Skip to main content

Accounting software is a digital tool that helps businesses manage and automate financial processes like invoicing, payroll, tax filing, and reporting.

For small and mid-sized companies, startups, and nonprofits, the right solution can save hours each week, lower operating costs, and improve financial visibility. But finding a platform that truly delivers, without unnecessary complexity or hidden costs, can be a challenge in today’s crowded marketplace.

As a digital software expert with 6+ years in small business fintech, I’ve helped CFOs and finance teams evaluate and implement solutions that actually meet their needs. I’ve seen how the wrong software creates more problems than it solves, and how the right one can transform how a business operates, scales, and reports.

That’s why I personally tested and compared the leading tools. After hours of in-depth research, I found the best accounting software solutions designed to streamline operations, support long-term growth, and help you keep your finances on solid ground.


Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We've been testing and reviewing accounting software since 2023, on a mission to make it easier to manage business finances. As financial operators ourselves, we know how critical (and difficult) it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different finance use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our accounting software review methodology.

Best Accounting Software Summary

I put together this quick pricing chart of my top accounting software picks. Compare what each one costs to find a good fit for your business, whether you’re just starting out or growing fast.

Best Accounting Software Reviews

If you’re searching for the best accounting software, I’ve broken down each one by features, pros and cons, and use cases. This quick guide makes it easy to compare tools at a glance.

Best for service-based businesses

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $6.30/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software platform for freelancers and small service-based businesses. It supports several features service businesses need (proposals, estimates, time tracking) and sells some functions as add-ons.

Why I picked FreshBooks: FreshBooks is a top choice for small service businesses, like freelancers or digital marketing agencies, thanks to its billing and invoicing emphasis. Not to mention its affordability and other features like client management and time tracking. Additionally, FreshBooks’s bookkeeping side is easy enough to learn on your own—perfect for small service businesses that may not have an accountant.

However, for most small business and agency owners, FreshBooks' integration with Stripe is one of its biggest selling points. This connection makes creating and sending invoices and proposals fast and simple, from both desktop and mobile devices. Not only do payments process with minimal errors, it also helps you track overdue invoices through automated reminders and late fees, reducing the overall manual effort associated with followups.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include invoicing that lets you customize and track your billing, expense tracking to keep all your receipts and spending in one place, and time tracking to help you bill clients accurately. You can also use project management tools to collaborate with your team or clients directly within the platform. Plus, its reporting options give you a clear view of your finances with easy-to-read summaries and details.

Integrations include Shopify, Stripe, Gusto, HubSpot, Square, Trello, Zoom, Asana, Google Drive, and PayPal.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Several features for managing projects and clients
  • Easy to learn
  • High degree of invoice customization

Cons:

  • No inventory management
  • Limited mobile app

New Product Updates from FreshBooks

FreshBooks' Key Updates: Manual Bank Creation and More
Users can now manually add a bank account, set a starting balance, and upload transactions via CSV.
July 9 2025
FreshBooks' Key Updates: Manual Bank Creation and More

FreshBooks introduced key updates that include manual bank account creation, historical transaction imports, improved bank connections, financial lock, and streamlined payroll management. For more details, visit FreshBooks Product News.

Best for cash flow insights

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $25/month

Puzzle.io is an accounting software designed specifically for startups and small businesses. It offers a suite of features that simplify bookkeeping and enhance financial decision-making.

Why I picked Puzzle.io: I picked Puzzle.io because it provides automated bookkeeping with high accuracy, saving you time and reducing errors in your financial records. The platform also gives you real-time cash flow insights, allowing for informed decisions based on up-to-date financial data. Additionally, Puzzle.io supports both cash and accrual accounting methods, making it versatile for different business needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable automation, which lets you tailor the software to fit your specific accounting policies. The continuous accuracy checks through AI ensure that your financial statements are always reliable, giving you peace of mind. Plus, with features like variance analysis, you can quickly identify any unexpected expenses that might impact your budget.

Integrations include Stripe, Brex, Ramp, Rippling, and Gusto.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time dashboards provide immediate financial insights
  • AI-powered transaction categorization
  • Automated bank reconciliations ensure accuracy

Cons:

  • Free trial requires users to connect a bank account
  • May not be suitable for larger organizations

New Product Updates from Puzzle.io

New Integrations Page Amplifies Puzzle.io Experience
Redesigned integrations page showcasing account health status and manual sync button.
October 12 2025
New Integrations Page Amplifies Puzzle.io Experience

Puzzle.io unveils a redesigned integrations page enhancing visibility and user control. Some key new features include an account health status overview, and improved filtering and search options. For more information, visit Puzzle.io's official site.

Best for automated expense management

  • 30-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $15/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Ramp is a finance automation platform that offers corporate cards, expense management, bill payments, and accounting automation to help businesses manage their finances more efficiently.

Why I picked Ramp: Ramp's accounting automation features are designed to save your team time and reduce errors. By collecting, coding, and categorizing receipts automatically, Ramp ensures that each transaction is accurately documented, helping you close your books faster. Additionally, Ramp's AI-driven system provides intelligent transaction suggestions based on historical data, simplifying the categorization process and enhancing accuracy. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated approval workflows that allow you to set up custom rules for expense approvals, ensuring compliance with company policies without manual intervention. Real-time spend tracking provides immediate visibility into expenses, enabling proactive financial management. Customizable reporting tools let you generate detailed financial reports tailored to your business needs, offering deeper insights into spending patterns. ​

Integrations include NetSuite, Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Acumatica, Uber, Lyft, Okta, Google, Rippling, and Gmail.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive reporting features
  • Ability to issue multiple virtual cards with customizable controls
  • Automated expense reporting and receipt matching

Cons:

  • Mostly focuses on accounts payable and spend management
  • Could offer more advanced accounting features

New Product Updates from Ramp

AI-Powered Policy Agents by Ramp for Real-Time Expense Review and Fraud Detection
Ramp AI teammates reviewing expenses against corporate policy
August 10 2025
AI-Powered Policy Agents by Ramp for Real-Time Expense Review and Fraud Detection

Ramp's new AI-powered Policy Agents review expenses in real time to flag fraud and out-of-policy spending, interact with employees, and recommend policy improvements. For more details, visit Ramp Announcements.

Best for multi-entity consolidation

  • 14-day free trial available
  • From $24/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Joiin is a financial consolidation and reporting tool designed for businesses and accounting professionals. It helps simplify financial reporting by managing and consolidating data across multiple entities.

Why I Picked Joiin: I picked Joiin for its multi-entity consolidation, which makes it easy to manage and view financial data across complex business structures. It also offers real-time dashboards for up-to-date performance tracking on the go. Another standout is its AI-powered insights, helping you spot trends, opportunities, and risks. With budget vs. forecast tools included, Joiin streamlines planning and reporting in one reliable platform.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced consolidation capabilities that allow for chart of accounts mapping and intercompany eliminations, ensuring accurate financial reporting. The software offers multi-currency reporting, essential for businesses operating in multiple countries and dealing with foreign transactions. Additionally, Joiin provides mobile access to reports, enabling you to view and manage financial data from anywhere, ensuring you stay connected and informed.

Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks Online, Sage, Pennylane, Puzzle, and Spreadsheets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective for group consolidations and inter-company finance management
  • Effective for group consolidations and inter-company finance management
  • Supports multi-currency reporting

Cons:

  • Lacks financial rollup capabilities and editing features
  • Report editor can be clunky with limitations on flexibility

New Product Updates from Joiin

Joiin Adds Zapier Integration For Workflow Automation
Connect Joiin Reporting with Zapier to automate financial workflows.
October 26 2025
Joiin Adds Zapier Integration For Workflow Automation

Joiin introduces integration with Zapier, enabling automation of reporting workflows with over 6,000 apps. This helps reduce manual tasks and keeps financial reporting in sync across systems. For more information, visit Joiin's official site.

Best for small businesses

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $19/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4/5

QuickBooks is an accounting software platform for smaller businesses across nearly every industry. This platform supports most core bookkeeping and accounting functions, while users can purchase other functions, such as payroll, as add-ons.

Why I Picked QuickBooks: QuickBooks strikes the right balance between ease of use and depth of functionality. The platform is simple enough to set up without professional help, yet powerful enough to manage essential accounting tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and tax preparation.

What really stands out is how intuitive the platform feels compared to many other accounting tools. The workflows are straightforward, which means less time spent figuring out the system and more time focusing on the actual financial tasks that matter. That ease of use also carries through daily bookkeeping, making it easier to stay organized without getting bogged down in complexity. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include the ability to manage your finances with tools that let you track income and expenses, automate tasks like invoicing and payments, and generate insightful financial reports. You can also benefit from the user-friendly dashboard that offers a clear view of your business's financial health at a glance. Additionally, QuickBooks provides mobile access, so you can stay connected to your finances wherever you are.

Integrations include PayPal, Shopify, Square, TSheets, HubSpot, Expensify, Stripe, Mailchimp, Bill.com, and Salesforce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated bank reconciliation features
  • Easy to learn and use
  • Offers both cloud-based and desktop solutions

Cons:

  • Pricier than industry peers
  • Must upgrade to add users

New Product Updates from QuickBooks Online

October 5 2025
QuickBooks Online Checking Account

QuickBooks Online now lets you open a QuickBooks Checking account and make instant deposits with zero fees, all from within your bookkeeping workflow. Visit QuickBooks Online's website for more details.

Best for transaction-level accounting

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

Fulfil is an AI-native ERP and accounting platform built for eCommerce and wholesale businesses. It connects financial management, order processing, inventory, and warehouse operations into a single source of truth, helping you maintain accurate records and real-time visibility across your entire business. As accounting software, Fulfil supports transaction-level precision and provides comprehensive reporting for informed financial decision-making.

Why I picked Fulfil: I picked Fulfil because it offers true transaction-level accounting, giving you the ability to drill into every order and expense for unmatched financial clarity. This depth of insight helps you make faster, more accurate business decisions without needing to reconcile data across multiple systems.

I also like that its AI-powered automation can generate reports or optimize order workflows using natural language prompts, freeing your finance team from repetitive manual tasks. Plus, its real-time financial visibility means you always have current numbers to guide your next move.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated financial management tools that track every transaction in real time, warehouse and inventory management that prevents overselling, and AI-driven reporting that helps you analyze performance faster. These capabilities work together to give you a connected operational and accounting system that scales with your business.

Integrations include Amazon Shipping, USPS, DHL, FedEx, UPS, AfterPay, Authorize.net, Avalara, PayPal, Stripe, Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive inventory integration included
  • AI tools reduce manual reporting
  • Accurate transaction-level accounting data

Cons:

  • May require setup assistance
  • Pricing not publicly listed

Best for fast-growing businesses

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $2.50/user/month (billed monthly)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses. It's popular for its user-friendly interface and scalability, catering to self-employed individuals and growing enterprises.

Why I picked Xero: Xero's small business accounting software scales seamlessly with increasing financial complexities, offering a cloud-based infrastructure that adapts to dynamic operational needs. Its intuitive interface and automation streamline financial management, enabling businesses to focus on growth without being bogged down by manual processes.

With its API and app marketplace, you're able to connect directly to several platforms and automate invoice generation, cutting a two-day billing cycle down to just ten minutes. Although its reporting and user management aren’t as advanced as a full ERP, Xero provides the scalability, compliance, and governance small businesses need to stay efficient, reduce accountant reliance, and be investment-ready.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include online invoicing that helps you manage and automate invoicing tasks from any device. Your team can also access data from over 21,000 banks, facilitating easier bank reconciliation processes. Additionally, expense management is simplified, offering a way to handle claims and reimbursements efficiently.

Integrations include HubSpot, Shopify, Squarespace, Mailchimp, PayPal, Stripe, Gusto, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Square.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Unlimited users allowed
  • Strong payment features
  • Clean and simple UI

Cons:

  • Limited customizations
  • Multi-currency not available on all plans

Best for comprehensive invoicing and billing

  • Free trial + free plan available
  • From $15/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Zoho Books is a strong accounting software designed to cater to small and medium-sized enterprises by providing a comprehensive suite of financial management tools. This cloud-based platform facilitates diverse functions such as invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, and customizable financial reporting.

Why I picked Zoho Books: Zoho Books simplifies the entire invoicing and billing process, allowing you to manage everything from creation to payment in one place. It’s designed to handle various billing needs, making it easy to tailor invoices and manage recurring payments efficiently. This ensures you can focus on your business without worrying about tracking payments or following up manually.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include expense tracking to help you categorize and monitor your business spending. You can also automate recurring invoices and payment reminders to save time and keep cash flow steady. Plus, the client portal makes it easy for your customers to view and pay their invoices directly.

Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Zoho Inventory, Stripe, PayPal, Square, Slack, G Suite, Office 365, and Shopify.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable invoices
  • Facilitates transactions in various currencies
  • Automates various accounting processes

Cons:

  • Mobile version lacks features on the desktop version
  • May not be ideal for larger enterprises

Best for mid-sized businesses

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

BlackLine is a cloud-based accounting and financial automation platform streamlining the entire financial close process. This platform can automate accounts receivable and financial closing and supports intercompany accounting management.

Why I picked BlackLine: BlackLine is not an advanced piece of accounting software—it aims to streamline and modernize the financial close, one of accounting’s largest tasks for mid-sized to larger businesses. As such, BlackLine can complement your general ledger accounting software and take a lot of weight off your accounting and finance teams. Overall, it's definitely a worthwhile feature for companies that are already using SAP because BlackLine’s SAP integration unlocks BlackLine’s prized Smart Close feature.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include account reconciliation to help you match transactions and keep your books accurate. You can also use task management to track your financial close processes and assign responsibilities to your team. Additionally, the journal entry automation saves you time by eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors.

Integrations include SAP, Workday, NetSuite, Sage, QuickBooks, Xero, Microsoft Dynamics, Coupa, and Adaptive Insights.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers several intercompany accounting management features
  • Automates most of the accounts receivable process
  • Accelerates and improves the financial close process

Cons:

  • Very little accounts payable automation
  • Only handles accounting and finance tasks

Best for advanced inventory management

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $20/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

ZarMoney is an all-in-one accounting software designed to help businesses efficiently manage finances, inventory, and invoicing. It’s built for organizations that need flexibility, visibility, and control across multiple locations, with robust reporting tools to guide smarter decision-making.

Why I picked ZarMoney: I chose ZarMoney for its standout inventory management and highly customizable reporting capabilities. The platform enables real-time inventory tracking across multiple sites—ideal for businesses handling high product volumes—and helps prevent stock shortages. Its invoicing system lets you create professional, branded invoices, complete with a “Pay Now” option that accelerates client payments and boosts cash flow. With over 40 built-in reports and more than 1,000 customization options, ZarMoney delivers granular insights into every corner of your business performance.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated sales tax calculation and reporting across multiple locations for effortless compliance, streamlined bank reconciliation that improves cash accuracy, and secure user management with role-based access controls to safeguard sensitive financial data. These capabilities combine to make ZarMoney both powerful and adaptable for growing businesses.

Integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.Net, HubSpot, Gusto, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Slack, Zoho Inventory, Microsoft Teams, Zendesk, and Jira.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Built-in payment links for faster cash flow
  • Advanced multi-location inventory tracking
  • Highly customizable reporting options

Cons:

  • Requires manual setup for some integrations
  • Limited automation for complex workflows

Best for quick invoice creation

  • Free trial available
  • Starting at $15/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

InvoiceBerry is an online invoicing platform built for small businesses and freelancers who want to streamline billing and expense tracking. With its user-friendly interface and automation tools, it simplifies invoicing, payments, and client management—all in one easy-to-use dashboard.

Why I picked InvoiceBerry: I chose InvoiceBerry for its speed and simplicity in creating professional invoices. Using customizable templates, you can generate invoices in under a minute—ideal for entrepreneurs who want to spend less time on admin and more on growth. The platform also includes expense tracking to monitor business spending, and client management tools to keep payment histories and contact information organized. Additionally, its online payment integrations with Stripe, PayPal, Square, and WePay make it easy for clients to pay directly from their invoices, improving cash flow and convenience.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include recurring invoices for regular clients, automated email invoicing for faster delivery, and payment reminders to reduce late or missed payments. These capabilities make InvoiceBerry an efficient tool for maintaining steady cash flow and fostering professional client relationships.

Integrations include Slack, Trello, ActiveCampaign, DataValidation, Hyperise, Autoklose, Ninja Forms, Klaviyo, Stripe, Square, PayPal, and WePay.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multiple online payment options
  • Built-in client and expense tracking
  • Fast, customizable invoice creation

Cons:

  • Few advanced automation features
  • Limited accounting functionality beyond invoicing

Best for multi-entity financial management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Xledger provides a strong cloud-based solution primarily designed for businesses looking to streamline their financial management processes. This platform is tailored for organizations that require powerful automation, real-time data access, and scalability to adapt to growing and changing business needs.

Why I picked Xledger: As accounting software, Xledger excels in delivering extensive automation for financial operations, reducing the need for manual entry and minimizing errors. It supports complex financial management requirements with features like multi-entity consolidation, real-time reporting, and advanced budgeting tools. The software is particularly noted for its strong compliance features and the ability to handle various currencies and tax regulations, making it suitable for global businesses.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include simplified recurring billing that automates repetitive invoicing tasks, saving you time and minimizing errors. You can choose flexible delivery options, sending invoices via email as PDFs or through traditional mail. For multi-entity corporations, Xledger automatically generates accounts payable entries for invoicing between entities, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, GoldFinch, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and other major banks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High degree of automation for financial processes
  • Comprehensive multi-entity and multi-currency support
  • Real-time financial reporting and analytics

Cons:

  • Potentially high cost for smaller businesses
  • Slight learning curve for new users

Best for automated bookkeeping

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $20/month

Kashoo is a cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for small business owners. It offers a range of features that simplify financial management, including invoicing, expense tracking, and automated bookkeeping. 

Why I picked Kashoo: One of the key advantages of Kashoo is its automated bookkeeping functionality. This feature reduces the manual effort required to manage financial records, allowing you to import bank feeds, categorize transactions, and reconcile accounts in one place. The software also supports over 5,000 banks worldwide, making it highly adaptable for various business banking needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include an intuitive user interface that makes managing your finances straightforward. You can also easily track expenses and income, providing an advanced view of your financial health. In addition, Kashoo offers automated bank reconciliation, helping you save time and reduce errors when matching your transactions with your bank statements.

Integrations include Square, Stripe, PaymentEvolution, SurePayroll, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Xero, Paychex, and Wave.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Mobile app available
  • Complies with both Canadian and U.S. regulations
  • Good automated features

Cons:

  • Does not offer integrated payroll management
  • Limited advanced features

Best for document digitization

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Neat is a smart document management platform designed to help businesses and professionals go paperless while maintaining full financial oversight. By transforming receipts, invoices, and other paperwork into searchable, digital records, Neat simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation for finance teams and small business owners alike.

Why I picked Neat: I chose Neat for its advanced OCR (optical character recognition) technology that extracts key data from scanned documents automatically—eliminating manual entry and reducing errors. It also provides real-time insights into income and expenses, helping users maintain a clear view of their financial health. Security is another strong point: Neat uses bank-level encryption to protect sensitive data, ensuring your financial records remain safe and compliant. With mobile uploads and scanner compatibility, it’s easy to keep your digital filing cabinet organized and up to date from anywhere.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automatic document categorization that simplifies tax preparation, tax-ready reporting to streamline filing, and cloud-based access so you can view and manage your financial data on the go. Neat turns what used to be hours of paperwork into quick, searchable digital workflows.

Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Campaign Monitor, Constant Contact, Google Contacts, MailChimp, Outlook.com, Quicken, TurboTax, H&R Block, Xero, FreshBooks, and Wave.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tax-ready reporting and organization
  • Secure cloud-based document storage
  • Powerful OCR for data extraction

Cons:

  • Limited customization for complex workflows
  • Focused primarily on document management

Best for managing payroll in-house

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $20/user/month

AccountEdge is a robust desktop accounting software built for small businesses that want full control over their financial management. Available for both Mac and Windows, it combines invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking in one comprehensive platform—ideal for business owners who prefer locally hosted accounting solutions.

Why I picked AccountEdge: I chose AccountEdge for its powerful mix of invoicing, expense management, and payroll tools. It allows you to create and send professional invoices, track expenses seamlessly, and handle employee payments within the same system—helping maintain steady cash flow and reduce the need for third-party payroll services. Its inventory management and multi-company file support also make it a strong fit for small businesses managing multiple entities or product lines.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include time billing for accurate tracking and invoicing of billable hours, contact management for maintaining strong client and supplier relationships, and robust data management tools for organizing financial information efficiently. These capabilities help small business owners stay organized and make informed financial decisions without complexity.

Integrations include Payroll Forms Service, Dropbox, UPS, Power BI, Zapier, Square, AccountEdge Connect, TimeSolv, SurePayroll, Ramp, CSG Forte, and Bank Feeds — enhancing workflow automation, reporting, and data syncing across your business operations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Local installation for full data control
  • Supports multi-company file management
  • Strong invoicing and payroll capabilities

Cons:

  • Limited scalability for larger teams
  • Lacks real-time cloud collaboration

Best for therapist-focused accounting

  • No free trial available
  • From $169/month (billed annually)

Heard is accounting software built specifically for therapists and wellness practitioners. It combines bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services to simplify financial management for private practices. With guided setup and expert support, it helps you stay compliant and organized throughout the year.

Why I picked Heard: I picked Heard because it’s one of the only accounting platforms made for therapy practices. It offers personalized tax estimates and filing support for both state and federal returns, plus payroll tools that automatically handle tax withholdings. Heard also assists with S Corporation election and compliance, which can help you save on taxes as your practice grows. For solo and group practitioners, this specialization makes it far easier to keep finances in order without hiring a full-time accountant.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include monthly bookkeeping with categorized transactions, payroll management, S Corp compliance assistance, and personalized tax filing with automated reminders. You’ll also get financial reports each month to guide your decisions and access to educational resources designed for private practice owners.

Integrations include QuickBooks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides expert financial support
  • Combines bookkeeping and tax help
  • Built for therapy practices

Cons:

  • Not ideal for complex taxes
  • Limited third-party integrations

Best for nonprofits

  • 30-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $15/month (billed annually)

ZipBooks offers a free version specifically for nonprofits with unlimited bookkeeping, invoicing, and donor management features.

Why I picked ZipBooks: ZipBooks provides tools tailored to managing donations and tracking expenses in a straightforward way. Its user-friendly design helps nonprofits stay organized while focusing on their mission rather than administrative tasks. This makes it easier to manage finances and demonstrate accountability to donors and stakeholders.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include smart categorization that helps you organize your expenses without much effort. You can track your time and link it directly to your projects for accurate billing. Plus, the built-in reporting tools let you quickly see how your business is doing and where you can improve.

Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, Slack, Google Drive, Google Sheets, QuickBooks, Zapier, and Shopify.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Mobile app allows you to request and receive donations on the go
  • Free plan available
  • Customized for nonprofits

Cons:

  • No phone support
  • Limited features compared to those of paid plans from ZipBooks

Best for freelancers

  • Free plan available
  • From $16/user/month

Wave is an accounting software designed for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. It offers essential tools to manage finances, making it a budget-friendly choice for those seeking simple yet effective accounting solutions.

Why I picked Wave: Wave offers a simple, cost-effective way to manage finances without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity. It’s tailored to meet the needs of individuals running solo businesses, making it easy to handle invoicing, expenses, and payments in one place. This allows freelancers to stay focused on their work while maintaining clear financial organization.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include double-entry accounting, which simplifies tracking your business finances by automatically balancing debits and credits. You can also send customizable invoices to fit your brand, and automated payment reminders ensure timely payments from your clients. Additionally, Wave allows you to connect multiple bank accounts and credit cards, automating the capture of bills and expenses.

Integrations include PayPal, Etsy, Shoeboxed, BlueCamroo, HubSpot, Zapier, Mailchimp, Google Sheets, Slack, and QuickBooks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated bookkeeping features
  • User-friendly interface for non-technical users
  • Offers a free forever plan

Cons:

  • Limited integrations
  • Not ideal for larger businesses

Best for real-time financial insights

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Sage Intacct is a versatile project accounting tool beneficial for a wide range of industries and business sizes, particularly those with project-centric operations. It's highly useful for mid-sized to large enterprises in sectors such as construction, consulting, engineering, software development, hospitality, healthcare, and real estate development. 

Why I picked Sage Intacct: Sage Intacct provides real-time financial insights through customizable reports and dashboards, which can be tailored to the specific needs of a business. This level of customization and real-time data availability aids in more informed decision-making and strategic planning. Additionally, Sage Intacct supports multi-entity and multi-currency management, making it ideal for businesses with complex financial structures and international operations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include intelligent general ledgers to simplify your accounting processes by automating entries and providing real-time insights. Additionally, its advanced dashboards and reporting tools offer over 150 pre-built reports, allowing your team to customize and analyze data effectively.

Integrations include Salesforce, ADP, Bill.com, Avalara, Expensify, Stripe, Square, Shopify, Nexonia, and MineralTree.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extensive configurations and automation features
  • Cloud deployment
  • Shared chart of accounts

Cons:

  • May not be ideal for smaller businesses
  • Extensive features may come with a learning curve

Other Accounting Software

Here are a few more accounting software options that didn’t quite make my shortlist, but are still definitely worth a look!

  1. Patriot Accounting

    For flexible accounting methods

  2. DualEntry

    For enterprise accounting

  3. Aplos

    For churches and non-profits

  4. TrulySmall

    For simplistic accounting

How to Choose Accounting Software

I know how overwhelming it feels to choose small business accounting software with all the features and price points out there. To simplify things, here’s a quick checklist that’ll help you stay focused and find the right fit for your business.

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityWill the software grow with your business? Ensure it can handle an increase in data and users over time, especially if it's a small business accounting software.
IntegrationsDoes it integrate with tools your team already uses, like CRM or payroll systems, to streamline workflows? Does it connect with your chosen software (i.e. Mac or Windows)?
CustomizabilityCan you tailor the software to fit your specific accounting needs and reporting requirements?
Ease of UseIs the interface intuitive for your team, reducing training time and user error?
BudgetDoes the software fit within your financial constraints without hidden fees?
Security SafeguardsHow does the software protect sensitive financial data and ensure compliance with regulations?
Customer SupportIs there reliable support available when you need help with issues or questions?
Reporting FeaturesAre the reporting tools robust enough to provide the insights your business requires?

Costs and Pricing of Accounting Software

If you’re shopping for accounting software, I get it: costs can stack up fast. I’ve broken down key features, average pricing, and plan types so you can compare your options easily. Whether you're freelancing or scaling a team, this quick overview helps you find the right fit without overpaying.

Plan Comparison Table for Accounting Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic invoicing, expense tracking, and limited reports.
Personal Plan$10-$25/user/monthInvoicing, expense tracking, basic reporting, and limited customer support.
Business Plan$25-$75/user/monthAdvanced reporting, multi-user access, project tracking, and integrations.
Enterprise Plan$75-$150/user/monthCustomizable dashboards, advanced analytics, dedicated support, and security features.

Accounting Software Selection Criteria

I picked the top accounting software by focusing on what actually matters: simple setup, lower cost, smooth integrations, and features like invoicing or tax help. I also used a consistent review system to easily compare options:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)

To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage invoices and billing
  • Track expenses and income
  • Generate financial reports
  • Handle payroll processing
  • Support tax preparation

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)

To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Mobile access for managing finances on the go
  • Integration with third-party applications
  • AI-driven financial insights
  • Customizable dashboards and reports
  • Multi-currency support for international businesses

Usability (10% of total score)

To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Ease of navigation between features
  • Availability of templates for common tasks
  • Responsiveness of customer support within the interface
  • Customization options for different user roles

Onboarding (10% of total score)

To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos and tutorials
  • Interactive product tours for new users
  • Access to dedicated onboarding specialists
  • Availability of migration tools for data import
  • Comprehensive user guides and documentation

Customer Support (10% of total score)

To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support channels
  • Response time for customer inquiries
  • Access to a comprehensive knowledge base
  • Availability of live chat support
  • User feedback on support experiences

Value For Money (10% of total score)

To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Comparison of pricing plans with competitors
  • Assessment of feature offerings at each pricing tier
  • Availability of discounts for annual subscriptions
  • Evaluation of free vs. paid plan limitations
  • Overall satisfaction with pricing transparency

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)

To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • User feedback on software reliability
  • Satisfaction with feature set and updates
  • Comments on ease of use and learning curve
  • Reports on customer support efficacy
  • Overall value for money feedback

During my search, I dug deep into the latest accounting software updates, including press releases, product changes, release notes. Here are some of the top trends I noticed that I think you should keep an eye on when comparing the best small business accounting software:

  • AI-Powered Insights: Many accounting software solutions are now incorporating AI to provide predictive analytics and insights. This helps businesses forecast financial trends and make informed decisions.
  • Blockchain for Security: As security becomes a priority, some vendors are exploring blockchain technology to safeguard financial data. This ensures that transactions are transparent and tamper-proof, which is particularly beneficial for businesses managing sensitive information (i.e. healthcare or legal firms dealing with trusts).
  • Customizable Dashboards: Most vendors now offer features like customizable dashboards, which allow users to tailor their view to focus on valuable metrics. This could be extremely beneficial for freelancers, who need to organize projects and prioritize due dates.
  • Subscription-Based Billing Management: With the rise of subscription models, many accounting tools are adding features to manage recurring billing and subscriptions. This is crucial for businesses that rely on subscription services for steady revenue.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Features enabling real-time collaboration are gaining traction. These allow multiple users to work on financial data simultaneously, improving teamwork and efficiency.

What is Accounting Software?

Accounting software is a digital tool that helps individuals and businesses manage financial transactions, track income and expenses, and generate financial reports.

This software streamlines processes like invoicing, payroll, tax filing, and budgeting, reducing the need for manual bookkeeping. It’s widely used by freelancers, small businesses, and accountants to improve accuracy, save time, and maintain compliance. Popular examples include QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks, with each offering varying features to suit different business needs.

Features of Accounting Software

If you're comparing accounting software, make sure it includes essentials like invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing. Here are some other key features you should look for to help you streamline processes and aid in business growth:

  • General Ledger Management: Helps in maintaining a comprehensive record of all financial transactions, providing a clear financial overview of the business.
  • Accounts Payable and Receivable: Allows businesses to efficiently manage incoming and outgoing payments, ensuring smooth cash flow.
  • Financial Reporting: Aids in generating detailed financial reports which are essential for strategic planning and close and consolidation processes.
  • Bank Reconciliation: Helps in matching the company's financial records with bank statements, ensuring accuracy in financial data.
  • Budgeting and Forecasting: Provides tools for planning future financial needs and tracking financial performance against the budget.
  • Tax Management: Assists in preparing and filing taxes, which helps in staying compliant with tax regulations.
  • Inventory Management: Allows businesses to monitor and manage stock levels, ensuring they meet demand without overstocking.
  • Payroll Processing: Automates the calculation and processing of employee wages, saving time and reducing errors for everyone from SMBs to enterprises.
  • Expense Tracking: Helps in recording and categorizing business expenses, facilitating better expense management and control for all industries, from service-based to corporations.
  • Invoicing and Billing: Streamlines the creation and management of invoices, aiding in timely billing and payment collection.

Benefits of Accounting Software

Bringing accounting software into your business comes with a ton of perks for both your team and your bottom line. Here are a few benefits you’ll love:

  • Time Savings: Automates repetitive tasks like invoicing and payroll, freeing up time for other important business activities while streamlining workflows.
  • Accuracy: Reduces human errors with automatic calculations and data entry, ensuring financial records are precise. This helps streamline finances, especially for larger businesses.
  • Financial Insights: Generates real-time reports and analytics to help make informed business decisions. This is great for any business model, including agencies.
  • Tax Compliance: Simplifies tax processes with integrated tax features that ensure compliance with regulations. This is ideal for all business sizes, but especially startups.
  • Cash Flow Management: Tracks income and expenses in real-time to better manage your cash flow and financial health.
  • Expense Tracking: Easily categorizes and tracks expenses, helping you to maintain a clear view of where money is going. This is most beneficial for businesses in trades, such as oil and gas industries.
  • Scalability: Adapts to business growth with features that support increasing volumes of transactions and data. This can be especially beneficial for SMBs or those in media-related industries.

Accounting Software FAQs

Here are answers to a few FAQs about accounting software:

What's Next?

Ready to compound your abilities as a finance professional? Subscribe to our free newsletter.

Bradley Clifford
By Bradley Clifford

Bradley Clifford is a Chartered Accountant and the current VP of Finance at Black and White Zebra. With 15+ years of experience spanning full-cycle accounting, FP&A, M&A, and investor relations. Bradley has held senior roles at companies including Stack Overflow—where he supported its growth to a $1.8B acquisition—and Rewind. Bradley is passionate about using finance as a decision-making engine, leveraging technology, scenario planning, and AI-powered automation to transform insights into smarter, faster business strategies.