Top 10 Alternatives to QuickBooks in 2025

As businesses continue to search for reliable accounting solutions, 2025 brings a diverse array of alternatives to QuickBooks, each tailored to meet specific business needs. From cloud-based platforms to professional bookkeeping services, this article delves into the top 10 QuickBooks alternatives, outlining their features, target users, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

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1. Xero

Website: Xero
Description: Xero is a widely-used cloud-based accounting software known for its intuitive interface and extensive features designed for small to medium-sized businesses.
Data Points:
User Base: Over 4 million global users.
Key Features: Invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, financial reporting, inventory management, project budgeting, and payroll management (additional fee).
Integrations: Over 1,000 third-party apps.
Accessibility: Cloud-based access via web and mobile apps.
Pricing: Starts at $29 per month; discounts available for new users (e.g., 75% off for the first 6 months).

2. FreshBooks

Website: FreshBooks
Description: FreshBooks is designed for service-based businesses and freelancers, offering easy-to-use invoicing and expense tracking tools.
Data Points:
Target User: Freelancers and service-based small businesses.
Key Features: Invoice customization, expense tracking, time tracking, client management, and project management.
Invoicing: Robust customization for branding and payment terms.
Pricing: Various plans including free, standard, professional, and premium options, making it accessible for small businesses.
Cost-Effective: Ideal for single users managing their finances.

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3. Zoho Books

Website: Zoho Books
Description: Zoho Books offers a complete accounting solution with seamless integration into the Zoho ecosystem, tailored for small to medium-sized businesses.
Data Points:
Scalability: Designed to scale with business growth.
Key Features: Invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, bank reconciliation, and comprehensive reporting.
Automation: Emphasis on automation and integration with Zoho apps.
Mobile App: Exceptional mobile functionality.
Pricing: Free plan for businesses under a revenue threshold; various paid plans.

4. Wave Accounting

Website: Wave Accounting
Description: Wave offers a free accounting software for small businesses, freelancers, and startups, providing essential financial management without a subscription fee.
Data Points:
Cost: Free QuickBooks alternative.
Key Features: Free invoicing and accounting, payment processing (transaction fees), and mobile app.
User Interface: Easy to use.
Target User: Ideal for very small businesses and freelancers.
Invoicing: Professional invoice creation with recurring options.

5. Sage 50 Accounting

Website: Sage 50 Accounting
Description: Sage 50 is a desktop accounting solution, making it a strong alternative to QuickBooks Desktop, especially for businesses handling multiple companies.
Data Points:
Type: Best for QuickBooks Desktop users.
Target User: Suitable for multicompany accounting.
Key Features: Core accounting functions, inventory management, and reporting.
Advanced Features: Supports complex accounting needs.
Pricing: Paid software with various plans.

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6. NetSuite

Website: NetSuite
Description: NetSuite, part of Oracle, provides a comprehensive suite of business management applications, including robust accounting tools ideal for an integrated business solution.
Data Points:
Scope: Full suite of business management applications.
Platform: SuiteCloud for custom app development.
Key Features: Financial management, order management, inventory control, and procurement.
Analytics: Advanced analytics and real-time reporting.
Pricing: Custom pricing, typically higher due to its extensive features.

7. Bench

Website: Bench
Description: Bench provides professional bookkeeping services, ideal for businesses that prefer to outsource their bookkeeping tasks.
Data Points:
Type: Bookkeeping services with dedicated professionals.
Key Features: Bookkeeping, tax filing, and monthly financial statements.
Team: Dedicated team for accurate financial data.
Hands-off: Minimal bookkeeping effort from the business owner.
Limitations: Lacks advanced features like payroll and inventory management.

8. ZipBooks

Website: ZipBooks
Description: ZipBooks offers a user-friendly accounting solution with smart insights and automation, catering to small to mid-sized businesses.
Data Points:
Insights: Intuitive financial reports.
Key Features: Automated recurring invoices and project-based accounting.
Target User: Small to mid-sized companies.
Automation: Emphasis on automating bookkeeping tasks.
Pricing: Free and paid plans to suit various needs.

9. GnuCash

Website: GnuCash
Description: GnuCash is an open-source and free accounting software, ideal for users seeking full control and customization.
Data Points:
Type: Free and open-source.
Customization: Full control over features.
Key Features: Personal and business finance tracking, budgeting tools.
Target User: Small businesses seeking total control.
Cost: Completely free.

10. QuickBooks Solopreneur

Website: QuickBooks Solopreneur
Description: QuickBooks Solopreneur is designed for freelancers and single-member businesses, focusing on expense tracking for Schedule C.
Data Points:
Target User: Best for Schedule C expense tracking.
Focus: Freelancers and solo business owners.
Expense Tracking: Primarily focused on tracking expenses.
Tax Preparation: Organizes finances for tax purposes.
Pricing: Cost-effective for the self-employed.

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FAQ

1. Which QuickBooks alternative is best for businesses with complex accounting needs?

Sage 50 Accounting is ideal for businesses managing multiple companies and have more complex accounting needs. Explore Sage 50 Accounting

2. What is the best free alternative to QuickBooks?

Wave Accounting offers free accounting software with essential features like invoicing and expense tracking, perfect for small businesses and freelancers just starting out. Learn more about Wave Accounting

3. Which alternative offers the best mobile app functionality?

Zoho Books is known for its outstanding mobile app functionality and comprehensive features. Discover Zoho Books

4. What is a good QuickBooks alternative for service-based businesses?

FreshBooks is tailored for service-based businesses and freelancers, offering user-friendly invoicing and expense tracking tools. Explore FreshBooks

5. Which software is ideal for small businesses that want full control and customization?

GnuCash is a free, open-source accounting software that provides complete control and customization options for small businesses. Explore GnuCash

6. What QuickBooks alternative is best for creating financial insights and reports?

ZipBooks offers smart insights and generates intuitive financial reports, making it a great option for small to mid-sized companies. Learn more about ZipBooks

7. Which alternative is best for freelancers and single-member businesses?

QuickBooks Solopreneur is specifically designed for freelancers and single-member businesses looking to track expenses for Schedule C. Discover QuickBooks Solopreneur

8. What is the best integrated solution for larger enterprises?

NetSuite offers a comprehensive suite of business management applications and advanced analytics, ideal for larger enterprises. Learn more about NetSuite

9. Which alternative is suited for those who prefer a hands-off bookkeeping experience?

Bench offers bookkeeping services powered by professionals, ideal for those who want to outsource bookkeeping tasks and focus on business strategy. Explore Bench

10. What is a popular cloud-based accounting software with a wide range of tools?

Xero is a popular cloud-based accounting software known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive range of financial management tools. Discover Xero

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.