Best Accounting Software for Small Business of 2025

QuickBooks Online is the most complete accounting software for those businesses that need all the bells and whistles but still want an easy to use interface. This software is designed for automated financial management, always accurate across a variety of business functions, and is great for businesses managing collaboration between business owners and accountants. QuickBooks is unique in that it has a very robust third-party integration ecosystem with over 750 apps, which gives it the capability to be the financial hub of an entire business.

The Advanced plan includes extensive reporting options with over 65 standard reports. This program also includes the framework for all major accounting functions for your business, from simple bookkeeping to advanced financial analysis. A commonly cited downside is the higher price relative to other solutions on the market, and a few found it bloated for basic operations, with more features than a simple business needs. Most users found that once you understand the core functionality, it reliably produces professional grade accounting that can grow with your business. This is a great option for your business if it is expanding and needs to grow its accounting along with it.

Wave is an accounting platform designed for speed and simplicity. Its tools are a good fit for businesses that need professional, reliable financial management, but without monthly fees or complicated features. Wave’s free accounting tools can perform all of the core bookkeeping functions, and will offer professional-level accuracy and reporting. The platform is strongest for features like invoice generation, expense tracking, and basic financial reporting that is suitable for most small businesses.

Wave also provides integrated payment processing and payroll services that can be used alongside the free accounting platform. The more streamlined feature set can produce professional-level financial reports, and the tax preparation can be done easily, without an accounting background or much training. Wave’s primary strengths are its zero price point for its core features, as well as its simplified approach to accounting. The cons that users cite are its lack of advanced features that can be found in other paid software, and that the level of customer support is basic for free users. Overall, however, the professional level of functionality with its free pricing make it a strong option for startups and other customers who are budget conscious.

FreshBooks is a software targeted at service based businesses and their accounting needs. The main areas of specialization in FreshBooks are time tracking, project management, and client relationships. This software is most appropriate for freelancers and small service-based businesses that need to track billable time and manage communication with clients along with their accounting. FreshBooks is particularly known for its strong invoicing capabilities, including automated payment reminders and professional invoice customization, which can help businesses receive payments faster.

FreshBooks also does well for businesses that invoice based on time or per-project basis. The built in time tracking is tied to your invoicing, as well as reports of project profitability. FreshBooks also includes a client portal which allows secure communications and file sharing with clients for easy and professional relationship management while handling accounting tasks. A common critique is the lack of robust inventory management options and its focus on service businesses rather than product-based ones. However, FreshBooks is often highly rated for its user-friendly interface and customer support.

Xero is a popular accounting tool with competitive pricing, making it a great option for teams that are looking for professional, all-in-one financial management without the added costs of an enterprise-level platform. It’s notable for its focus on automation and ease of use, with unlimited user access across all pricing tiers and no additional per-user fees as teams expand.

This tool really shines with its clean interface and smart automation features which can manage even complex accounting tasks while remaining accessible to non-accountants. The platform is especially strong at bank reconciliation, invoicing and financial reporting, and has consistently high user satisfaction ratings across multiple countries and business types. Users have reported that phone support is weaker than some competitors and more advanced features require premium plans, but overall the automation capabilities and unlimited user access make this an attractive option for growing teams. Despite these drawbacks, the interface design and automation features make Xero an invaluable option for businesses where ease of use is a top priority and can’t be sacrificed for professional functionality. Xero is a great choice for any business that wants an accounting software that can grow with them while still remaining simple and affordable.

Use NetSuite if you need accounting software that directly integrates with all aspects of business management. The software automatically links your accounting with CRM, inventory, and operations data to provide a single view of the business. The strength of NetSuite’s accounting software lies in using it as part of the entire ERP system, for live visibility into all business processes. Its AI also fully understands complex business entities, making it possible to do multi-subsidiary accounting, complex revenue recognition, and global compliance requirements that simpler systems can’t.

The software can recommend process improvements by analyzing business data trends and has built-in audit trails and compliance tools for businesses that have to meet regulatory standards. While some customers find the system can be complex for basic accounting tasks and it may require a dedicated IT team to manage, its ability to fully integrate all business operations and provide enterprise-level features makes it a powerful solution for businesses that are prepared to centralize their operations on one platform.

Zoho Books is a powerful accounting platform with a rich feature set and a competitive price point. It is a strong option for companies that are already using other Zoho business software due to strong integration with the Zoho ecosystem. Zoho Books offers comprehensive accounting features, strong automation capabilities, and robust project management tools. The integration with other Zoho products creates powerful workflows for businesses that need to manage multiple aspects of their operations within the same ecosystem.

Zoho Books’ automation rules are particularly useful for complex accounting workflows and the platform’s project tracking features are helpful for service-based businesses that need to track profitability by client or project. Zoho Books also has multi-currency support and global tax compliance features, which are useful for businesses with international operations. Users note that the extensive features can feel overwhelming at first and the learning curve is steeper than simpler platforms, but the functionality and pricing make Zoho Books a strong value for businesses that can leverage its capabilities.

Sage Intacct combines full-featured accounting with robust financial management capabilities, making it the best fit for users in need of advanced reporting, handling multiple entities, or complex compliance requirements. Sage Intacct excels at delivering deep financial insights, offering multi-dimensional reporting and real-time analytics to drive strategic decision-making.

Sage Intacct is at its strongest with complex accounting scenarios, such as revenue recognition, project accounting, and financial consolidation across multiple business entities. The platform can produce the type of detailed, GAAP-compliant financial reports that are necessary for audit and investor reporting. Some users find the advanced feature set overwhelming for basic accounting needs and report that the implementation process can be complex, requiring careful planning and possibly professional assistance. The extensive financial management tools and AICPA endorsement offer a strong value proposition, particularly for businesses requiring an enterprise-grade accounting solution with the flexibility to tailor workflows and reporting to their unique needs.

Patriot Accounting offers full accounting features, coupled with robust payroll integration and multi-currency capabilities. It is particularly well-suited for businesses with international transactions or those that require complex payroll management in addition to their accounting processes. Patriot Accounting shines in its seamless integration of accounting and human resources (HR) functionalities.

The software’s multi-currency feature simplifies international financial transactions, and its integrated payroll system removes the necessity for separate payroll management. Teamwork tools in Patriot facilitate collaboration among team members on both accounting and HR tasks. Reporting features are also comprehensive, offering insights into every aspect of the business. Users have noted that while its extensive features may be overwhelming for those who only need basic accounting, the platform has a steep learning curve compared to more straightforward solutions. However, the all-in-one accounting and payroll solution it provides is unmatched for businesses with employees and international dealings.