QuickBooks has been a dominant force in accounting software for years, with millions of small businesses relying on it for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. But it’s not perfect for everyone. Some business owners find it too expensive, overly complex, or lacking industry-specific features. Others want a cloud-based or free alternative that better suits their needs.
With subscription costs rising and more advanced competitors entering the market, now is the perfect time to explore QuickBooks alternatives that offer better pricing, usability, and features. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or growing enterprise, there’s a powerful accounting tool out there for you.
Here are the 10 best QuickBooks alternatives in 2025 that are worth considering.
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1. FreshBooks
Best for: Freelancers & Small Business Owners
FreshBooks is a popular QuickBooks alternative designed for self-employed professionals and small businesses. It offers time tracking, invoicing, expense management, and simple financial reports. One of its standout features is automated invoice reminders and easy online payments, making it a great choice for freelancers who need streamlined accounting.
2. Xero
Best for: Cloud-Based Accounting & Scalability
Xero is a fully cloud-based accounting software that is more affordable than QuickBooks but offers similar core features. It includes bank reconciliation, invoicing, payroll, and integrations with over 1,000 business apps. Xero’s biggest advantage is its user-friendly interface and strong mobile app, making it perfect for small and growing businesses.
3. Wave Accounting
Best for: Free Accounting Software for Small Businesses
Wave is one of the best free QuickBooks alternatives for small businesses and freelancers. It provides free invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. While it lacks some advanced features like payroll and inventory management, it’s perfect for small business owners who need basic accounting without a monthly fee.
4. Zoho Books
Best for: Businesses Using the Zoho Ecosystem
Zoho Books is a great choice for businesses that already use Zoho’s suite of apps (CRM, inventory, payroll, etc.). It offers powerful automation, tax compliance, project tracking, and excellent mobile access. Zoho Books also provides affordable pricing plans, making it a strong QuickBooks competitor for small to mid-sized businesses.
5. Sage Intacct
Best for: Medium to Large Businesses
Sage Intacct is an enterprise-level alternative to QuickBooks that provides AI-driven financial management, multi-entity accounting, and deep financial analytics. It’s ideal for businesses that need advanced reporting, compliance tracking, and scalability.
6. NetSuite by Oracle
Best for: Large Enterprises & ERP Integration
NetSuite is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that includes accounting, CRM, inventory, and financial management. While it’s more expensive than QuickBooks, it’s a powerful solution for larger businesses that need comprehensive financial tools and automation.
7. Kashoo
Best for: Simple, AI-Powered Accounting
Kashoo is a budget-friendly QuickBooks alternative that focuses on AI-powered bookkeeping. It automates expense tracking, categorization, and financial reporting, making it an excellent choice for small business owners who want a hassle-free accounting solution.
8. FreeAgent
Best for: UK-Based Small Businesses & Freelancers
FreeAgent is a great QuickBooks alternative for UK businesses, as it includes built-in tax filing, invoicing, and expense tracking. It’s designed for freelancers and small businesses who need a simple yet effective accounting solution.
9. Patriot Accounting
Best for: Affordable Payroll & Accounting
Patriot Accounting is a cost-effective alternative to QuickBooks, offering affordable accounting and payroll services. It’s a great choice for small businesses looking for a simple, easy-to-use system with strong customer support.
10. Sunrise by Lendio
Best for: Small Businesses Looking for a Free Accounting Solution
Sunrise is a free accounting tool that offers invoice management, expense tracking, and reporting tools. While it lacks some of QuickBooks’ advanced features, it’s a great choice for small businesses looking to save money on accounting software.
Conclusion
QuickBooks might be the industry standard, but it’s not the only option. Whether you need a free alternative like Wave, a scalable cloud-based solution like Xero, or an enterprise-grade tool like NetSuite, there are plenty of accounting software options available in 2025.
Choosing the right alternative depends on your business size, budget, and specific accounting needs. Take advantage of free trials and demos to find the best fit for your business.
Which QuickBooks alternative are you considering? Let us know in the comments!
