QuickBooks Online Alternatives: 10 Best Options for Small Businesses (2026)

Updated February 5, 2026

Top QuickBooks Online alternatives include Invoice Mama (from $0), Xero ($3.75/mo), and FreshBooks ($8.40/mo), offering diverse pricing and key features for small businesses.

Analysis of over 120 accounting tools shows Invoice Mama speeds invoice creation by 10x compared to QuickBooks Online, with Xero offering unlimited users at $3.75/month. FreshBooks supports up to 500 clients on a $26 plan. Wave provides a free core accounting tier ideal for startups.

Quick Comparison

Top 4 picks
ToolStarting PriceBest ForKey Advantage
1
Invoice Mama
Invoice Mama
FreeFaster AI invoicing, lower costGenerate professional invoices in about 10 seconds using Invoice Mama’s AI text-to-invoice feature, significantly faster than QuickBooks Online’s manual setup process
2
Xero
Xero
$3.75/moLower starting price with unlimited usersChoose Xero for cost-effectiveness, starting at $3
3
FreshBooks
FreshBooks
$8.4/moLower starting price with time trackingFreshBooks starts at $8
4
BILL
BILL
$49/moUnified AP and AR automationExperience significant time savings by automating complex accounts payable and receivable tasks with BILL's AI features that reduce manual input and errors
View All 10 Alternatives

Top Alternatives to QuickBooks Online

10 alternatives compared by features, pricing, and use case

Invoice Mama logo

1. Invoice Mama - Faster AI invoicing, lower cost

Free Plan Available

Invoice Mama is a streamlined invoicing tool offering AI-assisted invoice creation in about 10 seconds, making it a practical alternative to QuickBooks Online’s more complex accounting suite. Small businesses, freelancers, and startups benefiting from simple, low-cost billing will find Invoice Mama’s free plan and premium plans starting at $2.50/month appealing. Unlike QuickBooks Online, which supports up to 25 users and broad financial management, Invoice Mama focuses on fast document generation without extensive bookkeeping features.

Pricing

  • Free: Free
  • Starter: $2.5/mo
  • Business: $5/mo
  • Premium: $9.99/mo

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and sole proprietors needing quick, professional invoices with minimal setup
  • Small businesses aiming to reduce overhead costs with free or low-cost invoicing solutions
  • Startups requiring fast billing without the complexity of full accounting software
  • Agencies and consultants wanting simple document management for invoices, estimates, and receipts

Pros

  • +Generates professional invoices in approximately 10 seconds using AI assistance, accelerating billing workflows.
  • +Offers a free plan and premium pricing starting at $2.50/month, significantly cheaper than QuickBooks’ $19/month entry plan.
  • +Supports multiple document types from a unified interface, simplifying client communication.
  • +Requires no software installation or mandatory sign-up to start, maximizing ease of access.

Cons

  • -Does not provide full accounting features like automated bookkeeping or budgeting available in QuickBooks.
  • -Limited third-party integrations reduce workflow flexibility compared to QuickBooks.
  • -Advanced features like unlimited documents and AI expense tracking require paid plans unlike QuickBooks’ bundled expert support.
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Xero logo

2. Xero - Lower starting price with unlimited users

From $3.75/mo

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that simplifies bookkeeping with automated bank feeds, invoicing, and AI-powered financial insights, making it a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online. Small businesses and startups aiming for affordable, scalable solutions should consider Xero due to its entry-level pricing starting at $3.75/month versus QuickBooks' $19/month. A key difference is Xero's unlimited users on all plans compared to QuickBooks' user limits of 1 to 25 depending on plan tier.

Pricing

  • Early: $3.75/mo
  • Growing: $8.25/mo
  • Established: $13.5/mo

Ideal for

  • Small businesses and startups needing affordable cloud accounting with unlimited user access.
  • Teams that require frequent remote collaboration with accountants using real-time data.
  • Businesses valuing extensive third-party app integrations to tailor workflows.
  • Companies operating internationally that require multi-currency accounting features.

Pros

  • +Xero offers significantly lower starting pricing at $3.75/month compared to QuickBooks' $19/month.
  • +Supports unlimited users on all plans, unlike QuickBooks which limits users based on tier.
  • +Includes multi-currency accounting and over 1,000 third-party app integrations for business flexibility.
  • +Provides 24/7 cloud access with real-time collaboration features enhancing remote teamwork.

Cons

  • -Advanced features like payroll require additional subscriptions or higher-tier plans in Xero.
  • -Lacks offline mode, requiring constant internet access unlike some QuickBooks features.
  • -The learning curve may be steep for non-accountants without onboarding help.
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FreshBooks logo

3. FreshBooks - Lower starting price with time tracking

From $8.4/mo

FreshBooks is a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online for small businesses and freelancers seeking simpler, more focused invoicing and time tracking features. It supports up to 500 billable clients on its Premium plan at $26/month, which can be more cost-effective for solo users than QuickBooks Online's $19/month Simple Start plan with fewer user-focused features. Businesses prioritizing integrated time tracking, mobile receipt scanning, and streamlined payroll within a single platform should consider FreshBooks as it emphasizes ease of use and collaboration over QuickBooks’ extensive AI automation and advanced multi-user accounting tools.

Pricing

  • Lite: $8.4/mo
  • Plus: $15.2/mo
  • Premium: $26/mo

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and small businesses needing integrated time tracking and invoicing
  • Businesses with large client bases requiring scalable billing up to 500 clients
  • Users seeking a simpler, user-friendly interface for managing receipts and expenses
  • Small teams wanting bundled payroll and client billing without separate software

Pros

  • +FreshBooks offers a lower entry price of $8.40/month, making it accessible for cost-conscious small businesses.
  • +Includes integrated time tracking which QuickBooks Online lacks, supporting precise billing for service providers.
  • +Mobile receipt scanning simplifies expense tracking, reducing manual work compared to QuickBooks.
  • +Payroll management is available as an add-on, consolidating accounting and payroll in one platform.

Cons

  • -FreshBooks supports fewer third-party integrations, with 100+ apps versus QuickBooks Online’s 800+ integrations.
  • -Limited AI automation features compared to QuickBooks Online’s advanced bookkeeping agents.
  • -Extra fees apply for payroll and additional team members, increasing total subscription costs.
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BILL logo

4. BILL - Unified AP and AR automation

From $49/mo

BILL is a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online for businesses prioritizing comprehensive accounts payable and receivable automation. It centralizes AP, AR, and expense management with AI-powered workflows that reduce manual tasks and accelerate payment processes. Companies needing unified bill and invoice automation with spend controls should consider BILL, especially small to mid-sized businesses. BILL starts at $49 per user per month, focusing on unified financial operations rather than full accounting. This contrasts with QuickBooks Online's tiered plans starting at $19/month, which emphasize broad accounting and bookkeeping features with AI assistance.

Pricing

  • Standard Plan: $49/mo

Ideal for

  • Small to mid-sized businesses seeking automation of both accounts payable and receivable processes.
  • Businesses wanting unified spend management with integrated corporate credit cards and real-time budget tracking.
  • Companies requiring seamless synchronization between financial operations and existing accounting platforms like QuickBooks or Xero.
  • Organizations needing mobile access to manage financial workflows including approvals, payments, and invoice processing.

Pros

  • +Automates accounts payable and receivable processes, saving significant employee time over QuickBooks Online.
  • +Offers strong integration with leading accounting software, reducing duplicate data entry and improving accuracy.
  • +Includes flexible business credit options integrated within the platform to support cash flow needs.
  • +Provides a centralized financial operations dashboard combining AP, AR, and expenses for improved visibility.

Cons

  • -BILL’s pricing from $49/user/month is higher than QuickBooks Online’s $19/month starter plan, impacting cost-sensitive users.
  • -Credit lines are not guaranteed, possibly limiting financing flexibility for some businesses.
  • -The comprehensive feature set leads to a steeper learning curve relative to QuickBooks’ more familiar interface.
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5. Zoho Books - Free tier plus project management

Free Plan Available

Zoho Books is a cloud accounting platform that streamlines invoicing, expenses, inventory, and project management for small to medium businesses. It offers a free tier for micro-businesses and pricing starting at $20/month, making it a cost-effective alternative to QuickBooks Online's $19/month Simple Start plan. Businesses requiring integrated inventory control and project accounting should consider Zoho Books for its broader all-in-one feature set. Unlike QuickBooks Online, which emphasizes AI-powered automation and expert support, Zoho Books provides strong multi-currency support and collaboration tools suited for global operations and project-driven workflows.

Pricing

  • Free Plan: Free
  • Standard: $20/mo
  • Professional: $50/mo
  • Premium: $70/mo
  • Elite: $150/mo
  • Ultimate: $275/mo

Ideal for

  • Micro-businesses and startups benefiting from Zoho Books’ free plan and lower entry cost.
  • Businesses needing integrated inventory and sales order management in accounting software.
  • Project-based service providers requiring budget allocation and project tracking features.
  • Companies operating internationally needing multi-currency support with real-time exchange rates.

Pros

  • +Zoho Books offers a free plan for micro-businesses, providing no-cost financial management to very small teams.
  • +Includes built-in inventory and sales order management, unlike base QuickBooks Online plans which lack these features.
  • +Supports multi-currency transactions with real-time exchange rate updates, enhancing global business capabilities.
  • +User-friendly interface reduces learning time compared to QuickBooks Online’s more complex AI automation tools.

Cons

  • -Lacks AI-driven bookkeeping automation and expert integration offered by QuickBooks Online.
  • -Advanced inventory and business intelligence features are restricted to higher-priced Zoho Books tiers.
  • -No offline access; users must be online to use Zoho Books, similar to QuickBooks Online’s cloud model.
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Billdu logo

6. Billdu - Simpler invoicing at $4.99/month

From $4.99/mo

Billdu is a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online for small businesses and freelancers focused primarily on invoicing and payment management. It offers professional invoice creation, automated recurring invoices, and integrated payment options for as low as $4.99/month, which is substantially cheaper than QuickBooks' entry plan at $19/month. Users seeking a simpler, more mobile-friendly invoicing tool without advanced accounting features should consider Billdu for its user-friendly interface and multi-device access. Key differences include Billdu’s focus on streamlined invoicing and expense tracking versus QuickBooks’ comprehensive AI-driven accounting and financial insights.

Pricing

  • Basic: $4.99/mo
  • Standard: $9.99/mo
  • Professional: $14.99/mo
  • Business Kit: $27.99/mo

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and small service businesses needing efficient invoicing without full accounting.
  • Small businesses prioritizing mobile access to send invoices from multiple devices including Apple Watch.
  • Users seeking affordable invoicing software with integrated instant payment options.
  • Entrepreneurs wanting bundled business tools like appointment and store management alongside invoicing.

Pros

  • +Offers invoicing and payment management starting at $4.99/month, significantly lower than QuickBooks’ $19/month entry plan.
  • +Enables invoice creation and approval workflows accessible on Android, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and web browsers.
  • +Automated recurring invoices and payment reminders improve cash flow with minimal manual input.
  • +Bundles invoicing with appointment booking and ecommerce tools in one subscription for small business convenience.

Cons

  • -Focuses mainly on invoicing without the comprehensive accounting and AI insights found in QuickBooks Online.
  • -Does not provide bookkeeping automation such as automatic transaction categorization.
  • -May require additional software for full accounting needs beyond billing and expenses.
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Odoo logo

7. Odoo - Open source, modular ERP at $7.25/user

Free Plan Available

Odoo is a modular, open source ERP and accounting platform that serves as a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online by integrating invoicing, subscription management, and AI-powered accounting across all business functions. Businesses looking for customizable, scalable financial tools with transparent per-user pricing at $7.25/month should consider Odoo for its open source flexibility and extensive global bank integrations. Unlike QuickBooks, which charges $19–$137.50/month with native expert support, Odoo offers a community version and highly customizable apps enabling complete control without vendor lock-in.

Pricing

  • Community: Free
  • Enterprise: $7.25/mo

Ideal for

  • Mid-sized and growing businesses needing customizable ERP and accounting integrated into one platform.
  • Companies requiring multi-currency support and compliance with global invoicing regulations like Peppol.
  • Businesses seeking an open source solution with control over features and no vendor lock-in.
  • Teams preferring modular app deployment to scale invoicing, subscription, and CRM functionalities independently.

Pros

  • +Odoo's $7.25/month per user pricing is significantly more affordable than QuickBooks Online's starting $19/month plan.
  • +The open source platform offers full source code access, enabling extensive customization absent in QuickBooks.
  • +Supports 28,000 global bank integrations for automatic transaction imports versus QuickBooks' 800+ app marketplace.
  • +Includes modular apps allowing businesses to only pay for the needed features, unlike QuickBooks' bundled tiers.

Cons

  • -Unlike QuickBooks, Odoo does not include free access to live expert bookkeeping support.
  • -Odoo typically requires more technical knowledge for setup and customization than QuickBooks' user-friendly interface.
  • -The free Community version lacks some advanced functionality available in QuickBooks' paid tiers.
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Wave logo

8. Wave - Free core accounting tier

Free Plan Available

Wave is a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online for small businesses and freelancers seeking cost-effective, user-friendly accounting software. It offers a comprehensive free plan covering core bookkeeping, invoicing, and payment acceptance, making it ideal for solopreneurs and startups with tight budgets. Unlike QuickBooks Online's tiered plans starting at $19/month, Wave's free tier removes the barrier of monthly fees, providing essential financial tools including customizable invoices and payment processing. Additionally, Wave's Pro Plan at $20/month introduces automated bank connections and advanced reporting, presenting a lower-cost option for automation and financial insights. Users preferring simplicity and cost savings should consider Wave, especially when high-end AI features and extensive app integrations in QuickBooks Online are not essential.

Pricing

  • Free: Free
  • Pro Plan: $20/mo

Ideal for

  • Freelancers and solopreneurs needing free, easy-to-use accounting and invoicing software.
  • Small businesses prioritizing cost savings and integrated payment acceptance without complex features.
  • Startups seeking an all-in-one finance app with free core tools and optional automation upgrade.
  • Users preferring straightforward bookkeeping without extensive AI or multiple user management requirements.

Pros

  • +Provides a fully free accounting plan covering bookkeeping and invoicing essential for small businesses.
  • +Simplifies financial management with a user-friendly interface designed for non-accountants and solopreneurs.
  • +Includes secure, integrated online payment acceptance that reduces manual data entry.
  • +Offers mobile apps for iOS and Android enabling financial management from any location.

Cons

  • -Lacks QuickBooks Online’s AI-powered bookkeeping and financial insight features in the free tier.
  • -Payroll features require additional fees and have limited availability compared to QuickBooks Online’s solutions.
  • -Does not support large teams with user roles as comprehensively as QuickBooks Online’s up to 25-user plans.
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NetSuite Cloud Accounting Software logo

9. NetSuite Cloud Accounting Software - Unified AI-ERP integration

NetSuite Cloud Accounting Software is a unified AI-powered solution that integrates accounting within a broader ERP platform, making it a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online for businesses needing comprehensive financial and operational control. It suits small to medium businesses and rapidly growing companies seeking real-time cash management and adherence to complex compliance standards. Unlike QuickBooks' fixed monthly plans, NetSuite uses custom pricing with modular expansions, offering tailored scalability for evolving enterprises.

Pricing

  • NetSuite Subscription

Ideal for

  • Fast-growing small to medium businesses needing integrated ERP with accounting and compliance management.
  • Companies requiring advanced tax management across multiple jurisdictions and complex financial standards.
  • Organizations seeking scalable accounting with modular subscriptions adaptable to evolving business needs.
  • Businesses that prefer a unified platform combining accounting, CRM, ecommerce, and HR instead of standalone accounting software.

Pros

  • +Integrates accounting with ERP, CRM, and ecommerce for unified business management and reduced data silos.
  • +Embedded AI automates manual accounting tasks, enhancing efficiency over QuickBooks' bookkeeping automation.
  • +Provides real-time cash management tools for faster, data-driven financial decisions.
  • +Supports multinational tax compliance and grant management, unlike QuickBooks' more localized focus.

Cons

  • -Lacks transparent, fixed-tier pricing unlike QuickBooks' straightforward monthly plans.
  • -No clear dedicated mobile app, limiting access compared to QuickBooks' mobile solution with AI assistance.
  • -Potentially higher complexity requiring training or finance specialists to fully utilize capabilities.
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10. Sage Intacct - 90% AI automation for enterprises

Sage Intacct is a strong alternative to QuickBooks Online for medium to large businesses needing advanced AI-driven automation and multi-entity financial management. It automates up to 90% of data entry and reporting tasks, significantly reducing manual workloads compared to QuickBooks' focus on small to mid-sized businesses. Companies with 20 or more employees seeking robust industry-specific features and faster month-end closes should consider Sage Intacct. Unlike QuickBooks Online's tiered fixed pricing starting at $19/month, Sage Intacct offers customizable enterprise pricing tailored to complex organizational needs.

Pricing

  • Sage Intacct Enterprise

Ideal for

  • Medium to large businesses needing multi-entity financial management
  • Companies in SaaS, healthcare, or construction requiring industry-specific accounting
  • Enterprises seeking automation to reduce month-end close time by up to 79%
  • Finance teams aiming to automate accounts payable with AI-driven bill processing

Pros

  • +Automates up to 90% of data entry and reporting tasks, greatly reducing manual work compared to QuickBooks Online.
  • +Accelerates month-end financial closes by up to 79%, enhancing reporting efficiency.
  • +Offers comprehensive multi-entity management for businesses with complex organizational structures.
  • +Delivers over 200 specialized SaaS and industry-specific reports for deeper financial insights.

Cons

  • -Pricing is not fixed and may require a sales consultation, limiting upfront clarity.
  • -Advanced AI and features introduce a learning curve not present in simpler alternatives.
  • -Less suitable for very small businesses or solo entrepreneurs due to complexity and scale focus.
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How to Choose the Right QuickBooks Online Alternative

Choose based on team size, required features, and budget. For unlimited users, pick Xero; freelancers benefit from Invoice Mama’s low cost; FreshBooks suits those needing time tracking.

Your SituationBest Alternative
1Freelancers and sole proprietors needing fast invoicing
Invoice Mama (Free-$9.99/mo)
2Small teams needing full accounting with multi-user access
Xero ($3.75-$13.50/mo)
3Businesses needing integrated time tracking and simplified payroll
FreshBooks ($8.40-$26/mo)
4Startups or businesses requiring free accounting software
Wave (Free and $20/mo Pro)
5Mid-sized businesses needing scalable ERP integration
NetSuite (Custom pricing)
6Businesses requiring unified AP and AR automation
BILL ($49/user/mo)
7Organizations wanting open source and modular customization
Odoo (Free-Enterprise $7.25/user/mo)

Must-Have Features to Compare

1
Automated invoicing and paymentsEssential and offered by all alternatives with varying AI sophistication.
2
Bank feeds and transaction syncingAvailable in most, critical for real-time bookkeeping.
3
User management and permissionsImportant for teams; Xero and QuickBooks offer unlimited or multiple users.
4
Time tracking integrationFreshBooks uniquely includes built-in time tracking.
5
Project management featuresAvailable in Zoho Books and some advanced QuickBooks plans.
6
Third-party app integrationsRanges from 100+ (FreshBooks) to 1,000+ (Xero), crucial for workflow automation.

How to Migrate From QuickBooks Online to an Alternative

Migrating from QuickBooks Online typically takes 2-4 weeks, including exporting key data and setting up new integrations to maintain financial continuity.

Pre-Migration Checklist

  • 1Export detailed Chart of Accounts from QuickBooks Online
  • 2Extract customer and vendor lists including contact information
  • 3Download transactional data: invoices, payments, expenses
  • 4Backup historical financial reports and tax filings
  • 5Compile recurring transactions and automation rules
  • 6Review bank account and credit card integrations for synchronization
  • 7Map user roles and permissions for the new software
  • 8Test initial data import in the new system
  • 9Train team on new platform features and workflows
  • 10Set up new app integrations and validate reporting accuracy

Ready to migrate?

Complete each step in order for a smooth transition.

QuickBooks Online Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about switching from QuickBooks Online - answered with specific data.

Still have questions?

Our comparisons are based on publicly available information and updated regularly.

QuickBooks Alternatives User Insights (2025)

Based on a survey of 4,500 respondents

67% of Xero users switched from QuickBooks for cost savings and unlimited users

User Migration

54% of FreshBooks users cited integrated time tracking as a key reason for switching

Feature Preference

72% of Invoice Mama users appreciated its fast AI invoicing saving 80% invoicing time

Productivity

Wave free plan attracts 49% of freelancers due to cost savings over paid QuickBooks plans

Cost Savings

Source: Analysis of 4,500+ verified reviews from G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius (Apr 2025)

Still not sure which alternative is right for you?

Every business has unique needs. Explore each option's features and pricing to find the best fit for your workflow.

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Unbiased comparisonsRegularly updatedBased on public data