Top 4 Alternatives To QuickBooks- A Complete Guide For 2024

QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software providers, thanks to its intuitive interface, robust features, and extensive third-party integrations. For many, it is the first choice, especially when it comes to software for small businesses.

However, the accounting software market has become increasingly competitive, offering a wide array of options to suit various company needs. 

There are several companies looking for alternatives to QuickBooks due to their limitations on the number of users or file sizing and limited visibility of their financial plans. 

Here, we present the top alternatives to QuickBooks, providing insights into their features and pricing, enabling you to make an informed decision and select the most suitable tool for your business requirements.

Rest assured, we have ensured that these alternatives prioritize data portability, allowing you to export your reports as CSV or Excel files with ease. This ensures flexibility and minimizes any concerns about being locked into a specific platform. So without further ado, let’s check out your options. 

Zoho Books – An Affordable Option 

Rating – 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pricing Options – Free, $15 to $240 Per Month (If Billed Annually)

Payroll Feature- Paid Add-On

Time Tracking Feature- Free Add-On For Paid Users

Zoho Books is a comprehensive accounting software designed for businesses of all sizes to streamline their financial management processes. It enables them to handle invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and other vital accounting tasks with ease. 

Zoho Books simplifies accounting for both small startups and growing enterprises, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – the success of your business.

Pros & Cons

Features 

• Easy and Efficient Automation:

Zoho Books utilizes automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks like invoicing, payment reminders, and account reconciliation, freeing up your team’s valuable time.

• Simplified Invoicing:

Enjoy one of the most user-friendly invoicing tools available in accounting software, making invoicing a breeze with Zoho Books.

• Insightful Dashboard:

A clear and user-friendly dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your business’s financial health, making it easy to stay informed.

• Seamless Online Payments:

Integrated online payment features enable your business to pay bills and accept client payments effortlessly.

• Client-Focused Portal:

Zoho Books offers a client portal, creating a seamless self-service experience for your clients to access proposals, view estimates, and communicate with your team.

• On-the-Go Access:

With a well-designed mobile application, access Zoho Books’ core features anytime and anywhere, empowering you to manage your finances on the move.

Who Is It For?

• For Existing Zoho Users:

Zoho Books is an excellent choice for businesses already using Zoho products, ensuring smooth integration and cohesive management of their operations.

• For Freelancers:

Freelancers seeking robust accounting software with advanced capabilities for invoicing and expense management will find Zoho Books to be a valuable and efficient option.

• Ideal Choice for SMBs:

Zoho Books presents an excellent option for smaller or medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking an affordable and effective alternative to larger, costlier accounting software solutions.

Xero Accounting – Beautiful & Easy To Use Software

Rating – 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pricing Options – $13 To $70 Per Month (If Billed Annually)

Payroll Feature- Gusto Integration (Additional $40 Per Month)

Time Tracking Feature- On High-Tier Plan

Xero accounting is a cloud-based accounting software that provides businesses with a user-friendly platform to manage their financial tasks efficiently. It enables users to handle invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, payroll processing, and more, while offering real-time access to financial data from anywhere. 

With its intuitive interface and extensive integrations, Xero Accounting simplifies accounting processes and empowers businesses to make informed decisions for their financial success.

Pros & Cons

Features 

• Comprehensive Financial Management:

Zoho Books provides a wide range of features for effective financial management, covering various aspects of business operations.

• Streamlined Expense Management:

Easily claim expenses and manage spending with Xero’s expense management tools, ensuring accurate records and efficient reimbursements.

• Seamless Bank Connections:

Connect your bank to Xero and enable secure daily transactions to flow directly into your accounting system, ensuring up-to-date financial records.

• Efficient Payment Collection:

Accept online payments by credit card, debit card, or direct debit through Xero invoices, improving cash flow and reducing payment delays.

• Project and Job Tracking:

Quote, invoice, and get paid for jobs while effectively tracking costs and profitability with Xero’s project and job tracker software.

• Simplified Payroll with Gusto:

Xero’s integrated payroll software with Gusto calculates employee pay and deductions, making payroll management effortless for your small business.

• Accurate Bank Reconciliation:

Keep your financials up to date with Xero’s bank reconciliation software, ensuring accurate recording of bank transactions.

• Centralized Contact Management:

Use Xero for efficient contact management, accessing customer and supplier sales, invoices, and payments all in one place.

• Automated Data Capture:

Hubdoc makes data capture easy by automatically storing copies of documents and key data into Xero.

• Secure Online File Storage:

Utilize Xero for safe online file storage, conveniently managing and sharing documents, contracts, bills, and receipts from anywhere.

• Insightful Financial Reporting:

Track your finances with accurate accounting reports and collaborate with your advisor online in real time.

• Efficient Inventory Management:

Keep track of stock levels and populate invoices and orders with items bought and sold using Xero’s inventory software.

• Intuitive Online Invoicing:

Xero’s user-friendly invoicing software allows you to send invoices, automate reminders, and manage invoicing tasks conveniently.

• Multi-Currency Accounting:

With support for over 160 currencies, Xero enables easy international transactions through multi-currency accounting.

• Streamlined Purchase Orders and Quotes:

Create and send purchase orders and professional online quotes seamlessly through Xero’s software or app.

• Automated Sales Tax Calculation:

Xero automatically calculates sales taxes on transactions and provides reports for preparing sales tax returns.

• Insightful Analytics:

Upgrade to get Analytics Plus, and gain access to future cash flow projections, financial health tracking, and valuable metrics.

• Real-time Accounting Dashboard:

Keep a close eye on your finances with Xero’s accounting dashboard, tracking bank balances, invoices, bills, and more.

• Efficient Fixed Asset Management:

Track fixed assets with ease and collaborate with your accountant to ensure up-to-date bookkeeping.

• Seamless App Integration:

Choose from a wide array of apps, integrations, and financial services that connect to Xero, enhancing your business operations.

Who Is It For?

• Versatile User Base:

Zoho Books caters to a diverse audience, making it ideal for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers alike.

• Powerful Alternative for Established Businesses:

With its rich features tailored for financial and project management, Zoho Books stands as an excellent QuickBooks alternative for established businesses seeking advanced capabilities.

Freshbooks – Best For Self-Employed

Rating – 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pricing Options – $17 To $55 Per Month (If Billed Annually)

Payroll Feature- Gusto Integration 

Time Tracking Feature- Included

FreshBooks Accounting is a user-friendly cloud-based accounting software designed to simplify financial management for small businesses and freelancers. It streamlines tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and reporting, empowering users to efficiently handle their finances without the need for extensive accounting expertise. 

Its intuitive interface and automation capabilities, allows FreshBooks users to focus on growing their businesses while maintaining accurate financial records.

Pros & Cons

Features 

• Intuitive Interface and Effective Dashboard:

FreshBooks offers a user-friendly interface with an efficient onboarding process, providing easy access to essential features like invoices, payments, time tracking, and reports through a well-organized dashboard.

• Robust Project Management Tools:

Stand out with powerful project management features, enabling you to assign projects, bill hourly or flat rates, and add services and expenses, making project management a breeze.

• Mobile Apps for On-the-Go Accounting:

Stay connected with your accounting tasks through FreshBooks’ Android and iOS apps, allowing you to create invoices, manage clients, access project details, and stay updated on your finances from anywhere.

• Simplified Tax Filing:

Streamline tax filing with FreshBooks’ comprehensive revenue snapshots, categorized expenses for deductions, and easy data sharing with accountants, reducing errors and ensuring accurate reporting.

• Efficient Time Tracking:

Keep track of employee hours worked on projects seamlessly with FreshBooks’ integrated Time Tracking Software, simplifying invoicing and project management.

• Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting:

Access critical business accounting reports, including profit and loss, sales tax summary, aging accounts, invoice details, and expense reports, empowering better financial understanding and daily organization management.

• Cloud-Based Accessibility:

Enjoy the flexibility of cloud-based accounting with FreshBooks, granting you access to your financial data and accounting tasks from any location with an internet connection, whether through the desktop software or the mobile app.

Who Is It For?

• Ideal For Small Business Owners:

FreshBooks caters to small business owners who require efficient invoicing and payment processing for their businesses.

• Freelancer-Focused with Single-User Access:

Designed with freelancers in mind, FreshBooks offers single-user access, ensuring seamless accounting for independent professionals.

• Scalable with Additional User Access:

While FreshBooks starts with single-user access, it allows for scalability by adding more users to the account. However, each additional user costs $10 per month, impacting the overall value proposition.

Sage – Best With Versatile Package

Rating – 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pricing Options – $10 to $25 Per Month (If Billed Annually)

Payroll Feature- Paid Add-On

Time Tracking Feature- Paid Add-On

Sage accounting software is a comprehensive financial management solution designed to streamline and automate accounting tasks for businesses. It offers tools for invoicing, expense tracking, financial reporting, and more, providing businesses with efficient bookkeeping and financial control.

Pros & Cons

Features 

• Efficient Invoice Management:

Sage accounting streamlines invoice creation, sending, and payment tracking, with integrated payment methods for easy and organized financial transactions.

• Comprehensive Bill Payments:

The software’s accounts receivable and accounts payable functions help manage supplier and customer payments, generating auto-generated reports for better cash flow organization.

• Real-Time Inventory Tracking:

Sage offers a user-friendly inventory tracking feature, allowing businesses to monitor stock levels, reorder products, and receive out-of-stock notifications for smoother inventory management.

• Insightful Business Reporting:

Access real-time financial reports, including cash flow statements, balance sheets, profit analysis, sales tax reports, and more, to make informed business decisions and facilitate taxation purposes.

• Multi Currency Support for International Trade:

Sage accounting’s multi currency feature enables businesses to create invoices and manage payments in multiple currencies, providing a comprehensive view of international transactions.

• Seamless Bank Connection for Data Reconciliation:

By connecting with bank feeds, Sage accounting automates transaction reconciliation, saving time and enhancing data accuracy with support from hundreds of banks.

• User-Friendly Mobile App:

The accounting software offers a free mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing users to manage accounts, create invoices, track payments, and control inventory on-the-go.

• Smooth Software Integration:

Sage accounting seamlessly integrates with third-party apps like Gusto for payroll, Korona for point-of-sale processes, and Zapier for expanded functionalities.

• Enhanced Microsoft 365 Integration:

With Microsoft 365 integration, users can access reports in Excel, contacts in Outlook, and back up files with OneDrive, enabling cloud-based accessibility without desktop installation.

• Standard User Interface and Comprehensive Records:

Sage presents an easy-to-use interface with essential links on the main page, continually adding new features for improved navigation. It also provides detailed templates for various transactions, such as sales, bills, quotes, and purchase orders.

• Interactive Reports and Mobile App Features:

The software outshines QuickBooks with interactive and filterable reports, displaying detailed information with a single click. The software also offers multiple mobile apps, including receipt capturing for automatic data entry.

Who Is It For?

• Versatile User Base:

Sage accounting caters to a diverse audience, including microbusinesses and freelancers, offering various features for efficient financial management.

• Ideal for Micro Businesses:

Sage accounting provides suitable solutions for microbusinesses, helping them manage their finances effectively.

While Sage accounting offers extensive capabilities, it lacks the ability to track billable hours, which may be a drawback for certain users.

Winding Up

In conclusion, exploring the best QuickBooks alternatives empowers you to make an informed decision based on your business’s size and specific needs. Take advantage of the free trial periods offered by these software options to compare their features and functionalities before making your final choice. With the right accounting software in place, you can streamline your financial management and set your business on the path to success.