Why look at alternatives? QuickBooks raises prices frequently and charges separately for payroll. These alternatives offer competitive accounting, some for free.
We rate QuickBooks 89/100. Read our full QuickBooks review →
Quick Comparison: Best QuickBooks Alternatives
| Alternative | Best For | Free Plan | Paid From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Xero | Best for multi-currency | 30-day trial | $15/mo | 88/100 |
| 2. Wave Accounting | Best free option | Free (forever) | $0 | 83/100 |
| 3. FreshBooks | Best for service businesses | 30-day trial | $19/mo | 85/100 |
| 4. Zoho Books | Best for Zoho users | Free up to $50k/year revenue | $20/mo | 84/100 |
| 5. Sage Accounting | Best for UK/EU | 30-day trial | $10/mo | 82/100 |
Detailed Breakdown: Top QuickBooks Alternatives
#1 Xero
88/100
Best for multi-currency
- ✓ Multi-currency on all plans
- ✓ Unlimited users
- ✓ Clean modern UI
- ✓ Strong bank reconciliation
- ✗ Fewer US accountants know it
- ✗ Starter plan very restricted
#2 Wave Accounting
83/100
Best free option
- ✓ Completely free for accounting/invoicing
- ✓ Unlimited invoices
- ✓ Bank connections
- ✗ Payroll is paid add-on
- ✗ Limited reporting vs QuickBooks
#3 FreshBooks
85/100
Best for service businesses
- ✓ Best invoicing experience
- ✓ Time tracking built in
- ✓ Client portal
- ✗ Not for product-based businesses
- ✗ Limited inventory
#4 Zoho Books
84/100
Best for Zoho users
- ✓ Free plan for small businesses
- ✓ Zoho ecosystem integration
- ✓ Good automation
- ✗ Less powerful for US tax compliance
- ✗ Smaller US accountant community
#5 Sage Accounting
82/100
Best for UK/EU
- ✓ Strong UK/EU VAT compliance
- ✓ Good inventory
- ✓ Affordable start
- ✗ Less known in US
- ✗ UI not as modern as Xero
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to QuickBooks?
Wave Accounting is completely free for accounting, invoicing, and bank reconciliation. Zoho Books also has a free plan for businesses under $50,000 annual revenue.
Is Xero better than QuickBooks?
Xero is better for multiple users (unlimited on all plans) and multi-currency. QuickBooks is better for US tax compliance, payroll integration, and has a larger US accountant community.
What is the simplest accounting software for small businesses?
Wave (free) for freelancers. FreshBooks for service businesses with invoicing and time tracking. QuickBooks Simple Start for broad accountant support.