Business & Side Income · Topic page
Best Small-Business Accounting Software
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How we researched this page: we read each company’s own pricing pages and terms, independent tests, and customer reviews. We did not use these products ourselves. Prices change often, so each one shows the date we checked it.
The short version
QuickBooks is the default most accountants know. FreshBooks is easier for service businesses that mainly send invoices. Xero is a strong alternative with unlimited users. Zoho Books is the best value if you want a free plan that can grow. Wave is the simplest free option for very small businesses.
Quick comparison
| Company | Best for | Starting price | Trial / refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Online | Most small businesses; accountant-friendly | $38/mo (Simple Start), 50% off 3 months, checked October 25, 2026 | Free trial or discount |
| FreshBooks | Service businesses and freelancers who invoice | $23/mo (Lite) list price, checked October 25, 2026 | 30-day money-back |
| Zoho Books | Free plan that grows | Free; $15/mo billed yearly, checked October 25, 2026 | Free plan |
QuickBooks Online
Who it fits: Most small businesses, especially those working with an accountant or bookkeeper.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): Simple Start $38, Essentials $85, Plus $140, Advanced $340 a month, with 50% off for the first 3 months. Prices went up on Aug 1, 2026.
Honest downsides: Price increases are frequent. Payroll and payments cost extra.
Visit QuickBooks Online’s official site
Compare: Read our full QuickBooks Online review · QuickBooks vs FreshBooks
FreshBooks
Who it fits: Freelancers and service businesses whose main job is sending invoices and tracking time and expenses.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): Lite $23, Plus $43, Premium $70 a month at list price (promos often run). 30-day money-back guarantee.
Honest downsides: The cheapest plan limits how many clients you can bill. Less suited to inventory businesses.
Visit FreshBooks’s official site
Compare: Read our full FreshBooks review · QuickBooks vs FreshBooks
Zoho Books
Who it fits: Small businesses that want a free start and room to grow, especially if they use Zoho apps.
What it costs (checked October 25, 2026): free plan. Paid plans $15, $40, $60, $120 and $240 a month billed yearly ($20, $50, $70, $150 and $275 monthly).
Honest downsides: Fewer accountants know Zoho Books than QuickBooks or Xero.
Visit Zoho Books’s official site
Compare: Read our full Zoho Books review
Also worth knowing
- Xero is a strong QuickBooks alternative with unlimited users ($27, $59 and $97 a month list price, with a big intro discount shown on October 25, 2026).
- Wave has a free Starter plan and a Pro plan ($16/mo, checked October 25, 2026) and is the simplest free option for very small businesses.
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Sources
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