The 10 best alternatives to QuickBooks that will transform your small business accounting in 2025

If you're reading this article, chances are QuickBooks is causing you more headaches than it's helping you manage your business. Maybe it's due to rising subscription costs, an outdated user interface, and poor customer service, or maybe you're just tired of feeling like you're fighting your way through a maze every time you need to generate a simple report.

You're not alone in this situation. While QuickBooks may be the 800-pound gorilla in the accounting software jungle, it's certainly not the only animal in the forest. In fact, there are some pretty amazing alternatives to QuickBooks that might be the perfect fit for your business.

Consider this guide your compass in the accounting software jungle. We'll explore 15 fantastic alternatives that could revolutionize the way you manage your finances, and who knows? You might even find yourself looking forward to doing your books!

Let's be honest, QuickBooks isn't the magic software it used to be. You've tried repeatedly to find a workaround for a very specific feature that QuickBooks doesn't have, but to no avail. You feel like you're getting lost in a maze every time you use a standard feature of the app.

Here's what's driving business leaders to look for new horizons:

Even after a recent price increase, all of Xero's options are still cheaper than the standard subscription cost of the Plus plan, QuickBooks' most popular mid-range plan.

When your accounting software costs more than your entire annual coffee budget, it's time to rethink your strategy.

QuickBooks also does a good job of guiding you through its interface and features. But given its “professional” dashboard filled with tables and graphs summarizing business metrics, it's harder to navigate than FreshBooks.

Unlike many alternatives, QuickBooks limits the number of users who can access your system, which can be frustrating for growing teams that need collaboration features.

Before we dive into our selection, let's talk about what you should really be looking for in accounting software. It's like dating: you need to know what you want before you start scrolling through all the options.

• Cloud-based access to work from anywhere

• Unlimited users (because teamwork makes dreams work)

• An intuitive interface that doesn't require a PhD to use

• Robust reporting features

• Integration options with your existing tools

• Reasonable prices that won't break the bank

Just as businesses need different tools for different aspects of their growth (think customer communication platforms like Emelia.io to develop your B2B communications), your accounting software should match your business model and the size of your company.

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses looking for comprehensive features at a lower cost

Xero tops our list of QuickBooks alternatives, in part because it offers a similar feature set at a lower price point. After reviewing more than a dozen options, we determined that Xero is the best alternative to QuickBooks.

Pricing: Starting at $15/month

Key features:

• Unlimited users on all plans

• More customizable dashboard allowing each user to rearrange or hide panels to improve usability

• Over 1,000 integrations

• Advanced inventory management

Why we like it: Xero is a great place to start, as it's accounting software that offers similar features but at a more affordable price. This is mainly because it doesn't charge based on the number of users.

Best for: Freelancers and very small businesses on a tight budget

Wave tops the list of the best alternatives to QuickBooks for two main reasons: (1) its exceptional features and (2) its very attractive pricing model.

Pricing: Free for basic features

Key features:

• Completely free accounting software

• Wave uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to extract data from receipts and convert it into accounting entries

• Integrated payment processing

• Professional invoicing

The catch: It is only available in the US and Canada.

Best for: Service businesses and freelancers who prioritize invoicing

If invoicing your customers is the main reason you need an alternative to QuickBooks, FreshBooks is definitely the solution for you. FreshBooks is also easier to use.

Pricing: Starting at $19/month

Key features

• Exceptional billing features

• Time tracking tools

• Project management features

• The dashboard is colorful, offers relatively few navigation options, and provides a clear breakdown of tools

Best for: Businesses that already use the Zoho ecosystem or those that want extensive customization

Zoho Books, for example, is very affordable.

Pricing: Starting at $15/month

Key features:

• Seamless integration with the Zoho suite

• Advanced automation features

• Support for multiple currencies

• Extensive customization options

Best for: Medium-sized businesses with complex inventory and cost accounting needs

Best alternative for businesses: NetSuite · Best for medium-sized businesses: Sage 50 Accounting

Pricing: Custom pricing

Key features:

• An excellent tool for businesses that need to closely track their inventory and production costs. It tracks inventory daily in custom units, allowing you to view your purchase orders and inventory status.

• Industry-specific versions

• Advanced reporting features

• Desktop and cloud options

Best for: Large businesses with complex financial needs

Pricing: Custom pricing

Key features:

• Full ERP functionality

• Advanced financial management

• Support for multiple subsidiaries

• Comprehensive business intelligence

Best for: Small retailers that need essential features

One Up - Essential features in one software package for small retailers. If you're looking for a tool that handles the practical aspects of accounting and record keeping well, but don't want to be bogged down with extra features, consider One Up.

Pricing: Starting at $9/month

Key features:

• Retail-focused features

• Simple, clean interface

• Essential accounting tools

• Affordable pricing

Best for: Savvy users who want complete control and customization

GNUCash – The best accounting software for ultimate customization, but complex.

Pricing: Free (open source)

Key features:

• Complete customization

• Double-entry accounting

• Investment tracking

• Multiple currency support

The reality: Its setup and maintenance require significant technical knowledge.

Best for: Small businesses that want modern features at no cost

Systems such as Wave, Akaunting, ZipBooks, and Zoho Books offer good free invoicing features.

Pricing: Free with paid add-ons

Key features:

• Modern, streamlined interface

• Multi-company management

• App store

• Open source flexibility

Best for: Very small businesses that need basic accounting

Pricing: Free starter plan, paid plans starting at $15/month

Key features

• Time tracking

• Smart insights

• Professional invoicing

• Invoice management

Changing accounting software can seem as daunting as a trip to the dentist, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to make the transition smoother than your morning coffee:

Most software includes export tools, but be sure to check the formats supported by your new platform.

Start from scratch: set up your chart of accounts, tax settings, and user permissions.

You'll usually need at least the data from the current fiscal year for comparison purposes.

During the first month, use both systems to make sure everything is transferring correctly.

Make sure everyone knows how to use the new system before switching over completely.

Look for powerful time tracking and project management features. FreshBooks and Xero excel in this area.

Inventory management and point-of-sale integration are essential. Xero and Zoho Books offer excellent features for retail.

Complex inventory tracking and production cost calculation are essential. Consider Sage 50 or NetSuite.

If your business relies on lead generation and prospecting (for example, using tools such as Emelia.io for cold email campaigns), you will need accounting software that integrates well with your CRM and sales tools.

Don't get caught out by the advertised price! Here are the real costs to consider:

Consider the time you'll spend getting familiar with the new system.

Some platforms charge for professional data transfer services.

That $15 per month price can quickly add up if you add payroll, advanced reporting, and other features.

Expect a temporary drop in efficiency during the transition period.

If the software isn't compatible with your existing tools, you'll create more problems than you solve.

It's imperative to choose a program that offers outstanding customer service. The ability to speak to live representatives at any time will give you the confidence to run your business from anywhere.

In today's business world, you need to be able to access your finances from anywhere.

Be wary of software that hides costs or per-transaction fees.

As a general rule, the simpler your business, the simpler your accounting software can be. But assuming that simplicity will remain the same as your business grows and evolves can create problems down the road when you need to upgrade your accounting software. However, you can avoid this process by investing more in a platform that offers features you will value in the future.

Choose platforms that regularly update their security and add new features.

Look for software with robust app stores and API access.

Choosing the right alternative to QuickBooks is like finding the perfect business partner: it should complement your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses. Here's a framework to help you make your decision:

1. Make a list of must-have features

2. Set a realistic budget (including hidden costs)

3. Try before you buy (most offer free trials)

4. Consider your growth trajectory

5. Evaluate support and training resources

Wave Accounting is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly option.

For paid options, Xero and Zoho Books both offer plans starting at $15 per month.

Yes, most major alternatives offer QuickBooks import tools, though the process varies by platform. Some may require professional services for complex data.

Xero works well on both Android and iOS devices, and the overall experience on a smartphone or tablet is excellent.

FreshBooks also scores high marks for its mobile usability.

Most do! Xero has partnered with Gusto to offer a complete payroll management solution. Gusto saves you time on all aspects of your payroll, including calculating wages and deductions, with its smart automations.

FreshBooks – Ideal for service businesses and freelancers who want simple invoicing and time tracking.

Wave is also excellent if you're on a tight budget.

The timeframe varies, but most businesses complete the transition in 2–4 weeks, including data migration, setup, and team training.

Yes, reputable cloud accounting platforms use bank-level security, including encryption and regular backups. All data transferred online is protected by 128-bit SSL encryption. Your data is automatically backed up at all times.

It is possible, but not recommended in the long term due to complexity and the risk of data inconsistencies. Only use this approach during transition periods.

The bottom line? You don't have to stick with QuickBooks. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur just starting out or a growing business looking to expand, there's an accounting solution that's right for you.

The key is to understand your specific needs, try out several options, and choose the platform that will allow you to manage your finances seamlessly, as a strategic tool in its own right.

Remember, great businesses are built on solid financial foundations, and the right accounting software is just one piece of the puzzle. Just as an effective B2B strategy requires the right tools and strategy (whether it's sending cold emails via platforms such as Emelia.io or other growth tactics), your accounting setup needs to work for you, not against you.

Ready to break free from QuickBooks? The perfect accounting solution is waiting for you—just take the first step and give it a try!