5 Accounting Software Demos: Top Demos For Your Business in 2025
So, you're at the point where you know you need an accounting software, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which one will suit your company the best.
Thankfully, several of the top vendors offer accounting software demos, which allow you to try the product before you buy. The only problem now is knowing where to start.
Throughout my career as a SaaS writer, I've encountered (and written about) countless accounting solutions. From NetSuite to QuickBooks and beyond, I know everything there is to know about vendor demos. As a result, I can tell which ones are worth your time, and which to skip.
In this guide, I'll dive into the top accounting software demos, what they offer, and how you can access them. I'll also explore the value of accounting demos in general, and how they can help you make a better financial decision for your business.
Introduction To Accounting Software Demos
What is an Accounting Software Demo?
Accounting software demos are simple walkthroughs of the platform. They guide you through the tool’s workflow, typically covering setup, account reconciliation, and payroll processing.
Demos usually occur in two ways:
- You get access to videos and tutorials on how the accounting platform works.
- You contact the sales or customer success teams for a platform runthrough.
Both have pros and cons. Tutorial videos let you learn how to use your desired accounting software at your own pace, but require finding answers yourself. Live demos and webinars are shorter and less flexible — and contain an account executive actively trying to sell you on the tool — but you can get immediate answers.
Importance of Accounting Software Demos
Accessing product demos while purchasing accounting software gives you:
- Insights into the unique benefits of the accounting software.
- An opportunity to find drawbacks of the tool.
- A live view of the platform in action.
- A guide to using the platform.
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BlackLine
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Xledger
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
FreshBooks
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Top Accounting Software Providers Offering Demos
Like most SaaS products, accounting software demos aren’t equal. I’ve compiled a list of the five best accounting software offering comprehensive demos showcasing their tools.
QuickBooks
Key Features
QuickBooks is one of, if not the, most popular cloud accounting software. It offers useful accounting features to automate data entry tasks, minimizing manual processes.
Its expense tracking feature streamlines categorizing and storing accounting records. You can combine expense tracking with QuickBooks’ bank reconciliation feature to easily reconcile transactions, find missing entries, and identify fraudulent transactions.
Using these together ensures only clean accounting data is used for financial reports. You can automate report generation with the reporting feature. It uses real-time data to generate and deliver in-depth reports on the business’s financial health.
You may face challenges with large datasets. However, QuickBooks offers a wide range of resources — from videos and articles to community forums and customer success managers — to simplify bank reconciliation and resolve issues.
QuickBooks Benefits
- One-stop shop for accounting and payroll.
- Reliable expense tracking feature.
- Flexible pricing plans.
- In-depth reporting and analysis.
- Comprehensive help center and resources.
- Extensive third-party integrations.
How to Request a QuickBooks Demo
QuickBooks offers a "test-drive" of QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Online Advanced. Simply sign out of your Intuit account (if you have one) and give it a whirl.
You can use the 30-day free trial to test the platform or access the QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise Product tour.
Xero
Key Features
Xero might be the only platform on this list that doesn’t need a comprehensive demo. Its intuitive interface and workflows make implementation pretty dang straightforward.
Its bank integration feature automates record entries by linking your Xero and bank accounts. It can also track multi-currency transactions—something not all accounting software can guarantee. You can ensure transactions are accurate using the bank reconciliation feature.
It offers extensive third-party integrations and an open API to customize your accounting workflows. This flexibility makes it ideal for small business owners connecting their data sources, point-of-sale systems, and apps.
Xero Benefits
- Extensive third-party integrations.
- Automated bank data import.
- User-friendly interface.
- Real-time reporting feature.
- Supports multiple users on every plan.
- Multi-currency support.
How to Request a Xero Demo
Xero’s sales team doesn’t offer a demo, but they do offer courses, a support page, and community to learn about the app and test your knowledge with the 30-day free trial.
Xero also provides a demo company for users with a Xero subscription. This is an interactive playground with fictional data that allows you to test features and processes in advance.
Sage
Key Features
If you could choose only one accounting solution that needs a demo, Sage is that behemoth. It offers a full feature-set, covering everything an in-house accountant needs to simplify their processes.
Apart from basic accounting features like bank reconciliation and expense tracking, it supports advanced analytics, AI, and automation. You can automate accounts payable and receivable to avoid vendor payment defaults, as well as payroll, data entry, and tax processes.
It offers advanced analytics for cash flow forecasting and report generation. Businesses can use this data to predict finances, create financial statements, and optimize cash flows. You can add multiple entities for a complete financial picture. Sage is working on introducing AI features to streamline accounting processes.
Sage Benefits
- Comprehensive feature set.
- Advanced analytics.
- AI capabilities.
- Multi-entity reporting.
- Workflow automation.
- Customizable dashboards.
How to Request a Sage Demo
Sage offers 1:1 consultations with specialists and an interactive tour of the Sage 50 Accounts platform to see how it works and clarify questions.
FreshBooks
Key Features
Compared to Sage and QuickBooks, FreshBooks is a baby accounting platform. But it still packs a punch with its invoicing, payment processing, and collaboration features.
The platform supports third-party integrations to connect information from other business functions, including:
- CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Capsule.
- E-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- Payment processing platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
- Time tracking tools like Trello, Basecamp, and Toggl Track.
- Marketing tools like Mailchimp and Zapier.
You can leverage FreshBooks’ time tracking and project management tools, keeping all your data under one roof to reduce payroll and payment processing inconsistencies.
These features are packed into a user-friendly interface that suits nascent service businesses like restaurants and consultancies.
FreshBooks Benefits
- User-friendly interface.
- Third-party integrations for business functions.
- Useful reports and insights.
- Affordable pricing plans.
- Customizable invoicing tool.
- Built-in time tracker and project manager.
How to Request a FreshBooks Demo
To request a demo, visit the contact us page and connect with the sales team.
NetSuite
Key Features
NetSuite is the most complex accounting software on this list. It offers all your accounting features like:
- Fixed Asset Management: It can manage and control depreciating and non-depreciating assets.
- Multiple Payment Methods: It allows various payment processing solutions to pay invoices and receive payments.
- Reporting and Analytics Tools: It provides a real-time view of your business’ financial performance for faster and more accurate decision-making.
To make the platform easier to use, it offers automation capabilities to automate menial tasks like creating journal entries and reconciling bank statements. NetSuite packages these features in a neatly organized, clean, but dated user interface.
NetSuite Benefits
- Customizable interface.
- Useful accounting automations.
- Modular pricing plans.
- Multiple payment processing methods.
- Advanced reporting tools.
How to Request a NetSuite Demo
To request a demo, you’ll need to contact the sales team.
-
BlackLine
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Xledger
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
FreshBooks
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
How To Choose The Right Accounting Software
Factors to Consider
Here are key selection criteria for choosing accounting software:
- Pricing — Depending on the organization’s size and requirements, your price can vary. But the best approach is to look for software that becomes more affordable as you scale.
- Features — Deep-dive into the platform’s accounting features. It shouldn’t just offer basic accounting features. The platform should balance advanced capabilities without additional costs.
- Scalability — Assess if the accounting platform offers easily scalable plans and features to ensure the software can grow with your business.
- Ease of Use — Accounting is complex. Ideally, you want user-friendly software with a short learning curve for new users.
- Third-party Integrations — Check if the platform offers the necessary third-party integrations to link your other business tools with the accounting software.
- Customer Support — Review the platform’s customer support initiatives. It should offer multiple support options, including chat, help centers, videos, articles, and support calls. Ideally, these services should be available 24/7 for resolution.
Comparing Features and Benefits
When comparing features and benefits, consider:
- Required features — Check if the platform offers all the functions your business needs to manage accounting workflows.
- Nice-to-have features — Check additional software features and assess their fit into your accounting software budget.
- Test the software — Don't rely on demos and reviews to choose an accounting solution. Use the free trial to evaluate the platform.
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Accounting software simplifies a daunting business task. It streamlines your financial management processes.
Finding the right accounting platform for your business can take time. That’s why my team and I reviewed the best online accounting software to make the process easier.
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