QuickBooks alternatives
2 tools people consider instead of QuickBooks, compared on price, free plans and who each is for.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks (the one you started with) | Yes | $38 /mo (Simple Start) | Small businesses that want the accounting tool most accountants already know |
| Xero | No | $27 /mo (regular price, Early) | Small businesses that want online accounting that they and their accountant can both use |
| Zoho Books | Yes | $15 /mo (Standard, billed yearly) | Very small businesses that want free accounting and a clear path to bigger plans, especially if they use other Zoho apps |
Prices show in your local currency where a company lists them; others stay in USD.
Why people look for a QuickBooks alternative
Based on our review of QuickBooks, these are the limits that most often send buyers looking elsewhere:
- Higher regular prices than some rivals
- Few users on the lower plans
- Advanced features sit on Plus and Advanced
Still a good fit if your accountant already uses QuickBooks, or you want a trusted name. See the full QuickBooks profile for plans and pricing.
Xero instead of QuickBooks
Small businesses that want online accounting that they and their accountant can both useCloud accounting for small businesses, with invoicing, bills and bank matching.
Pick Xero over QuickBooks if you want online accounting you can share with an accountant. Stay with QuickBooks if your accountant already uses QuickBooks.
| QuickBooks | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $38 /mo (Simple Start) | $27 /mo (regular price, Early) |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | Yes | Not shown |
Why choose Xero
- Easy for owners and accountants to share
- Clear three-plan ladder
Keep in mind
- No free plan
- Early limits invoices and bills
Zoho Books instead of QuickBooks
Very small businesses that want free accounting and a clear path to bigger plans, especially if they use other Zoho appsOnline accounting with a free plan and six paid plans that grow with the business.
Pick Zoho Books over QuickBooks if you want free accounting to start. Stay with QuickBooks if your accountant already uses QuickBooks.
| QuickBooks | Zoho Books | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $38 /mo (Simple Start) | $15 /mo (Standard, billed yearly) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
Why choose Zoho Books
- A real free plan for very small businesses
- Price is per business, not per user
Keep in mind
- Free plan stops fitting above $50K revenue
- Many plans can be confusing
QuickBooks alternatives FAQ
What is the best alternative to QuickBooks?
It depends on what you need. Xero is best for small businesses that want online accounting that they and their accountant can both use. Zoho Books is best for very small businesses that want free accounting and a clear path to bigger plans, especially if they use other Zoho apps.
Is there a free alternative to QuickBooks?
Yes. Zoho Books list a free plan. See each profile for its limits.
Why do people look for a QuickBooks alternative?
Common reasons, based on our review: higher regular prices than some rivals; few users on the lower plans; advanced features sit on Plus and Advanced.
Alternatives to other tools
Last updated: 16 Oct 2026. How we research · All alternatives