Selecting a reliable accounting platform is essential for the smooth financial operation of your business.
While Zoho Books is undoubtedly a popular choice, it’s important to look for Zoho Books alternatives to ensure you find the perfect fit for your unique needs.
Managing your finances is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and different businesses have varying requirements.
That’s why we want to help you make an informed choice based on your business needs, ultimately leading to more efficient financial management.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top Zoho Books alternatives, evaluating each tool’s features, pros, cons, and pricing.
Let’s dive in.
How We Choose the Best Zoho Books Alternatives
- Features: Our selection process is driven by a thorough examination of the number and diversity of features offered by each accounting tool. We aim to provide a comprehensive range of Zoho Books alternatives that suit various business needs. Our list of Zoho Books alternatives encompasses both all-in-one solutions and niche tools, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Data Accuracy: We prioritize data freshness and accuracy in evaluating contact databases and business intelligence tools. Zoho Books alternatives that offer real-time data verification take precedence as accurate information is vital for informed decision-making and effective business operations.
- Pricing: Recognizing the diverse budget constraints of our audience, our list of Zoho Books alternatives encompasses a wide spectrum of tools, ranging from free options to enterprise-grade premium solutions. We emphasize the importance of considering your budget in conjunction with the features offered, ensuring a well-informed choice.
- Customer Reviews: In addition to examining features and pricing, we place significant importance on user feedback. We scour customer reviews to gauge a tool’s user interface, customer support, and overall usability. Our rigorous assessment excludes Zoho Books alternatives with significant customer-reported issues to ensure a positive user experience.
- Analytics Capabilities: Beyond functioning as a mere contact database, we also consider a tool’s analytics capabilities. Zoho Books alternatives that offer basic analytics features receive preference, as these capabilities enable businesses to derive valuable insights from their data, contributing to smarter decision-making and strategic planning.
- Scalability and Customization: Scalability and customization options are vital considerations. We look for tools that can grow with your business and be tailored to your unique needs, ensuring long-term relevance and adaptability.
11 Zoho Books Alternatives You Should Try
The accounting process can be overwhelming, with myriad financial tasks demanding precision and attention.
One way to streamline this intricate process is by investing in accounting software like Zoho Books. However, it’s important to recognize that Zoho Books might not be the best option for all businesses.
That’s because Zoho Books may not offer the specific features or scalability required by some enterprises. Additionally, some businesses might prefer alternatives due to differences in user interface or integration capabilities.
However, it’s reassuring to know that there are Zoho Books alternatives available, offering comparable or even superior features to assist you in managing your financial matters more efficiently.
These tools can help you simplify bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial analysis, providing viable options for businesses of all sizes.
Read on to discover the best Zoho Books alternatives that can boost your accounting efforts.
1. FreshBooks
Image via FreshBooks
FreshBooks is one of the best cloud-based accounting software, excelling in simplifying income and expense tracking.
Its user-friendly interface streamlines financial management tasks, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The best part?
This Zoho Books alternative has introduced the Accounting Partner Program, fostering collaboration between users and their accountants.
This innovative initiative enhances transparency and efficiency in financial operations, allowing seamless communication and data sharing.
With features like invoicing, time tracking, and insightful reporting, FreshBooks empowers businesses to maintain a firm grip on their finances while fostering productive partnerships.
Features
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation
- Invoicing tools with customization options
- Time tracking to monitor project progress
- Expense tracking and categorization
- Robust reporting for financial insights
ProsÂ
- Exceptional user-friendliness
- Efficient invoicing
- Time tracking
- Streamlined expense tracking and categorization
- Robust reporting tools provide valuable financial insights
ConsÂ
- FreshBooks may not be the best choice for businesses requiring extensive inventory tracking
- FreshBooks may lack certain advanced accounting features
- Has limited multicurrency support, which can be a drawback for businesses operating globally
- FreshBooks doesn’t offer full payroll services, which might be a limitation for businesses with extensive payroll needs
Pricing
FreshBooks offers four pricing plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Lite: $8.50 per month
- Plus: $15 per month
- Premium: $27.50 per month
- Select: Custom
Image via FreshBooks
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
2. Xero
Image via Xero
Xero is an easy-to-use accounting software designed with a focus on small and medium businesses.
This Zoho Books alternative excels in simplifying financial management tasks, offering comprehensive tools for income and expense tracking, which enable businesses to maintain a firm grip on their financial health.
The good thing is that it’s a cloud-based accounting software. Therefore, it allows for convenient access and collaboration from anywhere, while a wide array of integrations further enhance its capabilities. This ensures a seamless financial management experience for users.
Features
- Cloud-based platform for easy access from anywhere
- Comprehensive income and expense tracking
- Invoicing and payment processing
- Bank reconciliation for accurate financial records
- Payroll management and tax preparation tools
ProsÂ
- Intuitive interface and easy navigation for users
- Offers a wide range of reporting options for financial insights
- Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, accommodating growth
- Seamlessly integrates with numerous third-party apps and services
- Facilitates collaboration with accountants and team members
ConsÂ
- Some users may find the initial setup and learning process challenging
- Pricing can be relatively higher for small businesses on a tight budget
- May not be ideal for businesses with complex inventory needs
- Offers multicurrency support, but not as extensive as some alternatives for global businesses
Pricing
Xero offers three pricing plans:
- Starter Plan: $25 per month
- Standard Plan: $40 per month
- Premium Plan: $54 per month
Image via Xero
Tool Level
- Intermediate
Usability
- Requires a bit of a learning curve
3. Wave
Image via Wave
Wave is another Zoho Books alternative designed to assist small businesses in streamlining their bookkeeping processes.
What makes Wave unique?
It’s free and provides essential financial tools without the burden of subscription fees.
Additionally, it covers core functions, including invoicing, and receipt scanning, making it a practical choice for startups and small enterprises. The business accounting software also simplifies tax calculations, preparing businesses for tax season.
However, it’s essential to note that while Wave offers an attractive cost advantage, it may lack some advanced features found in other alternatives, which could be a limitation for large businesses.
Features
- Free cloud-based accounting software
- Sales tax tracking
- Invoicing with customization options
- Receipt scanning for easy expense management
- Simplified tax calculations
- Billing capabilities for efficient payment processing
ProsÂ
- Wave is free, making it a budget-friendly choice for small businesses
- Its intuitive interface is easy for non-accountants to navigate
- Built-in tools make tax calculations and preparations straightforward
- Streamlines expense tracking through receipt scanning
- Accessible from anywhere, promoting real-time collaboration
- Efficient payment processing with built-in billing features
- Suitable for product-based businesses to manage their stock
ConsÂ
- May lack some advanced features required by large businesses
- Not suitable for businesses with extensive international operations
- Free software often comes with limited customer support options
Pricing
The Zoho Books alternative offers free accounting and invoicing services. However you have to pay for other services such as payments, payroll, and mobile receipts. Here are the plans.
Payments Services:
- Credit Cards: 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction and 3.4% + $0.60 per AMEX transaction
- Bank Payments: 1% per transaction ($1 minimum fee)
Image via Wave
Mobile Receipts: $8 per month
Payroll services:
- Tax Service States: $40 monthly fee
- Self Service States: $20 monthly fee
Image via Wave
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
4. QuickBooksÂ
Image via QuickBooksÂ
QuickBooks is a user-friendly Zoho Books alternative that empowers business owners to efficiently track income, manage expenses, and organize their financial information.
QuickBooks simplifies the complex task of financial management through a cloud-based platform, ensuring access from anywhere with an internet connection.
What’s more?
The QuickBooks online system caters to businesses of various sizes. But while it provides a comprehensive accounting solution, some users may find its pricing slightly higher than other Zoho Books alternatives.
Let’s check out what QuickBooks offers.
Features
- Payroll management to streamline employee compensation
- Invoicing with customization options and automation
- Inventory management for product-based businesses
- QuickBooks provides robust financial reporting and analysis tools
- Time tracking capabilities for billable hours
- Secure data backup and easy data recovery
Pros
- Offers comprehensive accounting and financial management functionality
- The intuitive interface simplifies complex accounting needs
- QuickBooks is suitable for both small and larger enterprises
- Easily integrates with various third-party apps and services
- With QuickBooks, you can access your financial data from anywhere
ConsÂ
- Higher pricing tiers may be cost-prohibitive for some small businesses
- Some users may take time to master the software’s full capabilities
- QuickBooks may not be ideal for businesses with extensive international operations
- The quality of customer support can vary depending on the subscription level
Pricing
QuickBooks offers four pricing plans and you get to enjoy a 30-day free trial.
- Simple Start: $15 per month
- Essentials: $30 per month
- Plus: $45 per month
- Advanced: $100 per month
To add to that, QuickBooks provides live assisted bookkeeping services for an additional $50.
Image via QuickBooks Online
Tool Level
- Beginner/Intermediate
Usability
- QuickBooks requires a bit of a learning curve
5. Sage
Image via Sage
Sage is a robust business accounting software designed for medium-sized businesses seeking a comprehensive financial management software.
This accounting tool offers a versatile platform for financial tracking, analysis, and reporting. Its cloud-based nature ensures accessibility from anywhere, promoting seamless collaboration and real-time data updates.
Features
- Advanced inventory management for precise control
- Robust revenue management tools for enhanced financial insights
- Multi-entity and multi-currency support for global operations
- Automated accounts payable and receivable processes
- In-depth financial reporting and analysis
- Seamless integration with various third-party applications
Pros
- Accommodates the growth and complexity of medium-sized businesses
- Offers detailed financial reporting for strategic decision-making
- Automates accounts payable and receivable, improving efficiency
- Multi-entity and multi-currency support facilitates international business
- Easily integrates with other software, expanding functionality
Cons
- Some users may require time and training to utilize its full feature set
- Higher pricing may not be suitable for smaller businesses with limited budgets
- Extensive customization may be complex for some users
Pricing
You can use Sage for 30 days for free. Here are the pricing plans:
- Sage Accounting Start: $10 per month
- Sage Accounting: $25 per month
Image via Sage
Tool Level
- Intermediate
Usability
- Requires a bit of a learning curve
6. Odoo
Image via Odoo
Odoo is a versatile Zoho Books alternative designed to cater to the needs of both accountants and business owners. This comprehensive accounting software offers a robust platform for efficient financial management.
It allows users to seamlessly integrate accounting with other business operations like inventory management and CRM, enhancing workflow efficiency.
What makes Odoo unique?
While its open-source nature provides flexibility for customization, it also offers scalability, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Features
- Comprehensive all-in-one accounting software
- Integration with other business operations, such as invoice management
- Invoicing and payment processing capabilities
- Multi-currency and multi-language support
- Open-source for flexibility and customization
Pros
- Provides a complete suite for managing various business functions
- Seamlessly integrates accounting with other operations
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries
- Open-source nature allows for tailoring to specific business needs
- Ideal for global businesses
Cons
- The extensive feature set may require some time to master
- Self-hosting can result in additional costs
- Quality of support can vary depending on the service level
Pricing
- Odoo accounting software is free if you don’t use any other Odoo app.
Tool Level
- Beginner/Intermediate
Usability
- Has a bit of a learning curve
7. ZipBooks
Image via ZipBooks
ZipBooks is a versatile accounting and bookkeeping tool designed to empower small business owners and accountants with a range of financial capabilities.
This accounting software offers a user-friendly platform to efficiently process credit card transactions, track financial data, and generate and send invoices.
The best part?
The accounting software offers insights into revenue and expense trends, promoting informed decision-making.
Let’s check out what this Zoho Books alternative offers.
Features
- Credit card processing capabilities
- Invoice creation and sending
- Expense tracking and categorization
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation
- Insights into revenue and expense trends
- Cloud-based platform for accessibility from anywhere
Pros
- The intuitive interface simplifies financial tasks for users
- Streamlines expense management and categorization
- Efficiently able to create and send invoices
- Provides valuable data on revenue and expense trends
Cons
- May not suit businesses with complex accounting needs
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to larger accounting systems
- Advanced reporting and analytics options are limited in comparison to comprehensive alternatives
Pricing
ZipBooks offers a free plan. It has four plans:
- Starter: Free
- Smarter: $15 per month
- Sophisticated: $35 per month
- Accountant: Custom
Image via ZipBooks
Tool Level
- Easy to use
Usability
- Beginner
8. Saasu
Image via Saasu
Saasu is a dynamic Zoho Books alternative tailored for small business owners seeking streamlined financial management.
This accounting software simplifies the complexities of financial operations, offering a robust platform for tasks like invoicing, and financial reporting.
While it’s an easy-to-use software, some users may find that it lacks certain advanced features found in more comprehensive accounting software.
Features
- Invoicing with customization options
- Inventory management for product-based businesses
- Cash flow forecast for financial planning
- Sales tax tracking and categorization
- Financial reporting and analytics
- Payroll management for employee compensation
Pros
- The intuitive interface simplifies financial tasks
- Accommodates businesses of varying sizes
- Accessibility from anywhere for real-time collaboration
- Tailor features to specific business needs
Cons
- May not meet complex accounting requirements
- Fewer third-party app integrations compared to larger accounting systems
Pricing
Saasu doesn’t offer a free plan but you get a generous 30-day free trial. Its pricing depends on your business size.
- Small: $20 per month
- Medium: $50 per month
- Large: $90 per month
- X-Large: $250 per month
Image via Saasu
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
9. OneUp
Image via OneUp
OneUp is a remarkable Zoho Books alternative designed for automated bookkeeping.
This business accounting software offers a seamless solution for small businesses and startups seeking to streamline their financial operations.
What makes OneUp unique?
This Zoho Books alternative offers automatic synchronization with bank accounts, simplifying income and sales tax tracking. Additionally, the accounting software provides robust features for invoicing, inventory management, and financial reporting.
Features
- Automated bank account synchronization for effortless tracking
- Invoicing and payment processing capabilities
- Inventory management for product-based businesses
- Detailed financial reporting and analysis tools
- Mobile app for on-the-go accessibility
- Multi-currency and multi-language support for global operations
ProsÂ
- Simplifies income tracking
- Intuitive interface reduces the learning curve for users
- Convenient mobile app for remote financial management
- Ideal for global businesses
Cons
- May not meet complex accounting requirements
- Fewer third-party app integrations compared to larger accounting systems
Pricing
With OneUp, you get to enjoy 30 days for free without using a credit card. Here are the paid plans.
- Self: $9 per month, up to one user
- Pro: $19 per month, up to two users
- Plus: $29 per month, up to three users
- Team: $69 per month, up to seven users
- Unlimited: $169 per month, unlimited users
Image via OneUp
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy to use
10. Patriot
Image via Patriot
Patriot is a versatile payroll and accounting software designed to cater to a wide range of business accounting needs.
This business accounting solution empowers small and medium businesses with tools for precise financial management, including payroll processing, invoicing, time tracking, and comprehensive financial reporting.
What’s more?
Patriot is an easy-to-use software accessible to those without an accounting background.
Features
- Payroll processing for employee compensation
- Invoicing and payment processing capabilities
- Comprehensive financial reporting and analysis
- User-friendly interface for ease of use
ProsÂ
- Easy to use software making it accessible for non-accountants
- Budget-friendly for small and medium-sized businesses
- Accessibility from anywhere for real-time collaboration
- Efficient handling of employee compensation
- Streamlines invoicing and payment processing
ConsÂ
- May not meet complex accounting requirements
- Limited third-party integrations
- More suitable for small and medium businesses
Pricing
Patriot offers pricing depending on the software
- Accounting Software: Starting at $20 per month
- Payroll Software: Starting at $17 per month + $4 per employee
Image via Patriot
Tool Level
- Beginner
Usability
- Easy-to-use software
11. ZarMoney
Image via ZarMoney
ZarMoney is another Zoho Books alternative that caters to businesses seeking comprehensive financial management solutions.
This business accounting software provides a versatile platform for efficient bookkeeping, time-tracking capabilities, and invoicing.
The best part is, this Zoho Books alternative is cost-effective, making it a budget-friendly choice for small to medium businesses.
Features
- Invoicing with customizable templates
- Time tracking capabilities for billable hours
- Order management for streamlined operations
- Bank reconciliation for accurate financial records
- Comprehensive financial reporting and analytics
Pros
- Budget-friendly solution
- Intuitive interface for easy navigation
- Streamlines invoicing processes for faster payments
- Order management makes ecommerce easier
Cons
- Fewer integrations compared to larger accounting systems
- Some users may require time to master its feature set
- The quality of customer support may vary, with potential room for improvement
Pricing
ZarMoney doesn’t offer a free plan. Here are the paid options:
- Entrepreneur: $15 per month for up to one user
- Small Business: $20 per month for up to two users with $10 for each additional user
- Enterprise: $350 per month for 30+ users
Image via ZarMoney
Tool Level
- Beginner/Intermediate
Usability
- Has a slight learning curve
FAQs
Q1. How do I decide which Zoho Books alternative is right for my business?
Selecting the right Zoho Books alternative depends on several factors specific to your business. Start by identifying your business needs and priorities.
Consider aspects like your budget, the size and complexity of your business, the features you require (e.g., payroll, inventory management, invoicing), and your industry. Research and compare various alternatives to see which one aligns most closely with your specific needs.
Q2. Is Zoho Books the same as QuickBooks?
No, Zoho Books and QuickBooks are not the same. While both are accounting software solutions, they come from different companies and offer distinct features.
Q3. What if I’m currently using Zoho Books? Can I migrate my data to one of these alternatives?
Yes, many Zoho Books alternatives offer data migration options to help you transfer your financial data seamlessly. It’s essential to check with the specific alternative you’re considering to ensure that they support Zoho Books data migration.
Q4. What are the disadvantages of Zoho Books?
Zoho Books is a powerful accounting software, but it does have some limitations. Disadvantages can include:
- Limited payroll capabilities
- Complexity for some users
- While it’s flexible, advanced customization may be limited
- It may not integrate with some niche or industry-specific software
Q5. Can I integrate these alternatives with other business tools I use?
Most Zoho Books alternatives offer integrations with other popular business tools and software. The range of integrations may vary depending on the alternative.
Which is the Best Zoho Books Alternative for Your Business?
While Zoho Books is undoubtedly a remarkable accounting tool, it’s essential to explore the variety of alternatives available to meet your specific business requirements.
What makes this exploration worthwhile?
Every Zoho Books alternative featured in this article has the potential to enhance your prospecting efforts, ultimately boosting your bottom line.
Many of these Zoho Books alternatives are designed to cater to different niches and business sizes, ensuring that there’s an option suitable for your unique needs.
To make an informed decision, take the time to compare the features and capabilities of these Zoho Books alternatives. Keep this list as a valuable reference in your quest for the perfect accounting solution. All the best with your business accounting!
