Top Quickbooks alternatives for small business owners

As a small business owner, managing your finances is essential to staying afloat and growing. For years, QuickBooks has been the go-to accounting software for many businesses. It’s a powerful and feature-rich tool, but it's not the only option out there. Today, there are several affordable and easy-to-use alternatives designed specifically for small businesses with simple needs. One of these options may prove to be a better fit for your business.

When to consider a new accounting software for your business

As your operations grow or change, it's important to regularly assess whether your tools are still serving you effectively. Sticking with a system that’s too complex, too limited, or simply not aligned with your workflow can slow you down and create unnecessary stress. Here are a few signs that it might be time to start looking for a better-fit accounting program for your business.

• You are paying for features you don’t need: most accounting tools are packed with features designed for larger or more complex businesses. If you're only using a fraction of what you're paying for, you’re not getting your money’s worth

• It’s more expensive than your business can justify: cost matters, especially for small businesses. If your software subscription eats into your budget more than it helps your bottom line, it’s a problem worth addressing

• You rely too heavily on your accountant to use it: if you need your accountant perform basic tasks, e.g. reading your dashboard or running simple reports, your tool isn’t built with business owners in mind and you should change it

• It feels like a mental battle every time you use it: software should reduce stress, not cause it. If using the tool feels overwhelming or intimidating, it’s likely not the right fit

• Getting help is frustrating or slow: when something breaks or you have a question, support should be fast, clear, and accessible. If it’s not, you’re always left feeling stuck

• You experience frequent technical or usability issues: frequent bugs, errors, or confusing workflows can waste your time and lead to costly mistakes. Accounting should feel simple and reliable, not fragile.

Top 5 Quickbooks alternatives you should consider

Cantant: Best affordable all-in-one accounting software for small businesses

Cantant, is a great Quickbooks alternative for business owners with zero accounting knowledge. It is more than just an accounting tool, it is an intelligent business manager designed to help you stay organized and grow your business. Whether you're looking for a complete replacement or a tool to complement your current system, Cantant delivers real value with its clean interface and practical features. It offers essential accounting functions like inventory management, unlimited invoicing, sales and expense tracking, auto-reminders, and performance reporting. Plus, it supports growing businesses by allowing you to manage up to 3 businesses or stores and add up to 7 users, all for under $25 a month

What business owners love most about Cantant is its simplicity and mobile-first design, which makes it easy for business owners to manage finances on the go, without needing constant help from an accountant. It’s a strong choice for small and mid-sized businesses looking for an easy-to-use, cost-effective way to stay in control of their finances and make smarter business decisions with ease.

Zoho Books: Best for ecosystem integrations 

Zoho Books is a solid alternative to QuickBooks, particularly for businesses already using other Zoho products like Zoho CRM or Zoho Payroll. It offers a comprehensive suite of features and integrates seamlessly with both Zoho’s ecosystem and a wide range of third-party applications, making it a versatile choice for growing businesses.

Beyond essential accounting tasks such as invoicing and expense tracking, Zoho Books includes advanced capabilities like tax management, bank reconciliation, project tracking, and workflow automation—helping you manage your finances more efficiently.

Another advantage is its flexible pricing structure. With multiple plans available, Zoho Books allows you to choose a package that fits your business needs and budget.

Sage: Best for mid-size to large businesses

Sage is often considered a great option for mid-sized to large businesses, thanks to its powerful accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities. It’s one of the oldest and most established programs, and it offers robust features such as advanced financial reporting, inventory management, and multi-currency support, making it well-suited for businesses with more complex accounting needs.

Sage also offers industry-specific solutions and scalable plans, allowing larger organizations to tailor their financial management processes as their needs evolve. While Sage can be quite pricey, its advanced capabilities and customization options often justify the cost for larger businesses that require more robust financial controls and reporting tools.

Wave: Best free accounting software

Wave is widely recognized as one of the best free accounting software options for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses. It offers a generous range of core accounting features at no monthly cost, including unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, making it an ideal starting point for those with straightforward financial needs.

While it doesn’t offer some advanced tools like inventory management or project tracking, Wave delivers exceptional value and functionality for small business owners who want to manage their finances effectively without the burden of subscription fees.

Xero: Best for automation

Xero is known for its strong automation capabilities, making it an excellent choice for small to mid-sized businesses that want to streamline routine accounting tasks. From automatic bank feeds and transaction matching to recurring invoicing and scheduled reports, Xero helps reduce manual work and saves time on day-to-day financial management.

Best QuickBooks alternatives for small businesses: side-by-side comparison