QuickBooks is one of the most used accounting software in the world. Small businesses love to use QuickBooks. However, some small business owners can’t afford it because of a high monthly fee and a very frustrating customer support experience.
Small businesses that can’t afford QuickBooks always are on the lookout for cheaper and more streamlined alternatives.
In this blog, we’ll list the top 7 QuickBooks alternatives to help you decide which option is the best for you.
What is QuickBooks?
Large, medium, and small businesses love QuickBooks. The popularity is primarily because of the introductory package and the access to a suite of inventory management tools. One more thing, it can be used on both the desktop and on the web app, so business owners & teams can stay on top of everything even while on the move.
QuickBooks allows business owners to pay bills, track cash flow, generate financial records, and manage taxes. Businesses can try out QuickBooks for 30 days without committing to a payment plan. Pay only if you like the software and it fulfills your use case.
Why You Should Look Into QuickBooks Alternatives?
QuickBooks is without a doubt an industry giant. But all of its success can be credited to a huge team of marketers and strategic partnerships. That doesn’t mean it’s not a feature-packed powerhouse.
But, even after all QuickBooks has to offer, having some alternatives is a good idea. During our research for small business accounting software, we found 7 QuickBooks Alternatives.
Let’s take a look at the top QuickBooks alternatives and what they have to offer.
7 Best QuickBooks Alternatives
| Software | Features | Minimum Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| FreshBooks | 1. Good customer support 2. 70+ integrations 3. Double-entry accounting 4. Time tracking tools | $19/month |
| Xero | 1. iOS & Android 2. Accounting & invoicing features 3. International invoicing | $15/month |
| Patriot Accounting | 1. Tax assistance 2. Accounts receivable 3. Aging tracking 4. Bank reconciliation 5. Billing & invoicing | $20-30/month |
| Sage Accounting | 1. Cloud-based accounting 2. Tax assistance 3. Fee calculation & posting 4. Fraud detection capabilities | $595/month |
| Wave Accounting | 1. E-commerce checkout tools 2. Etsy integration 3. Intuitive and streamlined UI | Free / Pro $16/month |
| Zoho Books | 1. Tax support & bank reconciliation tools 2. Contact management 3. Accounts payable tools | Free |
| Oracle NetSuite | 1. Good customer support 2. 70+ integrations 3. Double-entry accounting 4. Time-tracking tools | $999/month |
FreshBooks – QuickBooks Alternative
FreshBooks is a well-known QuickBooks alternative. It has been around for more than 15 years and is built specifically for small businesses and those who are self-employed.
FreshBooks offers a range of features that you’re most likely not going to find in QuickBooks, such as:
- Software integrations
- Time tracking tools
- Contract management functions
- Double entry accounting
As it’s a web-based solution, FreshBooks is the perfect option for remote teams as all they need is a computer and internet connection. It offers a versatile feature set and the pricing is far better compared to QuickBooks.
Key Features of FreshBooks
- Good customer support network
- 70+ integrations with third-party apps
- Good mobile app
- Double-entry accounting
- Time-tracking, contact management, & report management
- Good invoicing options
- Variety of accounting tools
FreshBooks Pricing
- Lite: $19/month
- Plus: $33/month
- Premium: $60/month
- Select: Custom pricing
Xero
Xero is based out of New Zealand and it has over 1 million subscribers. While the software is more focused on small businesses, the additional features can also support the needs of large-scale organizations.
All of Xero’s tools can be found in the intuitive dashboard. Similar to QuickBooks, Xero is designed to be affordable and accessible for small businesses.
Xero is a great tool overall. It aims to make paying bills easier and streamline inventory management and fixed assets management in all the plans. If your business has physical inventory and requires you to keep track of fixed assets, Xero is a good option.
Key Features of Xero
- Mobile and desktop apps
- Multiple invoicing features
- International invoicing
- Payroll software and billing functions
- Intuitive dashboard to access and control the tools
- Tax calculation software
QuickBooks asks for $70/month if you want to track inventory. If you want to track fixed assets, then you’ll need to pay $373. So, Xero is without a doubt a cheaper option.
Xero Pricing
- Early: $15/month
- Growing: $42/month
- Established: $78/month
Patriot Accounting
Patriot Accounting is an Ohio-based accounting software firm. They’re one of the older players as they’ve been operating for more than 3 decades. The goal of Patriot Accounting is to serve the needs of small businesses by offering payroll software.
Patriot’s payroll feature offers two options. A basic self-service option allows businesses to run their own payroll software but handle their taxes themselves. Another plan allows Patriot’s team to handle all payroll tax duties.
Key Features of Patriot Accounting
- Tax assistance
- Accounts receivable
- Aging tracking
- Bank reconciliation
- Billing and invoicing
- Invoice customization
- Check writing
- Cash management
- Expense tracking
Sage Business Cloud Accounting
Sage Business Cloud Accounting is an accounting software as a service that’s best for mid-sized businesses. They’re one of the biggest tech companies in the UK and have more than 13,000 employees.
Similar to QuickBooks, Sage has plans for both small and big-scale businesses.
Key Features of Sage Accounting
- Cloud-based software
- Tax assistance and management tools
- Fee calculation and posting
- Fraud detection
- Project management and team assignment
- Report-generation tools
- Invoice tracking and exemptions
Sage Accounting Pricing
- Pro accounting: $595 per year
- Premium accounting: $970 per year
- Quantum accounting: $1,610 per year
Wave Accounting
Launched in 2009, Wave has quickly become one of the most popular business accounting software. It’s a completely free accounting software, which is why it has more than 3.5 million users globally.
Accounting is free, while payments and payroll are optional paid features.
With Wave, you can send unlimited recurring invoices, generate financial statements, and track income for free.
Key Features of Wave Accounting
- E-commerce checkout tools
- Accounting tool suite
- Etsy integration
- Intuitive UI
- Accounting tutorials and support materials
- Optional credit card payment software
- Optional payroll software
Wave Pricing
- Starter plan: Free
- Pro plan: $16/month
Zoho Books
Zoho Books is part of the Zoho CRM ecosystem. If you purchase Zoho CRM, it integrates easily with Zoho Books.
Zoho Books provides many of the same features as QuickBooks but at a more affordable price.
Key Features of Zoho Books
- Tax support and bank reconciliation tools
- Contact management and accounts payable tools
- Reporting and invoicing
- Time tracking tools
- Customer support via live chat and email
- Chart of accounts management
Zoho Books Pricing
- Free: $0
- Standard: $15/month
- Professional: $40/month
- Premium: $60/month
- Elite: $120/month
- Ultimate: $240/month
Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is another cloud-based accounting software designed for both enterprises and small businesses.
Oracle offers planning tools, reporting tools, and customizable workflows.
Key Features of Oracle NetSuite
- Cloud-based software
- CRM integration
- Enterprise resource planning
- Customizable workflows
- Report generation
- Ledger controls for financial planning
- Multiple dashboards
- Simultaneous user access
Oracle NetSuite Pricing
- Base license: $999/month
- Additional user cost: Around $99/month
Additional Tools That Work Well With Accounting Software
Accounting software often works best when combined with other business tools that improve workflow and financial management.
Expense Management Tools
Expense tracking tools help businesses monitor employee spending, reimbursements, and receipts. These tools automate expense reports and integrate with accounting software to reduce manual work.
Invoicing and Payment Tools
Invoicing tools allow businesses to generate professional invoices, automate reminders, and accept online payments. These tools are particularly helpful for freelancers and service-based businesses.
Payroll Management Tools
Payroll software simplifies employee payment processing, tax deductions, and compliance management. Some accounting tools include payroll features while others allow third-party integrations.
Financial Reporting Tools
Analytics and reporting tools provide deeper insights into financial performance. They generate reports that help businesses track profits, analyze expenses, and plan future growth.
FAQs About QuickBooks Alternatives
Wave Accounting is one of the best free QuickBooks alternatives. It provides invoicing, accounting, and expense tracking without a monthly subscription.
FreshBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books are among the best options for small businesses due to their affordability and ease of use.
Yes. Most accounting software platforms use cloud encryption and security protocols to protect financial data.
Many accounting tools offer built-in tax management features, including tax calculations, reporting, and compliance tools.
Yes. Most modern accounting software provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing businesses to manage finances on the go.
Conclusion
QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting software platforms in the world. However, it may not always be the best option for every business due to pricing, support concerns, or feature limitations.
Fortunately, several powerful QuickBooks alternatives are available today. Tools like FreshBooks, Xero, Patriot Accounting, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, Wave Accounting, Zoho Books, and Oracle NetSuite provide a wide range of features designed for freelancers, startups, small businesses, and enterprise organizations.
Each platform has its own advantages. Some offer affordable pricing, while others provide advanced financial reporting and enterprise-level capabilities.
Before choosing an accounting platform, businesses should evaluate their requirements, budget, and scalability needs. The right accounting software can simplify financial management, improve efficiency, and help businesses make better financial decisions.