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The Best QuickBooks Alternatives For Small Businesses
Not a fan of QuickBooks Online? These QuickBooks Online alternatives may offer the features, pricing, and customer support you're looking for.
Erica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Erica SeppalaErica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
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Chelsea Krause is a writer who specializes in accounting, payroll, and small business loans. She has been with Merchant Maverick helping small business owners manage their finances since 2016. She is a QuickBooks Certified User and former eCommerce store owner. Her accounting expertise has been quoted in Forbes and her work appears in Startup Nation, Small Business Bonfire, and Women on Business. Chelsea graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English & Creative Writing from George Fox University and studied abroad at the University of Oxford as well. She currently resides in Boise, Idaho.
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Chelsea KrauseChelsea Krause is a writer who specializes in accounting, payroll, and small business loans. She has been with Merchant Maverick helping small business owners manage their finances since 2016. She is a QuickBooks Certified User and former eCommerce store owner. Her accounting expertise has been quoted in Forbes and her work appears in Startup Nation, Small Business Bonfire, and Women on Business. Chelsea graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English & Creative Writing from George Fox University and studied abroad at the University of Oxford as well. She currently resides in Boise, Idaho.
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Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.
QuickBooks Online is one of the biggest names in accounting software, and for good reason. With a robust feature set, strong accounting, solid security, built-in tax support, and hundreds of integrations, it’s easy to see why this software has amassed millions of users.
However, just because this software works for one business doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for yours. If you’re ready to explore accounting software alternatives to QuickBooks Online, this post is for you. We’ll look at some other popular options among small business owners, delve into their features, and even take a look at the drawbacks of each to help you make the most informed decision for your business.
Whether you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, software that’s easier to use, or features you won’t find with QBO, one of these QuickBooks Online alternatives may better fit your small business accounting needs.
Xero: Best QuickBooks Online Alternative For Large Businesses
Zoho Books: Best QuickBooks Alternative For Beginners
Why We Chose Xero As Best QuickBooks Alternative For Large Businesses
Similar to QuickBooks Online, Xero has a long list of strong accounting features that make it suitable for even larger companies. Xero even surpasses QBO in terms of integrations, seamlessly connecting to 1,000+ business apps and software. Xero also stands out for its strong security, solid mobile apps, and positive customer reviews.
In many areas, QuickBooks Online and Xero are very similar. However, QuickBooks Online does boast better invoice templates, more invoice automations, better mobile apps, and built-in lending. Xero has better contact management, unlimited users, built-in depreciation schedules, and more integrations. Unfortunately, it also comes with a steeper learning curve.
If you need accounting software with advanced analytics, multicurrency support, and project management for unlimited users
Xero’s plans start at $15/month. While there is no option (and applicable discount) for an annual subscription, Xero frequently runs specials like 75% off your first six months.
It’s worth noting that the cheapest plan limits users to five bills and 20 invoices per month and also doesn’t include some advanced features like project management and advanced analytics.
All plans include unlimited users at no additional cost.
Unfortunately, Xero does not have built-in payroll. It does integrate with Gusto.
A 30-day free trial is available to test out the software.
Xero Features
Xero’s features easily rival QuickBooks Online. Standout features include:
Unlimited invoices
Invoice automations including bulk invoicing, automatic reminders, and recurring invoices
Customizable dashboard
Bank reconciliation
Expense tracking and claims
Journal entries
Class tracking
Fixed asset management
Excellent contact management
Inventory tracking
Time tracking
55+ reports
Budgets
Project management & basic job costing
Note that some features are only available on higher tier subscription plans.
Choose Xero If...
You have a medium or large business with complex business needs
You need accounting software that supports unlimited users
You’re an experienced accounting software user, or you don’t mind taking the time to learn
Best suited for small to mid-sized businesses with 15 or fewer users
Pros
Excellent customer support
Strong mobile apps
Easy to use
Cons
May be unsuitable for larger businesses
Why We Chose Zoho Books As Best QuickBooks Alternative For Beginners
Zoho Books is an accounting solution with advanced features, strong accounting, and amazing invoicing. The software is intuitive and easy to use, so beginners should have no trouble learning the ropes. Zoho Books also has excellent customer service -- something touted in many of its positive reviews across the web. Zoho Books also features solid security features to keep your data safe.
Compared to QuickBooks Online, Zoho Books offers better invoicing and a more developed and attractive client portal. Additionally, Zoho Books provides better customer support and better mobile apps. Zoho Books also has a free plan, although it has its limitations and is better suited for smaller businesses or freelancers. One area it does fall short when compared to QBO is integrations, as Zoho Books only supports around 40+ integrations.
You need advanced analytics with real-time data displays
Zoho Books has six pricing plans that range from $0-$275/month. The free plan is most suited for freelancers and very small businesses that generate less than $50K/year in revenue. As you work your way up the tiers, you’ll get support for more users and access to more advanced features.
Discounts are available if you pay for an annual subscription upfront. A 14-day free trial is available to test out the software.
If you’re interested in payroll, you can sign up for Zoho Payroll, which costs $19/month + $3/month per employee.
Additional add-ons may also increase the cost of your plan. You can add 50 advanced autoscans per month for $10/month ($8/month billed annually). Additional users can be added for $3/month per user ($2.50/month per user billed annually). No add-ons are available for the Zoho Books’ free plan.
Zoho Books Features
Like QuickBooks Online, Zoho Books is loaded with features. Note that more advanced features are only available on higher tier plans. Standout features worth noting include:
Invoices & quotes
Invoice automations including payment reminders and recurring invoices
Expense tracking
Bank reconciliation
Live bank feeds
Sales & purchase orders
User collaboration tools
Budgeting
Cashflow forecasting
Warehouse management
Inventory tracking
Business workflows
Choose Zoho Books If...
You have a small to medium business with 1-15 users
You want strong accounting software with advanced features
You want fully-featured accounting software that’s easy to use
Freelancers & small businesses with unlimited users
Pros
Free plan available
Easy to use
Numerous features
Cons
Limited integrations
Lacks some advanced features
Poor customer support
Why We Chose Wave As Best Free Alternative To QuickBooks
Wave is a completely free QuickBooks alternative for accounting software. And just because it's free doesn't mean it skimps on features. Wave is incredibly robust and very easy to use. The software offers strong accounting and decent invoicing. Expense tracking, accounts payable, item lists, and reporting are just a few more of the features you'll get with Wave. A paid plan has also been added, which includes additional features and automations.
Wave does lack the more advanced features you'll find with QBO. It also doesn't offer phone support, and email and live chat support are available only to paid subscribers. It also only has 4 integrations, but this includes a Zapier integration to connect to 1,000+ apps and add-ons. While these are drawbacks, users who want basic accounting software at no cost won't be disappointed by what Wave has to offer.
If you want basic accounting features with time-saving automations
Wave has two pricing plans that cost between $0-$16/month. Unlike other free software, Wave includes most of its accounting features at no cost. If you upgrade to the paid plan, you’ll receive discounted payment processing, invoice automations, and customer support through email or live chat.
Additional costs to consider include the following:
Wave Payroll: $20 – $40/month + $6/employee or contractor
Wave Payments: 2.9% – 3.4% + $0.60 per transaction
Wave Bookkeeping: $149+/month
Wave Features
While you won’t find the advanced features of QBO or other options on this list with Wave, you will find the basic accounting features you need, including:
Unlimited invoices & estimates
Unlimited bills
Wave mobile app
Expense tracking
Bank reconciliation
Contact management
Live bank feeds
Item list
12 customizable reports
Tax support
Choose Wave If...
You want software that’s easy to use
You want free or low-cost software that doesn’t impose limitations on features
You want basic accounting software and don’t need features like advanced inventory or project management
Smaller to mid-sized businesses with a limited number of users
Pros
Strong invoicing
Easy to use
Strong mobile apps
Cons
Limited features
Pricing can be expensive
Why We Chose FreshBooks As The Best QBO Alternative With Excellent Customer Support
FreshBooks offers basic features that are easy to use. The software offers customizable invoice templates, an impressive proposals feature, and strong project management. However, you won’t find traditional accounts payable, full inventory, or more advanced features, such as budgeting and class tracking.
FreshBooks offers great customer support, has 100+ integrations, and boasts tons of positive customer reviews. It also features strong mobile apps. While QBO has more features and integrations, FreshBooks is easier to use and has far better customer support. For small businesses looking for a simple, easy-to-learn bookkeeping solution, FreshBooks could be the better choice.
You need unlimited billable clients and bill tracking
FreshBooks has three pricing plans that start at $19/month. You can receive a 10% discount with an annual subscription. FreshBooks also frequently offers discounts for new users.
The lowest priced plan, FreshBooks Lite, is inexpensive, but unfortunately has many limitations that won’t work for most small businesses. To get the most out of your plan, you’ll need to upgrade to one of the higher tiers.
You may incur additional costs with add-ons, including:
FreshBooks Payroll: $40+/month + $6/month/user
Additional Users: $11/month per user
Freshbooks Payments: 2.9% + $0.30 for most transactions
FreshBooks Features
While you won’t find everything offered by QBO here, FreshBooks does have a number of notable features, including:
Invoices and estimates
Invoice automations
Contact management
Expense tracking
Bank reconciliation
Accounts payable
Chart of accounts
Items/services list
Time tracking
Proposals
Note that not all features are available on every plan.
Choose FreshBooks If...
You want accounting software backed with excellent customer support
You want strong accounting software that’s easy to use
Why We Chose QuickBooks Solopreneur As Best QBO Alternative For Freelancers
Intuit has provided a simple, affordable solution for freelancers and contractors with QuickBooks Solopreneur (previously known as QuickBooks Self-Employed). QuickBooks Solopreneur is easy-to-use tax software with basic accounting features like income tracking and invoicing.
While it isn't bursting with features QuickBooks Solopreneur has an excellent public reputation and good customer support. On the downside, though, the software has a limited number of integrations, isn't a scalable solution, and doesn't offer as many accounting features as other software on this list. For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and ICs, this solution provides just enough accounting features and tax support with a much smaller price tag than QBO.
Freelancers that need basic accounting features and expert tax assistance
QuickBooks Solopreneur is affordably priced at just $20/month. Intuit offers 50% off of this price for the first three months for new users, or you can take the software for a spin with a 30-day free trial.
QuickBooks Solopreneur Features
QuickBooks Solopreneur offers a handful of features beneficial to freelancers and other self-employed individuals, including:
Income tracking
Invoices & estimates
Payment processing
Mobile app
Mileage tracking
Growth goals
Sales & sales tax tracking
Tax support
QuickBooks Checking account with 5.00% APY
Choose QuickBooks Solopreneur If...
You’re a freelancer or independent contractor that needs basic, affordable accounting software
You want tax software with a few accounting features included
Ideal for small businesses with growth potential in the near future
Pros
Free plan available
Easy to use
Numerous features
Good customer support
Cons
No inventory feature
No mobile apps
Limited integrations
Why We Chose ZipBooks As Best Simple & Affordable QBO Alternative
ZipBooks offers strong accounting features at competitive pricing. ZipBooks offers many of the features you'll find with QuickBooks Online at a fraction of the price. The software is also accompanied by great customer support and a variety of resources to help you get the most out of the software. This -- combined with low pricing and an easy-to-use interface -- has led it to receive mainly positive reviews across the board
ZipBooks is the cheaper option, but it is missing some of the benefits of QuickBooks Online. ZipBooks falls short in its number of integrations, mobile apps, and advanced features, such as inventory.
If you want unlimited users and have advanced reporting needs
ZipBooks has three pricing plans that range from $0-$35/month. The free plan boasts unlimited invoices, Square or PayPal payment processing, basic reports, and support for one bank account. The more expensive plans add more users, automations, time tracking, data migration, and other features.
A 30-day free trial is available to test out the paid software.
While ZipBooks doesn’t have built-in payroll, a Gusto integration is available for an additional monthly fee.
ZipBooks Features
ZipBooks has some notable accounting features. Note that some features are only available on paid plans. Standout features include:
Invoicing
Quotes & estimates
Accept payments with Square or PayPal
Project management
Auto-categorization
Bank reconciliation
Customizable chart of accounts
Business health score
Customizable reports
Accounts receivables
Choose ZipBooks If...
You want affordable accounting software with strong accounting features
You want cloud-based software that’s easy to use
You want software backed with good customer support
Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing accounting and invoicing software since 2013. Our writers have tested over fifty different accounting programs, including online apps and locally-installed software. In each review, we evaluate pricing, features, ease of use, customer service, and user reviews.
When comparing different accounting software apps, we consider many data points, including relative pricing, the number of standard accounting features available, invoicing and quote creation, the presence of a client portal, and time tracking tools. Our lists of the best accounting programs include only those we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points, and often share qualities such as widespread accessibility, tax support, advanced reporting tools, numerous niche features, and competitive monthly pricing.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure the accounting software included meets our internal standards for quality and reputation.
Which QuickBooks Alternative Is Right For You?
If you currently use Quickbooks Online, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is: What isn’t working with my accounting software? If you can pinpoint the issue(s) you’re having, it’ll be much easier to determine which product can help you solve said issue(s).
If you haven’t committed to a specific program yet and are still exploring your options, ask yourself the following questions:
Which features do I need for my business to succeed?
How much can I afford to spend on accounting software?
What is my level of accounting experience?
The answers to these questions will help you pinpoint which software might be the best choice. Compare your alternatives starting with the options on this list. Make sure to take advantage of free trials and demos to get hands-on with the software before making a commitment.
Ready To Switch? How To Cancel Your QuickBooks Online Account & Migrate Your Data
If you’ve committed to making the switch, the next step is canceling your QuickBooks Online account. Fortunately, QBO makes this easy by allowing you to cancel online — no long phone wait times required.
How To Cancel Your QBO Account
Here’s what you need to do if you want to cancel your QuickBooks Online account:
Sign in to QBO as an admin from a web browser on your computer
After signing in, click the Settings menu (the gear icon at the top right of your screen)
Select Account and Settings
Select Billing and Subscriptions
Select Cancel Subscription (Cancel Trial if you’re using a free trial)
Follow onscreen instructions until you receive confirmation that your subscription is canceled
Once you cancel, QuickBooks holds onto your data for one year, so you can still access and export it as needed. If you decide to return to QuickBooks Online, reactivating your subscription will leave your account where it was prior to cancellation. After one year, your data will be deleted.
How To Migrate Data From QBO
If you want to migrate your data from QuickBooks Online to your new software, you will have to export the data from QuickBooks. Follow these steps to export your data:
Log into your account and select Settings
Select Export Data
Toggle on/off the data you’d like to export
Click Export to Excel
After following these steps, you’ll then have a .zip folder containing all of your exported data. You can use this file to import data to your new accounting software. Steps for importing vary based on the software you use.
You can export your data before canceling your account or access your read-only data after cancellation. After one year, you will no longer be able to access this data through QBO.
Now, you should be ready to use your new accounting software. Make sure to take advantage of any resources offered by your software provider and the accounting resources from Merchant Maverick to get the most out of your new accounting software. Good luck!
Erica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
