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The best accounting software for small business

By Web Tool Ratings editors · Updated · How we rate

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Accounting software is cheap to start and expensive to switch, so look past the intro discounts: QuickBooks and Xero both advertise steep first-months deals.

The full list

1

Best value

Xero

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for small businesses that want unlimited users and clean, modern accounting

Unlimited users on every plan; Growing $59/mo.

Category
Accounting & invoicing
Free plan
No
Paid from
$27/mo
From $27 /moVisit Xero Full review
2

Best for US accountants

QuickBooks Online

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 · Best for uS small businesses that want the accounting software their accountant already uses

The most widely used; Simple Start $38/mo.

Category
Accounting & invoicing
Free plan
No
Paid from
$38/mo
From $38 /moVisit QuickBooks Online Full review
3

Best for freelancers & services

FreshBooks

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.3 · Best for freelancers and service businesses that bill clients for time

Invoicing and time tracking first; Lite $23/mo.

Category
Accounting & invoicing
Free plan
No
Paid from
$23/mo
From $23 /moVisit FreshBooks Full review
4

Best free option

Wave

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.3 · Best for freelancers and micro-businesses on the tightest budget

Free invoicing and accounting; Pro $19/mo.

Category
Accounting & invoicing
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$19/mo
Billed yearly
$15.83/mo
From $19 /moVisit Wave Full review

Compared at a glance

ToolOur ratingCategoryFree planPaid fromYear 1 (cheapest paid)
Xero 4.4/5Accounting & invoicingNo$27/mo$324
QuickBooks Online 4.4/5Accounting & invoicingNo$38/mo$456
FreshBooks 4.3/5Accounting & invoicingNo$23/mo$276
Wave 4.3/5Accounting & invoicingYes$19/mo$190

Checked Oct 10, 2026. Details change: confirm on the provider’s site.

Regular monthly prices

Software Entry Mid Top
QuickBooks Online $38 (1 user) Essentials $85 / Plus $140 Advanced $340
Xero Early $27 Growing $59 Established $97
FreshBooks Lite $23 Plus $43 Premium $70
Wave Free Pro $19 -

Compare QuickBooks vs Xero, FreshBooks vs QuickBooks and QuickBooks vs Wave, or see QuickBooks alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest accounting software?

Wave’s Starter plan is free; Wave Pro is $19/mo.

Do I need my accountant’s approval?

Ask: many accountants prefer QuickBooks or Xero and may charge more to work in other tools.

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