logo

12 Best Accounting Software For Small Business in 2024

author image
Author

Martin Lunendonk

Last Update

Nov 18, 2024

We earn a commission from partner links on Keevee. Commissions do not affect our editor's opinions or evaluations.

There are countless accounting software options, each claiming to simplify bookkeeping, enhance financial accuracy, and save time. But which ones are truly the best?

I’ve spent over 100 hours researching, analyzing user reviews, and testing popular accounting software to help you find the top solutions for small businesses, freelancers, startups, and more. Whether you're looking to streamline invoicing, manage expenses, or generate financial reports, the right tool can make all the difference. Let's dive in!

Top Picks for Accounting Software For Small Business

4.8
author image

QuickBooks

Best For Comprehensive Features

4.7
author image

Xero

Ideal For Small Businesses

4.6
author image

FreshBooks

Best For Freelancers

4.5
author image

Zoho Books

Best For Automation

4.4
author image

Wave

Best Free Option

4.3
author image

Kashoo

Simplest Interface

4.2
author image

FreeAgent

Best For Contractors

4.1
author image

ZipBooks

Best For Startups

4.0
author image

AccountEdge

Best For Desktop Users

3.9
author image

Akaunting

Best Open Source

Top Accounting Software For Small Business

4.8

0

Best For Comprehensive Features

author image

QuickBooks

QuickBooks simplifies small business accounting with its automated invoicing and expense tracking features. Its seamless integration with other tools and comprehensive financial reporting make it an indispensable asset for businesses seeking efficiency and clarity in their financial management.

  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation.
  • Comprehensive reporting features available.
  • Strong integration with third-party apps.
  • Can be expensive for small businesses.
  • Limited customer support options.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$17.5 per month
4.7

0

Ideal For Small Businesses

author image

Xero

Xero offers a comprehensive accounting solution for small businesses, combining automation with real-time insights. Its intuitive interface and extensive app integrations make it a powerful tool for managing finances efficiently. Perfect for those seeking streamlined accounting processes.

  • Cloud-based for access anywhere.
  • Excellent invoicing capabilities.
  • Strong multi-currency support.
  • Limited inventory management features.
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$2.9 per month
4.6

0

Best For Freelancers

author image

FreshBooks

FreshBooks revolutionizes small business accounting with its intuitive interface and powerful automation features. It simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and time management, making it an essential tool for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their financial processes and focus on growth.

  • Intuitive and easy to use.
  • Great for invoicing and time tracking.
  • Responsive customer support.
  • Limited accounting features.
  • Not ideal for larger businesses.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$9.5 per month
4.5

0

Best For Automation

author image

Zoho Books

Zoho Books simplifies accounting for small businesses with its intuitive interface and powerful automation features. It’s perfect for those who want to streamline financial tasks and gain valuable insights without the complexity of traditional accounting software.

  • Affordable pricing for small businesses.
  • Comprehensive feature set.
  • Strong automation capabilities.
  • Limited third-party integrations.
  • Complex setup process.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$10 per month
4.4

0

Best Free Option

author image

Wave

Wave offers a comprehensive suite of accounting tools tailored for small businesses, all at no cost. Its intuitive interface and seamless integration of invoicing and expense tracking make it an invaluable asset for managing your business finances efficiently.

  • Free to use for basic features.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Good for freelancers and small businesses.
  • Limited advanced features.
  • Customer support is not always responsive.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$16 per month
4.3

0

Simplest Interface

author image

Kashoo

Kashoo simplifies accounting for small businesses with its intuitive interface and automated features. It offers seamless bank integration and efficient invoicing, making it a valuable tool for managing finances effortlessly. Perfect for those seeking simplicity and efficiency.

  • Simple and straightforward interface.
  • Good for small business accounting.
  • Affordable pricing.
  • Limited features compared to competitors.
  • No payroll integration.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$216 per year
4.2

0

Best For Contractors

author image

FreeAgent

FreeAgent empowers small businesses with intuitive accounting solutions. Its automated invoicing, real-time expense tracking, and comprehensive tax management streamline financial tasks. Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking efficiency and clarity in their financial operations.

  • Great for freelancers and contractors.
  • Comprehensive project management features.
  • Strong invoicing capabilities.
  • Limited customization options.
  • Not ideal for larger businesses.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$13.5 per month
4.1

0

Best For Startups

author image

ZipBooks

ZipBooks simplifies small business accounting with its intuitive interface and powerful automation features. It offers seamless bank integration and insightful financial reports, making it an invaluable tool for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their financial management.

  • Free plan available.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Good for small businesses.
  • Limited advanced features.
  • Customer support can be slow.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$15 per month
4.0

0

Best For Desktop Users

author image

AccountEdge

AccountEdge empowers small businesses with its robust accounting features. From inventory management to payroll processing, it offers tools that streamline operations. Its customizable reports and banking integration make it a valuable asset for informed financial decision-making.

  • Comprehensive accounting features.
  • Good for desktop users.
  • Strong reporting capabilities.
  • Not cloud-based.
  • Can be complex for beginners.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$20 per month
3.9

0

Best Open Source

author image

Akaunting

Akaunting offers a robust solution for small business accounting with its customizable features and open-source flexibility. Its seamless invoicing and expense tracking make it a reliable choice, supported by a strong community for continuous improvement.

  • Open-source and free to use.
  • Customizable with plugins.
  • Good for small businesses.
  • Limited support options.
  • Requires technical knowledge for setup.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$24 per month
3.8

0

Best For Inventory Management

author image

ZarMoney

ZarMoney empowers small businesses with its comprehensive accounting features. From customizable invoicing to robust inventory management, it offers tools that streamline financial operations. Ideal for those seeking efficiency and accuracy in their accounting processes.

  • Comprehensive feature set.
  • Good for small to medium businesses.
  • Strong reporting capabilities.
  • Can be expensive for small businesses.
  • Limited third-party integrations.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$20 per month
3.7

0

Best For Payroll Integration

author image

Patriot Accounting

Patriot Accounting simplifies financial management for small businesses with its intuitive interface and comprehensive features. It excels in payroll and tax management, making it an essential tool for business owners seeking efficiency and accuracy in their accounting processes.

  • Affordable pricing.
  • Good for small businesses.
  • Easy to use.
  • Limited advanced features.
  • Customer support can be slow.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$8.5 per month

Why You Need Accounting Software For Small Business

Are you struggling to keep your finances in check or finding it hard to manage expenses? In today’s fast-paced business world, the right accounting software can be a game-changer for your business. It helps you stay organized, boost financial accuracy, and ensure every transaction is recorded smoothly. As businesses face more complex demands, having the right tools is crucial to stay competitive.

  • Streamline Your Accounting Processes

    Are manual entries and paper trails bogging down your accounting? With accounting software, you can automate routine tasks, track expenses in real time, and free up your team to focus on strategic financial planning. It’s a simple way to save hours and get more done, ensuring your business runs smoothly and efficiently.

  • Enhance Financial Accuracy

    How often do errors in financial records cause headaches? By centralizing all financial data—transactions, invoices, and reports—accounting software ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of mistakes. This leads to more reliable financial statements and a clearer picture of your business's financial health, allowing you to make informed decisions with confidence.

  • Boost Your Business's Financial Health

    Does your business have a clear financial roadmap? Accounting software provides insights into cash flow, profitability, and financial trends, helping you plan for the future. With detailed reports and analytics, you can identify opportunities for growth and areas for improvement, ensuring your business remains financially healthy and competitive.

Our Rating Methodology

We meticulously evaluated each accounting software, focusing on key aspects like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user reviews and conducting hands-on testing, we ensured our recommendations align with real-world needs. Each of the seven evaluation factors is weighted by importance to deliver a reliable final rating, helping you avoid underperforming tools and make confident decisions.

Decision FactorScoring Weight
Value to Price
20%
20%
Ease of Use
20%
15%
Functionality
20%
25%
Scalability
20%
15%
Integrations
20%
10%
Customer Support
20%
10%
Security
20%
5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Compare The Best Accounting Software For Small Business

author image
Author

Martin Lunendonk

Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.