If you run a business—whether it’s a small shop, a solo freelancing gig, or a growing online store—there’s a good chance you’ve used or at least considered QuickBooks. It’s been the “default” accounting software for years. But in 2026, more and more business owners are asking the same question:
“Is QuickBooks still the right choice… or is it time to switch to something better?”
In all honesty? There’s no reason to be alone. A lot of businesses are outgrowing QuickBooks, depressed by the cost hikes, complex interfaces, inadequate support, or features that they do not require. The good news is that there are excellent QuickBooks alternatives–simple, budget-friendly, more modern, and in some cases, way easier to use.
Here’s an introduction to the top QuickBooks alternatives. It includes which ones are best for you strengths, weaknesses, and what businesses actually love about them.
1. FreshBooks – Best for Service-Based Businesses & Freelancers
FreshBooks continues to be one of the easiest, most intuitive QuickBooks alternatives on the market.
Why people switch to FreshBooks
- Extremely simple to use
- Clean design, perfect for non-accountants
- Built-in time tracking
- Easy invoicing and payments
- Affordable plans
- Great for client-based work
While QuickBooks can feel overwhelming, FreshBooks feels like it was built for everyday people.
Best for:
Freelancers, consultants, agencies, coaches, and service businesses.
2. Wave – Best Free Alternative to QuickBooks
If your budget is tight or you’re just starting, Wave Accounting is one of the strongest free options available.
What makes Wave a winner
- 100% free accounting
- Clean and simple interface
- Unlimited invoicing
- Payment processing built-in
- Solid reporting
You only pay if you accept card payments or use payroll.
Best for:
Startups, solopreneurs, small businesses that need simple, free accounting.
3. Xero – Best for Growing Businesses & Multi-User Teams
Xero is one of QuickBooks’ biggest competitors—and for good reason.
Why businesses choose Xero
- True cloud-based accounting
- Unlimited users (unlike QuickBooks)
- Great integrations
- Clean mobile app
- Robust reporting
- Supports product-based businesses
If your team collaborates across locations or needs reliable cloud access, Xero is a major upgrade.
Best for:
Growing businesses, teams, retail, eCommerce brands.
4. Zoho Books – Best All-in-One Business Suite Alternative
Zoho Books is part of the larger Zoho ecosystem—CRM, email, HR, marketing, automations, and more.
Top advantages
- Affordable pricing
- Automation-heavy
- Works smoothly with other Zoho apps
- Great for end-to-end business management
- Strong invoicing and client portal
If you want your accounting, CRM, and workflows to live inside one system, Zoho is a fantastic choice.
Best for:
Businesses already using Zoho or wanting an affordable all-in-one system.
5. Sage Accounting – Best for More Advanced Accounting Needs
Sage may not be as flashy as newer tools, but it’s powerful and highly reliable.
Why businesses prefer Sage
- Robust accounting features
- Scalable for growing companies
- Strong inventory management
- Better long-term stability
- Industry-trusted
It’s more traditional in design, but incredibly dependable.
Best for:
Businesses that need deeper accounting features and long-term reliability.
6. Kashoo – Best for Simple, Stress-Free Accounting
Kashoo is perfect for people who want accounting that “just works” without dashboards overloaded with features.
Why it’s a great QuickBooks alternative
- Simple interface
- Smart categorization
- Great for beginners
- Affordable
- Good mobile experience
If QuickBooks feels too complicated, Kashoo feels refreshing.
Best for:
Solopreneurs and small businesses wanting stress-free accounting.
7. Bonsai – Best for freelancers & creators (invoices + contracts + taxes)
Bonsai isn’t just accounting—it’s everything a self-employed creator needs.
Why freelancers switch to Bonsai
- Contracts and proposals
- Invoicing and payments
- Expense tracking
- Client CRM
- Tax reminders
- Project templates
It’s basically the “business-in-a-box” many creators never knew they needed.
Best for:
Freelancers, creators, coaches, designers, marketers.
8. Patriot Accounting – Best for U.S. Small Businesses With Payroll Needs
Patriot is one of the most affordable tools for businesses that need reliable payroll + accounting.
Why Patriot stands out
- Extremely affordable
- U.S.-based expert support
- Strong payroll tools
- Great for W2 + 1099 workers
- Simple interface
If QuickBooks Payroll feels expensive, Patriot is a breath of fresh air.
Best for:
Small U.S. businesses with employees or contractors.
Which QuickBooks Alternative Is Best for You?
Here’s a simple cheat sheet:
- Best free option → Wave
- Best for freelancers → FreshBooks or Bonsai
- Best for growing teams → Xero
- Best for all-in-one business tools → Zoho Books
- Best for advanced accounting → Sage
- Best for U.S. payroll → Patriot
- Best simple alternative → Kashoo
There’s no single “best” tool—just the tool that best fits the way you work.
FAQs: QuickBooks Alternatives
1. Why do companies look to QuickBooks alternatives?
Common reasons include price complexity, a desire for simpler tools or the desire to have cheaper options that offer the same or greater capabilities.
2. What is the best, free option to QuickBooks?
Wave is a completely free accounting service with paid add-ons for payment and payroll.
3. Which QuickBooks option is the best for freelancers?
FreshBooks, along with Bonsai, are both fantastic as they integrate invoices, time tracking and accounting that is simple.
4. Which software is the best fit for teams with many users?
Xero allows unlimited users on all plans, which makes it ideal for collaboration.
5. Do you find switching from QuickBooks challenging?
The majority of options offer simple import tools for customer information, as well as invoices and transaction history.
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks is a powerful instrument, but it’s not the only option. Businesses will have more adaptable, affordable and more user-friendly alternatives than ever before. If you’re a freelancer, an established company, or a smaller business owner looking for something a bit simpler, there’s an alternative available.
It is important to choose software that is compatible with your business size as well as your workflow and your comfort level, not the one that “everyone else” employs.