An accounting software for startups is a vital resource, providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to streamline financial management and drive business growth. It helps manage cash flow, track expenses, and ensure long-term financial stability.
Built to navigate the complex financial space and establish strong customer relationships, accounting software for startups simplifies tasks like invoicing, payroll, and tax preparation, saving time and reducing errors.
The best part? These tools offer tailored solutions, scalable to the unique needs and increased growth trajectories of startups.
If you’d love to know the top 17 accounting software for startups in 2025, keep reading. These are the options that, according to our extensive research, can cater specifically to the dynamic needs of startup companies.
Let’s get started!
Accounting software helps startups navigate the complexities of financial management. It offers streamlined solutions to contribute to their success.
We’ve compiled a list of 17 of the best startup accounting software for 2025. The list comprises both paid and free accounting software, ensuring there’s an option for every budget.
When choosing the best accounting software for startups, consider factors like scalability, ease of use, and specific features tailored to your business needs.
Let’s dive in!
Image via Xero
Xero is one of the best online accounting software for startups that helps streamline essential financial data with finesse. It excels in accounting tasks, such as invoice management and bank reconciliation. Xero also effortlessly captures bills and receipts.
The best part?
Xero collaborates with Gusto to extend its capabilities. It includes comprehensive payroll services for an additional $40.
While this comprehensive accounting software for startups excels in meeting the needs of small businesses, larger corporations may not benefit as much. Its features are designed specifically with the needs of startups in mind.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Xero offers three pricing plans. When you choose the Growing and Established plans, you get 75% off for 3 months.
Image via Xero
Tool Level
Usability
Image via QuickBooks
QuickBooks is one of the best accounting software for your startup. It combines affordability with a robust set of features.
Like most QuickBooks alternatives, this tool can handle a wide range of accounting tasks, such as expense tracking, inventory management, and financial reporting.
Despite not having a free plan, QuickBooks remains a preferred accounting software for startups and freelancers. After all, the platform offers cost-effective starter plans with outstanding features.
Key Features
Pros
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Pricing
QuickBooks currently offers a discount across all pricing plans—$1 per month for 3 months. It also offers a 30-day free trial.
Here are the standard pricing plans:
Image via QuickBooks
Tool Level
Usability
Image via FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an easy-to-use startup accounting software with advanced features. It streamlines your financial tasks with an easy-to-use interface.
It covers everything from financial management to invoicing and automating repetitive processes.
FreshBooks is one of the most affordable accounting software for startups, offering advanced tools without a hefty price tag. Perfect for freelancers and solopreneurs, it’s a single-user solution that grows with your business. Unlike FreshBooks competitors, this tool also allows unlimited invoicing even on the basic plan.
Key Features
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Pricing
FreshBooks offers 60% off for 6 months on all pricing plans, except Select. Here are the standard pricing plans without the discount:
Image via Freshbooks
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Zoho Books
Zoho Books is a versatile accounting software that simplifies financial management for startups.
It provides functionality for essential tasks like invoicing, order and payment management, and credit notes.
With advanced features like inventory management and in-depth analytics, Zoho Books caters to diverse business needs.
The platform’s seamless integration with other Zoho Suite tools ensures a comprehensive and unified solution for efficient business operations.
Key Features
Pros
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Pricing
Zoho Books offers two price categories depending on your business needs:
Plans to get you started
Image via Zoho Books
Image via Zoho Books
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Oracle NetSuite
NetSuite ERP is a robust cloud accounting software that transcends traditional financial management of startups.
Seamlessly integrating with broader enterprise functionalities, it unifies essential business processes into a centralized platform.
NetSuite ERP streamlines financial operations, offering comprehensive modules for accounting, invoicing, and expense management.
Its real-time analytics empower informed decision-making, while automated workflows enhance efficiency.
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Image via Wave
Wave is an exceptional cloud accounting software designed for startups. It offers a suite of financial management tools with a focus on simplicity and affordability.
This cloud-based platform helps manage recurring invoices, track expenses, and scan receipts to streamline day-to-day financial operations.
Wave also supports payroll processing, allowing businesses to uphold payroll best practices and manage employee payments efficiently.
The software’s robust reporting tools provide insights into income, accounting reports, and overall financial health.
What sets Wave apart from other accounting software for startups is its commitment to free access to core accounting features. This makes it an accessible choice for entrepreneurs and startups looking for comprehensive yet cost-effective solutions to manage their finances.
Key Features
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Pricing
Image via Wave
Here are the prices for add-ons:
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Image via Sage
Sage 50 Accounting is a leading cloud-based accounting software for startups designed to help small and growing businesses achieve financial precision and scalability.
This accounting software for startups provides a comprehensive suite for core accounting, invoicing, and expense management. Its real-time reporting and analytics empower users with actionable insights, fostering informed decision-making. Sage 50 Accounting is an excellent choice for agile and data-driven entrepreneurs.
With multi-dimensional capabilities, it adapts to evolving business needs, offering robust project accounting and revenue recognition.
Key Features
Pros
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Pricing
Sage 50 Accounting has three plans. For the Premium and Quantum plans, the price increases as you add more users. Here is the pricing for 1 user:
Image via Sage
Tool Level
Usability
Image via ZarMoney
ZarMoney is a comprehensive accounting software for startups that seamlessly integrate invoicing, inventory management, billing, and payment capabilities.
With a user-friendly interface, it simplifies the creation and customization of invoices, allowing convenient customer payments through a “pay now” option.
The platform’s advanced analytics and reporting features, offering over 40 customizable financial reports, empower businesses with insightful data, making it a strong contender as one of the top accounting software for startups.
Suited for both small and large enterprises, ZarMoney provides powerful tools while maintaining accessibility.
Key Features
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Pricing
Image via ZarMoney
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Image via AccountEdge
AccountEdge is a desktop accounting software designed for startups and small to medium-sized businesses.
Mentioned in the Forbes Best Accounting Software 2025 list, AccountEdge boasts that customers save an average of up to 55% compared to other accounting software for startups.
This desktop-based software streamlines core accounting solutions, including invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll processing.
AccountEdge ensures accuracy with cash management and provides detailed financial statements, providing insights into your company’s financial health.
Its multi-user capabilities facilitate collaborative financial management, while inventory tracking and management features enhance control over stock.
Key Features
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Pricing
Image via AccountEdge
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Image via OneUp
Boasting a 95% automation rate, OneUp is another stellar accounting software for startups and small businesses seeking streamlined financial operations.
Addressing the challenges of financial accounting for startups, OneUp excels in automation, significantly reducing the time invested in tasks like syncing with business bank accounts and validating entries effortlessly.
It also includes an automated inventory management tool that helps facilitate quick order reviews and seamless communication with suppliers.
Upon vendor shipment, real-time updates across Square and other integrations ensure accuracy.
What sets OneUp apart is that it offers a full set of features at an affordable price, making it an ideal and cost-effective accounting software for startups.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
OneUp offers a 30-day free trial that includes all features.
Aside from that, here are the pricing plans:
Image via OneUp
Tool Level
Usability
Image via ZipBooks
ZipBooks is a free and user-friendly accounting software for startups designed to streamline financial management for businesses.
With an enduring free plan, users can send unlimited invoices, manage customers seamlessly, access basic reports, and connect to one bank account.
Easily create invoices that are professional and visually appealing. Efficiently track client payments, invoice history, and late balances.
This accounting software for startups doesn’t stop at bookkeeping; it provides actionable insights through detailed financial reports and analytics.
Affordable paid plans unlock additional features for enhanced functionality. ZipBooks empowers businesses with the tools they need to manage finances effectively and make informed decisions to unlock their growth potential.
Key Features
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Pricing
Image via ZipBooks
Tool Level
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Image via Kashoo
Kashoo is a powerful double-entry accounting software that redefines financial management for small businesses.
This cloud-based platform simplifies complex accounting processes, offering features like invoicing and bank reconciliation with ease.
Kashoo’s intuitive interface ensures accessibility for users with varying accounting expertise.
Users can effortlessly create and send professional invoices, track expenses, and reconcile bank transactions for accurate financial reports.
The software’s real-time reporting provides insights into business performance to help startups make informed decisions.
With affordable pricing plans, Kashoo emerges as an ideal accounting software for startups seeking efficient, user-friendly accounting tools that seamlessly adapt to their evolving financial needs.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Kashoo offers two pricing plans:
Image via Kashoo
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Odoo
Odoo, a comprehensive business management suite, extends its prowess to accounting, delivering a seamless financial solution for enterprises.
This all-in-one accounting software for startups integrates core accounting features, including invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation.
Odoo’s modular structure allows businesses to customize their accounting setup to ensure scalability and adaptability to diverse financial needs.
The software’s real-time reporting capabilities provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making.
Odoo topples other accounting software for startups for its holistic approach, covering not only accounting but also other business aspects. It is ideal for organizations seeking an integrated solution that unifies financial processes with broader operational functionalities.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Both Standard and Custom plans include all apps for one fee, including sales, marketing, accounting, HR, CRM, inventory, and more.
Image via Odoo
Tool Level
Usability
Image via ClearBooks
ClearBooks is the UK’s leading dynamic accounting software for startups, supporting over 15,000 small businesses. It’s also crafted to streamline financial management for businesses of all sizes.
A user-friendly platform, ClearBooks allows users to enjoy the benefits of cloud-based accounting, simplifying complex accounting tasks through invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation features.
ClearBooks goes beyond standard bookkeeping. It provides real-time reporting for actionable insights into business performance.
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Pricing
* Euro/dollar exchange rate: $1.05
Image via ClearBooks
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Patriot
If you need reliable and easy-to-use accounting software for startups, Patriot is an ideal choice.
With a user-friendly interface, Patriot simplifies accounting and payroll tasks, such as invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, payroll processing, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
True to its innovative nature, Patriot also owns the patent on toggling between accrual and cash-basis accounting.
Although it doesn’t provide a mobile app, Patriot’s 100% cloud-based accounting platform enhances accessibility. It allows users to manage their finances anytime, anywhere.
On top of accounting and payroll, users can add time and attendance tracking and HR features.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Patriot offers a 30-day free trial.
Image via Patriot
Tool Level
Usability
Image via Synder
Synder is a versatile accounting software for startups, particularly those engaged in ecommerce and multi-channel sales. Designed to simplify financial management, Snyder streamlines bank transactions, expense tracking, and invoicing, saving you time while ensuring financial accuracy.
Send invoices efficiently and generate accurate expense reports with Synder’s robust accounting automation features. Additionally, integrating this accounting software with multiple platforms saves you time, allowing you to focus on growing your client base
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Image via Synder
Tool Level
Usability
Image via FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a robust accounting software for startups, small companies, and freelancers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools to handle bank transactions, expense reports, and invoicing, making it a top choice for many startups looking to save time and streamline their finances.
FreeAgent automatically imports and categorizes bank transactions, keeping your books up to date. It also allows you to send invoices, track expenses, and generate detailed financial reports, all from one intuitive platform.
With its user-friendly interface and robust features, FreeAgent has become an industry standard accounting software for startups and small businesses. It’s particularly popular among accounting firms and freelancers who need a reliable solution to manage their client base efficiently.
Key Features
Pros
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Pricing
FreeAgent offers a 30-day free trial, followed by an $11 monthly pricing.
Image via FreeAgent
Tool Level
Usability
1. Which accounting tools are best for startups?
The best accounting software for startups varies depending on the company’s specific needs. However, these are our top five picks based on certain criteria.
2. What essential features define the best accounting software for startups?
The best accounting software for startups should include core accounting and general ledger functionality, invoicing capabilities, bank reconciliation, multi-currency support, expense tracking, and financial reporting features. These features are necessary for almost every startup business.
3. Which accounting tools are mostly used by startups?
QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks are frequently embraced by startups for their user-friendly interfaces, robust features, and scalability.
4. Is QuickBooks a good accounting tool for startups?
Yes, QuickBooks is a widely used and trusted accounting tool for startups.
Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and scalability make it an excellent choice for managing the financial aspects of a startup business.
5. Which startup accounting software is the easiest to use?
FreshBooks is known for its user-friendly design. Its intuitive interface simplifies accounting tasks, catering to users with varying levels of financial expertise. Even non-accounting experts can easily figure out how to use FreshBooks.
6. Are free accounting software for startups as effective?
Yes, they are. Startups can initially rely on free accounting software like Wave to handle their basic accounting needs effectively. However, as the business expands, they may need to upgrade to a paid plan to unlock advanced features, such as payroll processing and inventory management.
7. How does accounting software help startups save time?
Accounting software for startups automates repetitive tasks like bank transaction reconciliation, invoicing, and expense reports, reducing manual effort and errors. The founders can then focus more on strategic tasks and less on spreadsheets.
8. Is cloud-based accounting software better for startups?
Yes, cloud-based accounting software options are ideal for startups because they offer flexibility, remote access, and automatic updates. Plus, they require less expensive on-premise hardware, making them cost-effective for small companies.
Accounting is one of the most important aspects of the journey of a startup, particularly during the early stages. It ensures financial health, regulation compliance, and strategic decision-making according to reports and analytics.
Startups may not be able to afford an accountant or bookkeeper yet. This is where the accounting software for startups comes in handy. It can help streamline and simplify this crucial process.
We’ve highlighted the 17 best accounting software for startups in 2025 that we believe offer a diverse range of features catering to the specific needs of startups.
Remember to identify your startup needs and utilize the free trial before fully committing to a platform. We wish you luck as you embark on this exciting financial management journey for your startup!
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