FreshBooks is one such option that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s designed specifically for small businesses and offers invoicing, time tracking and expense management. You can do a lot with QuickBooks Online, but all the options may feel like information overload starting out. All plans include 24/7 live chat support; phone support is available 5 a.m. Can support larger small businesses with dozens of employees; all three plans include an unlimited number of users. Robust feature set includes thorough record-keeping, comprehensive reporting, excellent invoicing and inventory management, plus a capable mobile app.
Xero’s scalable plans and app marketplace cater to an organization’s evolving demands. QuickBooks is the leading accounting software for small businesses, designed to simplify financial management and empower growth. With a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive suite of tools, QuickBooks streamlines tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, giving you a clear picture of your financial health. From automating payments to managing payroll, QuickBooks offers a scalable solution that can adapt to your business needs.
Payroll with Gusto
Live Expert Assisted also doesn’t include any financial advisory services, tax advice, facilitating the filing of income or sales tax returns, creating or sending 1099s, or management of payroll. Unlike many other competitors that cap the number of users per plan (looking at you, QuickBooks), Xero offers unlimited users even on the lowest tier plan. This is beneficial to small businesses that need multiple people to be able to log into the accounting software and don’t want to pay extra or upgrade to get more seats. These reports help small business owners identify areas for improvement and make evidence-based decisions in real time. Xero doesn’t offer as many pre-built reports compared to Xero alternatives such as QuickBooks. Xero’s simple invoicing tool (Figure A) makes it easy to upload your logo and choose from several branding themes, but I’d love to see more extensive customization options.
Xero features
Includes audit trails and easy accountant access; has millions of users so your accountant will likely be familiar with it. Evaluate functions and features for different kinds of businesses. If you invoke the guarantee, QuickBooks will conduct a full n evaluation of the Live Bookkeeper’s work.
Users that are new to bookkeeping won’t be overwhelmed by Xero’s simple and easy-to-navigate layout. This layout makes the reconciliation process, among other accounting tasks, particularly easy. The software shows you potential transaction matches side by side, so you can immediately see if the match is accurate without having to click anything.
It is incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate, so if you are a sole proprietor looking for basic accounting software, FreshBooks will meet your needs at a relatively low cost. Its basic plan is in line with QuickBooks Simple Start, at $15 per month. There is no need to download QuickBooks Online because it is connected to the cloud, which means you can access online accounting from any device with an internet connection.
All your small business accounting in one place
As the industry standard, QuickBooks Online is ideal if you have a growing business with specific accounting needs — as long as you don’t mind taking the time to learn the program’s ins and outs. Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business. Check out the Xero App Store to find, demo, and buy business apps that connect to Xero. Apps like Stripe, GoCardless, Vend, and Shopify connect seamlessly and sync your data with Xero to make it easier to run your business. Log in anytime, from anywhere, to send invoices, pay bills, and manage your cash flow. Just keep in mind that unlike the inventory feature in QuickBooks Online’s higher-tier plans, Xero doesn’t let users set up reorder points that flag when stock is running low.
Get customer support
With QuickBooks, you’ll get expert help from real people through phone and live payroll expenses definition chat six days a week. Our specialists are here to support you with every part of your QuickBooks journey, from the initial switch to onboarding. Total cost per year is calculated by adding all the features that require additional fees. If your bank doesn’t already have a connection, you can import PDF statements.
- If you’re in the market for accounting software, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there.
- It’s easy to see why QuickBooks is a standout choice for small-to mid-size businesses.
- Employees can submit a reimbursement request as soon as their receipts are uploaded, and the business owner can track expenses totals by category as they are submitted (Figure C).
- There is no need to download QuickBooks Online because it is connected to the cloud, which means you can access online accounting from any device with an internet connection.
Xero and QuickBooks have similar pricing, except when it comes to QuickBooks Desktop. The Enterprise Desktop plan offered by QuickBooks starts at $1,922 per year. More than 750 app integrations, including live, in-house bookkeeping. Entry-level plan limits bills and invoices to five and 20 per month, respectively.