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Software like QuickBooks, compared on price and fit
If you want the same kind of general-purpose bookkeeping as QuickBooks Online, these are the closest options we cover, ranked for a small team that works with an accountant.
Top matches for this setup
US, 3 users, works with an accountant, sells physical products, no budget cap. QuickBooks is left out of this ranking.
1. Xero
- Widely used by accountants
- Handles several users well
Paid plans from $27/mo.
2. Zoho Books
- Good inventory tracking
Free plan available. Paid plans from $20/mo.
3. FreshBooks
- Strong invoicing
- 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 |
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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