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Best accounting software for small business
By Cathy Riddell · Prices checked 25 Oct 2026 · Last updated 25 Oct 2026
How this page was made: I compared each vendor’s official pricing and feature pages on 25 Oct 2026. Hands-on test notes are added only after I’ve used the product on a real account; until then they’re marked as pending. My review method.
What’s on the shortlist?
| Tool | Best for | Price (official page) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero | Growing businesses; no per-user fees | US: Early US$27/mo, Growing US$59/mo, Established US$97/mo (official page, checked 25 Oct 2026) | Visit Xero |
| QuickBooks Online | US businesses with a QuickBooks accountant | Check current pricing on the official QuickBooks Online pricing page | Visit QuickBooks Online |
| Zoho Books | Lowest cost; Zoho users | US: Free plan; Standard US$20/mo (US$15 billed annually); Professional US$50/mo (US$40 annually) (official page, checked 25 Oct 2026) | Visit Zoho Books |
| FreshBooks | Freelancers who invoice | Lite US$23/mo, Plus US$43/mo, Premium US$70/mo (official page, checked 25 Oct 2026) | Visit FreshBooks |
How did I choose?
Price at small-business scale, users included, invoicing and bank reconciliation on entry plans, and how widely accountants support each one. Hands-on scores follow testing. Method.
What should I check before buying?
- Does your accountant support it?
- Does it handle your country’s sales tax (GST/VAT/sales tax) reporting?
- How many users and invoices does the entry plan allow?
- Is payroll included or an add-on?
[Cathy to add: hands-on notes from a real each shortlisted tool account: plan tested, date, what was set up, screenshots]
Frequently asked questions
What accounting software do most small businesses use?
I don’t have verified market-share data to quote. In practice, ask your accountant which they support.
What is the cheapest accounting software?
Zoho Books has a free plan; its Standard plan is US$20/mo or US$15/mo billed annually (official US page, 25 Oct 2026).
Cathy is an Adelaide-based digital agency founder who sets up and runs small-business software for real clients. She writes every BizStacked guide and keeps the prices on each page dated and sourced. How I review →
Related guides
Sources
- https://www.xero.com/us/pricing-plans/: Xero official pricing page, checked 25 Oct 2026
- https://quickbooks.intuit.com/pricing/: QuickBooks Online official pricing page, could not be read in full on 25 Oct 2026; no price quoted
- https://www.zoho.com/us/books/pricing/: Zoho Books official pricing page, checked 25 Oct 2026
- https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing: FreshBooks official pricing page, checked 25 Oct 2026
Prices are in USD unless stated and come only from the official vendor pages above. Vendors change prices and run promotions often, so confirm on the official page before you buy. Star ratings aren’t published until hands-on testing is complete.