According to a survey, QuickBooks is the most widely used accounting software in the US today. It comes with a bunch of features that users enjoy, especially small to medium-sized businesses. However, since it is costly and not as user-friendly, it can be tricky for novice users. You would need to have basic accounting knowledge to operate QuickBooks. This required knowledge essentially means that QuickBooks isn’t the savior you are seeking. If you are looking for accounting software that would take away the burden of accounting from you in a cost-effective and user-friendly manner, then you need to look elsewhere.
To help you out with your quest to find the perfect accounting software, we have reviewed and listed down the best alternatives to QuickBooks. Let’s go over each briefly to give you an idea of why and how they are better than QuickBooks.
# 1: FreshBooks Accounting
If there’s one accounting software that has established itself as the known competitor of QuickBooks, then that’s FreshBooks Accounting. FreshBooks has given a tough competition to QuickBooks by adding features that QuickBooks misses. One of the significant features that FreshBooks is known for is its customizable invoice templates. Other notable features include inventory management and tracking and better than QuickBooks customer service. Imagine FreshBooks does all of this in just a fraction of the price compared to QuickBooks. Who wouldn’t want to switch?
# 2: Wave Accounting
Imagine having a free accounting app that saves you hours of work and effort? Wouldn’t that be a relief? That’s precisely what Wave Accounting offers. The best part is that Wave Accounting is quite a good software that is easily an alternative to QuickBooks. It doesn’t miss out on any major features and delivers good performance.
The only catch here is that while it is free to use, the company does charge you a nominal fee for processing payments from clients. The latter isn’t a big deal considering you would be paying the same price to any merchant as well. Why not combine the power of accounting software with that of a payment merchant?
# 3: Zoho Books
Zoho Books is another popular accounting software that is often regarded by many as the main competitor of QuickBooks. The central feature that has made Zoho Books a champion is the combination of invoicing with accounting software. Combining these features that you can easily customize invoices, automatically update your ledgers & cash flow. In addition, Zoho Books also comes with multilingual support. You can create invoices in different languages and send them to your customers. Last but not least, if you upgrade to the Zoho Ecosystem, you can also integrate your accounting software with Zoho’s inventory management software, giving you a complete one-stop solution for all your needs.
# 4: Xero
If you are a novice accountant trying to get hold of user-friendly accounting software that gives you lots of customization options, then Xero is for you! This accounting software is known for its minimalist, user-friendly interface within the small business community. In addition, it is a widely used software that makes it easier for you to send invoices to other businesses without the worry of the template not being accepted.
# 5: Sage 50Cloud
Among all the alternatives you can find for QuickBooks, Sage50Cloud is probably the one with the most features such as inventory management, high level of cloud security and cash flow management, etc. Essentially, this is an accounting software perfect for retail, manufacturing, and wholesale business. However, do note that this is desktop software with a couple of cloud software features. The only downside is that it only runs on Windows, and there is no support for Mac or Linux.
How to Choose the Best QuickBooks Alternative for Business?
If you are a QuickBooks user who is frustrated with the cost and lack of innovation, then it’s time for you to switch. For small businesses, Xero is probably the best software. For retailers, Sage50Cloud is the perfect alternative to QuickBooks and for someone looking for a complete ecosystem or package Zoho Books & FreshBooks are the best choice. This software is highly secure, and they come with enough features to take the heavy lifting off your hands.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
