-one solution for small businesses and freelancers.
While Odoo is free for a single user, it offers options to upgrade for additional users. Hence, this is a scalable solution for growing businesses. Moreover, for those seeking comprehensive and free accounting software, Odoo is a top choice.
Key Features
Pros
- Offers free plan
- Automatic regular testing
- Unlimited user usage
- Performs tasks under 90 milliseconds
Cons
- Limited live customer service
Pricing Plans
One App Free: $0
Standard: $6.96/user/month
Custom: $10.67/user/month
10. Akaunting
Akaunting is a small business accounting software designed to be used online for free. It aims to streamline your financial management.
With Akaunting, you can easily create invoices, track expenses, and accept online payments, all within a user-friendly interface.
The software offers a range of features, including open-source accounting, secure deposits and transfers, vendor management, and robust reporting capabilities.
While Akaunting is completely free, accessing advanced features may require downloading multiple third-party apps, which could incur additional costs. Despite this, Akaunting remains a valuable option for small businesses seeking a comprehensive and cost-effective accounting solution.
Key Features
Pros
- Unified platform
- Intuitive interface
- Supports multiple currencies
- Easy to navigate
- Supports multiple languages
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Upgrading to the Client version requires technical proficiency
Pricing Plans
On-Premise: Free
Cloud: $8/month
11. ZipBooks
ZipBooks is user-friendly accounting software tailored to enhance business efficiency. It incorporates powerful accounting features you need to automate several operations, making It a top choice among others.
It encompasses some similar features to QuickBooks. However, its simplicity and robust features make it a unique QuickBooks alternative.
ZipBooks empowers businesses to streamline book balancing, gain insightful analytics, and simplify accounting tasks with auto-categorization and user-friendly reports.
With data-driven intelligence and actionable insights, ZipBooks helps businesses make informed decisions and optimize performance for success.
Key Features
Pros
- Easy to use
- Provides free plan
- Direct integration with payment gateways
- Seamless vendor management
Cons
- Lacks live customer support
- The free plan allows only single-user
Pricing Plans
Free: Free Plan
Smarter: $15/month
Sophisticated: $35/month
Accountant: Custom Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
In a Nutshell: The Best Alternative to QuickBooks
QuickBooks can be your go-to solution for accounting operations, but opting for its alternatives might give you significant exposure to other reliable features.
The above-mentioned alternatives to QuickBooks can be helpful for you in many diverse ways. However, now it's your task to identify which one suits you the best based on affordability and traits.
Empower yourself with the best accounting software to attain diverse financial needs for your business.
Happy Accounting!