Eight small business accounting applications scored high enough to be included in our list of the best small business accounting software. Two, Wave (free except for a $8 per month charge for scanning receipts) and TrulySmall Accounting ($20 per month), are best for microbusinesses, like independent contractors, freelancers, and sole proprietors. Each has multiple tiers of service to meet the needs of businesses that vary in size and functionality. Patriot Software Accounting is best for uncomplicated small businesses that probably won’t outgrow it. The integration with Patriot’s payroll application is a definite plus, but the accounting side lacks depth in areas like contact records, inventory, and time tracking. Its price, voluminous support, and usability make it a great choice for a novice or a small start-up.

If you’re on a budget, you can reduce costs by opting for a less expensive plan, choosing à la carte options or only paying for the features you need. Businesses seeking a highly adaptable accounting solution that offers a precise and detailed overview of their finances. QuickBooks is a good choice for freelancers and small businesses that need a simple way to track expenses, organize receipts and log mileage. Cloud accounting software is accessed and used through the internet, rather than being installed and run by a local computer. The software and its data are stored on remote servers that are maintained by the software provider.

Intuit QuickBooks Online: Best for Accountants and Bookkeepers

Entry-level plans for our recommended providers on this list range from $10 to $20 per month. Some companies, such as Wave, also provide basic accounting software for free. E-commerce business owners will like that FreshBooks integrates with more than 80 third-party business apps. Paid plans range from $17 per month for the entry-level Lite version to $55 per month for the Premium tier. We found it easier and more intuitive to create invoices in FreshBooks than in the competing software we reviewed.

• NetSuite’s pricing is custom, so you’ll need to speak with a sales team member for a quote.
• And in the case help is needed, Sage offers free training and quick online chat support that are available 24/7.
• The Sage Accounting Start tier is just $10 per month, while the more advanced Accounting tier costs $25 per month.
• The companies that make small business accounting software have worked hard to make it as simple and pleasant as possible.
• Patriot Software Accounting is best for uncomplicated small businesses that probably won’t outgrow it.

If your business sells products, then you absolutely need inventory tracking to help you monitor inventory levels and generate purchase receipts. Many cloud accounting software limits inventory management to more expensive, higher-tier plans, so be prepared to pay extra for this feature. If your business relies on sending invoices and accepting payments, then definitely check out FreshBooks. This cloud accounting software makes it very easy to create customized, professional invoices and send them to clients, then accept full or partial payments through credit cards and ACH payments. Users can send reminders, charge late fees and accept multiple currencies all within FreshBooks or you can connect to several major payment gateways.

Is Xero Right for You or Your Business?

Wave follows standard accounting rules and is especially skilled at invoicing and transaction management. The app supports multiple currencies and has a smart selection of features for very small businesses. It cloud accounting doesn’t have a dedicated time-tracking tool, comprehensive mobile access, or inventory management, though. To choose the best cloud accounting software, we consulted user reviews and product documentation.

The top product in our list, FreshBooks, makes loyal converts every day for its robust offering at reasonable costs. With it, there is no need for users to manually calculate business statements. MYOB Business does it for businesses automatically so they always know how much they owe with no surprises.