

Traditional accounting programs are on the way out. Switching to a cloud accounting system can have a variety of benefits, click here to read about them!
Where Thought Leaders go for Growth
Choosing your SaaS accounting software is as essential as it is a complex process. Small businesses in the US and in most other countries need such solutions to function properly, file taxes efficiently and keep reliable records in place. But many solutions exist, and you wouldn’t be the only one to feel lost in the jungle of offers available on the market.
If you’re on the lookout for your next accounting solution, but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place! This article benchmarks the best small business accounting software available by comparing their strengths and weaknesses.
What’s more, you’ll get advice on how to choose the right fit for your small business and an overview of what these solutions can actually do for your company. Time to get down to business!
Accounting is a crucial part of running a business, large or small. All types of organisations are liable to keep good accounting records, manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, file tax returns and so forth. The question is less about whether you need accounting software and more about what they can bring to your business.
Their main purpose is to:
Some of the most useful accounting features include:
FreeAgent is a cloud accounting solution designed with small businesses in mind. It boasts a simple and straightforward approach to accounting.
Rebates are offered for the first 6 months. A 30-day trial is available and there are no cancellation fees.
FreshBooks offers a cloud-based solution made for all kinds of business owners, from freelancers and self-employed workers to small businesses dealing with lots of clients and contractors.
You get 60% off for the first 6 months and extra savings for a yearly subscription. A one-month trial is available to try the software before signing up.
QuickBooks is an online accounting software for small businesses and sole traders developed by Intuit. This cloud-based solution has long been one of the leading options available on the market.
QuickBooks also offers a free one-month trial and discounts for first-time subscribers. All subscriptions are without engagement or cancellation fees.
Sage 50cloud is a desktop solution with cloud features by Sage, one of the most well-known enterprise accounting software vendors. This solution, however, is aimed at small to medium-sized businesses.
You have access to a 30-day trial period and discounts apply for first subscriptions from time to time and annual subscriptions (40% off).
Xero is one of the most popular SaaS options for growing businesses to manage their accounting processes thanks to its modular, all-in-one approach. This is the go-to solution for a versatile online platform.
All plans offer payroll management with Gusto from $39 per month. It is free and easy to cancel your plan anytime within a one month notice, and a 30-day trial is available.
Zoho Books is an affordable option for small businesses looking to streamline their accounting processes without breaking the bank. It offers a versatile platform with flexible pricing options, including a free version to cater to basic accounting needs.
Except for the free plan, you may purchase add-ons such as additional users and advanced auto scan for a fee.
Thus, if you must equip yourself with accounting software, which one should you go for? While there is no definite answer to this question, as all businesses are different, you should follow these steps when choosing your accounting solution:
This should in turn give you a direction to follow when browsing and comparing accounting software.
You will also discover that these can be sorted into two different categories:
The latter, also called SaaS accounting software, offers several advantages compared to its more traditional counterparts. Cloud software is hosted online, meaning it can be accessed remotely from any device connected to the internet, including PC, Mac and mobile devices.
It is also more flexible, as maintenance and updates are done seamlessly by the software vendor, saving on IT costs. The SaaS model turns a one time purchase into a subscription service, meaning that customer support is there to lend a helping hand when needed. What’s more, you can switch plans when needed to get a more complete package when your company outgrows lighter versions of the app.
![]() FreshBooks | ![]() QuickBooks | ![]() Sage 50 | ![]() Xero | ![]() Zoho Books |
For all companies | For companies with 1 to 50 employees | For companies with 1 to 50 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies |
Learn more about FreshBooks | Learn more about QuickBooks | Learn more about Sage 50 | Learn more about Xero | Learn more about Zoho Books |
Rather than seeing accounting software as just another compliance problem or a strict business necessity, it would be wiser to consider all the benefits they can bring to your company.
Small businesses can enjoy simplified tax reports and gain much needed time to focus on growing their activity. Finding the best accounting software can be tedious, but is well worth the reward if you take sufficient time to assess your needs.
Have you found the solution you were looking for? If not, be sure to check our full list of accounting software! Are you ready to undertake the transition to digital accounting? Feel free to share your experience with such solutions below!