Let's face it - if you're using QuickBooks, you probably have a love-hate relationship with it. While it's a solid bookkeeping tool for small businesses, many companies hit a wall as they grow. The headaches usually start when your finance team spends more weekends doing data entry than analysis, your sales data lives in different systems, and month-end closing becomes a nightmare.
The tool was built for basic bookkeeping, not for companies that need automated data flows, real-time financial visibility, complex revenue recognition, or multi-entity management. QuickBooks shows its limitations as your business scales — it doesn't sit well with modern tools like Salesforce, forces separate instances for new entities, and struggles with ASC 606 compliance for subscription businesses.
It usually happens gradually. First, you notice your team building more Excel workarounds. Then your month-end close starts taking longer. Before you know it, you're juggling multiple systems just to handle your day-to-day workflows.
The good news? There are several alternatives designed specifically for growing businesses. Let's look at ten options that could be a better fit for your needs.
What to Consider When Choosing QuickBooks Alternatives?
Before diving into the alternatives, keep these key factors in mind:
Your Business Accounting Size: Some solutions work better for freelancers or small business accounting, while others are built for larger operations
Must-have Range of Features: Identify things you can't live without, like invoicing, inventory management, balance sheet, or payroll
Budget: Consider both monthly costs and transaction fees
Scalability: Choose software that can grow with your business
Integration Needs: Make sure it works with your other business tools
Xero is one of the strongest competitors to QuickBooks, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a modern, cloud-based solution. What sets Xero apart is its unlimited user access at every subscription level - something QuickBooks doesn't offer.
What makes Xero Stand Out
Unlimited users on all plans
Built-in project management tools
Over 1,000 third-party app integrations
Advanced inventory tracking
Customizable dashboard for each user
Automated bank feeds and reconciliation
Multi-currency support
Mobile app for on-the-go accounting
Pricing
Early: $15/month
Growing: $42/month
Established: $78/month
Xero works particularly well for:
Growing businesses that need multiple user access
Companies with international operations
Businesses that value customization and automation
Organizations using multiple business apps that need integration
FreshBooks stands out from other QuickBooks alternatives with its focus on simplicity and excellent invoicing capabilities. What makes FreshBooks great choice is its built-in time tracking and project management, which come standard with all plans - features you'd need to pay extra for with QuickBooks.
Zoho Books packs an impressive array of features at a more affordable price point than QuickBooks. What makes it particularly attractive is its seamless integration with other Zoho business apps, creating a comprehensive business management ecosystem.
Wave stands out in the accounting software landscape by offering robust features completely free of charge. Unlike QuickBooks' tiered pricing, Wave's core accounting and invoicing features come at zero cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses.
NetSuite offers a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that goes beyond basic accounting. It's built for businesses that have outgrown QuickBooks and need a more robust, scalable platform.
Sage Business Cloud Accounting takes a no-nonsense approach to accounting software. It offers essential features without overwhelming users with complex functionality, making it a practical QuickBooks alternative for businesses seeking simplicity.
What makes Sage That Stand Out
Real-time cash flow monitoring
AutoEntry receipt capture
Multi-currency transactions
Customizable invoicing
Bank connection and reconciliation
Tax management
Mobile receipt capture
Cash flow forecasting
Pricing
Accounting Start: $10/month (single user)
Accounting: $25/month (unlimited users)
Sage works particularly well for:
Small to medium-sized businesses
Companies needing basic accounting features
Businesses with international transactions
Organizations valuing simplicity
Teams requiring multiple user access
7. Plooto: The Accounts Payable and Receivable Specialist
Plooto takes a specialized approach by focusing specifically on payment management. While it's not a full accounting solution like QuickBooks, it excels at streamlining payment processes and can integrate with your existing accounting software.
What makes Plooto Stand Out
Automated payment workflows
International payments support
Multi-entity payment management
Payment approval workflows
Vendor payment scheduling
Pre-authorized debits
Document storage
Payment reconciliation
Integration with major accounting software
Pricing
Go: $9/month
Grow: $32/month
Pro: $499/month
Plooto is ideal for:
Businesses handling multiple payments
Companies with international vendors
Organizations needing payment approval workflows
Businesses focused on payment automation
Teams requiring payment oversight
8. ZarMoney: The Up-and-Coming Comprehensive Solution
ZarMoney brings a fresh approach to accounting software with its blend of modern features and competitive pricing. It stands out by offering enterprise-level features at small business prices, making it an attractive QuickBooks alternative for growing businesses.
What makes ZarMoney Stand Out
Account tracking tools
Automated bank reconciliation
Multiple payment gateway support
Advanced inventory management
Check writing and processing
Customer relationship tools
Multi-currency support
Custom reporting
ACH payment processing
Pricing
Entrepreneur: $15/month (1-2 users)
Small Business: $20/month (per user)
Enterprise: $350/month (unlimited users)
ZarMoney works best for:
Growing small businesses
Companies needing inventory management
Organizations processing multiple payment types
Businesses wanting modern features at lower costs
Teams requiring custom reporting
9. Quicken: The Personal-Business Hybrid Solution
While primarily known for personal finance management, Quicken's Business & Personal plan offers a unique solution for small business owners who want to manage both personal and business finances in one place.
What makes Quicken Stand Out
Combined personal and business finance tracking
Property management features
Investment tracking
Custom budget creation
Bill payment and tracking
Custom reporting
Rental property management
Tax planning tools
Pricing
Starter: $5.99/month
Deluxe: $8.99/month
Premier: $9.99/month
Home & Business: $10.99/month
Quicken is ideal for:
Sole proprietors
Property managers
Small business owners
Entrepreneurs mixing personal/business finances
Investment property owners
10. Striven: The Industry-Specific Solution
Striven differentiates itself by offering industry-specific features alongside standard accounting functions. It's designed to be more than just accounting software, incorporating business management tools tailored to different sectors.
What makes Striven Stand Out
Industry-specific modules
Project management tools
Document management
Inventory tracking
CRM functionality
HR management features
Custom workflows
Compliance tools
Asset management
Pricing
Custom pricing based on industry and needs
Per-user pricing model
Additional costs for specific modules
Striven works particularly well for:
Manufacturing companies
Professional service firms
Property management businesses
Construction companies
Consulting firms
Law offices
Making Your Final Choice: How to Pick the Right QuickBooks Alternative
After reviewing these alternatives, you might be wondering which one is right for your business. Here's a practical framework to help you make your decision:
Consider Your Business Type
Freelancers and Solopreneurs: Look at FreshBooks or Wave Accounting for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness
Small Businesses: Consider Xero or Zoho Books for their balance of features and price
Growing Medium-Sized Businesses: Explore ZarMoney or Sage Business Cloud for scalability
Enterprise-Level Organizations: NetSuite offers the robust features you'll need
Industry-Specific Needs: Striven might be your best bet with its tailored solutions
Quick Decision Guide 💰 Tight Budget? Start with Wave Accounting or Zoho Books' free tier 👥 Need Multiple Users? Xero offers unlimited users on all plans 💻 Want a Simple Interface? FreshBooks and Wave lead in user-friendliness ⚙️ Need Advanced Features? NetSuite and Striven offer comprehensive solutions 💵 Focus on Payments? Plooto specializes in this area 💼 Mix of Personal/Business? Quicken provides this unique combination
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks isn't the only game in town, and depending on your needs, these alternatives might serve you better. Remember that the "best" solution varies based on:
Your business size and type
Budget constraints
Required features
Growth plans
Industry-specific needs
Take advantage of free trials when available - most of these solutions offer them. This hands-on experience will give you the best idea of which software fits your workflow. Also, consider your future needs; choosing software that can scale with your business will save you the hassle of switching systems later.
What's Next?
Before making your final decision:
Make a list of your must-have features
Set a realistic budget
Try out 2-3 options that match your criteria
Get input from team members who'll use the software
Consider the training time needed for implementation
Remember, the right accounting software should make your life easier, not more complicated. Take your time in making this important decision - it's an investment in your business's financial future.
FAQs
Why do accountants not like QuickBooks?
Accountants find QuickBooks limiting because it's designed for bookkeeping, not professional accounting. It lacks robust features for audit trails and revenue recognition, forcing accountants to create manual workarounds in spreadsheets for tasks that should be automated.
Does Microsoft have a program like QuickBooks?
Microsoft offers Dynamics 365 Business Central, a cloud-based accounting and business management solution. Unlike QuickBooks, it's a complete ERP system with accounting, inventory, and customer management features, making it better suited for mid-sized businesses.
What is the Google equivalent of QuickBooks?
Google doesn't have a direct QuickBooks competitor. However, many businesses use Google Sheets alongside cloud accounting software like Xero or FreshBooks. These integrate well with Google Workspace and provide similar functionality to QuickBooks.
Is QuickBooks overkill for personal use?
Yes, QuickBooks is excessive for personal finance management. It's packed with business features you won't need, like invoicing and payroll. Instead, consider personal finance tools like Mint, Personal Capital, or YNAB, which are cheaper and designed for individual use.
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