Accounting function plays a major role in any business operation, and it is something that every business owner demands to smoothly get the operations done. On the other hand if we talk about QuickBooks, it is a popular name, used by many ventures due to its comprehensive set of features and user-friendly interface. It also helps the user to evolve their business solution with their changing needs, but if you look closely there are many users who are constantly seeking for the alternatives that may better suit their specific requirements. And the main reason behind it is the cost, complexity, or feature set, which definitely lacks in QuickBooks when compared to another accounting solution. This article brings the read some of the best alternatives to QuickBooks and gives you an in-depth analysis of each available option, including its features, pricing, pros and cons, and ideal use cases.
Odoo
The first and the best alternative to QuickBooks is odoo, which is an open-source suite that is applicable to various businesses and provides them with comprehensive accounting functionality within its enterprise resource planning system software. Odoo works on customer centric approach which means its applications like sales, inventory management, CRM, e-commerce, and more, are designed keeping the clients vision and their business standard in mind. Overall it is a perfect solution and the best QuickBooks alternative in the market with a more holistic approach to business management. Let’s now quick see some of its key features.
Integrated Suite: Odoo combines various business functions which means it has all the features into one platform the user can handle its accounting, sales and inventory management simultaneously and well interconnected.
Automated Invoicing: Odoo can work on AI-powered invoice recognition that allows the users to automate their data entry with a 98% high accuracy.
Bank Synchronization: Odoo has the power to connect over 28,000 banks worldwide, that is perfect for user needing an automatic transaction imports and also provides the smart matching suggestions that aligns with your business standard.
Multi-Currency Support: If the business it is having a synchronization with the bank, it means they will definitely need the proper management with the transactions in multiple currencies odoo ERP do it effortlessly while ensuring accurate tax calculations based on your local regulations.
Real-Time Reporting: Odoo generate instant financial reports based on the profit & loss statements, balance sheets, the overall cash flow statements, etc., for a quick decision-making that perfectly reflects your current data.
Odoo works on modular approach and also offers the user with a free version of its invoicing application. The price of the enterprise version comes with subscription fee which is based on the components like the number of applications used by the firm, its size, customizations requirements and the integrations.
A fully integrated system provided by odoo reduces the chances of data silos between departments and provides an easy access to real-time data for a across functional improvement in the collaboration among teams.
A highly customizable platform like odoo helps the businesses to tailor their workflows according to their specific processes also odoo is one of the software that don’t require an extensive programming knowledge and works on simple interface.
Talking about the cons of odoo its actually the extensive range of features it offers to the users which makes them a little overwhelmed with the workflow and the processing.
Odoo is particularly suitable as the Free QuickBooks Alternative for Small Business due to its all-in-one solution strategy and a robust accounting capabilities.
Xero
Xero is an option for cloud-based accounting software that is known for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set that goes well with the small to medium-sized businesses.
Unlimited Users: Unlike QuickBooks, Xero has the capability to work with unlimited users on all plans.
Invoicing: It create and send customizable invoices with automated reminders to each user for better understanding and operations.
Bank Reconciliation: The software has the capability to provide easy bank feeds for quick reconciliation.
Reporting: It works on comprehensive financial reporting tools which are easily generated too.
Integrations: Xero software has the power to connects with over 1,000 third-party applications and give a wide range of options to the user.
Xero offers a three pricing tiers which starts from $15 per month as its Early plan and gives the user the basic invoicing and reconciliation features which is less when compared to free alternatives like odoo.
The user says that it has an intuitive layout that makes the navigation process easy.
It has the strong project management capabilities.
Mobile app that solves your business problems on-the-go.
It only offers a limited payroll features compared to some other QuickBooks Payroll Alternatives competitors.
Some users reported that the customer support of the software can be slow during peak times which means it cannot be used during troubleshoot.
Xero is a good option for small to medium-sized businesses and for those with a fixed number of functionalities without the user limits.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks is a primarily designed for freelancers and small business owners that demands an easy-to-use invoicing and expense tracking features within the software.
Invoicing: FreshBooks create professional looking invoices with their in-built customizable templates.
Time Tracking: The software comes with Built-in time tracking tools for service-based businesses and the contractor who are looking for the QuickBooks Alternatives
Expense Management: FreshBooks easily tracks the expenses by uploading the customer receipts.
Client Management: Manage client information and also comes with a wide range of tools for effective communication.
FreshBooks has the several pricing plans available for its user which is starting at $7.60 per month when the user adopts the Lite plan, that has the limit Upto five clients.
FreshBooks is known for its excellent customer service and support.
User-friendly interface by FreshBooks means minimal training.
It supports strong mobile app functionality.
The software only has a limited features for larger businesses and does not support advanced reporting.
It comes as a higher cost for the user that requires an additional support beyond the plan limits.
FreshBooks is perfect option for the freelancers and small service-based businesses that mostly deals with invoicing and client management and doesn’t really requires an accounting functionalities.
Zoho Books
Zoho Books comes under the Zoho suite of applications and provides the user with comprehensive accounting solution suitable for various business sizes and requirements.
Automated Workflows: It provides the automated workflow and the recurring invoices and payment reminders.
Multi-Currency Support: Due to its multi-currency support it can cater the international clients too.
Inventory Management: Helps the business owners to manage their inventory effectively within the platform.
Customizable Reports: Generate detailed financial reports that are customizable with the client needs.
Zoho Books starts their plan from $15 per month which is a Basic plan and has only the essential features which can cater the small businesses demands.
Extensive range of customization options to choice from the software as per your business needs.
Comes with strong automation capabilities that saves the time for repetitive tasks.
Excellent integration with other Zoho applications that helps the user to enhance their functionality.
The interface may feel sometimes as cluttered and overwhelming for new users and may requires some additional learning.
There are some advanced features that may require additional learning or setup time, which is not the case with other software’s.
Zoho Books is a software that goes prefect with small to medium-sized businesses and is best of users who are looking for a comprehensive accounting solution that integrates well with other business tools.
Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting comes as a free solution and is a good Desktop Alternative to QuickBooks that also covers the essential accounting functions without any monthly fees, which serves as a benefit to startups and freelancers.
Automated Workflows: It provides the automated workflow and the recurring invoices and payment reminders.
Multi-Currency Support: Due to its multi-currency support it can cater the international clients too.
Inventory Management: Helps the business owners to manage their inventory effectively within the platform.
Customizable Reports: Generate detailed financial reports that are customizable with the client needs.
Zoho Books starts their plan from $15 per month which is a Basic plan and has only the essential features which can cater the small businesses demands.
Extensive range of customization options to choice from the software as per your business needs.
Comes with strong automation capabilities that saves the time for repetitive tasks.
Excellent integration with other Zoho applications that helps the user to enhance their functionality.
The interface may feel sometimes as cluttered and overwhelming for new users and may requires some additional learning.
There are some advanced features that may require additional learning or setup time, which is not the case with other software’s.
Zoho Books is a software that goes prefect with small to medium-sized businesses and is best of users who are looking for a comprehensive accounting solution that integrates well with other business tools.
Kashoo
Kashoo is designed to provide the user with straightforward accounting features without the unnecessary complexity and hassle of extensive features.
Simple Invoicing: Create invoices quickly without complicating the current processes.
Automatic Bank Reconciliation: Streamlines the bank reconciliation process effortlessly for the user.
Kashoo price structure starts from $16.65 per month with a fixed free trial period of 14 days.
It is easy to understand with a minimal learning curve and is good for individuals with no prior accountant knowledge.
Comes with the limited features when compared to larger competitors and there is a high chance that it may not meet all the business needs as they grow.
Kashoo is a software ideal for the freelancers with a basic invoicing and expense tracking and without the complex functionalities.
When you are evaluating amongst the alternative to QuickBooks it is very important to understand the certain key points and the choose the one which is a best fit for your business, here are a few key factors:
Business Size and Type
Understand what the size of your business is, which means know the capacity of your business and in which direction you want your business operation to run. This analysis will help the business owner to narrow down their ideal options significantly. For example if you are a Larger organizations there is a high chance that you require a more robust solutions like odoo or Xero as they are the ones that comes with advanced reporting capabilities and scalability options. On the other hand if you are a freelancers or someone who owns a very small businesses firm odoo or FreshBooks may work for, a point to be pointed there that odoo is only a single software that works for all business sizes and is suitable to every business sector due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness and also works as an Accounting Software for Mac.
Budget Constraints
Determine how much you are willing to spend monthly on your accounting software. The users here can either opt for free accounting software alternative to QuickBooks if cost is only a significant concern for them however, they can also invest in paid solutions for provides a better long-term benefits like the proper functionality and support.
Feature Set Needed
The user have to make a list few must-have features that they need for their business operations and also provides the user to focus more on the solutions that meet their specific needs rather than getting overwhelmed by options that are more on the unnecessary side on the basis of functionalities.
Ease of Use vs. Functionality
Create a balance between the need for advanced features and the ease of use as there are times when a simpler software can enhance productivity more than complex systems which requires an extensive training or onboarding time from the employees.
We have read about the alternatives but have you every through why we actually need these QuickBooks alternative, no matter you are searching for the Online QuickBooks Alternatives or some other QuickBooks alternatives. We have given our reads some common reasons for this shift:
Cost Considerations
QuickBooks comes with various pricing tiers, and have the function to quickly add the features, especially for small businesses or freelancers but when compared to some Cheaper Alternative to QuickBooks, that offers a similar functionalities at a lower price point and some of them are nearly free.
Complexity and Usability
QuickBooks is feature-rich, accounting software which some users find it as an overwhelming interface and may need a more simple and straightforward accounting solutions without the steep learning curve like QuickBooks the user go for simpler alternatives rather.
Customer Support
Customer support experiences matters a lot when selecting any software. Some users report dissatisfaction with customer support with QuickBooks and hence seek for the alternatives that offers a better assistance and maintenance.
Specific Business Needs
Different businesses have their own unique requirements which depends on the industry and operations they are dealing with and if we talk about QuickBooks, it somewhere lacks in providing the variety of business related operation which matches different business sector and their standard.
Integration Capabilities
QuickBooks is an accounting software hence it becomes crucial for the users to integrate seamlessly with tools like CRM systems, HR module, e-commerce platforms, etc. on the other hand Some alternatives may offer better integration options and can be even used as the QuickBooks POS Alternatives.
Which is the best Alternative to QuickBooks for nonprofits?
Odoo is the best Alternative to QuickBooks for nonprofit organizations as it is cost effective, easy to understand and can be customized.
Which QuickBooks Alternative provides the free version to the users?
Odoo works on modular approach and also offers the user with a free version of its invoicing application. The price of the enterprise version comes with subscription fee which is based on the components like the number of applications used by the firm, its size, customizations requirements and the integrations.
What is the disadvantage of using QuickBooks?
QuickBooks is an accounting software hence it becomes crucial for the users to integrate seamlessly with tools like CRM systems, HR module, e-commerce platforms, etc. on the other hand Some alternatives may offer better integration options and can be even used as the QuickBooks POS alternatives.
Why budget is important when choosing the QuickBooks Alternative for your business?
Determine how much you are willing to spend monthly on your accounting software. The users here can either opt for free accounting software alternative to QuickBooks if cost is only a significant concern for them however, they can also invest in paid solutions for provides a better long-term benefits like the proper functionality and support.
Why are people leaving QuickBooks?
QuickBooks comes with various pricing tiers, and have the function to quickly add the features, especially for small businesses or freelancers but when compared to some cheaper alternative to QuickBooks, that offers a similar functionalities at a lower price point and some of them are nearly free. Different businesses have their own unique requirements which depends on the industry and operations they are dealing with and if we talk about QuickBooks, it somewhere lacks in providing the variety of business related operation which matches different business sector and their standard.
QuickBooks comes under which software?
Intuit owns the accounting software QuickBooks.
How odoo benefits the Self-Employer’s?
Odoo has the power to connect over 28,000 banks worldwide, that is perfect for user needing an automatic transaction imports and also provides the smart matching suggestions that aligns with your business standard. Multi-Currency Support: If the business it is having a synchronization with the bank, it means they will definitely need the proper management with the transactions in multiple currencies odoo ERP do it effortlessly while ensuring accurate tax calculations based on your local regulations.
As the bottom line, you may be a business owner who is actively searching for the best alternative to QuickBooks which fulfills all the unique business needs, works on the budget constraints, and also provides the usability and functionality balance. A hell lot of requirements right, but is not something which is so complicated, the user here have to understand certain elements for their own business firm and then work towards the searching part for example, the user have to firstly understand their business size, its requirement and the end goal. As in this competitive landscape it becomes challenging to keep yourself ahead of others. The user can follow our provided list for the QuickBooks alternatives and choose their prefect software, the user can also seek a consultation with o2b technologies for a better understanding from their expert team.