Accounting Software Resource Center
So, you need accounting software and there are far too many options. QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Zoho Books, Wave, Sage… and every list ranks them differently. Don’t worry.
You don’t need to read everything. Pick the path below that sounds most like you, and I’ll take you to the two or three pages that actually answer your question.
Start with your situation
Small business
My shortlist across every product, with the real cost in year one and year two.
Freelancer or sole trader
Simple, affordable tools for invoicing clients and keeping tax time calm.
Startup
What to choose when you’re new, growing fast, and might raise money.
Ecommerce seller
Accounting that copes with Shopify, Amazon, payouts and stock.
Tight budget
What you can genuinely do for free, and where free stops being enough.
Not sure where to start?
How to Choose Accounting Software
The questions to answer before you compare a single product.
Cloud vs Desktop Accounting
Online subscription or installed software, and which suits you.
Accounting Software Free Trials
Try before you buy, and what to test while the trial runs.
Browse by product
Xero
Unlimited users, strong reconciliation, and an accountant favourite outside the US.
QuickBooks
The US default, built to grow with payroll and inventory.
FreshBooks
Invoicing and time tracking first, for service businesses.
Zoho Books
Lots of accounting for the price, plus a real free plan.
Wave
Free invoicing and bookkeeping for US and Canadian freelancers.
Sage
The long-standing UK option, and Making Tax Digital ready.
Learn the bookkeeping basics
New to the money side of running a business? These plain-English guides explain how bookkeeping works, whichever software you choose.
Small Business Bookkeeping
The complete beginner’s guide: ten steps from a business bank account to a simple routine.
Cash vs Accrual Accounting
When to record income and expenses, with one worked example and the rules by country.
Double-Entry Bookkeeping
Debits and credits in one table, and seven everyday transactions recorded step by step.
Chart of Accounts
Sample charts for a service business and an online store, and how to set yours up.
Bank Reconciliation
A 7-step how-to with a worked example, in Xero and QuickBooks.
Head-to-head comparisons
Down to two? These comparisons go plan by plan and end with a clear “choose this if…”.
- Xero vs QuickBooks
- Xero vs FreshBooks
- Xero vs Zoho Books
- Xero vs Wave
- Xero vs Sage
- Xero vs MYOB (Australia)
- Sage vs QuickBooks
- Wave vs QuickBooks
Or see every one on the comparisons page. Want to replace what you’ve got? Read QuickBooks alternatives or Xero alternatives.
Who writes this
I’m Janak Uparkoti, an accountant and the editor of this site. I review software by asking what it does to your books, not how many features it lists. Here’s more about me, how I test and how the site makes money.