Managing business finances doesn’t have to be stressful anymore. Today’s accounting software makes it simple to track expenses, send invoices, and keep your books accurate without spending hours on spreadsheets.The global accounting software market is worth $20.18 billion in 2025 and is growing at almost 10% each year.
Around 71% of small business owners already use digital tools for their accounts, and the number is rising fast as cloud-based solutions become the new normal. This means more automation, fewer errors, and more time to focus on growing your business.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the best Accounting Software for Small Businesses, so you can find the one that fits your needs perfectly.
What are Accounting Software
Accounting software is a digital tool that helps businesses manage their financial activities more efficiently. Instead of relying on manual spreadsheets, it automates key tasks such as recording expenses, generating invoices, tracking cash flow, and preparing financial reports. Many modern accounting tools also simplify tax compliance, reduce human errors, and provide real-time insights into business performance. With cloud-based options, business owners can access accounts anytime and anywhere, ensuring flexibility and accuracy. Designed to be user-friendly, even for non-accountants, accounting software saves time, increases productivity, and allows small businesses to focus on growth rather than bookkeeping hassles.
Why Small Businesses Should Use Accounting Software
- Saves Time on Manual Work – Automates repetitive tasks like invoice creation, payment tracking, and report generation, so you can focus on running your business.
- Reduces Human Errors – Digital systems automatically calculate totals, taxes, and discounts, minimizing costly mistakes.
- Gives Real-Time Financial Insights – You can check your cash flow, expenses, and profits instantly, helping you make faster and better decisions.
- Simplifies Tax Compliance – Many tools come with built-in tax features that prepare accurate reports and ensure you meet filing deadlines.
- Enables Remote Access – Cloud-based software lets you manage your accounts anytime, anywhere, using your laptop or phone.
Key features to Look for in Accounting Software
- User-Friendly Interface – A simple dashboard and easy navigation save time and reduce the learning curve for non-accountants.
- Customizable Invoices & Reports – Allows you to brand your invoices and get detailed reports tailored to your needs.
- Integration with Other Tools – Works smoothly with payment gateways, e-commerce platforms, and CRM software.
- Scalability for Growth – Can handle more transactions, users, and advanced features as your business expands.
- Strong Data Security – Uses encryption, backups, and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive financial data.
Top Accounting Software for Small Businesses – Features & Pricing at a Glance
| Software | URL | Key Features (Short) | Pricing |
| TallyPrime | tallysolutions.com/tally-prime | GST billing, inventory, payroll, offline & online use | $8.55/mo – $256.63 lifetime |
| FreshBooks | freshbooks.com | Invoicing, expense tracking, automation, mobile app | $2.10 – $6.50/mo, Select on request |
| Wave | waveapps.com | Free invoicing, unlimited transactions, double-entry | Free, $19/mo |
| Xero | xero.com | Bank feeds, real-time dashboard, 1,000+ integrations | $29 – $69/mo |
| Sage Business Cloud | sage.com/en-gb/products/sage-50-accounts | Invoicing, cash flow, payroll, multi-currency | $119.82 – $243.12/mo |
| Zoho Books | zoho.com/us/books | Free tier, workflows, inventory, multi-currency | Free, $15 – $60/mo |
| FreeAgent | freeagent.com/en | Invoicing, tax filing, time tracking, cash flow | $11/mo, $110/yr |
| NetSuite | netsuite.com/portal/home.shtml | Full ERP, AP/AR, CRM, global consolidation | On request |
| Odoo | odoo.com/app/accounting | Free edition, budgeting, CRM/inventory modules | Free, $6.62 – $10.15/mo |
| Kashoo | kashoo.com | Simple invoicing, expenses, multi-currency, mobile app | $30/mo |
| Patriot Accounting | patriotsoftware.com | Invoicing, expenses, payroll integration, cloud access | $10 – $15/mo |
| ZipBooks | zipbooks.com | Free plan, invoicing, insights, project management | Free, $15 – $35/mo |
| Vyapar | vyaparapp.in | GST billing, inventory, payment reminders, mobile/desktop | $41.05 – $44.13/yr |
| OneUp | oneup.com | AI bookkeeping, CRM, inventory, bank syncing | On request |
| Manager | manager.io | Free desktop, cloud edition, payroll, offline & online | Free |
List of Top 15 Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses
1. TallyPrime
Website: https://tallysolutions.com/tally-prime/
TallyPrime is an accounting solution in India that is both one of the most established and also one of the most well known. It has strong functionalities such as ability to comply with GST, to handle inventory management and to process payroll functions all within a single system. It has an intuitive user interface which makes it simple in terms of navigation even to individuals who have limited technical knowhow.
High transaction volumes and the ability to process them without being delayed is one of the major strengths of TallyPrime. It also provides offline advantages, as companies in regions over which the internet connection is wobbly can still operate without any difficulties on accessing their accounts. TallyPrime is also frequently updated to meet yearly changing tax regulations so your business will be compliant throughout the year.
Top Features:
- GST-compliant billing and invoicing
- Comprehensive inventory management
- Payroll and employee record management
- Data synchronization for multi-location businesses
- Offline and online usability
Pricing:
| 1 Month | 3 Months | 12 Months | Lifetime |
| $8.55 | $24.39 | $92.39 | $256.63 |
2. FreshBooks
Website: https://www.freshbooks.com/
FreshBooks is a cloud accounting software that is specifically designed to suit small business owners whose businesses use non-intensive services, freelancer, consultants. It has a thin and easy-to-use interface that enables people to use it in management of invoices, tracking of expenses, and financial reporting.
Regarding its ability to streamline client management, time tracking, and expense classification, the platform proves useful to professionals who charge their clients, based on the hours spent. It simplifies the bookkeeping tasks and assists business owners to remain organized without the need of using complex knowledge of accounting.
Among the most strong actions of FreshBooks is automation whose processes contain recurring invoices, reminders on late payments, and calculating taxes. The payment process will be accelerated as the clients can make their payments directly through online invoices. The mobile application makes sure that you are able to send the invoices, record the expense, and track the finance when offline. Its customization features enable the company customization of invoices, proposals and reports giving a professional face to its clients.
Top Features:
- Automated income and expense tracking
- Recurring invoicing with reminders
- Sales tax calculation and reporting
- Bank account integration
- Mobile app for invoicing and expense logging
Pricing:
| Lite | Plus | Premium | Select |
| $2.10/mo | $3.80/mo | $6.50/mo | Available on request |
3. Wave
Website: https://www.waveapps.com/
Wave Financial is a fully equipped accounting software that is free, and therefore, it is a reliable alternative to small businesses, freelancers and start-ups. It has features in invoices, expense tracking, scanning receipts, and production of financial reports with no subscription costs. Even though it is free, it still provides professional level accounting functions that enable, among others, double-entry bookkeeping, that allows correct and lawful records.
The software can perform an unrestricted number of invoices and transactions and has a soothing dashboard with an accurate representation of income, expenditure and cash flow patterns. The primary platform is free, but some optional services like the handling of payroll and making of payments may be instituted, depending on the needs of the users. Wave is inexpensive and reliable since it focuses on advanced security by deploying bank-level encryption to ensure that precious financial information is secure.
Top Features:
- Free accounting and invoicing
- Unlimited transactions and clients
- Receipt scanning (with paid upgrade)
- Double-entry accounting system
- Optional paid payroll and payment services
Pricing:
| Starter | Pro |
| $0 | $19/mo |
4. Xero
Website: https://www.xero.com/
Xero is an effective cloud-based accounting system that aims to provide the owners of small businesses with full control over their financial situations. It provides expense management, billing, making online payments, and live collaboration with an accountant or member of the team. Its personalised dashboards and financial reports give a clearer view of business performance at any time to enable the owners to make sound decisions.
Reconciliation and automatic bank feeds are also provided so that transactions can be updated automatically within a day which saves time and autosaves errors. The Xero app marketplace enables Xero to be integrated with more than 1,000 third-party applications, such as inventory tracking systems and online stores, to add new capabilities. Its mobile app also allows the business owners to send invoices, record their expenses, and access financial data at any time so it is a convenient option to have access to accounting while on the road.
Top Features:
- Automatic bank feed and reconciliation
- Real-time dashboards and financial insights
- Invoicing and payment processing
- Add-ons for payroll, projects, and analytics
- Integration with over 1,000 third-party apps
Pricing:
| Starter | Standard | Premium |
| $29/mo | $46/mo | $69/mo |
5. Sage Business Cloud
Website: https://www.sage.com/en-gb/products/sage-50-accounts/#products
Sage products comprise flexible accounting solutions such as the Cloud-based Sage Business Cloud, which is integrated to the desktop-based Sage 50. The two platforms support the core accounting requirements, which include invoicing, expense tracking, cash flow monitoring, payroll integration, and processing payments. These fit several industries and they are flexible on how it is rolled out, either in a full online deployment or with the use of desktop.
With its scalability, Sage would be an excellent solution when an organization is aimed at growth. In more expensive subscription plans, features such as inventory management, multi-currency transactions, and job costing are provided. The software has automated features, which lessens mundane duties, and the reporting features allow owners to make strategic finance decisions. The hybrid solution of Sage 50 enables the user to carry out its work online and offline without necessarily losing the access to the necessary data.
Top Features:
- Invoicing, expense, and cash flow management
- Payroll and payments integration
- Inventory tracking and multi-currency support
- Automation for repetitive financial tasks
- Flexible cloud and desktop options
Pricing:
| Standard | Professional |
| $119.82/mo | $243.12/mo |
6. Zoho Books
Website: https://www.zoho.com/us/books/
Zoho Books is an accounting software with a rich set of capabilities ideal for a micro to small business. It has full-featured capabilities including invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation and inventory management all encapsulated in a friendly and cost-effective integration. Zoho Books is even free of charge at low volumes with the maximum turnover of USD 50,000 per year, so it is especially interesting for startups and individual business owners as well.
Among the best features of Zoho Books is that it is very automation-friendly whether through scheduled invoices, notifications about payments, workflows based on preconditions, etc. It also fits perfectly with other Zoho products (such as Zoho CRM and Zoho Inventory) and third-party applications and allows a homogenous ecosystem. Zoho books is flexible and capable of meeting the needs of businesses as they expand; it has strong reporting and multi-currency capabilities.
Top Features:
- Free tier for businesses earning under USD 50,000 annually
- Automated workflows, payment reminders, and recurring invoices
- Expense tracking, inventory control, and bank reconciliation
- Integrations with Zoho ecosystem and third-party apps
- Multi-currency support and comprehensive reporting
Pricing:
| Free | Standard | Professional | Premium |
| $0 | $15/mo | $40/mo | $60/mo |
7. FreeAgent
Website: https://www.freeagent.com/en/
FreeAgent is an accounting tool built with freelancers, contractors, and small agency owners in mind. It simplifies financial management by bundling invoicing, expense tracking, time recording, and even tax tools into one accessible platform tailored to the UK and U.S. markets. Users often praise how effortlessly FreeAgent handles self-assessment and VAT submissions, reducing a lot of tax-related overhead.
The software offers visual cash flow forecasting and automated operations like recurring invoices and payment reminders, helping freelancers stay on top of finances without manual effort. It also supports multiple users and collaborators, allowing accountants or team members to access accounts as needed, making it a solid option for small teams and solo professionals alike.
Top Features:
- Invoicing, expense tracking, time logging, and tax submissions
- Cash flow forecasting and visual financial dashboards
- Automated recurring invoices and reminders
- Support for VAT and self-assessment tax filing
- Multiple-user access and accountant collaboration
Pricing:
| Monthly | Yearly |
| $11/mo | $110/mo |
Suggested Read: Small Business Ideas in Lucknow
8. NetSuite
Website: https://www.netsuite.com/portal/home.shtml
Oracle NetSuite is a very broad-based cloud based ERP system with highly advanced accounting features like general ledger, accounts payable / accounts receivable, cash / tax management and financial consolidation. It can be well adapted especially to small business with a potential of growth in size or those businesses that need multi-entity and international capabilities.
NetSuite is modular and so you can begin with accounting and expand to other modules such as CRM, inventory, payroll and e-commerce, as your business expands. Complex tools, like revenue recognition, planning and budgeting, multi-currency and international financial consolidation, expose it as a heavy-weight means of rapidly expanding businesses with complicated financial requirements.
Top Features:
- Full general ledger, AP/AR, cash, and tax management
- Modules for CRM, inventory, payroll, and e-commerce integration
- Revenue recognition, budgeting, and planning tools
- Multi-entity, multi-currency, and global consolidation capabilities
- Cloud-based access with extensive customizability
Pricing:
- Available on request
9. Odoo
Website: https://www.odoo.com/app/accounting
Odoo is an open-source and modular business management suite that includes a dedicated accounting app along with modules for CRM, e-commerce, inventory, and more. Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing small business, Odoo’s flexibility allows you to start with just accounting and gradually add other tools based on your needs.
The free Community edition offers accounting, budgeting, profitability tracking, and real-time financial reporting without cost. Advanced users can opt for the Enterprise edition to unlock additional features, professional support, and cloud-based access. Odoo’s highly modular design gives businesses the power to customize their software stack while keeping accounting at the core.
Top Features:
- Free Community edition with accounting, budgeting, and reporting
- Modular integrations: CRM, inventory, e-commerce, and more
- Profitability tracking and customizable financial dashboards
- Option to upgrade to paid Enterprise edition with extra features
- Deployable on-premises or via SaaS/cloud
Pricing:
| Free | Standard | Custom |
| $0 | $6.62/mo | $10.15/mo |
10. Kashoo
Website: https://kashoo.com/
Kashoo is a straightforward accounting system with no requirements on technical expertise of the owner to small business owners with the requirement of robust operations but not complexity. It allows simple invoicing, keeping the track of expenses, reconciliation of bank accounts and reporting of their financial data with the easy-to-use, aesthetic-looking interface, which makes it excellent for owners who need to get things accomplished in a hurry.
Automated and with a user-friendly interface, Kashoo balances ease and versatility with such features as multi-currency, real-time accountant collaboration, and Kashoo mobile apps available on both iOS and Android. When a business needs a solid and straightforward bookkeeping product with good support, Kashoo makes a good prospect, as well as any business with limited accounting experience.
Top Features:
- Straightforward invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation
- Real-time reports and multi-currency support
- Mobile app access and collaboration with accountants
- Clean, easy-to-use interface ideal for non-accountants
- Fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Pricing:
- $30/mo
11. Patriot Accounting
Website: https://www.patriotsoftware.com/
The Patriot Accounting is an inexpensive accounting software with high features suitable to a small business that adores quickness and value. It provides the basic functionalities such as invoicing, tracking expenses, bank reconciliation and simple inventory facilities but also maintains a clean and simple interface. Among its most significant merits, one can also note its compatibility with the payroll services offered by the Patriot, so they may be used together, as a complete service of managing finances and paying the employees.
It is purely cloud-based software so you can access your books anywhere. The simplicity in its set up gives it favorable characteristics of being suitable to be used by a first-time accountancy software user. Patriot Accounting has a chance to become a good pick among small enterprises which must have a professional-level accounting tool with no fancy features.
Top Features:
- Invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation
- Integration with Patriot Payroll for streamlined operations
- Custom invoices and recurring billing
- Cloud-based access from any device
- Affordable pricing with transparent fees
Pricing:
| Basic | Premium |
| $10/mo | $15/mo |
12. ZipBooks
Website: https://zipbooks.com/
ZipBooks is a new-generation accounting software application characterized by minimalism, an intuitive interface, and concentration on automation. It has all the basics such as invoicing, expense tracking, bank syncing and reporting, yet also provides in-built project management and team collaboration tools. ZipBooks delivers clever advice, too, assessing your financial data and recommending on how cash flow can be enhanced.
Its free option makes it attractive to those small companies that are in the initial stages of establishing a business and its paid plans allow great extras such as auto-billing, time tracking, and advanced reports. It has integrations to the payment processors ex. PayPal and Stripe, so that payments can be collected direct out of invoices. To owners who want a low-learning-curve option that nevertheless brings meaningful insights, ZipBooks is an option.
Top Features:
- Free plan available for basic needs
- Invoicing, expense tracking, and payment processing
- Smart insights and recommendations
- Project management and time tracking features
- Integrations with popular payment gateways
Pricing:
| Free | Smarter | Sophisticated | Accountant |
| $0 | $15/mo | $35/mo | Available on request |
13. Vyapar
Website: https://vyaparapp.in/
Vyapar is a highly rated accounting and billing app tailored for Indian micro, small, and retail businesses. It’s designed for ease of use, offering features such as GST-compliant invoicing, inventory tracking, payment reminders, and real-time financial reports—all accessible through both mobile and desktop platforms. It’s particularly popular among retailers and shop owners for its simplicity and efficiency.
One of its standout benefits is the dramatic time savings it offers. For instance, a retail shop in Lucknow reported that Vyapar helped them automate billing and stock entries, cutting down weekly manual accounting time from nearly 10 hours to just a few minutes. The transition to GST reporting became error-free, and the business gained more time for planning and customer engagement.
Top Features:
- GST-ready billing and invoicing
- Inventory management with low-stock alerts
- Automated payment reminders (even via WhatsApp/SMS)
- Real-time business reports (P&L, stock summaries, etc.
- Mobile and desktop accessibility
Pricing:
| Silver | Gold |
| $41.05/yr | $44.13/yr |
14. OneUp
Website: https://www.oneup.com/
OneUp is a fast, AI-assisted accounting and inventory management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It automates key processes like bank reconciliation, expense categorization, and invoice creation by learning from your actions over time. This results in faster, more accurate bookkeeping with minimal manual input.
Beyond accounting, OneUp includes CRM and inventory features, making it a well-rounded platform for small retailers and service providers. Its mobile-friendly design ensures you can manage finances from anywhere, while integrations with banking systems and payment gateways keep all financial data synced and up-to-date.
Top Features:
- AI-assisted automation for bookkeeping
- Invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory control
- CRM features for client management
- Mobile access and bank syncing
- Learning-based automation to improve over time
Pricing:
- Available on request
15. Manager
Website: https://www.manager.io/
Manager is a free, offline-first accounting software that also offers a cloud edition for businesses needing remote access. It provides double-entry bookkeeping, invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, and payroll—all without a subscription fee for the desktop version. The software is lightweight yet powerful, making it ideal for small businesses in regions with limited internet connectivity.
Its modular system lets you enable only the features you need, keeping the interface uncluttered. The cloud version adds secure online access, backups, and multi-user collaboration. For businesses looking for a free yet robust accounting solution that can work both offline and online, Manager stands out.
Top Features:
- Free desktop version with full accounting features
- Cloud edition for remote access and collaboration
- Double-entry accounting, payroll, and inventory tools
- Modular design for a clean interface
- Works offline, ideal for areas with limited connectivity
Pricing:
- Free
Conclusion
Managing business finances is no longer a challenge with modern tools at your disposal. Instead of wasting hours on spreadsheets, you can rely on automation, real-time reporting, and error-free bookkeeping to stay in control. From free options like Wave to advanced platforms such as Xero and NetSuite, there’s a solution tailored for every stage of growth.
Choosing the right Accounting Software for Small Business ensures you save time, minimize errors, and focus more on growing your company rather than handling tedious accounting tasks.
FAQs
Can accounting software work for businesses without a dedicated accountant?
Many modern tools are designed to be user-friendly, allowing business owners with no accounting background to manage their finances effectively. They often include guided steps, help centers, and automated features to make the process easier.
Is cloud-based accounting software better than offline versions?
Cloud-based software allows you to access your accounts from anywhere, collaborate with team members, and get real-time updates. Offline software can be useful if you have limited internet access, but it lacks the flexibility and remote features of cloud systems.
How secure is accounting software for storing sensitive data?
Most reputable solutions use strong encryption, secure servers, and multi-factor authentication to protect data. Regular backups and compliance with industry standards further reduce the risk of data loss or theft.