In the rapidly evolving world of business, having the right tools to manage your finances is crucial. Cloud-based accounting software offers small businesses the flexibility, scalability, and efficiency needed to stay competitive. These platforms allow businesses to manage their finances from anywhere, at any time, and on any device, providing real-time insights into their financial health. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best cloud-based accounting software options for small businesses, detailing their features, pricing, pros, and cons.
1. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is one of the most popular cloud-based accounting solutions for small businesses, known for its user-friendly interface and robust features.
Available Trial : QuickBooks Online offers a 30-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Simple Start: $25 per month
- Essentials: $50 per month
- Plus: $80 per month
- Advanced: $180 per month
Pros :
- Easy to use and navigate.
- Wide range of features including invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll.
- Integration with numerous third-party applications.
Cons :
- Higher pricing compared to some other solutions.
- Customer support can be slow during peak times.
2. Xero
Xero is a powerful cloud-based accounting software known for its strong integration capabilities and clean, intuitive design.
Available Trial : Xero offers a 30-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Early: $12 per month
- Growing: $34 per month
- Established: $65 per month
Pros :
- Excellent mobile app.
- Strong integration with over 800 business applications.
- Comprehensive financial reporting tools.
Cons :
- Limited customer support options.
- The learning curve for some advanced features.
3. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is designed specifically for small business owners, providing an easy-to-use interface and a focus on invoicing and time tracking.
Available Trial : FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Lite: $15 per month
- Plus: $25 per month
- Premium: $50 per month
- Select: Custom pricing
Pros :
- User-friendly interface.
- Excellent invoicing and time-tracking capabilities.
- Strong customer support.
Cons :
- Limited accounting features compared to some competitors.
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive for very small businesses.
4. Wave
Wave offers free cloud-based accounting software, making it an attractive option for small businesses on a tight budget.
Available Trial : Wave is free to use.
Price and Plans :
- Accounting: Free
- Payroll: Starts at $20 per month plus $6 per active employee
Pros :
- Completely free for accounting and invoicing.
- Easy to use with a clean interface.
- Strong financial reporting tools.
Cons :
- Limited features compared to paid solutions.
- Customer support is limited to email and live chat.
5. Zoho Books
Zoho Books is part of the Zoho suite of business applications, offering robust accounting features at an affordable price.
Available Trial : Zoho Books offers a 14-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Basic: $15 per month
- Standard: $50 per month
- Professional: $70 per month
Pros :
- Affordable pricing.
- Strong integration with other Zoho products.
- Comprehensive feature set including project management.
Cons :
- Limited integrations with third-party applications.
- The user interface can be complex for new users.
6. Sage Business Cloud Accounting
Sage Business Cloud Accounting offers powerful accounting tools tailored for small businesses, with a strong focus on automation and ease of use.
Available Trial : Sage offers a 30-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Accounting Start: $10 per month
- Accounting: $25 per month
Pros :
- Affordable pricing.
- Strong automation features.
- Good integration with other Sage products.
Cons :
- Limited features in the lower-tier plan.
- Customer support can be slow.
7. Kashoo
Kashoo provides simple, straightforward accounting software for small businesses, with a focus on ease of use and affordability.
Available Trial : Kashoo offers a 14-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Starting at $16.65 per month when billed annually
Pros :
- Easy to use with a clean interface.
- Affordable pricing.
- Strong customer support.
Cons :
- Limited features compared to some competitors.
- No mobile app for Android.
8. Zoho Invoice
Zoho Invoice is a free invoicing software that offers robust features and integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products.
Available Trial : Zoho Invoice is free to use.
Price and Plans :
- Free: Full features
Pros :
- Completely free to use.
- Strong integration with other Zoho products.
- Excellent invoicing features.
Cons :
- Limited to invoicing and does not offer full accounting features.
- Limited customer support.
9. OneUp
OneUp is an all-in-one cloud-based accounting solution designed for small businesses, offering strong automation and inventory management features.
Available Trial : OneUp offers a 30-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Self: $9 per month
- Pro: $19 per month
- Plus: $29 per month
- Team: $69 per month
- Unlimited: $169 per month
Pros :
- Affordable pricing.
- Strong automation features.
- Comprehensive inventory management.
Cons :
- Limited third-party integrations.
- The user interface can be complex for new users.
10. GnuCash
GnuCash is a free, open-source accounting software that offers basic accounting features suitable for small businesses.
Available Trial : GnuCash is free to use.
Price and Plans :
- Free: Full features
Pros :
- Completely free to use.
- Offers basic accounting features.
- Strong community support.
Cons :
- Outdated user interface.
- Limited advanced features and integrations.
11. FreeAgent
FreeAgent offers cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for small businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors.
Available Trial : FreeAgent offers a 30-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Starting at $12 per month for the first 6 months, then $24 per month
Pros :
- User-friendly interface.
- Comprehensive feature set including time tracking and invoicing.
- Strong customer support.
Cons :
- Pricing can be high for very small businesses.
- Limited integrations with third-party applications.
12. Brightpearl
Brightpearl is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software designed for retail businesses, offering robust inventory and order management features.
Available Trial : Brightpearl offers a free demo.
Price and Plans :
- Custom pricing based on business needs
Pros :
- Strong inventory and order management features.
- Excellent reporting tools.
- Good integration with e-commerce platforms.
Cons :
- Custom pricing can be expensive.
- Limited to retail businesses.
13. Billy
Billy offers simple, intuitive accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses.
Available Trial : Billy offers a 14-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Starter: $15 per month
- Basic: $19 per month
- Unlimited: $39 per month
Pros :
- User-friendly interface.
- Affordable pricing.
- Strong invoicing and expense tracking features.
Cons :
- Limited advanced features.
- No mobile app for Android.
14. AccountEdge Pro
AccountEdge Pro offers comprehensive accounting software for small businesses, available as a cloud-based solution or desktop application.
Available Trial : AccountEdge Pro offers a free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Starting at $399 for the desktop version, with additional fees for cloud access
Pros :
- Comprehensive feature set.
- Available as both cloud-based and desktop solution.
- Strong customer support.
Cons :
- Higher upfront cost for the desktop version.
- Cloud access incurs additional fees.
15. ZipBooks
ZipBooks offers free cloud-based accounting software with strong invoicing and expense tracking features.
Available Trial : ZipBooks offers a free version.
Price and Plans :
- Starter: Free
- Smarter: $15 per month
- Sophisticated: $35 per month
- Accountant: Custom pricing
Pros :
- Free version available.
- User-friendly interface.
- Strong invoicing and expense tracking features.
Cons :
- Limited features in the free version.
- Customer support is limited to email and live chat.
16. Odoo
Odoo is an open-source ERP system that includes comprehensive accounting features suitable for small businesses.
Available Trial : Odoo offers a 15-day free trial.
Price and Plans :
- Pricing starts at $20 per user per month
Pros :
- Comprehensive ERP and accounting features.
- Strong customization options.
- Good integration with other business applications.
Cons :
- Requires technical expertise for setup and customization.
- Pricing can be high for small businesses with many users.
17. Sunrise
Available Trial : Sunrise offers a free version.
Price and Plans :
- Free: Full features
- Paid plans: Custom pricing for additional features and support
Pros :
- Free version available.
- User-friendly interface.
- Strong invoicing and expense tracking features.
Cons :
- Limited features in the free version.
- Customer support is limited to email and live chat.
18. Pandle
Price and Plans :
- Free: Full features
- Pandle Pro: £5 per month
Pros :
- Free version available.
- User-friendly interface.
- Strong invoicing and expense tracking features.
Cons :
- Limited features in the free version.
- Customer support is limited to email and live chat.
19. Manager
Price and Plans :
- Free: Full features
- Paid plans: Custom pricing for additional features and support
Pros :
- Free version available.
- User-friendly interface.
- Strong invoicing and expense tracking features.
Cons :
- Limited features in the free version.
- Customer support is limited to email and live chat.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cloud-based accounting software for your small business is crucial for managing your finances efficiently. Each of the software solutions listed above offers unique features, pricing, and support options that cater to different business needs. Here is a quick summary of the top options:
1. QuickBooks Online - Best for comprehensive features and integration.
2. Xero - Best for integration capabilities and clean design.
3. FreshBooks - Best for invoicing and time tracking.
4. Wave - Best for free accounting and invoicing.
5. Zoho Books - Best for affordable pricing and integration with Zoho products.
6. Sage Business Cloud Accounting - Best for automation and ease of use.
7. Kashoo - Best for simplicity and affordability.
8. Zoho Invoice - Best for free invoicing and integration with Zoho products.
9. OneUp - Best for automation and inventory management.
10. GnuCash - Best for free, basic accounting.
11. FreeAgent - Best for freelancers and sole proprietors.
12. Brightpearl - Best for retail businesses.
13. Billy - Best for simplicity and affordability.
14. AccountEdge Pro - Best for comprehensive features.
15. ZipBooks - Best for free accounting and invoicing.
16. Odoo - Best for comprehensive ERP and accounting features.
17. Sunrise - Best for free accounting and invoicing.
18. Pandle - Best for free accounting and invoicing.
19. Manager - Best for free accounting and invoicing.
Consider your specific business needs, budget, and the technical expertise of your team when choosing the best cloud-based accounting software. Most of these solutions offer free trials or versions, so take advantage of these opportunities to evaluate the software before making a final decision. With the right accounting software in place, you can ensure that your small business finances are managed efficiently and effectively.
