The Best Small Business Accounting Software We’ve Tested for 2025

LedgerLite offers a customizable chart of accounts and cashbooks, complemented by simple bank statement reconciliations. Like QuickBooks Desktop, the software adheres to double-entry bookkeeping principles. Setup is also straightforward, requiring no intricate installations or database configurations; simply download the .EXE file to begin. During our firsthand demo, we found it proficient at tracking fund origins and allocations down to the cent. Unlike QuickBooks, Connected Accounting doesn’t include native payroll features.

  • The QuickBooks Simple Start plan costs $35 per month (currently discounted to $17.50 per month for the first three months) – and also supports one user.
  • For Florida businesses, that means the clock is ticking.
  • It also includes inventory tracking, making it a must for an operation that sells more than a few products.

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  • Plus, you won’t have access to external services like payroll or credit card processing.
  • Additionally, QuickBooks Desktop requires licensing management with timely extensions of the software licenses for all workstations and devices.
  • It may take some upfront effort to get going, but once your fully integrated and customized accounting solution is operating, you’ll be ready to compete with companies of any size.
  • However, the two that will have the greatest impact on your accounting operations are the Customer Portal that serves as a CRM system, and the Vendor Portal that links your accounting operations to your business partners.

Hosting solutions like V2 Cloud prioritize these features, making them a safer choice for businesses. Designed specifically for macOS users, QuickBooks Mac provides many of the same accounting features as QuickBooks Desktop. The QuickBooks Online Advanced version bridges some gaps by offering more tools for growing businesses. While it’s great for businesses prioritizing mobility, it lacks some advanced features found in QuickBooks Desktop.

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Many small businesses may think this level of object-based app development is beyond their needs, but any size company can benefit from the efficiency and customization that Sage Platform Services provide. Users describe Striven as an all-in-one business management solution that smoothly integrates accounting, CRM, project management, HR, inventory and other functions. However, some users note that OneUp lacks some accounting features offered by competing products, such as dashboard view options and add-ons, so it might not be a good choice for what is incremental cost large companies. Most SMBs are better served by OneUp’s higher-end Plus and Teams products that cost $29 and $69 a month and support three and seven users, respectively. All five of the company’s accounting packages combine accounting with invoicing, inventory and CRM to create a complete business management solution.

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However, there are plenty of reasons why some companies choose to keep their accounting operations on their premises, including ownership and control over financial data and access to systems when internet links fail. Zoho Books users appreciate the product’s affordability, clear interface and broad range of features, especially its invoicing, expense tracking and integration with other Zoho products. All Zoho Books plans, including the free version, support automated bank reconciliation that identifies and matches transactions from your bank statements to your accounting records. However, several users complain about NetSuite’s high cost, particularly for small businesses.

Best for Larger Small Businesses

It may take some upfront effort to get going, but once your fully integrated and customized accounting solution is operating, drawings in accounting you’ll be ready to compete with companies of any size. Sage’s Platform Services for Intacct and other accounting products links internal and external processes using no-code app development. These are then applied to data tables that have been converted into objects to create the custom app. For example, you can assign certain functions by using documents that define data relationships and then add automatic processes in the form of triggers. Sage makes customization and integration the cornerstone of its accounting products for SMBs through its Platform Services, which conform your accounting solution to your company’s unique needs.

As your business grows, your remote access solution should be able to scale with your needs. Protecting sensitive financial data is crucial when accessing QuickBooks Desktop remotely. For access over the internet, you’ll need a method that supports secure and reliable remote connections. When selecting a method to access QuickBooks Desktop remotely, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure the solution meets your business’s needs.

While QuickBooks offers a wide range of functionalities, it has its limitations too. Companies choose QuickBooks alternatives because of cost increases, usability issues, and customer support challenges. However, QuickBooks Online Payroll has a considerable price hike, a deterrent for many users accustomed to Desktop’s pricing.

Sage 50 Accounting: A Serious Set of Financial Tools, Now With Web Access

Some tools, like Chrome Remote Desktop, are free but require technical expertise to set up and maintain. Different remote access solutions vary in cost. However, it doesn’t offer all the advanced tools available in the Windows version. However, with the rise of remote work, accessing QuickBooks Desktop from outside the office has become critical for many organizations. Any potential customer can request a live demo of gotomyerp’s platform with explanations about the cost of QuickBooks hosting and other info. We are religiously focused on upgrading and updating our infrastructure promptly to keep every element of gotomyerp’s cloud platform safe and up-to-date.

Patriot Software Accounting’s dashboard (Credit: Patriot Software/PCMag)

These include capabilities like MRP 3 ways to write a receipt reporting, multi-level BOMs, FIFO costing, and detailed stock tracking. Unlike QuickBooks Desktop, which supports over 200 third-party apps, we also found Denali Business’s integration options somewhat limited. The Summit plan delivers an unlimited payroll module, multi-location inventory, and local, state, and federal Aatrix Tax Forms. It supports several types of distributors, including 3PLs, dropshippers, and wholesalers. DigitBridge is best suited for companies selling products across several online and in-person channels. The system is an effective QuickBooks Desktop alternative, as its inventory management module is much more flexible for distributors.

The best QuickBooks alternatives include cloud-based options like CustomBooks and Xero, free software like Wave, and one-time purchases like TallyPrime. FreshBooks supports those businesses well by providing an exceptionally attractive user interface and intuitive financial tools. The software is intuitive enough for novice bookkeepers to learn, but supports all the elements that a larger service-based business might need, including integration with Gusto Payroll. Patriot Software Accounting is well-suited for start-ups and very small businesses due to its affordability and strong support options, though it lacks the advanced features offered by leading competitors.

Key features are the ability to track income and expenses, photograph and organize receipts, estimate quarterly taxes, send invoices, accept payments, create basic reports, and track miles on the mobile app. This plan is designed for freelancers who file a Schedule C IRS form to report their income as sole proprietor. On top of that, you’ll have to forego the 30-day free trial to get access to these lower prices.

Adding more workstations, like additional computers or users, incurs another $10 per license per month. That said, AccountEdge requires add-ons to connect your bank to the software, which cost $5 per month. Beyond core accounting, it includes customizable invoicing, budgeting, and payment tracking. Wave’s limited invoice customization and basic inventory management may not suit complex business needs. Despite its 14 included reports, Wave may not offer enough depth for larger businesses compared to QuickBooks.

LedgerLite – Desktop-Based with Easy Setup

They praise its integration and inventory management capabilities, which are especially useful for small businesses. Xero’s entry-level Early plan caps the number of invoices you can send and approve at 20 and the number of bills you can enter at five, which makes it impractical for most small businesses. However, users also report recurring bugs, poor customer support and dissatisfaction with the high cost of adding users and features.

FreshBooks – Best for Service-based Businesses

However, some users are dissatisfied with the company’s customer service and poor support for Mac users. However, the hosted product costs $50 per user a month, compared to AccountEdge Pro’s price of $20 a month for a single user and Network Edition’s $30 a month price for two users. For example, the Accounts Command Center features a Company Data Auditor Assistant that steps you through the process of confirming the integrity of the data in each company file prior to submitting it to your accountant. Other shortcomings of the product cited by users are its limited customization, integration complexities and slow responses from customer support.

While still desktop-based, AccountEdge has transitioned to a subscription model, requiring monthly or annual payments. And while it’s well-suited for time tracking, it may not suit project-based companies. Additionally, its built-in accounting capabilities cover income tracking, expense management, and custom PnL reporting, invoicing, and billing. It also handles employee time and attendance tracking, features not commonly found in QuickBooks. It’s worth noting that while support is available, it’s based in India, which may not be ideal for all users. Additionally, it supports various billing formats and multiple currencies, useful for businesses with diverse products and global operations.

Users looking to switch to online platforms can migrate from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online or choose an alternative software. The Desktop versions have shifted to subscription-based models instead of one-time purchase licenses. However, different accounting systems have varying price points, and additional costs may be necessary for customization or optional features. Selecting an alternative accounting system may be more suitable for your company’s individual requirements, such as cash management and other financial aspects. LedgerLite also has a limited transaction description field and requires users to have basic accounting expertise. However, it lacks features like extensive inventory management and advanced reporting.


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