19 Best Cheap Accounting Software Reviewed In 2025
Best Cheap Accounting Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best cheap accounting software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Cheap accounting software is a digital solution designed to manage finances, track expenses, generate reports, and streamline bookkeeping at a lower cost. It takes the complexity out of staying financially organized and frees up valuable time that can be spent growing your business.
As a digital software expert, I know how important it is to find a solution that meets your requirements while remaining in budget. The right accounting software gives you real-time visibility into your cash flow, automates tedious tasks, and simplifies tax preparation. When tailored to lean operations, it becomes a powerful partner in financial decision-making.
After digging deep into user reviews, functionalities, and in-depth testing, I narrowed down my top cheap accounting software picks. My reviews highlight the best solutions that deliver value without compromise, so you can choose confidently and effectively.
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Best Cheap Accounting Software Summary
Use this quick pricing chart to compare my top cheap accounting software and find the best value for your business.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for accounts payable automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for automated expense management | Free demo available | From $15/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for early-stage financial automation | 14-day free trial | From $25/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for automated billing | 30-day free trial | From $6.30/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for a wide range of features | 30-day free trial | From $35/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for integration with Odoo apps | Free plan available | From $20/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for self-employed contractors | 30-day free trial | From $13.50/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for UK small businesses | 14-day free trial | From $1.46/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for invoicing freelancers | Not available | From $10/month (up to 5 users) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for inventory management | Free plan available | From $20/month | Website |
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LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
Visit Website -
Vena
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best Cheap Accounting Software Reviews
Here are my reviews of the best cheap accounting software picks. I break down features, pros and cons, integrations, and who each tool suits best, so you can quickly find everything you need at the price you want.
Payouts is a global payouts automation and vendor management platform designed to simplify and scale digital economy business operations. It offers a comprehensive suite of payment services, including automated invoice processing, real-time tracking, diverse payment options, and vendor management capabilities.
Why I picked Payouts: One of the key reasons I selected Payouts is its advanced accounts payable (AP) automation features. It transforms manual payment processes into automated workflows, handling invoicing, approvals, reconciliation, and reporting through a unified system. The platform utilizes intelligent invoice capture technology to eliminate manual data entry, accurately extracting data from invoices in any format—PDFs, scanned images, or EDI. Additionally, Payouts automatically matches invoices to purchase orders and receipts, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include optimized global payments, allowing businesses to easily pay vendors in multiple currencies with integration of preferred payment methods. The platform also offers instant access to local currency accounts in 12 countries, facilitating international business with minimal fees.
Integrations include Everflow, CJ Affiliate, Awin, PayPal, Venmo, Payoneer, NetSuite, Priority, Workday, Skrill, and Tune.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports scaling operations
- Multiple payout methods
- Comprehensive automation of accounts payable processes
Cons:
- Mostly geared towards digital economy businesses
- Potential challenges integrating with existing systems
Ramp is an accounting automation platform that helps businesses manage expenses, payments, and reporting from one dashboard. It combines AI-driven categorization, real-time transaction tracking, and built-in policy controls to reduce manual work and improve visibility.
Why I picked Ramp: I picked Ramp because it eliminates the need for manual expense reports and simplifies transaction oversight. You can issue corporate cards with pre-set limits, automatically categorize expenses, and monitor spending in real time. I also liked that Ramp supports global payments and multi-currency accounts, which makes it a strong fit for businesses with international vendors or remote teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time expense tracking, automated reimbursements, and policy controls by merchant or category. Ramp also offers receipt matching and supports corporate cards with built-in spend limits. Expense, travel, and procurement tools are integrated into a single platform to reduce the need for separate systems.
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
Vendor Approval Workflows in Ramp
Ramp's new vendor approval workflows allow teams or managers to review new vendors, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and preventing unauthorized entries. For more details, visit Ramp Announcements.
Puzzle.io is a modern accounting platform built for startups and small businesses that want affordable access to real-time financial data. Its AI-powered engine automates bookkeeping and delivers insights to help you stay on top of your finances while keeping costs manageable.
Why I Picked Puzzle.io: I picked Puzzle.io because it offers a pricing structure that makes it accessible for early-stage companies while still delivering advanced automation. The free tier gives very small businesses a way to get started if expenses stay below $5,000 per month. As businesses scale, paid plans start at $25 per user per month and layer in features like cash and accrual support, AI-powered categorization, and variance analysis. These options give you control over your books without needing outside help or spreadsheets to track critical financial data.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include built-in accrual automation to manage revenue recognition, prepaid expenses, and accounts payable as your business grows. Puzzle.io also runs continuous accuracy checks on financial statements to catch potential issues before they impact reporting. Quick onboarding and configuration options make it easier to migrate from older systems without starting from zero.
Integrations include Stripe, Brex, Ramp, Rippling, Gusto, Mercury, Meow, Every, Plaid, Bill.com, Deel, Central, Runway, and Causal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates revenue recognition and expense categorization
- AI improves categorization accuracy over time
- Supports both cash and accrual accounting
Cons:
- Limited customization for complex workflows
- Smaller integration ecosystem compared to ERP tools
New Product Updates from Puzzle.io
Puzzle.io's Automated PDF Statement Loading
Puzzle.io has introduced automated PDF statement loading for Meow, streamlining the reconciliation process by eliminating manual downloads and uploads. For more details, visit Puzzle.io Product Updates.
FreshBooks is accounting software made for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small teams. It handles invoicing, billing, expense tracking, and basic general ledger functions in a user-friendly interface that works well for service-based businesses.
Why I picked FreshBooks: FreshBooks stood out to me for its billing automation. You can schedule recurring invoices, set up automatic payment reminders, and accept online payments without needing add-ons. These tools help you manage cash flow without constant follow-up. It also supports double-entry accounting and real-time reporting, giving you the visibility you need to stay on top of your business finances.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include time tracking, client proposals, mobile mileage logging, and team management tools. These are especially useful if you're juggling multiple projects, clients, or collaborators.
Integrations include Zapier, HubSpot, Gusto, Square, Slack, Stripe, PayPal, Google Sheets, Mailchimp, Zoom, Salesforce, and WooCommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated time tracking
- Automated late payment reminders
- Customizable invoice templates
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Slight learning curve for beginners
QuickBooks is an all-in-one accounting system that handles various business functions. Its extensive feature set provides flexibility for businesses as they grow, allowing them to handle complex financial tasks and bank transactions.
Why I picked QuickBooks: QuickBooks offers a wide range of features that cover almost every aspect of financial management. It provides detailed invoicing and online payment tracking, ensuring you can manage your cash flow efficiently. The software also includes payroll processing, helping your team handle employee payments without hassle. Additionally, QuickBooks supports tax filing, making year-end financial tasks more manageable for your business.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated sales tax tracking, which helps you comply with regional tax regulations, and expense tracking with receipt capture to help simplify your expense management. QuickBooks also offers customizable reports, giving insights into your business's financial health.
Integrations include PayPal, Shopify, Square, Stripe, Amazon, Etsy, TSheets, Google Workspace, HubSpot, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Bank reconciliation automation
- Extensive invoice customization
- Automated tax calculations
Cons:
- Limited budgeting tools
- Limited inventory management
Odoo Accounting is an online accounting software. It integrates with Odoo’s other business apps, covering everything from invoicing and expense management to CRM, inventory, and sales.
Why I picked Odoo Accounting: Odoo Accounting integrates seamlessly with other Odoo apps, allowing you to expand your capabilities across various business functions as needed. You can sync invoicing with inventory and sales for real-time financial data entry management, or use their smart financial tools to effectively track transactions in real-time. These features, combined with the software’s ability to build a unified platform, makes it a flexible choice that grows with your business.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time bank synchronization, which updates your accounts automatically, while its smart reconciliation tools help match your transactions quickly. Plus, Odoo Accounting also offers automated invoice creation to save time on routine tasks.
Integrations include Odoo Sales, Odoo Inventory, Odoo CRM, PayPal, Stripe, QuickBooks, and Authorize.net.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable financial reports
- Real-time expense tracking
- Automated bank reconciliation
Cons:
- Limited advanced analytics
- Required Odoo ecosystem
FreeAgent is perfect for self-employed contractors and entrepreneurs because of its intuitive interface that simplifies financial management. It offers invoicing, time tracking, and automated tax estimates for self-employment taxes.
Why I picked FreeAgent: FreeAgent can quickly create and send professional invoices, and record expenses for better budgeting. Its automated tax estimates help you stay prepared for self-employment taxes, which is important for contractors. The software also includes time-tracking tools, making it easier to bill clients accurately.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management, allowing you to organize tasks and track project costs. The software provides real-time financial insights to help you make informed decisions. FreeAgent also offers tax management features, assisting you with self-assessment and VAT returns.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, GoCardless, Dropbox, Google Drive, Zapier, Mailchimp, Capsule CRM, Basecamp, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Self-employment tax tools
- Time tracking for projects
- Automated tax estimates
Cons:
- Basic accounts receivable tracking
- No advanced forecasting tools
KashFlow allows UK-based small business owners to manage their finances and simplifies their tax filing process. It focuses on UK tax regulations and essential accounting functionalities like invoicing and expense tracking.
Why I picked KashFlow: KashFlow includes features built for UK businesses, such as automated VAT calculations and easy submissions under Making Tax Digital (MTD) rules. You can customize and send invoices, track expenses, and manage payroll with minimal setup. Additionally, the software’s payroll integration ensures compliance with HMRC regulations, making it easy for small business owners to handle tax obligations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated bank feeds, which streamlines updating financial records. The software offers detailed financial reporting to help you make informed business decisions. KashFlow also provides project management tools, allowing you to track tasks and budgets easily.
Integrations include PayPal, GoCardless, Stripe, Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Mailchimp, Capsule CRM, HubSpot, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- HMRC-compliant payroll
- Real-time cash flow overview
- Multi-user access permissions
Cons:
- Limited cash flow forecasting
- Limited multi-currency support
CloudBooks allows customizable invoicing options and helps users streamline essential financial functions like invoicing, time tracking, and expense management.
Why I picked CloudBooks: CloudBooks offers flexible invoicing options to meet varied client needs. You can create branded invoices, set up recurring billing for ongoing projects, and even automate payment reminders to help keep cash flow steady. Plus, its intuitive dashboard organizes invoicing, expenses, and project timelines without complexity. CloudBooks also offers time tracking and client management for easily handling multiple projects and ensuring accurate billing for your time.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include efficient time tracking and task management, which help you keep projects on schedule. Its project management capabilities allow you to assign tasks and monitor progress with ease. Additionally, the tool also offers expense management features to keep your financial records organized.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Google Drive, Dropbox, Google Calendar, Box, Basecamp, Slack, QuickBooks, and FreshBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible invoice branding
- Automated payment reminders
- Recurring billing options
Cons:
- Limited tax calculation features
- Limited financial reporting
ProfitBooks has strong inventory management for small to mid-sized businesses to monitor their stock levels and manage product sales efficiently. It simplifies complex inventory tasks, accounting needs, and stock management.
Why I picked ProfitBooks: ProfitBooks offers detailed stock tracking and reporting features. It lets you manage multiple warehouses and track stock levels, which is vital for businesses with diverse product lines. The software also provides tools for generating purchase orders directly from inventory data and automatic notifications for low stock, making it easier to manage reorder points and avoid stockouts.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multi-currency invoicing, allowing you to manage international transactions easily, while its detailed financial reporting gives insights into your business performance. ProfitBooks also offers payroll management, streamlining the process of handling employee salaries.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Magento, PayPal, Stripe, Zoho, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Low stock notifications
- Easy purchase order management
- Real-time inventory tracking
Cons:
- Minimal bank reconciliation options
- Limited tax management tools
Other Cheap Accounting Software
Here are some additional cheap accounting software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Akaunting
For multilingual support
- Brightbook
For simple bookkeeping
- ClearBooks
For cloud-based access
- ZipBooks
For built-in intelligence tools
- TrulySmall
For small business starters
- MYOB
For Australian tax compliance
- Zoho Books
For automation of workflows
- Xero
For multi-currency support
- Keeper
For document management
Cheap Accounting Software Selection Criteria
To find the best cheap accounting software, I zeroed in on what really matters, such as affordability, reliability, and staying compliant. I used this simple, consistent framework to keep things fair and useful:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage invoicing
- Track expenses
- Generate financial reports
- Monitor cash flow
- Support tax preparation
- Manage payroll processing
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Automation of repetitive tasks
- Multi-currency support
- Mobile app availability (iOS, Android, etc.)
- Customizable dashboards
- Built-in project management
- Customizable balance sheets and spreadsheets
- Third-party app integration
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive navigation
- Clean user interface
- Minimal learning curve
- Customizable settings
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Comprehensive user guides
- Access to webinars
- Supportive customer onboarding team
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multi-channel support options
- Access to live chat
- Fast response times
- Availability of a dedicated account manager
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Inclusion of essential features in base plans
- Discounts for long-term commitments
- Comprehensive free trial options
- Several payment options (credit card, debit card, etc.)
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on reliability
- High ratings for customer service
- Satisfaction with feature set
- Value for the price paid
- Willingness to recommend to others
How to Choose a Cheap Accounting Software
Choosing the right software can feel overwhelming. This quick checklist keeps your focus sharp, helping you pick the best cheap accounting software without missing a thing.
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your business needs? |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools (i.e. ERP or CRM) or software (i.e. Mac or Windows)? |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your specific processes? |
| Ease of Use | Is the software intuitive for your team to use? |
| Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints? |
| Security Safeguards | Are your data reports and transactions secure? |
| Customer Support | Does the provider offer timely assistance? |
| Reporting Features | Can you generate the reports you need? |
Trends In Cheap Accounting Software
While scanning product updates, press releases, and release logs from cheap accounting software vendors, I noticed a few standout trends. Here’s what caught my eye:
- AI-Driven Insights: More software vendors use AI to offer insights that help businesses make informed decisions. These insights can highlight spending patterns, predict future cash flow, and optimize expenses based on past data.
- Blockchain Security: Some accounting solutions are starting to incorporate blockchain technology to enhance data security and transparency. This ensures that financial transactions are secure and tamper-proof, giving users more confidence in their data integrity.
- Customizable Reporting: There’s a growing demand for more flexible reporting options as users want reports tailored to fit their specific needs. Vendors are allowing users to create custom reports focusing on the metrics most relevant to their business.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Companies are seeking ways to improve collaboration within their teams, and online accounting software is evolving to meet this need. Real-time collaboration features allow multiple users to work on financial data simultaneously, improving efficiency and communication.
- Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics is becoming a key feature, helping businesses forecast financial outcomes based on existing data. This trend is valuable for budgeting and strategic planning, offering a competitive edge by anticipating market changes.
What Is Cheap Accounting Software?
Cheap accounting software is a digital solution that helps teams manage basic accounting processes at a cost-effective price.
Typically used by startups, freelancers, and nonprofits, this type of software helps manage accounts payables and receivables, as well as financial reporting and invoicing.
Overall, cheap accounting software simplifies compliance and improves financial visibility, so users spend less time on spreadsheets and more time growing their business.
Features of Cheap Accounting Software
If you're shopping around for cheap accounting software, here are some key features to keep in mind to make sure you get the most out of your solution:
- Invoicing: Automates invoice creation and sending, helping businesses get paid faster.
- Expense Tracking: Monitors and categorizes spending, allowing users to monitor budgets and cash flow. This is beneficial for all businesses, but especially accountants managing school budgets.
- Financial Reporting: Generates reports with insights into financial health and aids in decision-making.
- VAT Management: Simplifies tax calculations and submissions and ensures compliance with tax regulations.
- Time Tracking: Records billable hours and integrates them into invoices, which is especially useful for freelancers and service-based businesses.
- Multi-Currency Support: Handles transactions in different currencies and is ideal for businesses dealing with international clients.
- Automated Reminders: Sends timely reminders for overdue payments, reducing the need for manual follow-ups.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Enables multiple users to work on financial data simultaneously, improving teamwork and efficiency.
- Customizable Reports: Allows users to tailor reports to focus on the metrics that matter most to their business.
- AI-Driven Insights: Provides actionable financial insights, helping users make informed decisions based on data analysis.
Benefits of Cheap Accounting Software
Cheap accounting software can really make a difference for both your team and your business. Here are a few perks you can look forward to:
- Cost Savings: Provides essential accounting tools at an affordable price, reducing expenses for small businesses, construction companies, and startups.
- Time Efficiency: Automates tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, freeing time for more strategic activities. This is valuable for any business, but especially those in the farming industry.
- Improved Accuracy: Reduces human errors in financial data through automated calculations and entries.
- Better Decision-Making: Offers insights through financial reporting and AI-driven analytics, helping you make informed business decisions.
- Enhanced Compliance: Simplifies tax and VAT management and ensures your business meets regulatory requirements.
- Flexibility: Supports multi-currency transactions and customizable reports, accommodating diverse business needs. This is ideal for self employed professionals or businesses with multiple locations.
- Collaboration: Enables real-time collaboration, allowing your team to work together on financial tasks from anywhere. This could be extremely valuable for those in media-related industries.
Costs and Pricing of Cheap Accounting Software
Looking for cheap accounting software? It helps to get a good feel for the different pricing plans out there. Costs can vary depending on what features you need, how big your team is, and whether you’re adding any extras.
To help you compare, I’ve built a table outlining common plans, average costs, and what’s typically included.
Plan Comparison Table for Cheap Accounting Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic invoicing, expense tracking, and limited reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Invoicing, expense tracking, basic reporting, and basic customer support. |
| Business Plan | $25-$50/user/month | Advanced invoicing, time tracking, detailed reporting, and multi-currency support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Customizable reports, advanced analytics, comprehensive support, and team collaboration features. |
Cheap Accounting Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about cheap accounting software:
Can cheap accounting software handle multi-user access?
Yes, many affordable accounting software options allow multi-user access, though this may be limited to a specific number of users or roles. This option is ideal for small teams where only a few users need access. Be sure to check user limits and upgrade options if you anticipate growth.
How secure is cheap accounting software?
Most budget-friendly accounting software provides basic security features, including data encryption and secure logins. However, some low-cost options may lack advanced security features in pricier tools. Review each software’s security policies and, if needed, look for options that support two-factor authentication for added peace of mind.
Will cheap accounting software support my business as it grows?
Cheap accounting software often includes essential features to cover small business needs, but it might have limitations if your business scales quickly. As your business grows, you may need more advanced features that require upgrading to a higher plan or switching to a different platform. Review the scalability options before choosing a product.
Are cheap accounting software options customizable?
Most affordable accounting software includes some customization options, but they’re typically less extensive than those in premium software. Basic customizations, like invoice templates or branding, are common. However, you may need to explore mid-tier or enterprise-level tools for industry-specific customizations.
What kind of customer support can I expect with cheap accounting software?
Budget-friendly accounting software offers basic customer support options, like email or community forums, rather than 24/7 phone support. Some software providers offer additional support plans for a fee if you need more direct or immediate help. Review each tool’s support availability to see if it meets your needs.
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