Top 10 QuickBooks Alternatives for Your Accounting Needs

More businesses are exploring QuickBooks alternatives as rising subscription costs, restrictive user limits, and missing industry-specific features make the platform less attractive. What started as an affordable accounting option has evolved into an expensive platform that often doesn’t justify its premium pricing.

This shift explains why the global accounting software market is projected to reach $36.1 billion by 2032. Businesses are actively seeking specialized solutions that deliver better value and functionality than traditional one-size-fits-all platforms.

Fortunately, today’s market offers compelling QuickBooks alternatives for every business type. This comprehensive guide examines the top 10 alternatives to QuickBooks, comparing real-world performance, pricing structures, and feature sets to help you find the best accounting software alternatives to QuickBooks that actually fit your business needs and budget.

Why should you consider alternatives to QuickBooks?

Basic reports work fine, but advanced analysis requires exporting to Excel. Custom reporting is limited compared to specialized platforms, forcing businesses to use multiple tools for financial insights. Modern accounting software alternatives to QuickBooksBefore exploring QuickBooks alternatives, it’s essential to understand why companies are making the switch. QuickBooks built its reputation as an accessible accounting solution for small businesses. However, as companies grow and evolve, several platform limitations become apparent that drive businesses toward alternative software to QuickBooks.

User limits restrict team growth

QuickBooks caps the number of users at 25-40, depending on your plan. Per-user pricing makes expansion expensive, and seasonal businesses struggle when new users need access during busy periods like the tax season. This limitation alone drives many companies to seek QuickBooks alternatives with more flexible user management.

Reporting lacks depth

 Often provide superior reporting capabilities out of the box.

Industry-specific features are missing

QuickBooks focuses on general accounting rather than specialized needs:

• Manufacturing: Limited bill of materials and cost accounting features
• Construction: Basic project tracking compared to specialized software  
• Professional services: Standard time tracking without advanced project management
• Wholesale: No built-in B2B pricing structures or customer-specific pricing

This is where specialized B2B platforms like WizPay by WizCommerce become essential, handling complex pricing structures and customer-specific workflows that general accounting software can’t manage.

Integration creates double work

As businesses grow, they adopt CRM, inventory, and other specialized tools. QuickBooks’ limited integrations mean manually entering data across multiple systems, increasing errors and reducing efficiency. The best alternative to QuickBooks should seamlessly integrate with your existing business ecosystem.

Performance slows with growth

Larger data volumes overwhelm QuickBooks, causing slower loading times and file size restrictions. Multi-entity businesses can’t consolidate reporting effectively.

These limitations signal that specialized accounting software could better support your business growth and operational efficiency.

Quick comparison: 10 best QuickBooks alternatives at a glance

Software	Best for	Starting price	Key strength
Wave accounting	Freelancers, micro businesses	Free	No monthly fees
Freshbooks	Service businesses	$170/year	Time tracking & invoicing
Zoho books	Small to medium businesses	$10/month	Automation features
Kashoo	Simple businesses	$20/month	Ultra-simple interface
Xero	Growing businesses	$20/month	Third-party integrations
Sage	Established businesses	$668/year	Advanced reporting
Odoo	Custom workflows	Free (limited)	Modular ERP approach
NetSuite	Large enterprises	Custom pricing	Complete ERP solution
Dynamics 365	Microsoft ecosystem	Custom pricing	Microsoft integration
Gusto	Payroll-focused	$49/month	HR and benefits

Top 10 accounting software alternatives to QuickBooks

01. Wave: Free accounting software

Wave revolutionizes small business accounting by offering a wide range of features without monthly subscription fees. Built for freelancers and micro businesses, Wave generates revenue through optional payment processing services rather than charging for core accounting functionality. 

Key features:

• Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning
• Unlimited users and businesses
• Bank reconciliation and basic reporting
• Mobile app for iOS and Android
• Payment processing available for additional fees

Pricing:

• Starter plan: Free
• PRO plan: $170/year (billed annually)

Best for: Freelancers, consultants, and small service businesses with basic accounting needs and limited budgets seeking reliable QuickBooks alternatives.

Pros:

• Completely free core features
• No user limitations
• Simple, clean interface
• Good for businesses under $100K annual revenue

Cons:

• Limited advanced accounting features
• Basic reporting capabilities
• No phone support
• Revenue model relies on payment processing fees

Wave is one of the only free accounting software options for businesses that need essential accounting features without ongoing subscription costs.

02. FreshBooks: Best alternative to QuickBooks for service businesses

FreshBooks has built its reputation by focusing exclusively on service-based businesses, consultants, and agencies. The platform excels at time tracking, project management, and client collaboration features that traditional accounting software often treats as afterthoughts. The platform also provides a desktop version for users who prefer the QuickBooks desktop version.

Key features:

• Advanced time tracking with project management
• Professional invoices with customizable templates
• Expense management with receipt capture
• Client portal for project collaboration
• Automated payment reminders and follow-ups
• Mobile apps with offline capabilities

Pricing (with current 90% off promotion):

• Lite: $170/year (5 clients)
• Plus: $308/year (50 clients)
• Premium: $527/year (500 clients)

Best for: Consultants, agencies, freelancers, and service-based businesses that bill by time and need strong client collaboration features.

Pros:

• Excellent user experience and interface design
• Industry-leading time tracking capabilities
• Strong mobile app functionality
• Responsive customer support

Cons:

• Limited traditional accounting features
• No built-in inventory management
• Higher per-client costs compared to other alternatives
• Basic financial reporting compared to full accounting platforms

03. Zoho Books: Comprehensive QuickBooks alternative with automation

Zoho Books delivers enterprise-level automation and features at small business prices, making it particularly attractive among QuickBooks alternatives for companies already using other Zoho applications or those seeking advanced workflow automation without premium costs.

Key features:

• Automated workflows and recurring transactions
• Multi-currency support for international operations
• Advanced inventory management and tracking
• Project accounting with time tracking
• Client and vendor portals
• Comprehensive reporting suite with 50+ reports

Pricing (billed annually):

• Free: $0
• Standard: $10/month
• Professional: $20/month
• Premium: $30/month

Best for: Small to medium businesses wanting comprehensive accounting features with strong automation, especially those already invested in the Zoho ecosystem.

Pros:

• Excellent value proposition with extensive features
• Strong automation capabilities reduce manual work
• Good integration with other Zoho business applications
• Multi-currency and international business support

Cons:

• Learning curve for accessing advanced features
• Limited third-party integrations outside Zoho ecosystem
• Customer support response times can vary

Zoho Books represents a compelling alternative to QuickBooks for businesses seeking enterprise-level features at small business pricing.

04. Kashoo: Simple QuickBooks alternative

Kashoo prioritizes simplicity above all else, making accounting accessible for business owners who find traditional software overwhelming. The platform strips away complexity while maintaining essential functionality for straightforward business operations.

Key features:

• Streamlined, intuitive interface
• Automatic transaction categorization
• Mobile-first design approach
• Basic invoicing and estimates
• Expense tracking and management
• Essential financial reports

Pricing:

• trulysmall accounting: $20/month
• Kashoo: $30/month

Best for: Solo entrepreneurs, simple businesses, and users who prioritize ease of use over extensive functionality.

Pros:

• Extremely user-friendly interface
• Quick setup and minimal learning curve
• Good mobile app experience
• Suitable for non-accountants who want to track expenses

Cons:

• Limited feature set compared to other alternatives
• No multi-user collaboration capabilities
• Basic reporting and analytics
• Fewer integration options

Kashoo serves as a viable alternative to QuickBooks for businesses that value simplicity and don’t require advanced accounting functionality.

05. Xero: Popular mid-market QuickBooks alternative

Xero has established itself as the leading cloud-based accounting platform for growing businesses by prioritizing collaboration, unlimited user access, and extensive third-party integrations. The platform balances comprehensive features with user-friendly design.

Key features:

• Unlimited users across all pricing plans
• Extensive third-party app marketplace
• Real-time collaboration and multi-user access
• Advanced bank reconciliation tools
• Comprehensive financial reporting
• Multi-currency support for global operations

Pricing:

• Early: $20/month (limited transactions)
• Growing: $47/month (unlimited invoices)
• Established: $80/month (advanced features)

Best for: Growing businesses that need collaborative accounting, extensive integrations, and unlimited user access.

Pros:

• No user limitations provide excellent scalability
• Strong ecosystem of third-party integrations
• Modern, intuitive user interface
• Excellent bank connectivity and reconciliation

Cons:

• Can become expensive with add-on applications
• Limited built-in inventory management features
• Payroll functionality requires additional subscription

Xero stands out among alternatives to QuickBooks for businesses prioritizing collaboration, integration flexibility, and scalable user access. Xero’s extensive integration marketplace makes it particularly popular with B2B businesses using specialized commerce platforms like WizCommerce for customer-facing sales processes.

06. Sage accounting: Robust alternative software to QuickBooks

Sage brings decades of accounting software solutions expertise to businesses requiring advanced functionality and industry-specific compliance. The platform caters to established companies with complex accounting needs that have outgrown simpler solutions.

Key features:

• Advanced financial reporting and analytics
• Multi-company management capabilities
• Sophisticated inventory and project management
• Industry-specific compliance tools
• Workflow automation and approval processes
• API access for custom integrations

Pricing (annual):

• Pro accounting: $668/year (1 user)
• Premium accounting: $1,147/year (3 users)
• Quantum accounting: $1,994/year (advanced features)

Best for: Established businesses with complex accounting needs, multiple locations, or specific industry compliance requirements.

Pros:

• Powerful reporting and analytics capabilities
• Suitable for complex business structures
• Strong compliance and regulatory features
• Scalable architecture for growth

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
• Higher cost structure
• Interface may feel less modern compared to cloud-native competitors

Sage represents a solid alternative to QuickBooks for businesses that have outgrown simpler solutions and need enterprise-level accounting capabilities.

07. Odoo: Modular ERP alternative to QuickBooks

Odoo takes a fundamentally different approach by offering a complete business management ecosystem where accounting integrates seamlessly with CRM, inventory, manufacturing, and other operations. This modular system grows with your business needs.

Key features:

• Complete ERP system including CRM, inventory, and manufacturing
• Modular approach allowing businesses to add functionality as needed
• Extensive customization and configuration options
• Advanced automation and workflow capabilities
• Multi-company and multi-currency support
• Open-source foundation with commercial hosting options

Pricing:

• One app free: $0 (limited features)
• Standard: $25/month per user
• Custom: $37/month per user

Best for: Businesses wanting to integrate accounting with other business processes like CRM, inventory management, and operations in a single platform.

Pros:

• Highly customizable and flexible
• Integrated approach reduces data silos
• Cost-effective when using multiple modules
• Large community and app ecosystem

Cons:

• Complexity may be overwhelming for simple accounting needs
• Requires technical knowledge for extensive customization
• Implementation can be time-consuming

Odoo serves as an alternative software to QuickBooks for businesses ready to integrate their entire operation on a single platform.

08. NetSuite: Enterprise-level alternative to QuickBooks

NetSuite represents the gold standard for enterprise resource planning, offering comprehensive business management capabilities that extend far beyond traditional accounting. Oracle’s cloud-based platform serves companies with complex, multi-location operations.

Key features:

• Complete ERP system with advanced financial management
• Multi-subsidiary and global operations support
• Advanced financial planning and analysis tools
• Customizable dashboards and reporting
• Industry-specific solutions and modules
• Workflow automation and approval processes

Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs, modules required, and user count

Best for: Large enterprises, multi-location businesses, and organizations requiring comprehensive ERP capabilities beyond basic accounting.

Pros:

• Comprehensive business management capabilities
• Highly scalable architecture
• Strong customization and configuration options
• Suitable for complex, global organizations

Cons:

• High implementation cost and complexity
• Requires dedicated administration resources
• Extended implementation timeline
• May be excessive for small to medium businesses

NetSuite stands as the premier enterprise alternative to QuickBooks for organizations ready to invest in comprehensive business management infrastructure.

09. Microsoft Dynamics 365: Enterprise alternative software to QuickBooks

Microsoft Dynamics 365 leverages the power of the Microsoft ecosystem to deliver enterprise-grade financial management with seamless integration across Office 365, Teams, and other Microsoft tools that many organizations already use daily.

Key features:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft Office 365
• AI-powered insights and business intelligence
• Advanced financial management and reporting
• Support for global operations and compliance
• Customizable workflows and business processes
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance features

Pricing: Custom pricing starting around $65/month per user, varies significantly based on modules and requirements

Best for: Large organizations heavily invested in Microsoft technology seeking integrated financial management with their existing Microsoft infrastructure.

Pros:

• Excellent integration with Microsoft ecosystem
• AI and machine learning capabilities
• Strong security and compliance features
• Familiar interface for Microsoft users

Cons:

• Complex implementation and configuration
• High total cost of ownership
• Requires Microsoft expertise for optimal use
• Significant learning curve for non-Microsoft users

Microsoft Dynamics 365 serves as a comprehensive alternative to QuickBooks for enterprise organizations committed to the Microsoft technology stack.

10. Gusto: Payroll-focused QuickBooks alternative

While not a complete accounting replacement, Gusto has redefined payroll and HR management by creating an all-in-one platform that handles everything from basic payroll to comprehensive benefits administration, making it an essential complement to accounting software.

Key features:

• Comprehensive payroll processing and tax filing
• Benefits administration and insurance management
• Time tracking and employee scheduling
• HR tools and compliance support
• Employee self-service portal and mobile app
• Integration with popular accounting platforms

Pricing:

• Simple: $49/month + $6 per employee
• Plus: $80/month + $12 per employee
• Premium: $180/month + $22 per employee

Best for: Businesses with employees that need comprehensive payroll, benefits, and HR management alongside their accounting software.

Pros:

• Industry-leading payroll and HR features
• Excellent user experience for both employers and employees
• Strong compliance and regulatory support
• Native integration with multiple accounting platforms

Cons:

• Limited accounting functionality beyond payroll
• Higher cost for businesses with many employees
• Primarily focused on US market

Gusto represents a specialized alternative to QuickBooks for businesses where payroll and HR management are primary concerns, often used alongside other accounting software.

With so many options available, selecting the right QuickBooks alternative requires a systematic approach to evaluating your specific needs and priorities.

How to choose the right accounting software?

Choosing a QuickBooks alternative comes down to understanding what your business actually needs and where you want to go. Here are the most important factors to evaluate.

Quick QuickBooks alternative evaluation guide

Factor	What to consider	Impact on decision
Business size	Freelancer, small business, or enterprise	Determines feature complexity needed
Core features	Invoicing, payroll, reporting, inventory	Must-have vs. nice-to-have features
Integrations	Current software compatibility	Reduces duplicate data entry
Budget	Monthly costs vs. business value	Long-term affordability and ROI
Support	Help availability and quality	Affects daily productivity
Security	Data protection and compliance	Critical for financial information
Access type	Cloud-based vs. desktop	Remote work and collaboration needs
Customization	Workflow and report flexibility	Fits unique business processes
Migration	Data transfer complexity	Implementation timeline and costs
User management	Team access and permissions	Controls sensitive information
Mobile features	On-the-go functionality	Supports mobile work styles

01. Business size and complexity

Start with the basics: are you a freelancer, small business owner, or running a larger company? Your business size directly impacts what features you need. Simple operations work fine with basic tools, but complex businesses need advanced reporting, multiple users, and sophisticated inventory management.

02. Essential features you need

Different platforms excel at different things. FreshBooks dominates time tracking and client management. Xero and Sage offer comprehensive accounting tools. Wave provides solid basics for free. Make a list of your must-have features like payroll processing, tax preparation, and financial reporting before comparing options.

03. Integration with current tools

Look at what software you already use for payroll, customer management, or inventory tracking. Pick an accounting solution that connects easily with these existing tools. Good integrations save hours of manual data entry and reduce errors.

For B2B businesses, consider how your accounting choice will work with specialized commerce tools. Platforms like WizCommerce are designed to integrate seamlessly with popular accounting software, automatically syncing sales orders, customer data, and financial transactions. This eliminates the double-entry work that often plagues growing businesses and ensures your financial data stays accurate across all systems.

04. Budget and growth planning

Free QuickBooks alternatives like Wave work great for simple needs but lack advanced features. Premium platforms cost more but offer tools that scale with your business. Think about both current budget constraints and future growth when evaluating pricing structures.

05. Support quality and ease of use

Software quality varies dramatically. Some platforms offer comprehensive help resources and responsive support teams. Others leave you searching forums for answers. Test the interface during free trials and check what support options are available.

06. Data protection and compliance

Financial information needs serious security. Look for data encryption, secure backups, and multi-factor authentication. If your business operates in regulated industries, verify the software meets specific compliance requirements like GDPR or HIPAA.

07. Cloud vs. desktop deployment

Cloud-based software lets you access data from anywhere and updates automatically. Desktop solutions give you more control over your servers and data but require IT management. Consider your team’s remote work needs and technical capabilities.

08. Customization options

Every business operates differently. Can you modify workflows, customize invoices, or create specific reports? Flexibility becomes crucial as your business grows and develops unique accounting processes that standard templates don’t handle well.

09. Migration planning

Moving from QuickBooks involves transferring customer records, transaction history, and tax information. Check how easy it is to import your existing data. Factor in implementation time and staff training requirements when planning the switch.

10. User access controls

Multiple team members need different levels of access to financial information. Look for role-based permissions that let you control who sees sensitive data while giving appropriate access to accountants, managers, and sales staff.

11. Mobile functionality

Remote work and on-the-go business management require good mobile apps. Check if the software offers key features like invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting on mobile devices. This matters especially for small business owners and freelancers.

12. Real user feedback

Customer reviews and expert evaluations provide valuable insights beyond marketing materials. Current users share honest experiences about software strengths, weaknesses, and hidden issues that influence daily productivity.

Evaluating these factors systematically helps you find the QuickBooks alternative that actually fits your business needs and supports your growth plans.

Enhancing your chosen QuickBooks alternative with B2B commerce

When evaluating QuickBooks alternatives, it’s essential to consider how your chosen solution will integrate with other business-critical systems. Many alternatives to QuickBooks excel at core accounting functions but may lack specialized B2B commerce capabilities that wholesale, distribution, and manufacturing businesses require.

• Customer-specific pricing management
• Complex order workflows and approvals
• Advanced inventory visibility across multiple warehouses
• AI-powered sales recommendations
• Integrated payment processing for B2B transactions
• Mobile order-taking capabilities for sales teams

How WizCommerce enhances B2B functionality?

When choosing alternatives to QuickBooks, it’s essential to focus on your specific business requirements. There are several QuickBooks alternatives available in the market, such as Xero, Wave, FreshBooks, and more. 

However, each of these accounting software lacks a feature or two. So, instead of swapping multiple accounting software, make your accounting software compatible by integrating WizCommerce. It is designed to work with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, filling any gaps and streamlining financial operations.

Reasons to integrate WizCommerce with accounting software like QuickBooks:

• It integrates seamlessly without interrupting daily operations
• Fully synchronizes important financial data to eliminate manual entries

• Automates routine tasks like invoicing and bookkeeping
• Dedicated customer support to make sure the integration runs smoothly
• All financial data, like sales orders, recurring invoices, and customer details, is updated in real-time, giving accurate insights. For example, an order placed on WizOrder is instantly synced with QuickBooks.

If you’re looking to improve efficiency and scale your business, book a demo with WizCommerce today to learn more about how we can help your company integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.

Frequently asked questions on QuickBooks alternatives

What is the best alternative to QuickBooks?

The best alternative to QuickBooks depends on your business needs. For freelancers, Wave offers excellent free features. Growing businesses often choose Xero for its unlimited users and integrations. Service businesses prefer FreshBooks for time tracking. Enterprise companies typically select NetSuite or Dynamics 365. Consider your business size, required features, and budget when evaluating QuickBooks alternatives.

How do I manage my business without QuickBooks?

Managing your business without QuickBooks is straightforward with modern accounting software alternatives to QuickBooks. Choose a platform like Xero, Zoho Books, or FreshBooks that matches your needs. These platforms handle invoicing, expense tracking, financial reporting, and tax preparation just like QuickBooks. For B2B businesses, consider adding specialized tools like WizCommerce for advanced sales functionality that QuickBooks lacks.

Is FreshBooks better than QuickBooks?

FreshBooks excels over QuickBooks for service-based businesses that need superior time tracking, project management, and client collaboration features. It offers better user experience, mobile functionality, and customer support. However, QuickBooks provides more comprehensive accounting features for complex businesses. FreshBooks is among the top QuickBooks alternatives for consultants, agencies, and freelancers who bill by time.

Is there anything better than QuickBooks for small business?

Yes, several alternatives to QuickBooks offer better value for small businesses. Wave provides core accounting features for free. Zoho Books delivers advanced automation at lower costs. Xero offers unlimited users without QuickBooks’ restrictive limits. Many small businesses find these accounting software alternatives to QuickBooks more affordable and user-friendly while providing better customer support and modern interfaces.

What are the disadvantages of using QuickBooks?

QuickBooks’ main disadvantages include expensive per-user pricing, restrictive user limits (25-40 users), limited customization options, basic reporting capabilities, poor integration with third-party tools, and declining customer support quality. Additionally, QuickBooks lacks industry-specific features for manufacturing, wholesale, and B2B businesses. These limitations drive many companies to seek QuickBooks alternatives that offer better scalability, affordability, and specialized functionality.