Software recommendations for managing small business finances and tax readiness

Here are the top software recommendations for managing small business finances and ensuring tax readiness, categorized by business needs:

### 1. Best Overall & Industry Standard: **QuickBooks Online**
* **Best for:** Most small-to-medium businesses and those working directly with a CPA.
* **Why it’s great for taxes:** Almost every accountant knows how to use it. It automatically categorizes expenses, tracks sales tax, and generates tax-ready financial statements (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet).
* **Key Features:** Bank syncing, receipt capture via mobile app, mileage tracking, and custom reporting.

### 2. Best for Growing Businesses & Unlimited Users: **Xero**
* **Best for:** Growing businesses that need multiple team members to access the software without paying per-user fees.
* **Why it’s great for taxes:** Offers strong reconciliation tools, customizable tax rates, and easy portal sharing with your accountant.
* **Key Features:** Unlimited users on all plans, robust inventory tracking, automated bank feeds, and 800+ third-party app integrations.

### 3. Best Free Option for Sole Proprietors: **Wave Accounting**
* **Best for:** Freelancers, micro-businesses, and sole proprietors on a tight budget.
* **Why it’s great for taxes:** Keeps income and expenses organized in one place for year-end Schedule C reporting at zero software cost.
* **Key Features:** 100% free core accounting and invoicing, receipt scanning (via app), and basic sales tax tracking. *(Note: You pay standard processing fees for credit card payments).*

### 4. Best for Service-Based Businesses & Invoicing: **FreshBooks**
* **Best for:** Consultants, agencies, and service providers who bill by the hour or project.
* **Why it’s great for taxes:** Simplifies expense logging and client billing so no tax-deductible costs fall through the cracks.
* **Key Features:** Intuitive time tracking, professional invoicing, automated payment reminders, and expense categorizing.

### 5. Best for Payroll & Payroll Tax Readiness: **Gusto**
* **Best for:** Businesses with employees or 1099 contractors.
* **Why it’s great for taxes:** Automatically calculates, pays, and files local, state, and federal payroll taxes, and issues year-end W-2s and 1099s.
* **Key Features:** Full-service payroll, HR tools, employee benefits, and seamless integration with QuickBooks and Xero.

---

### Quick Tips for Tax Readiness:
* **Separate Accounts:** Always connect a dedicated business bank account and credit card to your accounting software to avoid mixing personal and business expenses.
* **Receipt Capture:** Use your software’s mobile app to snap pictures of physical receipts immediately so you have backup documentation for deductions.
* **Invite Your Accountant:** Grant your CPA "advisor" access to your software year-round so they can review your books before tax season hits.


Best accounting software for a local coffee shop or restaurant

The best overall accounting software for a local coffee shop or restaurant is **QuickBooks Online**.

Here is a quick breakdown of the top options based on your specific needs:

### 1. QuickBooks Online – *Best Overall Industry Standard*
* **Why it’s best:** It integrates seamlessly with almost all major restaurant POS systems (Toast, Square, Clover, Lightspeed) and payroll platforms (Gusto, 7shifts). Most accountants and bookkeepers already know how to use it.
* **Best for:** Most single-location coffee shops and restaurants that want reliable POS sync and easy tax filing.

### 2. Xero – *Best for Value & Collaborating with Staff*
* **Why it’s best:** It offers similar features to QuickBooks but includes **unlimited users** on all plans, making it easier to give access to multiple managers without extra fees. It integrates well with food-cost and POS add-ons.
* **Best for:** Budget-conscious owners who need multiple staff members to access the system.

### 3. Restaurant365 – *Best All-In-One (For Larger or Scaling Operations)*
* **Why it’s best:** Unlike general accounting tools, it is built specifically for restaurants. It combines accounting, inventory management, recipe costing, and employee scheduling into one platform.
* **Best for:** High-volume restaurants, multi-location spots, or owners who want deep daily inventory and food-cost tracking.

---

### Key Recommendation
If you use a popular POS system like **Toast** or **Square**, pair **QuickBooks Online** (or **Xero**) with **Gusto** (for tip processing and hourly payroll) and **7shifts** (for scheduling and labor compliance).


We need software to reconcile bank accounts and handle client invoicing. Recommendations?

Here are the top software recommendations based on business size and needs:

### 1. Best Overall for Small-to-Midsize Businesses
* **QuickBooks Online**
  * **Strengths:** Industry standard. Offers automated bank feeds that make reconciliation fast, alongside robust, customizable client invoicing and payment tracking.
  * **Best For:** Growing businesses needing a complete accounting solution.

* **Xero**
  * **Strengths:** Intuitive user interface with a streamlined, rule-based bank reconciliation feature and unlimited users on all plans. Strong invoicing capabilities.
  * **Best For:** Businesses looking for a powerful, user-friendly alternative to QuickBooks.

### 2. Best for Service-Based Businesses & Freelancers
* **FreshBooks**
  * **Strengths:** Top-tier invoicing features (time tracking, retainer billing, automated late fees) combined with easy bank reconciliation.
  * **Best For:** Agencies, consultants, and service providers focused heavily on billing clients for time and project work.

### 3. Best Free Option
* **Wave Accounting**
  * **Strengths:** 100% free for core features, including unlimited client invoicing and bank account connection/reconciliation. You only pay standard transaction fees if clients pay invoices online.
  * **Best For:** Solopreneurs, freelancers, and micro-businesses on a tight budget.

### 4. Best for Automation & Integrations
* **Zoho Books**
  * **Strengths:** Excellent workflow automation for recurring invoices and payment reminders, paired with solid bank reconciliation tools.
  * **Best For:** Businesses already using (or planning to use) other Zoho applications.

---

**Recommendation:** If you want standard, reliable features, start a free trial with **QuickBooks Online** or **Xero**. If your needs are simple and budget-conscious, try **Wave**.


What is the best cloud-based accounting software for a growing SMB?

**QuickBooks Online** is widely considered the best overall cloud accounting software for a growing SMB.

It is the industry standard because it easily scales with your business, offers advanced reporting and inventory management, integrates with over 750 third-party apps, and is supported by almost every professional accountant.

However, the ideal choice depends on your specific growth priority:

*   **Best Overall / Industry Standard:** **QuickBooks Online** (ideal for general growth and standard accounting needs).
*   **Best for Unlimited Team Members:** **Xero** (offers unlimited user accounts on all plans, making it cheaper as your team expands).
*   **Best for Service-Based Businesses:** **FreshBooks** (excelled for project-based work, client billing, and time tracking).
*   **Best for Advanced/Rapid Scaling (Upper Mid-Market):** **Sage Intacct** or **Oracle NetSuite** (for complex, fast-growing SMBs outgrowing standard small-business tools).


Best accounting software for small construction subcontractors

Here are the top accounting software options for small construction subcontractors, ranked by best use case:

### 1. **QuickBooks Online (Plus or Advanced)** – *Best Overall*
* **Why it’s best:** It is the industry standard, affordable, easy to use, and almost every accountant knows how to use it.
* **Key Features:** Basic-to-intermediate job costing, mileage tracking, contractor payments (1099s), and expense tracking by project.
* **Best for:** Small subs who want simple bookkeeping and easy collaboration with their accountant.

### 2. **Knowify (Integrated with QuickBooks)** – *Best for Trade Subcontractors*
* **Why it’s best:** Designed specifically for specialty contractors (plumbers, electricians, framers). It sits on top of QuickBooks to add heavy-duty construction features.
* **Key Features:** AIA billing (G702/G703), progress invoicing, change order management, job costing, and time tracking.
* **Best for:** Subcontractors who like QuickBooks but need real construction management and specialized billing.

### 3. **Foundation Software** – *Best for Certified Payroll & Unions*
* **Why it’s best:** A fully construction-specific accounting program built for the trade industry.
* **Key Features:** Robust job costing, automated certified payroll reporting, union tracking, and equipment management.
* **Best for:** Commercial subcontractors doing prevailing wage or union work.

### 4. **Sage 100 Contractor** – *Best for Growing / Mid-Sized Subs*
* **Why it’s best:** A step up from general accounting software, offering end-to-end construction accounting.
* **Key Features:** Advanced job costing, purchase orders, subcontractor management, and detailed progress billing.
* **Best for:** Established subcontractors who have outgrown QuickBooks and need detailed financial control.

---

### **Summary Recommendation:**
* **For 1–5 employees or simple jobs:** Go with **QuickBooks Online Plus**.
* **For commercial jobs requiring AIA billing/change orders:** Combine **QuickBooks Online + Knowify**.
* **For certified payroll/prevailing wage jobs:** Choose **Foundation Software**.


Recommend accounting software that handles double-entry bookkeeping easily for small businesses.

Here are the top accounting software options that make double-entry bookkeeping easy for small businesses:

1. **Xero (Best Overall)**
   * **Why it’s great:** It enforces double-entry rules automatically behind an extremely clean, user-friendly interface. Bank feeds auto-categorize transactions, making reconciliations simple. All plans include unlimited users.
2. **QuickBooks Online (Industry Standard)**
   * **Why it’s great:** It automatically handles the underlying debit/credit entries for every transaction you create (invoices, expenses, etc.). It’s the easiest software to share with an external accountant or CPA.
3. **Wave Accounting (Best Free Option)**
   * **Why it’s great:** It is 100% free (excluding payment processing fees) and uses true double-entry accounting. It’s ideal for freelancers, sole proprietors, and micro-businesses wanting basic, compliant bookkeeping.
4. **FreshBooks (Best for Service-Based Businesses)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Designed specifically for invoicing, project management, and time tracking, it includes full double-entry accounting features disguised under simple, non-jargon language.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Xero** for ease of use and value, **QuickBooks** if your CPA requires it, or **Wave** if you need a completely free solution.


What software should I use to do books for a small boutique agency?

For a small boutique agency, the best options depend on your primary focus:

1. **FreshBooks** *(Top recommendation for agencies)*
   * **Best for:** Client billing, time tracking, and project-based pricing.
   * **Why:** Built specifically for service businesses; makes creating professional proposals, invoices, and tracking billable hours very simple.

2. **QuickBooks Online**
   * **Best for:** Industry compatibility and standard accounting.
   * **Why:** It’s the standard software used by almost all CPAs and accountants. Best if you plan to outsource your taxes/bookkeeping or need advanced financial reporting.

3. **Xero**
   * **Best for:** An easy-to-use QuickBooks alternative.
   * **Why:** Offers a modern interface, strong automation, easy reconciliation, and unlimited users on all standard plans.

4. **Wave**
   * **Best for:** Tight budgets (Free).
   * **Why:** A solid, simple tool for basic invoicing and income/expense tracking if you are a solo operator or very small agency.

**Summary:** Choose **FreshBooks** if you want easy time-tracking and client invoicing, or **QuickBooks Online** if you prioritize working easily with an external accountant.


Which small business accounting software is easiest to learn?

**FreshBooks** is widely considered the easiest small business accounting software to learn. It features an intuitive, user-friendly interface designed specifically for non-accountants, making invoicing, time tracking, and basic expense management extremely straightforward.

**Wave Accounting** is a close second, offering a completely free, simplified platform that is very easy to set up and ideal for freelancers and micro-businesses.


Best user-friendly accounting software for a micro-business

The best overall user-friendly accounting software for a micro-business is **Wave Accounting**.

Here is why, along with a few top alternatives based on your specific needs:

### 1. Best Overall & Easiest: **Wave Accounting**
* **Why it’s best:** It is **100% free** (no subscription fees) and built specifically for sole proprietors and micro-businesses. The interface is clean, uncluttered, and requires zero prior accounting knowledge.
* **Key Features:** Unlimited invoicing, income/expense tracking, basic financial reporting, and credit card processing (pay-per-transaction).
* **Best for:** Very small businesses, freelancers, and side hustles looking for simple, cost-effective bookkeeping.

---

### Other Top Options by Need:

* **Best for Service-Based Businesses: FreshBooks**
  * Extremely intuitive and visually polished. Excellent for sending professional invoices, tracking billable time, and managing client projects.
  * *Pricing:* Starts at ~$19/month.

* **Best if You Have an Accountant: QuickBooks Online (Simple Start)**
  * The industry standard. It has a slightly higher learning curve than Wave, but almost every accountant knows how to use it.
  * *Pricing:* Starts at ~$30/month.

* **Best for Simple Inventory & Automation: Zoho Books**
  * Very easy to use with a generous free tier (for businesses making under $50k/year) and great automation features.
  * *Pricing:* Free plan available; paid plans start at ~$15/month.

### **Recommendation:**
Start with **Wave**. Since it's free, you can test it risk-free. If you need advanced time tracking or project management later, upgrade to **FreshBooks**.


We need a basic accounting package for a 2-person partnership. What should we buy?

For a 2-person partnership, here are the three best options depending on your budget and needs:

1. **Best Overall: Xero (Early or Growing plan — ~$15 to $42/mo)**
   * **Why:** Unlimited users at no extra cost (unlike QuickBooks), excellent bank reconciliation, and easy partner equity tracking. Ideal for two people collaborating.

2. **Industry Standard: QuickBooks Online (Simple Start or Essentials — ~$30 to $60/mo)**
   * **Why:** Every accountant knows how to use it, making tax time seamless. Essentials allows up to 3 users.

3. **Best Free Option: Wave Accounting ($0/mo)**
   * **Why:** Completely free for basic income/expense tracking and invoicing. Good if your partnership has very simple transaction needs and a tight budget.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Xero** for the best balance of features, cost, and multi-user access for partners.


What accounting software offers the best value for a bootstrapped startup?

For a bootstrapped startup, the best value depends on your revenue and growth trajectory:

1. **Wave Accounting (Best Free Option):** **100% free** for double-entry accounting, invoicing, and expense tracking. It has no monthly fees (they only charge if you use their payment processing or payroll). Perfect for keeping your burn rate at zero during the pre-revenue or early stage.
2. **Zoho Books (Best Value for Automation):** **Free** if your annual revenue is under $50,000. Paid plans start at **$15/month** and offer advanced features like automated workflows, inventory tracking, and client portals that usually cost much more in other software.
3. **Xero (Best for Scalability):** Starts at **$15/month** (Early plan). It is more affordable and scalable than QuickBooks Online, offers unlimited users on all plans, and is widely supported by CPAs.

**Recommendation:** Start with **Wave** or **Zoho Books (Free Tier)** to eliminate software costs, then upgrade to **Xero** once you need complex inventory, multi-currency support, or advanced reporting.


Best accounting software for small creative freelancers and designers

The best overall accounting software for creative freelancers and designers is **FreshBooks**. It is designed specifically for service-based freelancers, offering customizable invoices, robust built-in time tracking, project proposal tools, and a user-friendly interface.

Here is a quick breakdown based on your specific needs:

*   **Best Overall for Designers:** **FreshBooks** – Best for time tracking, visually appealing invoices, retainer management, and client communication.
*   **Best All-in-One (Contracts + Accounting):** **Bonsai** – Built specifically for creative freelancers; combines proposals, contracts, time tracking, and invoicing in one place.
*   **Best Free Option:** **Wave** – Completely free for basic accounting and invoicing; ideal if you have a tight budget and simple financial needs.
*   **Best for Tax Preparation:** **QuickBooks Self-Employed** – Excellent for tracking mileage, categorizing Schedule C expenses, and estimating quarterly taxes automatically.


What software should a small craft business use to track revenue and expenses?

Here are the best software options for a small craft business, depending on your needs:

### 1. **Best Overall for Crafters: Craftybase**
* **Why it’s great:** Built specifically for makers and craft businesses.
* **Key features:** Tracks raw materials, product inventory, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), revenue, and expenses. Integrates directly with Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Square.
* **Cost:** Starts around $9–$19/month.

### 2. **Best Free Option: Wave Financial**
* **Why it’s great:** 100% free accounting and invoicing software.
* **Key features:** Connects to your bank account to automatically track income and expenses, scan receipts, and generate financial reports.
* **Drawback:** Does not track inventory or raw materials built into craft products.
* **Cost:** Free (you only pay processing fees if you accept payments through them).

### 3. **Best Industry Standard: QuickBooks Online (Simple Start)**
* **Why it’s great:** Highly scalable and the default choice if you work with an accountant.
* **Key features:** Strong expense tracking, mileage tracking, receipt capture, and tax preparation features.
* **Drawback:** Can be complex and pricier; inventory features require higher-tier plans.
* **Cost:** Starts around $30/month (often discounted for the first few months).

### 4. **Best for Micro-Businesses / Lowest Cost: Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel**
* **Why it’s great:** Free/cheap and fully customizable.
* **Key features:** Simple income and expense logs using free templates (like the *Etsy Seller Spreadsheet* templates available online).
* **Cost:** Free.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Craftybase** if you make handmade goods with multiple materials and need to track inventory/COGS accurately.
* Choose **Wave** if you just need simple, free tracking for income, expenses, and receipts.


Recommend an intuitive accounting system for a small consulting firm.

For a small consulting firm, **FreshBooks** is the most intuitive and tailored option.

### Why FreshBooks?
* **Built for Service Businesses:** It focuses heavily on time tracking, project tracking, and client invoicing rather than overly complex inventory management.
* **Extremely User-Friendly:** The dashboard is clean, straightforward, and requires virtually no accounting background to master.
* **Client-Facing Features:** Easily send professional proposals, track billable hours, convert tracked time into invoices, and accept online payments seamlessly.

### Best Alternative
* **Xero:** Choose Xero if you prefer a standard double-entry accounting system with a clean, easy-to-use interface and need stronger bank reconciliation features as you scale.


Which accounting software is best for multi-currency small business transactions?

**Xero** is widely considered the best accounting software for small businesses handling multi-currency transactions.

### Why Xero is the Top Choice:
* **Seamless Multi-Currency:** Supports over 160 currencies with real-time, automatic exchange rate updates (sourced from XE.com).
* **Automatic Gain/Loss Tracking:** Automatically calculates and reports realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses.
* **Multi-Currency Bank Feeds:** Easily links foreign bank accounts and PayPal/Stripe accounts in local currencies.
* *(Note: Requires the **Established** plan).*

---

### Key Alternatives:
* **QuickBooks Online (Plus or Advanced plans):** Best if you need broad US accountant support. Handles multi-currency well, though turning the feature on is permanent for your file.
* **Zoho Books:** Best budget-friendly option. Offers strong multi-currency capabilities on lower-tier plans compared to Xero and QuickBooks.


Best accounting software with automated bank feeds for small business

The best accounting software with automated bank feeds depends on your specific needs:

1. **QuickBooks Online (Best Overall)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Connects with over 14,000 financial institutions. Its automated bank feeds feature advanced transaction-matching algorithms and customizable bank rules that automatically categorize recurring expenses.
   * **Best for:** Most growing small businesses that want industry-standard reporting and easy collaboration with accountants.

2. **Xero (Best for Value & Unlimited Users)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Excellent automated bank feeds with a simple reconciliation interface. You can set up strict bank rules to auto-categorize transactions instantly. Unlike QuickBooks, all plans include unlimited users.
   * **Best for:** Businesses with multiple employees needing access, or those wanting a clean, user-friendly interface.

3. **Wave Accounting (Best Free Option)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Completely free software that still includes automated bank feeds and basic transaction matching.
   * **Best for:** Micro-businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors with simple accounting needs.

4. **FreshBooks (Best for Service Businesses)**
   * **Why it’s great:** Seamlessly imports bank transactions to track expenses and instantly attach them to client invoices or projects.
   * **Best for:** Service-based businesses, agencies, and contractors who rely heavily on time-tracking and client invoicing.

**Recommendation:** Go with **QuickBooks Online** for the most reliable bank connections and feature depth, or **Xero** if you need multiple user logins without extra fees. Both offer 30-day free trials.


What is the best software for a small business owner who wants to do their own bookkeeping?

The best software depends on your business type and budget, but **QuickBooks Online** is the best overall choice for most small business owners because it is the industry standard and widely accepted by accountants.

Here is a quick breakdown of the top options:

*   **QuickBooks Online (Best Overall):** Industry standard, highly scalable, and makes it easiest to share data with a CPA or tax preparer.
*   **Wave Accounting (Best Free):** 100% free software ideal for micro-businesses, freelancers, or simple operations that don't need inventory tracking.
*   **FreshBooks (Best for Service-Based Businesses):** Very user-friendly with strong features for time-tracking, project management, and client invoicing.
*   **Xero (Best QuickBooks Alternative):** Clean, modern interface that allows unlimited users on all plans (unlike QuickBooks, which charges per user).

**Bottom Line:** Start with **Wave** if you need a free, simple solution, or **QuickBooks Online Simple Start** if you want software that can grow with your business long-term.


Top cloud accounting platforms for micro-enterprises

Here are the top cloud accounting platforms tailored for micro-enterprises, sole proprietors, and freelancers:

1. **Wave**
   * **Best For:** Very tight budgets.
   * **Why:** Offers completely free core accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning, charging only for payment processing and payroll.

2. **FreshBooks**
   * **Best For:** Service-based businesses and freelancers.
   * **Why:** Exceptionally user-friendly with standout features for time-tracking, client invoicing, and project expense management.

3. **Zoho Books**
   * **Best For:** Maximum features on a low budget.
   * **Why:** Has a robust free tier for businesses earning under $50k/year and highly affordable paid tiers packed with automation tools.

4. **QuickBooks Online (Simple Start / Solopreneur)**
   * **Best For:** Easy accountant collaboration and future scaling.
   * **Why:** The industry standard; almost every accountant knows it, making tax prep seamless, though it is pricier than competitors.

5. **Xero (Early Plan)**
   * **Best For:** Micro-businesses planning steady growth.
   * **Why:** Clean, intuitive interface with unlimited users allowed on all plans (though the entry plan limits the number of invoices per month).

**Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Wave** if you want $0 software costs.
* Choose **FreshBooks** if you bill clients by the hour/project.
* Choose **QuickBooks** if you work closely with a CPA.


We are starting a small LLC and need software to keep our accounts organized. What should we get?

For a new small LLC, the best software depends on your budget, business model, and whether you plan to work with an accountant. Here are the top recommendations:

### 1. **QuickBooks Online** (Best Overall / Industry Standard)
* **Best for:** Businesses that plan to grow and will hire an accountant or CPA.
* **Why:** It is the standard software used by almost all accounting professionals, making tax time seamless. It offers robust reporting, payroll integration, and expense tracking.
* **Cost:** Starts around $30/month (frequent introductory discounts available).

### 2. **Wave Accounting** (Best Free Option)
* **Best for:** Brand-new LLCs, solopreneurs, or businesses with simple income and expenses on a tight budget.
* **Why:** It is 100% free for income/expense tracking and basic invoicing. You only pay standard transaction fees if you accept online credit card payments.
* **Cost:** Free.

### 3. **FreshBooks** (Best for Service-Based Businesses)
* **Best for:** Consultants, freelancers, and service providers who bill clients by the hour or project.
* **Why:** Extremely user-friendly with standout features for time-tracking, creating professional proposals, and client invoicing.
* **Cost:** Starts around $19/month.

### 4. **Xero** (Best QuickBooks Alternative)
* **Best for:** Small businesses looking for strong features with simpler, fixed pricing.
* **Why:** Excellent dashboard, strong inventory management, and allows unlimited users on all plans (unlike QuickBooks, which charges per user).
* **Cost:** Starts at $15/month.

---

### **Quick Decision Guide:**
* If you want a **free, easy start**: Go with **Wave**.
* If you want the **industry standard** your future CPA will prefer: Go with **QuickBooks Online**.
* If you run a **service/consulting business** that relies on invoicing and time tracking: Go with **FreshBooks**.


Best accounting tool for a small professional services firm

The best overall accounting tool for a small professional services firm is **QuickBooks Online**, but the right choice depends on your specific needs:

1. **QuickBooks Online (Best Overall & Industry Standard)**
   * **Why:** Integrates with almost everything, easy to share with CPAs, and offers strong reporting, time-tracking, and project profitability tools.
   * **Best for:** Firms that want a scalable standard and plan to work with an external accountant.

2. **FreshBooks (Best for Invoicing & Time Tracking)**
   * **Why:** Built specifically for service-based businesses. Extremely easy to use for trackable billable hours, client proposals, estimates, and simple project management.
   * **Best for:** Agencies, consultants, and freelancers who prioritize fast billing and simple client management over complex accounting.

3. **Xero (Best for Growing Teams)**
   * **Why:** Modern, user-friendly interface that includes **unlimited users** on all plans (unlike QuickBooks, which charges per user). Includes solid project tracking in higher tiers.
   * **Best for:** Firms with multiple staff members who all need system access without extra costs.

4. **Wave (Best Free Option)**
   * **Why:** Truly free accounting and invoicing software (you only pay credit card processing fees).
   * **Best for:** Solopreneurs or brand-new firms with simple billing and very tight budgets.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **FreshBooks** if your primary daily workflow is tracking hours and sending polished client invoices.
* Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the safest, most comprehensive platform that any accountant can immediately use.


What software do bookkeepers recommend for small business client accounting?

Bookkeepers most commonly recommend the following software for small business clients, depending on the business's specific needs:

*   **QuickBooks Online (QBO):** The overall industry standard. Highly recommended due to its robust feature set, massive integration ecosystem, and the fact that almost every bookkeeper is trained on it.
*   **Xero:** The top alternative to QuickBooks. Recommended for its clean interface, strong automation, and pricing plans that allow unlimited users (ideal for growing teams).
*   **FreshBooks:** Recommended primarily for service-based businesses, freelancers, and agencies that need strong time-tracking, project management, and simple client invoicing.
*   **Wave:** Recommended for micro-businesses, freelancers, and startups on a tight budget who need basic, free accounting and simple invoicing without a monthly subscription.

**Summary:** For most small businesses, bookkeepers will prefer **QuickBooks Online** or **Xero** because they offer professional-grade accountant tools, seamless banking feeds, and scalable reporting.


Recommend simple financial management software for a small non-profit or business.

Here are the top simple financial management options for a small business or non-profit:

* **QuickBooks Online:** The industry standard and highly scalable. **For Non-Profits:** You can get deep discounts (up to 90% off) by acquiring it through [TechSoup](https://www.techsoup.org/).
* **Wave Accounting:** **100% Free** for basic double-entry accounting, expense tracking, and invoicing. Best for micro-businesses or small non-profits on a zero budget that don't need complex reports.
* **Xero:** Very user-friendly with strong automation for bank reconciliations and unlimited users on all plans. Offers a **25% discount** for verified non-profits.
* **Aplos:** Built **specifically for non-profits**. It includes true fund accounting, donor management, and donation reporting out of the box, making compliance simple (though it is pricier than general options).

**Recommendation:** Go with **Wave** if you need free and simple, or **QuickBooks Online via TechSoup** if you are a registered non-profit wanting full-featured software at a low cost.


Best software for small business revenue and expense tracking

The best software depends on your specific business size and needs. Here are the top choices:

1. **QuickBooks Online** – *Best Overall & Most Popular*
   * **Best for:** Growing businesses that plan to work with an accountant.
   * **Key features:** Comprehensive reporting, automatic bank syncing, inventory management, and widespread CPA support.

2. **Wave Accounting** – *Best 100% Free Option*
   * **Best for:** Micro-businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors on a tight budget.
   * **Key features:** Completely free income and expense tracking, receipt scanning, and basic invoicing (you only pay for credit card processing fees).

3. **FreshBooks** – *Best for Service-Based Businesses & Freelancers*
   * **Best for:** Consultants, agencies, and contractors who bill clients by the hour or project.
   * **Key features:** Outstanding invoicing, built-in time tracking, project management, and simple expense categorization.

4. **Xero** – *Best for Ease of Use & Collaboration*
   * **Best for:** Small businesses that need multiple users without paying extra per seat.
   * **Key features:** Intuitive interface, allows unlimited users on all plans, strong mobile app, and great bank reconciliation.

5. **Zoho Books** – *Best Value for Small Budgets*
   * **Best for:** Businesses looking for affordable automation and integration with other Zoho apps.
   * **Key features:** Excellent free plan (for businesses making under $50k/year), automated workflows, and very affordable paid tiers.

---

### **Quick Decision Guide:**
* **Choose Wave** if you want a simple, $0 tool.
* **Choose FreshBooks** if you need time tracking and client invoicing.
* **Choose QuickBooks or Xero** if you need robust financial reporting and scalability.


What is the best accounting software for a small business?

The **best all-around accounting software** for most small businesses is **QuickBooks Online**; it is repeatedly ranked as the top choice or best overall by major review sites, especially for businesses with more complex accounting needs.[2][6][12]

If your business is simpler, the best option can change by use case:

- **FreshBooks** — best for **service-based businesses** or those with simpler product tracking needs.[2]
- **Wave** — a strong choice if you want a **free-starting** option.[17]
- **Xero** — a popular alternative for small businesses that want cloud-based accounting software with broad feature coverage.[16]
- **Sage** — another established option for SMBs, often highlighted in small-business software roundups.[18]

A practical rule of thumb is:

- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the most broadly recommended, full-featured option.[2][6][12]
- Choose **FreshBooks** if you mainly invoice clients and track service work.[2]
- Choose **Wave** if budget is the top priority and you need basic accounting tools.[17]

If you want, I can also give you the **best accounting software by business type** such as retail, freelance, contractor, nonprofit, or ecommerce.


Best small business bookkeeping software

The **best small business bookkeeping software** depends on your business type, but the most consistently top-rated options are **QuickBooks Online**, **Xero**, **FreshBooks**, **Zoho Books**, and **Wave**.[1][3][9][13]

- **QuickBooks Online** is the safest all-around pick for most small businesses, especially if you need stronger accounting features and scalability.[1][13][15]
- **Xero** is often ranked best overall in recent roundups and is a strong choice if you want solid bookkeeping plus inventory and collaboration features.[3][18]
- **FreshBooks** is especially good for service-based businesses and simpler tracking needs.[1]
- **Zoho Books** is a strong value option with robust bookkeeping tools and a user-friendly interface.[9]
- **Wave** is worth considering if you want a **free** basic option for invoicing and expense tracking.[13][17]

If you want the quickest recommendation:

- **Best overall:** QuickBooks Online or Xero, depending on whether you prioritize accounting depth or ease/value.[1][3][13]
- **Best for freelancers/service businesses:** FreshBooks.[1]
- **Best free option:** Wave.[13][17]
- **Best budget-friendly full-featured option:** Zoho Books.[9]

If you tell me your business type, team size, and whether you need payroll, inventory, or invoicing, I can narrow it to the best single choice.


We're a 10 person startup looking for accounting software to manage income and expenses.

For a **10-person startup** tracking **income and expenses**, the most practical default choice is usually **QuickBooks Online**, with **Xero** and **Wave** as the main alternatives depending on budget and complexity.[12][8][19]

- **QuickBooks Online**: commonly recommended for startups because it is widely used, integrates with banks, cards, payroll, and payment tools, and scales well as a company grows.[12]
- **Xero**: often a strong fit for small teams that want solid bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and a clean interface; it is frequently listed alongside QuickBooks in startup-focused comparisons.[1][4][9]
- **Wave**: a good option if you want a **free or low-cost** starting point for basic income/expense tracking.[19]
- **Brex / Mercury / other spend tools**: useful if your main need is managing spending and cards, but they are typically not full replacements for accounting software.[1][2][4]

If you want the simplest recommendation:

- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the safest all-around option with the broadest ecosystem and room to grow.[12][20]
- Choose **Xero** if you prefer a cleaner bookkeeping experience and your accounting needs are still straightforward.[1][4][9]
- Choose **Wave** if cost is the biggest concern and you mainly need basic accounting.[19]

A good setup for a startup is:
- separate business and personal finances
- connect bank and credit card accounts
- categorize income and expenses
- reconcile regularly
- generate income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow reports[13]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best option for your exact situation** based on:
- whether you invoice customers
- whether you have payroll
- whether you need payroll/tax filings
- your budget per month
- whether you use Stripe, Shopify, or other tools


Recommend accounting software for a small business with under 20 employees.

For a small business with **under 20 employees**, the safest default recommendation is **QuickBooks Online** because multiple 2026 small-business roundups rank it as the best overall choice for most small businesses.[1][12][14]

If you want the best fit by need, I’d narrow it like this:

| Best for | Software | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Most small businesses | **QuickBooks Online** | Widely recommended as the best overall small-business accounting option.[1][12][14] |
| Best value / simpler pricing | **Zoho Books** | Highlighted as a strong value option, including a free plan for very small businesses in one source.[10] |
| Unlimited users / collaboration | **Xero** | Recommended as an all-round platform with unlimited users and many integrations.[10] |
| Budget-conscious / free option | **Wave** | Often listed among budget-friendly tools for very small businesses.[6][13] |

A practical way to choose:

- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the most established all-purpose option with broad bookkeeping features and easy accountant support.[1][12][14]
- Choose **Xero** if you expect multiple people to need access and care about integrations and collaboration.[10]
- Choose **Zoho Books** if cost is the biggest factor and you want strong value.[10]
- Choose **Wave** if you are extremely cost-sensitive and your needs are basic.[6][13]

For a business with **fewer than 20 employees**, I would usually recommend **QuickBooks Online** unless you specifically need **unlimited users** or **lower cost**, in which case **Xero** or **Zoho Books** are strong alternatives.[1][10][12][14]

If you want, I can also give you a **top 3 recommendation based on your budget, payroll needs, and whether you have an in-house bookkeeper**.


affordable accounting software for small business

Affordable accounting software for a small business usually means either a **free plan** or a paid plan starting around **$10–$30 per month**. Strong low-cost options include **Wave** (free, with a paid Wave Pro option at $16/month), **Zoho Books** (free for businesses under a revenue threshold), **Xero** (entry plans around $13–$20/month depending on source), **FreshBooks** (around $19–$21/month for starter plans), and **QuickBooks Solopreneur** (about $20/month).[1][2][4][18]

Here are the best affordable picks by use case:

- **Wave** — best for very small businesses or sole proprietors wanting the lowest cost; it has a free plan and a paid Pro tier at $16/month.[1][2][13]
- **Zoho Books** — best free option for eligible small businesses; multiple sources note a free plan for businesses under roughly **$50K revenue** per year.[4][10][11][14][18]
- **FreshBooks** — good for freelancers and service businesses; starter pricing is around **$19–$21/month**.[1][18]
- **QuickBooks Solopreneur / QuickBooks Online starter** — good if you want a widely used platform; the solopreneur plan is about **$20/month**, while QuickBooks’ basic online plan is often priced higher than the cheapest competitors.[1][16]
- **Xero** — good for small businesses that want more integrations and scalability; basic pricing starts in the low **$10s to $20s per month** depending on the source.[4][18]

A simple rule of thumb:
- Choose **Wave** if you want **free** and have basic bookkeeping needs.[1][13]
- Choose **Zoho Books** if you qualify for a **free tier** and want more features than a bare-bones tool.[4][10][18]
- Choose **FreshBooks** if invoicing and time tracking matter most.[1][18]
- Choose **QuickBooks** if you want the most mainstream option and don’t mind paying a bit more.[1][16]

If you want, I can also narrow this down to the **best affordable accounting software for your specific business type**—for example freelancer, retailer, contractor, or LLC with employees.


What accounting software do small businesses actually use?

Most small businesses **actually use QuickBooks Online**; it shows up repeatedly as the most widely used option and the default choice in buyer and review data.[2][12][13]

The short version is:

- **QuickBooks Online** is the most common mainstream choice, especially in the U.S., and is often described as the industry standard for small businesses.[2][3][13]
- **Xero** is the other major cloud accounting platform, especially popular with small teams that want a cleaner interface and solid reporting.[2][3][15]
- **FreshBooks** is common among service businesses and freelancers that care most about invoicing and simple bookkeeping.[4][9]
- **Wave** is the main free option and is used by very small businesses that want basic accounting at no cost.[6][17]
- **Zoho Books** is often used by businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem or looking for a lower-cost alternative.[3][9][17]

If you want the most realistic answer to “what do small businesses actually use,” it is usually **QuickBooks Online first**, then **Xero**, with **FreshBooks**, **Wave**, and **Zoho Books** as common alternatives depending on budget and business type.[2][3][12]

A useful nuance: many review sites rank software by features, but adoption data points more clearly to **QuickBooks** as the dominant incumbent, with **Xero** as the strongest challenger.[12][13]


What accounting software should I use for a single-member LLC?

For a **single-member LLC**, the best default choice is usually **QuickBooks Online** because it handles the core needs most owners have: **income tracking, expense categorization, invoicing, and reporting**, and it is widely recommended for small businesses and sole proprietors/single-member LLCs.[3][12][15]

If you want simpler or cheaper options, here are the main alternatives:

- **Wave** if you have **very light bookkeeping needs** and want a **free basic plan** for invoicing and expense tracking.[3][17]
- **Xero** if you want a **general-purpose accounting platform** with solid small-business accounting features and room to grow.[13][16]
- **QuickBooks Solopreneur/Self-Employed** if your LLC is basically a one-person business and you want bookkeeping focused on **simple self-employed workflows**.[4]

A practical rule of thumb:

- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the safest “works for most LLCs” option.[3][12][15]
- Choose **Wave** if budget matters most and your finances are simple.[3][17]
- Choose **Xero** if you prefer an alternative to QuickBooks with strong small-business accounting.[13][16]

For a single-member LLC, you usually **do not need payroll software** unless you hire employees.[1]


Best accounting software for a freelance consultant

For most freelance consultants, **QuickBooks Online** is the safest all-around choice, while **FreshBooks** is often best if you mainly invoice clients and track time. If you want lower cost and solid general accounting, **Zoho Books** is a strong alternative; if you work internationally, **Xero** is often preferred for multi-currency needs.[3][11][12]

A practical way to choose:

- **QuickBooks Online** — best overall for consultants who want a widely used accounting system and may grow into more bookkeeping complexity.[3][11]
- **FreshBooks** — best for solo consultants focused on **invoicing**, **time tracking**, and simple client billing.[3][7]
- **Zoho Books** — best value if you want broader accounting features at a lower price point.[11]
- **Xero** — best if you need **multi-currency** support or expect more international work.[2][8][12]
- **Wave** — best if you want a **free** option and your needs are basic.[8]

If you are choosing fast, use this rule of thumb:

- **Solo consultant, simple billing:** FreshBooks or Wave.[3][8]
- **Growing consultancy or accountant collaboration:** QuickBooks Online.[3][11]
- **International clients:** Xero.[2][8][12]
- **Best budget-to-features balance:** Zoho Books.[11]

If you want, I can also give you a **1-minute recommendation based on your exact workflow** like hourly billing, retainers, international clients, or tax prep.


We are outgrowing spreadsheets for bookkeeping. What accounting software should we upgrade to?

If you’re **outgrowing spreadsheets**, the most common upgrade path is **cloud accounting software**—usually **QuickBooks Online** or **Xero** for small and growing businesses, and **Sage Intacct** or **NetSuite** if you need more advanced reporting, multi-entity support, or stronger scalability.[9][10][7][1]

A practical way to choose is:

| Your situation | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Simple bookkeeping, invoicing, bank reconciliation | **QuickBooks Online** or **Xero**[10][20][9] |
| Growing business that wants easy integrations and flexibility | **Xero**[1][15][20] |
| More complex finance needs, dimensional reporting, automation | **Sage Intacct**[7][1] |
| Multi-entity, enterprise-scale operations, global compliance | **NetSuite** or **Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance**[1][7] |

If you want a short recommendation:
- **Choose Xero** if you want a strong all-around upgrade from spreadsheets with good usability and app integrations.[1][20]
- **Choose QuickBooks Online** if you want the most mainstream small-business accounting option with broad adoption for SMBs.[10][3]
- **Choose Sage Intacct** if you’re already feeling pain from growth—like more complex reporting, approvals, or multiple entities.[7][1]
- **Choose NetSuite** if you’re moving toward ERP-level finance management rather than just bookkeeping.[1][7]

The best next step is to match the software to your pain points: manual reconciliation, month-end close delays, poor visibility, or multi-entity complexity.[1][19] If you tell me your business size, industry, and whether you need payroll, inventory, or multi-currency, I can narrow this to one best option.


Top accounting tools for a small digital marketing agency

For a **small digital marketing agency**, the most practical accounting tools are usually **QuickBooks Online**, **Xero**, and **FreshBooks**. If you want a broader agency operations platform rather than accounting alone, **Productive** is also a strong option.[2][3][4][8]

- **QuickBooks Online** — best all-around choice for small agencies that need invoicing, expense tracking, and more advanced reporting.[3][5][10][17]
- **Xero** — a strong alternative if you want a user-friendly interface, solid bank reconciliation, and good project/client tracking.[2][4][5]
- **FreshBooks** — best for very small teams or freelancers that want simple invoicing and lighter accounting workflows.[2][13][17]
- **Zoho Books** — a good budget-friendly option for smaller businesses that still want decent automation and accountant-friendly features.[2][3][13]
- **Wave** — worth considering if keeping costs as low as possible is the priority, especially for very small agencies with simpler needs.[3][13]
- **Productive** — best if you want **accounting + project/resource management** in one system, which can fit agencies that want fewer tools to juggle.[2][11]

For a small agency, the decision usually comes down to this:
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the safest default and strongest overall accounting depth.[3][10][17]
- Choose **Xero** if you care most about ease of use and agency-friendly workflows.[4][5]
- Choose **FreshBooks** if your agency is tiny and invoicing is the main need.[2][17]
- Choose **Productive** if you want one platform to cover both finance and operations.[2][11]

If you want, I can turn this into a **ranked shortlist by budget**, **by team size**, or **by features like retainer billing and client profitability tracking**.


Which accounting system is best for a small ecommerce store?

For a **small ecommerce store**, **QuickBooks Online** is the safest default choice overall, while **Xero** is the strongest alternative if you want a more flexible setup or expect to grow.[1][5][11][13]

The main reason is that most small ecommerce businesses do best with a mainstream ledger like **QuickBooks Online or Xero** plus a connector such as **A2X** or **Link My Books** for settlement reconciliation, rather than an ERP.[2][7] That setup is commonly recommended for small sellers because it keeps books clean without requiring a dedicated finance team.[2]

If you want a simple rule of thumb:

- **QuickBooks Online**: best if you want the broadest small-business adoption and accountant familiarity.[1][11][13]
- **Xero**: best if you want unlimited users or a strong international-friendly option.[8][13]
- **Wave**: best only if you are very small and need the cheapest basic option.[8][13]

If your store sells on multiple channels, handles lots of payouts, or needs accurate inventory and COGS tracking, the best answer is usually **QuickBooks Online or Xero + A2X/Link My Books**, not standalone accounting software alone.[2][7]

If you want, I can also recommend the best option based on your store size, sales channels, and whether you use Shopify, Amazon, or WooCommerce.


Easy to use accounting software for non-accountant business owners

For a **non-accountant business owner**, the easiest accounting software choices are usually **Wave**, **FreshBooks**, **QuickBooks Online**, **Xero**, and **Zoho Books**.[2][4][14]

- **Wave** is the strongest **free** option and is explicitly marketed as usable without being an accountant; it’s web-based and designed for small business bookkeeping.[1][4][12]
- **FreshBooks** is often the easiest if your business is mostly **invoicing, time tracking, and service work**.[2][14]
- **QuickBooks Online** is a common all-around choice with guided setup and broad small-business features, but it can feel more complex than Wave or FreshBooks.[2][4][15]
- **Xero** is known for a clean, intuitive interface and is often recommended for users new to accounting.[2][9][19]
- **Zoho Books** is another beginner-friendly option, especially if you want more structured workflows and a free tier for smaller businesses.[4][9][12]

If you want the **simplest answer**:
- Choose **Wave** if you want **free and easy**
- Choose **FreshBooks** if you mainly **invoice clients**
- Choose **Xero** if you want **simple but more scalable**
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the **most widely used mainstream option**

A few practical features to look for as a non-accountant are **income/expense tracking**, **invoicing**, **bank transaction import**, and **simple reports**.[11]


What cloud accounting platform should a small retail business choose?

For a **small retail business**, the safest default choice is **QuickBooks Online** because it is repeatedly ranked as the strongest overall cloud accounting option and is specifically described as a good fit for small retail bookkeeping, with sales/expense workflows, bank feeds, audit trails, and reports that support traceability.[1][4][16]

If your retail operation has a different priority, the best alternative may change:

- **Xero** if you want strong collaboration, unlimited-user style workflows on higher plans, and clean bank reconciliation for a small team.[1][6][7]
- **Zoho Books** if budget and customization matter most, especially if you already use other Zoho products.[7][10]
- **FreshBooks** if your business is very small and invoice-heavy, with relatively simple inventory needs.[7][16]
- **Sage** if you want a more traditional accounting platform and you value compliance-oriented reporting.[2][17]

For most small retailers, the decision usually comes down to three practical checks:
- **Inventory needs:** if you track many SKUs, make sure the platform handles inventory cleanly.
- **POS/ecommerce integration:** choose the platform that connects best with your register or online store.
- **Accountant familiarity:** your accountant’s preferred system can save setup and cleanup time.[9][10]

If you want one direct recommendation: **choose QuickBooks Online unless you already know you need Xero’s collaboration style or Zoho’s lower-cost customization**.[1][4][16]


Best software for small business bookkeeping and invoicing

For most small businesses, **QuickBooks Online** is the strongest all-around choice, while **FreshBooks** is often best for service businesses focused on invoicing and **Wave** is the best free option for very small businesses or startups.[1][11][13][16]

- **QuickBooks Online**: Best overall if you want full bookkeeping, invoicing, expense tracking, and more advanced accounting features.[1][9][13]
- **FreshBooks**: Best for service-based businesses and businesses that prioritize easy invoicing and client billing.[1]
- **Wave**: Best free bookkeeping/invoicing tool for micro-businesses; it covers invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reports at no cost.[11][16][17]
- **Xero**: Strong alternative if you want solid bookkeeping with good support for freelancers and small teams.[13][18]
- **Zoho Books**: Good option if invoicing is a major priority and you want a lower-cost accounting suite.[13]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you need the most complete small-business accounting platform.[1][9]
- Choose **FreshBooks** if you mainly send invoices and track client work.[1]
- Choose **Wave** if you want **free** bookkeeping and invoicing.[11][16][17]

If you want, I can also give you a **best choice by business type** such as freelancer, contractor, retailer, or service business.


Recommend a simple accounting tool for an independent contractor.

For a **simple accounting tool** for an independent contractor, **Wave** is the best low-friction option if you want free core bookkeeping and invoicing. It is specifically recommended for freelancers and early-stage contractors who mainly need expense tracking, invoicing, and basic accounting rather than a full system.[14][6]

If you want something more established and accountant-friendly, **QuickBooks Solopreneur** is the safest paid option for self-employed users.[1][5][13]

- **Choose Wave** if you want **free** and simple.[14][6]
- **Choose QuickBooks Solopreneur** if you want broader tax/reporting support and expect to scale.[1][5]
- **Use a spreadsheet** if you have only a few expenses and want the absolute simplest setup.[6]

If you want, I can also recommend the best option based on whether you need **invoicing, expense tracking, or tax prep**.


What software do accountants recommend for small business bookkeeping?

Accountants most commonly recommend **QuickBooks Online** for small business bookkeeping, with **Xero** and **FreshBooks** also frequently recommended depending on the business type.[2][10][11]

- **QuickBooks Online** is often the top all-around choice and is described as the best fit for small businesses with more complex accounting needs.[2][10][11]
- **Xero** is commonly recommended for small and medium businesses, especially when you want strong reporting and project tracking.[1][6][15]
- **FreshBooks** is often recommended for service-based businesses or businesses with simpler product tracking needs.[2][16]
- **Wave** is a common recommendation if you want a **free** accounting tool to start with.[6][14][18]

If you want the most broadly recommended option by accountants, **QuickBooks Online** is the safest default choice.[2][10][11]


Best accounting software for a small service business with 5 employees

For a **small service business with 5 employees**, **FreshBooks** is usually the best fit if your needs are mostly invoicing, expenses, time tracking, and simple bookkeeping.[1][9] If you need more robust accounting features or expect to scale, **QuickBooks Online** is the stronger all-around choice.[1][5][7]

- **Best overall for service businesses:** **FreshBooks** — PCMag specifically names it the Editors’ Choice for *service-based businesses*.[1]
- **Best all-around:** **QuickBooks Online** — multiple reviews call it the best choice for most small businesses and the best all-in-one platform.[1][5][7][9]
- **Best if you want simpler, lower-cost basics:** **Wave** — useful if you mainly need invoicing and basic accounting, but it is generally less full-featured than QuickBooks or FreshBooks.[18]

A practical recommendation for your case:
- Choose **FreshBooks** if you bill clients by project or hour and want easy time tracking and invoicing.[1][9]
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you need stronger reporting, inventory, payroll integrations, or plan to grow into more complex accounting.[1][5][7]
- Choose **Xero** if you prefer an alternative to QuickBooks and want a strong cloud accounting platform; one review calls it its favorite for small businesses.[6]

If you want, I can narrow this down to **the best option based on your budget, whether you need payroll, and whether you invoice hourly or fixed-fee**.


We need easy software to track invoices, expenses, and run profit and loss reports. What should we buy?

For **easy all-in-one tracking of invoices, expenses, and profit-and-loss reports**, **QuickBooks Online** is the best single buy. It is repeatedly ranked top for invoice and expense tracking, and it creates invoices, tracks expenses, links bank/card activity, and supports ongoing reporting and profit-and-loss style analysis.[1][2]

If you want the main alternatives:

- **Xero** — a strong choice if you care most about clean bank feeds, reconciliations, and month-end reporting.[1][2]
- **FreshBooks** — a simpler option if your priority is invoicing plus expense tracking, especially with mobile receipt scanning.[4][7][15]
- **Zoho Books** — worth considering if you want categorized expenses tied to reporting and variance tracking.[2]

If you want the safest recommendation for most small businesses, buy **QuickBooks Online**.[1][2]


Best low-cost bookkeeping software for sole proprietors

For a **sole proprietor on a tight budget**, the best low-cost bookkeeping software is usually **Wave** because it offers a true **free** core plan for income/expense tracking, invoicing, and basic reporting.[1][7][11][14]

If you want the best options by use case, the shortlist is:

- **Wave** — best **$0** option for simple bookkeeping and invoicing.[1][7][11][14]
- **Zoho Books** — best low-cost step up if you want more automation; it can also be **free in some regions or under certain revenue limits**.[1][5][12]
- **Xero** — best if you expect to grow and want strong bank rules and integrations; its entry pricing is still relatively low, around **$13/month** in the cited sources.[1][5][19]
- **QuickBooks Solopreneur** — worth considering if you want a product built specifically for self-employed users, though the provided results don’t give enough detail here to compare pricing precisely.[2][10][15]

A practical rule of thumb from the sources is that basic accounting software for solo operators often starts around **$10–$15/month**, while more capable cloud bookkeeping typically lands around **$20–$70/month**.[5][11][19]

If you want the simplest recommendation:
- Choose **Wave** if you want the cheapest possible setup and your needs are basic.[1][7][11]
- Choose **Zoho Books** if you want low cost plus more automation and a cleaner upgrade path.[1][5][12]
- Choose **Xero** if you want to pay a little more for better scalability and integrations.[1][5][19]

If you want, I can also give you a **1-minute comparison table** of Wave vs Zoho Books vs QuickBooks for sole proprietors.


Which accounting platform is best for managing cash flow and expense tracking in a small company?

For a **small company**, **QuickBooks Online** is usually the best all-around accounting platform for **expense tracking plus cash flow management** because it combines bank-feed reconciliation, invoicing, bill tracking, and cash-flow reporting in one system designed for small businesses.[6][9]

If your priority is more **specialized cash-flow forecasting** than full accounting, **Float** is often the stronger choice because it focuses on real-time forecasting, scenario planning, and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.[7][12]

A practical rule of thumb:

- **Best all-in-one accounting platform:** **QuickBooks Online**[6][9]
- **Best cash-flow forecasting add-on:** **Float**[7][12]
- **Best if you already use Xero:** **Xero** for short-term forecasts and simple dashboards[16]

If you want, I can also compare **QuickBooks vs Xero vs Sage** for a small business based on price, ease of use, and expense tracking.


What is the most popular accounting software for US small businesses?

The **most popular accounting software for US small businesses is QuickBooks Online**.[1][2][4][7] Multiple recent guides describe it as the U.S. small-business default and estimate it holds roughly **60%–85%** of the market, depending on the source and methodology.[1][5][8][13]

A few nuances:
- **QuickBooks Online** is the most widely adopted overall and is the safest “default” choice for most U.S. small businesses.[1][6][7][14]
- **Xero** is often cited as the main alternative, especially for teams wanting a cleaner interface or stronger multi-user workflows.[3][7][16]
- **Wave** is popular mainly as a free option for micro-businesses and freelancers.[1][7][8]

If you want, I can also break this down by **industry**, **company size**, or **price tier**.


Software recommendations for managing small business finances and tax readiness

For **small business finances and tax readiness**, the strongest general-purpose choices are **QuickBooks Online**, **Xero**, **FreshBooks**, **Wave**, and **Quicken Business & Personal**. Which one fits best depends on whether you need full accounting, service-business invoicing, a free starter option, or combined business-and-personal finance management.[4][5][6][8]

- **QuickBooks Online** — best all-around option for most small businesses, especially if you want broad accounting features, reporting, bank feeds, invoicing, and a tool widely used by accountants.[4][6]
- **Xero** — strong if you want a user-friendly system with solid small-business accounting features and room to grow; several reviews rank it highly for ease of use and overall value.[2][6][19]
- **FreshBooks** — a good fit for **service businesses** and solo operators who care most about invoicing, time tracking, and simple bookkeeping.[4][5][6]
- **Wave** — best if you want a **free** option for basic accounting and invoicing, especially for microbusinesses or very small operations.[5][6][13][16]
- **Quicken Business & Personal** — best for freelancers, contractors, and self-employed users who want **business and personal finances in one place**, with tax-oriented features like Schedule C/E/F reporting.[8]

If your main goal is **tax readiness**, prioritize software that supports:
- **expense tracking**
- **bank feeds/imports**
- **receipt capture**
- **profit and loss reports**
- **tax-category reporting**
- **exports your accountant can use**[4][6][8][10]

A practical shortlist by use case:
- **Most small businesses:** QuickBooks Online[4][6]
- **Best ease of use:** Xero[6]
- **Best for service businesses:** FreshBooks[4][5]
- **Best free option:** Wave[5][6]
- **Best for freelancers with mixed personal/business finances:** Quicken Business & Personal[8]

If you want, I can also give you a **3-option recommendation based on your business type, budget, and whether you file taxes yourself or with an accountant**.


Best accounting software for a local coffee shop or restaurant

For a **local coffee shop or small restaurant**, **QuickBooks Online** is the safest default choice because it is repeatedly ranked as the top coffee-shop accounting option and is built around bank-feed reconciliation, expense categorization, and profit-and-loss reporting[1][2]. If you want a strong alternative, **Xero** is the next most commonly recommended option for cafes because it also emphasizes bank feeds, invoicing, bill tracking, and tax-ready reporting[1][5].

If your business is more **restaurant-operations heavy**—for example, you need tighter POS, inventory, and recipe costing integration—**Restaurant365** is often a better fit than generic bookkeeping software[11]. For a very small shop with a tight budget, **Wave** is the usual free option, but it is more limited than paid tools[8].

A practical short list:

- **Best overall:** **QuickBooks Online**[1][2]
- **Best alternative:** **Xero**[1][5]
- **Best for restaurant-specific operations:** **Restaurant365**[11]
- **Best free option:** **Wave**[8]

What matters most for a coffee shop or restaurant is whether the software handles:
- **Bank feeds and reconciliation**[1][5]
- **Sales tax / tax-ready reporting**[1][5]
- **Expense tracking and bill management**[1][5]
- **Inventory or ingredient costing**[1][11]
- **POS integration**[11]

If you want, I can also give you a **recommendation by budget** or a **QuickBooks vs Xero vs Restaurant365** comparison.


We need software to reconcile bank accounts and handle client invoicing. Recommendations?

For **bank reconciliation plus client invoicing**, the strongest fit is usually an **accounting platform with both features built in**, rather than a standalone reconciliation tool. Among the options in your results, **QuickBooks Online** and **Xero** stand out because both handle invoicing and bank reconciliation in one system.[2][3][8][11]

A practical short list:

- **QuickBooks Online** — best overall if you want a mainstream, all-in-one small-business accounting system with invoicing and bank reconciliation.[2][3][11]
- **Xero** — best if you want better scalability; it supports invoices, online payment workflows, and auto-reconciliation features.[2][3][8]
- **Sage 50 Accounting** — good if you want desktop-leaning accounting with automated reconciliation workflows.[2][3][12]
- **ReconArt** — better if reconciliation volume and complexity are the main issue, but it is more of a specialized reconciliation tool than a full invoicing-first accounting suite.[2]
- **Float** or **BlackLine** — worth considering mainly for high-volume or enterprise reconciliation use cases, not typical client invoicing needs.[1][3]

If you want a simple recommendation:
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the safest all-around option.[2][3][11]
- Choose **Xero** if you expect to scale and want strong invoicing plus reconciliation in one platform.[2][3][8]

If you tell me your business size, number of monthly transactions, and whether you need desktop or cloud software, I can narrow this to 2–3 best picks.


What is the best cloud-based accounting software for a growing SMB?

For a **growing SMB**, the strongest all-around choice is **QuickBooks Online** because it is repeatedly ranked as the top cloud accounting option for small and medium-sized businesses, especially when you need more than basic bookkeeping. It is also highlighted for broad app integrations, multi-user workflows, and stronger reporting than many simpler tools.[1][2][3][17]

If your business has a different profile, these are the main alternatives:

- **Xero** — a strong choice if you value **ease of use** and **multi-currency** support.[3]
- **FreshBooks** — better for **service-based businesses** or firms with simpler product inventory needs.[17]
- **Zoho Books** — often positioned well for **small to medium-sized businesses** looking for a broader business suite.[7]

For most growing SMBs, the practical recommendation is:
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the best overall balance of features, integrations, and scalability.[1][2][3][10][17]
- Choose **Xero** if your team prioritizes usability and international transactions.[3]
- Choose **FreshBooks** if invoicing and client work are your main needs.[17]

If you want, I can also narrow this down based on your **industry, number of users, inventory needs, or budget**.


Best accounting software for small construction subcontractors

For **small construction subcontractors**, **QuickBooks Online** is the safest default choice because multiple contractor-focused guides rank it best for small contractors and small construction firms, especially for **job costing**, **progress invoicing**, and general accounting needs.[2][3][4]

If you want the shortlist, it is usually:

- **QuickBooks Online** — best all-around option for most small subcontractors needing invoicing, expense tracking, and job costing.[2][3][4]
- **Xero** — strong alternative if you want a simple cloud system and may value easier scaling for a small construction business.[5][8][12]
- **FreeAgent** — a good fit for very small subcontractors or sole traders who mainly need invoicing, expenses, and tax admin.[5]
- **FreshBooks** — worth considering if your work is service-heavy and you want straightforward billing and time/expense tracking.[8][17]

For a small subcontractor, the most important features to check are **job costing**, **project tracking**, **progress invoicing**, **subcontractor/contractor expense tracking**, and **easy mobile use**; contractor guides specifically highlight QuickBooks, Xero, and similar simple cloud tools for these smaller businesses.[2][5][8]

If you want, I can also give you a **best choice by country**: **UK subcontractor**, **US subcontractor**, or **best if you need CIS/retention support**.


Recommend accounting software that handles double-entry bookkeeping easily for small businesses.

For a small business that wants **easy double-entry bookkeeping**, the safest short list is **QuickBooks Online**, **FreshBooks**, and **Wave**. FreshBooks explicitly markets “simple double-entry accounting,” and PCMag identifies **FreshBooks** and **Wave** among the easiest accounting programs to use; QuickBooks is also widely recommended for small businesses and supports standard accounting workflows.[5][7][13][17]

- **QuickBooks Online** — best if you want the most established all-around option for small businesses and expect to grow into more reporting and integrations.[4][17]
- **FreshBooks** — best if you want the simplest user experience and easy double-entry handling for invoicing, expenses, and receipt scanning.[5][9][13]
- **Wave** — best if you want a low-cost or free starting point and straightforward small-business accounting.[7]
- **Akaunting** — best if you want an open-source-style alternative with a dedicated double-entry focus.[8]
- **Xero** — often a strong small-business accounting choice, especially if you want cloud accounting with solid bookkeeping workflows; it appears frequently in small-business software roundups.[4][6][10]

If you want the **easiest overall** choice, pick **FreshBooks**. If you want the **most complete mainstream platform**, pick **QuickBooks Online**. If budget matters most, start with **Wave**.[5][7][13][17]

If you want, I can narrow this down to **free vs paid**, **best for U.S. tax filing**, or **best for non-accountants**.


What software should I use to do books for a small boutique agency?

For a **small boutique agency**, the best starting point is usually **QuickBooks Online** if you want straightforward bookkeeping, invoicing, and easy migration from spreadsheets.[1][11] If you want something a bit more agency-oriented with stronger project tracking and integrations, **Xero** is a strong alternative and is often recommended for agencies.[1][5]

A practical way to choose:

- **QuickBooks Online** — best if you want the simplest all-around bookkeeping setup for a small team.[1][11]
- **Xero** — best if you care more about **project tracking** and a broad **integration ecosystem**.[1][5]
- **FreshBooks** — a good option if your agency is very service-heavy and you want easy client billing and time tracking; it’s commonly grouped with QuickBooks for growing agencies.[4]
- **Bonsai** — worth considering if you want a lightweight all-in-one for **contracts, invoicing, proposals, and simple project tracking**.[18]

If you are *only* asking about bookkeeping, I’d pick **QuickBooks Online** for most small boutique agencies, and **Xero** if you expect more project-based reporting needs or integrations.[1][5][11]


Which small business accounting software is easiest to learn?

There isn’t one universally “easiest” option, but the most common answer across recent reviews is **Xero** for overall ease of learning, with **QuickBooks Online** and **FreshBooks** often close behind.[1][2][11]

- **Xero** is frequently described as the easiest for non-accountants because its dashboard is simple, its bank reconciliation is highly automated, and basic tasks can be learned quickly.[1][11][13]
- **QuickBooks Online** is also widely rated as very easy to use, and some reviewers call it the easiest overall because of its intuitive layout and guided bookkeeping.[2][8][9]
- **FreshBooks** is often the easiest for users who mainly need invoicing and straightforward client billing, and reviewer-based rankings rate it very highly for ease of use.[5][15][18]
- **Wave** is a strong contender if you want a free, beginner-friendly option; several reviews describe it as simple for absolute beginners.[2][10]

If you want the shortest answer: **Xero is the safest pick for “easiest to learn” overall**, while **FreshBooks** is often easiest for service businesses focused on invoicing, and **QuickBooks Online** is easiest for many small businesses that want a guided all-around system.[1][2][5][11][15]


Best user-friendly accounting software for a micro-business

For a **micro-business**, the best **user-friendly** accounting software is usually **Zoho Books** or **FreshBooks**, depending on whether you want *simplicity for invoicing/time tracking* or *broader accounting features with a polished interface*. Business News Daily specifically picks **Zoho Books** as the best for microbusinesses, while PCMag and Capterra highlight **FreshBooks** as especially easy to use.[9][2][7]

A practical short list:

- **Zoho Books** — Best fit if you want a clean, easy system for a very small operation and need more than just invoicing.[9]
- **FreshBooks** — Best if your priority is **ease of use** and simple client invoicing, especially for solo service businesses.[2][3][7]
- **Wave** — Best if you want a **free** starting point; it is commonly recommended for small businesses and microbusinesses focused on basic bookkeeping.[14][18]
- **QuickBooks Solopreneur / QuickBooks Online** — Best if you want a widely used option with strong automation and room to grow, though it is usually less “simple-first” than FreshBooks.[18][11][19]
- **Xero** — Best if you want a well-regarded small-business accounting platform with a friendly interface and more advanced capabilities.[5][4]

If you want the **single easiest pick**, choose **FreshBooks**. If you want the **best overall fit for a micro-business**, especially if you need basic accounting plus invoicing and expense tracking, choose **Zoho Books**.[2][7][9]

If you want, I can also give you a **1-minute recommendation based on your business type**: freelance, ecommerce, local service, or side hustle.


We need a basic accounting package for a 2-person partnership. What should we buy?

For a **2-person partnership**, the safest basic buy is **QuickBooks Online Essentials** or **Xero** if you want something a bit cleaner and easier to use.[8][15][11]

If you want the simplest low-cost option and can work on desktop, **GnuCash** is a credible free choice for a small partnership that only needs standard reports.[1]

A practical way to choose:

- **QuickBooks Online Essentials**: best if you want the most common small-business accounting package and expect to work with an accountant.[11][15]
- **Xero**: good if you value a cleaner interface and straightforward online bookkeeping.[10]
- **GnuCash**: best if budget is the main issue and you only need basic accounting.[1]
- **FreshBooks**: worth considering if your partnership is mainly service-based and invoicing is more important than full bookkeeping depth.[4]

For a 2-person partnership, I would usually start with **QuickBooks Online Essentials** unless you specifically want **free** software, in which case start with **GnuCash**.[15][1]

If you want, I can narrow this to the **best choice by budget**, **by whether you use an accountant**, or **by whether you need payroll/invoicing**.


What accounting software offers the best value for a bootstrapped startup?

For a **bootstrapped startup**, the best value is usually **Wave** if you need the lowest cost, and **Zoho Books** or **QuickBooks Online** if you want more room to scale without switching soon.[3][4][8][12]

- **Wave** is the strongest pure-budget choice because it offers **free** invoicing, accounting, and reports, and multiple sources call it the best option for **pre-revenue** or **bootstrapped** startups.[3][8][9]
- **Zoho Books** is often the best *value-for-money* option if you want more automation and still want to keep costs very low; one source highlights a **free plan under $50K revenue**.[3][12]
- **QuickBooks Online** is the safest long-term default if you expect to hire a bookkeeper, work with an accountant, or raise money later, but it is not the cheapest option.[2][3][6]

If your startup is **very early and cash-constrained**, pick **Wave**.[3][8]
If you want the **best balance of price, features, and future compatibility**, pick **Zoho Books**.[3][12]
If you want the **most accountant-friendly mainstream option**, pick **QuickBooks Online**.[2][6]


Best accounting software for small creative freelancers and designers

For **small creative freelancers and designers**, the best choice is usually **FreshBooks** if you want the easiest mix of **invoicing, expense tracking, and client-friendly workflows**, while **Wave** is the best **free** option and **QuickBooks Online** is better if you expect to grow or work with an accountant.[1][3][13]

- **Best overall for creatives:** **FreshBooks** — commonly recommended for freelancers because it is designed around invoicing, time tracking, expenses, and simple client management.[3][5][13]
- **Best free option:** **Wave** — good if you are just starting out or want basic bookkeeping at no cost.[1]
- **Best for growth and accountant collaboration:** **QuickBooks Online Simple Start** — better if your business is becoming more complex or you need a system that an accountant is likely to work with.[1][16]
- **Best if you need proposals/contracts in one place:** **HoneyBook** — especially useful for creative freelancers who want client management features alongside bookkeeping, though it is better paired with actual accounting software like Wave or QuickBooks.[1]
- **Best for international clients:** **Xero** — recommended when you need multi-currency support.[1]

If you want the shortest recommendation:
- **Solo designer on a budget:** **Wave**
- **Creative freelancer who sends a lot of invoices:** **FreshBooks**
- **Growing studio or more serious bookkeeping:** **QuickBooks Online**[1][3][13][16]

If you want, I can also give you a **feature-by-feature comparison of FreshBooks vs Wave vs QuickBooks vs HoneyBook** for designers.


What software should a small craft business use to track revenue and expenses?

A small craft business should usually start with **Wave** or **QuickBooks**, depending on complexity: **Wave** is a simple, free option for basic revenue and expense tracking, while **QuickBooks** is better if you want more robust bookkeeping, reporting, and accountant-friendly tools.[2][19]

If the business is specifically a **maker or handmade seller** and needs to track **materials, inventory, and cost of goods sold**, **Craftybase** is often a better fit because it is built for artisans and combines inventory/manufacturing tracking with bookkeeping.[4][12]

A practical way to choose is:

- **Wave** — best for very small, simple businesses that just need to record income and expenses.[2][19]
- **QuickBooks** — best for growing small businesses that want fuller accounting features and industry-standard bookkeeping.[12][5]
- **Xero** — a good alternative to QuickBooks for small businesses that want straightforward accounting and multi-currency support.[2][5]
- **Craftybase** — best for craft businesses making products from raw materials and needing inventory plus COGS tracking.[4][12]

If you want the simplest recommendation: **use Wave to start, and switch to QuickBooks or Craftybase if your business becomes more complex**.[2][19][12]


Recommend an intuitive accounting system for a small consulting firm.

For a **small consulting firm**, I’d recommend **QuickBooks Online** as the most intuitive all-around accounting system, especially if you want something widely used, easy to learn, and strong on invoicing, expense tracking, and tax reporting.[8][14]

If you want a slightly different fit, these are the main alternatives:

- **Zoho Books** — often rated best overall for consultants because it combines solid accounting features with a user-friendly interface and lower cost than many competitors.[13]
- **FreshBooks** — a strong choice if your firm is very small or service-based and you care most about simple invoicing, time tracking, and client billing.[11][13]
- **Xero** — a good option if you expect to grow and want cleaner collaboration and stronger accounting depth for a midsize consulting setup.[8][10]

If your priority is **intuitive use over advanced accounting complexity**, the safest pick is **FreshBooks** for a solo or very small consultancy, while **QuickBooks Online** is the best general-purpose choice for a small firm with multiple clients and a need to scale.[8][11][14]

A practical rule of thumb:
- Choose **FreshBooks** if you mainly bill time and send invoices.
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the most balanced, standard small-business accounting platform.
- Choose **Zoho Books** if you want strong value and a clean interface.
- Choose **Xero** if you expect more complex bookkeeping later.[8][10][11][13]

If you want, I can also narrow this to the **best option by budget**, **by ease of use**, or **by consultant billing workflow**.


Which accounting software is best for multi-currency small business transactions?

For most **small businesses**, **Xero** is the strongest all-around choice for **multi-currency** accounting, especially if you invoice internationally and want a clean, small-business-friendly workflow.[1][2][15]

If you want the short version:

| Best fit | Software | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall for small-business multi-currency | **Xero** | Strong multi-currency support, automatic FX updates, and solid bank-feed automation.[1][2][15] |
| Best if you already use QuickBooks | **QuickBooks Online Plus/Advanced** | Works well for occasional foreign invoices and is often the easier choice for US-focused businesses.[1][4][17] |
| Best budget pick in some ecosystems | **Zoho Books Premium** | Good multi-currency support at a lower price, especially if you already use Zoho tools.[1][8] |

**Why Xero is usually the best answer:** it is repeatedly ranked as the best small-business option for multi-currency use, with support for **160+ currencies**, automatic exchange-rate handling, and multi-currency bank features.[1][2][15]

**When to choose something else:**
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if your accountant already works in QuickBooks or your business is mainly US-anchored and only occasionally invoices in foreign currencies.[1][4][17]
- Choose **Zoho Books** if cost matters most and you want multi-currency features inside a broader Zoho stack.[1][8]
- Choose **Odoo** if you need broader ERP-style accounting and multi-company consolidation rather than just simple small-business bookkeeping.[3]

If you want, I can also give you a **best choice by country, budget, or number of currencies**.


Best accounting software with automated bank feeds for small business

For a small business, **QuickBooks Online** is the strongest all-around choice for **automated bank feeds** because it can connect business bank accounts and credit cards, then automatically categorize and match transactions for reconciliation.[6][9] **Xero** is the main alternative if you want similarly strong bank-feed automation with flexible rule-based categorization.[1][7]

A practical short list:

- **QuickBooks Online** — best overall for bank-feed automation and reconciliation; it supports automatic transaction imports, AI-powered categorization, and built-in bank reconciliation.[6][9]
- **Xero** — best alternative for rule-based bank-feed matching and automated expense/invoice handling.[1][7]
- **FreshBooks** — worth considering if you want simpler bookkeeping with bank-connected transaction workflows, though the provided results emphasize QuickBooks and Xero more strongly.[5]
- **Zoho Books** — a solid SMB option with bank-feed syncing, but the search results here do not rank it above QuickBooks or Xero for automation depth.[5]
- **Wave** — useful if budget is the top priority, but the results provided do not show it as the strongest bank-feed automation choice.[5]

If your main goal is to reduce manual reconciliation, choose **QuickBooks Online** first and **Xero** second.[1][7] If you want, I can also compare them by **price, ease of use, payroll, and reporting** for your specific business type.


What is the best software for a small business owner who wants to do their own bookkeeping?

For most small business owners who want to do their own bookkeeping, **QuickBooks Online** is the safest default choice because it is widely rated the best overall and has the broadest feature set and support ecosystem.[2][5][11]

If your needs are simpler, the best choice can change:

- **QuickBooks Online**: best overall for most small businesses, especially if you want strong reporting and easy accountant support.[2][5][9][11]
- **Xero**: a strong alternative if you want a cleaner user experience and unlimited users.[4][17]
- **FreshBooks**: best if you are service-based, invoice-driven, or bill by time.[2][18]
- **Wave**: best if you want the cheapest option and only need basic income and expense tracking.[4][16]
- **Zoho Books**: often a good value option, especially for smaller businesses watching costs.[19]

If you want one recommendation without overthinking it, choose **QuickBooks Online**.[2][5][11] If you want the simplest low-cost start and your bookkeeping is very basic, **Wave** is the easiest free option.[4][16]


Top cloud accounting platforms for micro-enterprises

For **micro-enterprises**, the best cloud accounting platforms are usually **QuickBooks Online**, **Xero**, **FreshBooks**, **Zoho Books**, and **Wave** because they cover the most common needs: invoicing, basic bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and low admin overhead.[1][2][6][13]

- **QuickBooks Online** — best all-around choice for micro-businesses that want the broadest feature set and easy scaling.[1][2][6][9][20]
- **Xero** — best if you want a simple cloud-native platform with strong collaboration and bank feeds.[1][6][8][13][16]
- **FreshBooks** — best for freelancers and service-based micro-enterprises that prioritize invoicing and time tracking.[6][13][14][20]
- **Zoho Books** — best if you want automation and integration with the broader Zoho suite, with a strong value proposition for very small teams.[2][6][9][13][16]
- **Wave** — best for budget-conscious solo operators who need free or very low-cost basic bookkeeping and invoicing.[6][9][13]

If you want a quick shortlist:
- **Most complete:** QuickBooks Online[1][2][6][20]
- **Simplest for service businesses:** FreshBooks[13][20]
- **Best low-cost/free option:** Wave[6][9][13]
- **Best for collaboration and cloud-first workflows:** Xero[1][6][8][13]

If you want, I can also rank these specifically for **solopreneurs**, **micro retail/ecommerce**, or **micro-enterprises with VAT/tax filing needs**.


We are starting a small LLC and need software to keep our accounts organized. What should we get?

For a new **small LLC**, the safest default is **QuickBooks Online** because it is consistently ranked the top all-around accounting option for small businesses and LLCs, with bank feeds, invoicing, expense tracking, and tax-ready reporting.[1][3][5][7]

If you want to keep it simple, here’s the practical shortlist:

- **QuickBooks Online** — best overall choice for most LLCs, especially if you want bookkeeping, invoicing, expense tracking, and easy tax prep in one place.[1][3][5][7]
- **Xero** — a strong alternative if you want an easier interface and solid cloud accounting for a small business.[3][8][18]
- **FreshBooks** — a good fit if your LLC is service-based and you mainly need invoicing and basic bookkeeping.[3]
- **Wave** — worth considering if you need a **free** starting point, though it is usually better for very simple needs than for growing businesses.[17][19]

What to look for in LLC accounting software:

- **Bank feeds and reconciliation** so transactions import automatically and can be matched to your accounts.[1][6][7]
- **Invoicing and expense tracking** for day-to-day bookkeeping.[1][2][7]
- **Tax-ready reports** to make filing and year-end cleanup easier.[1][6]
- **Payroll support** if you will hire employees or pay contractors regularly.[2][7]
- **Cloud access** so you and your accountant can access records anywhere.[1][6][18]

If you want one recommendation without overcomplicating it: **start with QuickBooks Online** unless your business is extremely simple or you specifically prefer Xero or FreshBooks.[1][3][5][7]


Best accounting tool for a small professional services firm

For a **small professional services firm**, the safest default choice is **QuickBooks Online** if you want broad compatibility, solid core accounting, and an easy path as the firm grows.[3][8][12] If your business is very **project- or hourly-billing-heavy**, **FreshBooks** is often the best fit for solo consultants and very small service firms.[1][2][6]

A practical way to choose:

| Firm profile | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo consultant or very small firm | **FreshBooks** | Strong for invoicing, time tracking, and service billing.[1][2][6] |
| Small firm wanting the most common mainstream option | **QuickBooks Online** | Widely recommended for service businesses and small firms.[3][8][12][17] |
| Small firm that expects more project profitability, multi-user access, and role permissions | **QuickBooks Advanced** or **Xero** | Better as firms outgrow basic bookkeeping, though some workflows may need add-ons.[3][4] |
| Service firm with more complex project accounting/reporting needs | **Sage Intacct** | Stronger financial reporting and project-centric accounting for growing firms.[4] |

If you want one answer without overthinking it: **QuickBooks Online** is the best all-around accounting tool for most small professional services firms.[3][8][12] If your firm is tiny and billing-centered, choose **FreshBooks** instead.[1][6]


What software do bookkeepers recommend for small business client accounting?

Bookkeepers most often recommend **QuickBooks Online** and **Xero** for small business client accounting, with **Zoho Books** also appearing as a strong choice in some bookkeeper-focused reviews.[4][1][2]

A practical breakdown from the results is:

- **QuickBooks Online**: favored when a business wants the broadest accountant/bookkeeper support and a comprehensive ecosystem.[2][4][5]
- **Xero**: favored for ease of use, automation, and unlimited users from day one.[2][20]
- **Zoho Books**: rated best by one bookkeeper-focused review and often recommended for solid overall value.[1]
- **FreshBooks**: commonly recommended for service-based businesses that invoice clients and track time.[2][5]
- **Wave**: recommended for very small businesses or startups that want a free basic option.[2][16]

If you want the most common “bookkeeper default” for small business clients, it is **QuickBooks Online**; if you want a strong alternative with simpler collaboration, **Xero** is the other top recommendation.[4][5][2]


Recommend simple financial management software for a small non-profit or business.

For a **small non-profit or small business**, the simplest strong options are usually **Wave**, **QuickBooks Online**, and **Aplos**. If you want the most nonprofit-specific option for a very small group, **MoneyMinder** is also a good fit.[1][2][4][17]

- **Wave** — best for the *simplest, lowest-cost* setup. It is positioned as free accounting software for small organizations and is described as a strong option for small and mid-sized nonprofits with basic bookkeeping needs.[8][12][17]
- **QuickBooks Online** — best all-around choice if you want something familiar, broadly supported, and easy to scale a bit. It is widely recommended for small nonprofits and small businesses, and some nonprofit guidance suggests it is the default choice for very small organizations.[10][11][14]
- **Aplos** — best if you are a nonprofit and want software built specifically for nonprofit accounting and fund tracking. Aplos is described as serving the unique financial needs of nonprofits and faith-based organizations.[4][13][19]
- **MoneyMinder** — best for volunteer-led or very small nonprofits that want simple accounting without complexity. It is explicitly marketed for small nonprofits and volunteers.[1][2][14]
- **Xero** — a solid small-business accounting option if you want a general business tool rather than nonprofit-specific software.[3][15]

A practical shortlist:
- Choose **Wave** if you want **free** and very simple bookkeeping.[8][12][17]
- Choose **QuickBooks Online** if you want the **safest default** for most small nonprofits or small businesses.[10][11][14]
- Choose **Aplos** if you need **nonprofit fund accounting** and donor/grant-oriented workflows.[4][13][19]
- Choose **MoneyMinder** if your organization is **tiny, volunteer-run, and nonprofit-focused**.[1][2][14]

If you tell me whether you are a **nonprofit or business**, your **budget**, and whether you need **donor/grant tracking**, I can narrow it to one best recommendation.


Best software for small business revenue and expense tracking

For most small businesses, the **best all-in-one choice** is **QuickBooks Online** because it combines **income/revenue tracking, expense tracking, invoicing, bank feeds, and basic reporting** in one system.[16] If your main need is **expense tracking only**, **Ramp** is a strong pick because it is described as the **overall best business expense tracker** with a **free tier** and AI-based policy enforcement.[17]

A practical shortlist:

| Best for | Software | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-one bookkeeping | **QuickBooks Online** | Revenue, expenses, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting in one product.[16] |
| Expense tracking only | **Ramp** | Free tier, strong automation, and expense-policy controls.[17] |
| Simple revenue visibility for sales-led SMBs | **Pipedrive** | Revenue visibility plus sales and billing integrations, with quick self-service setup.[3] |
| Small teams wanting lightweight expense tools | **Mercury** | Listed as best overall in one small-business expense-management roundup.[18] |

If you want the simplest recommendation, choose **QuickBooks Online** for a small business that needs to track both **revenue and expenses** without piecing together multiple tools.[16] If you already use another accounting system and only need a better **expense workflow**, choose **Ramp**.[17]

If you want, I can also give you:
- the **best free options**
- the **best options for freelancers vs. retail vs. service businesses**
- a **QuickBooks vs. Xero vs. Wave** comparison