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Free QuickBooks alternatives
Two tools in our set have a free plan. This page shows what the free plans cover and where the limits sit, using each vendor's public pricing page.
Top matches for this setup
US, 1 user, wants a free plan. QuickBooks is left out of this ranking.
1. Wave
- Has a free plan
- Easy to learn
Free plan available. Paid plans from $19/mo.
2. Zoho Books
- Solid general fit
Free plan available. Paid plans from $20/mo.
3. FreshBooks
- Easy to learn
Paid plans from $23/mo.
Price against QuickBooks Essentials
QuickBooks Essentials is $85 a month since August 1, 2026. Annual difference for every plan below.
| Plan | Price | Per year vs Essentials |
|---|---|---|
| Zoho Books Free | Free | $1,020 less |
| Wave Starter | Free | $1,020 less |
| Wave Pro | $19/mo | $792 less |
| Zoho Books Standard | $20/mo | $780 less |
| FreshBooks Lite | $23/mo | $744 less |
| Xero Early | $27/mo | $696 less |
| FreshBooks Plus | $43/mo | $504 less |
| Zoho Books Professional | $50/mo | $420 less |
| Xero Growing | $59/mo | $312 less |
| FreshBooks Premium | $70/mo | $180 less |
| Zoho Books Premium | $70/mo | $180 less |
| Xero Established | $97/mo | $144 more |
The free plans, side by side
| Tool | Plan | Limits we found |
|---|---|---|
| Zoho Books | Free | 1,000 invoices a year; while revenue stays under $50K |
| Wave | Starter | Card payments cost 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction |
QuickBooks Online lists no free plan on its pricing page as of Nov 14, 2026.
Fit ratings
| Our fit rating | QuickBooks Online | Xero | FreshBooks | Zoho Books | Wave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payroll | Strong | Good | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Inventory | Strong | Good | Minimal or none | Strong | Minimal or none |
| Invoicing | Good | Good | Strong | Good | Strong |
| Accountant access | Strong | Strong | Good | Good | Limited |
| Several users | Strong | Strong | Limited | Good | Limited |
| Ease of learning | Good | Good | Strong | Good | Strong |
| Free plan | Minimal or none | Minimal or none | Minimal or none | Good | Strong |
Ratings are our editorial judgments, published on How we score. They are not vendor claims.
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