View all Accounting Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to QuickBooks Online
Stop paying $38 - $275/mo. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: AccountingVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Wave Apps
FREEBest for Micro-Businesses & Freelancers
Why we like it
The 'Starter' plan is still free for unlimited invoicing and accounting; the 'Pro' plan ($190/yr) includes auto-import bank feeds and receipt scanning; incredibly user-friendly for non-accountants.
Keep in mind
Lacks deep inventory management; 'Starter' plan now includes ads and manual-only bank entries as of mid-2025.
Xero
Best for Growing Teams & Inventory
Why we like it
Unlimited users on every plan (unlike QB); superior fixed-asset management; excellent global community of advisors; supports 1,000+ app integrations; better for ecommerce due to clean inventory tracking.
Keep in mind
Interface has a steeper learning curve than Wave or FreshBooks; the entry-level 'Early' plan is very restrictive with only 20 invoices per month.
FreshBooks
Best for Service-Based Businesses
Why we like it
The most intuitive invoicing and time-tracking UI; excellent project profitability tools; stellar customer support; 'Lite' plan is perfect for contractors with <5 clients.
Keep in mind
Accounting features are less robust for businesses with physical inventory; pricing increases rapidly as you add more clients.
Zoho Books
FREEBest Value for All-in-One Users
Why we like it
Generous free tier for small businesses; seamless integration with the massive Zoho suite (CRM, Mail, Desk); includes client portal and automated workflows in early tiers.
Keep in mind
The interface can feel utilitarian and cluttered compared to the 'modern' look of QuickBooks or FreshBooks.
GnuCash
FREEBest for Privacy & Offline Use
Why we like it
100% free and open-source; desktop-based so no data lives in the cloud; supports double-entry accounting and small business features like payroll and invoicing.
Keep in mind
Zero automation (no bank feeds); UI is dated; requires manual backups and significantly more accounting knowledge.
Puzzle.io
Best for Modern Tech Startups
Why we like it
AI-first accounting that connects directly to Stripe, Mercury, and Brex; built for real-time visibility rather than 'month-end' closes; replaces the need for a legacy bookkeeper.
Keep in mind
Designed specifically for venture-backed startups; not suitable for traditional brick-and-mortar or complex inventory businesses.
Patriot Software
Best for Basic Payroll + Accounting
Why we like it
Known for the best US-based support; extremely straightforward and fast interface; combined payroll and accounting is significantly cheaper than the QB equivalent.
Keep in mind
Lacks advanced reporting and deep customization; primarily focused on the US market.
Need more options?
Explore our full directory of Accounting software alternatives.
Browse the Accounting Hub