Back Office Guide

QuickBooks Online

Widely used small-business accounting software, now with Intuit Intelligence AI features that categorize, reconcile and flag anomalies.

Our verdict
Best default for most US small businesses, and the one your bookkeeper probably knows.

Published price

Free $0 (1 user). Simple Start $38/month, Essentials $85/month, Plus $140/month, Advanced $340/month (intro discounts often shown).

From the vendor's pricing page, checked . Prices change; confirm on the vendor's site before you buy.

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Alternatives

Other tools in accounting software.

Xero

Paid

Cloud accounting with bank reconciliation, bills, invoices, Smart Document Capture and optional Xero Payroll powered by Gusto.

Verdict. Best QuickBooks alternative, especially if your bookkeeper already works in Xero.

Published price. Early $27/month, Growing $59/month, Established $97/month (US). Checked Oct 22, 2026.

Zoho Books

Free plan

Accounting with invoices, bills, bank feeds, receipt autoscans and 1099 filing, with a free plan for micro businesses.

Verdict. Best value accounting software, especially with other Zoho apps.

Published price. Free plan. Standard $20/org/month ($15 billed annually). Higher plans up to Ultimate $275/org/month ($240 billed annually). Checked Oct 22, 2026.

Invoicing-first accounting for service businesses: estimates, invoices, expense tracking, receipt scanning and reports.

Verdict. Best for service businesses whose day revolves around invoicing clients.

Published price. Lite $23/month, Plus $43/month, Premium $70/month (intro discounts often shown). Checked Oct 22, 2026.