Best Bench Accounting Alternatives in 2025

Bench has been a go-to bookkeeping solution for many first-time entrepreneurs. Its software and monthly reconciliation services simplify finances for newer small business owners, particularly those who wear many hats. However, as businesses grow and mature, their needs also evolve, exposing Bench's limitations. Bench doesn’t include payroll, tax filing, or year-round advisory support, which can leave significant gaps that cause problems during tax season and throughout the year when faced with making critical long-term financial decisions.

The good news for Bench clients? In 2025, several strong alternatives to Bench offer comprehensive features that help manage bookkeeping, generate actionable insights with real-time data, and power tax preparation, payroll, compliance, and long-term planning —features that Bench clients and other entrepreneurs are looking for. 

Use this guide for a list of the top Bench accounting alternatives in 2025, along with our picks, ensuring your business is set up for long-term success. 

Key Highlights

• Bench excels in basic bookkeeping but lacks tax filing, payroll, and comprehensive advisory support.

• Businesses seeking all-in-one accounting services will benefit from switching to a more comprehensive provider, especially as they mature and grow. 

• 1-800Accountant stands out as the top alternative to Bench in 2025, offering a comprehensive suite of bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and advisory services in a single, affordable package. Services may also be used individually. 

• Other alternatives, such as QuickBooks Live, Pilot, and Xendoo, offer unique strengths but vary in terms of pricing, services, and scalability.

• Selecting the best alternative for your operations depends on several factors, including business size, industry, budget, and compliance needs.

Why Look for Bench Alternatives?

Bench bookkeeping has gained popularity due to its affordability and simplicity. However, as your business needs become more varied and complex, its limitations become more apparent.

• No tax filing: You’ll need a separate CPA, EA, or tax professional to handle business tax preparation and filing, adding cost and complexity.

• No payroll services: Employers and businesses planning to hire in the future must still manage payroll independently while meeting strict IRS payroll tax deadlines.

• Limited advisory: Bench provides the numbers, but you'll have to look elsewhere for strategic financial guidance.

• Ongoing changes: Bench is rebranding as Mainstreet, which may cause uncertainty for some business owners.

Small business owners increasingly want integrated solutions from providers they won't inevitably outgrow. Instead of juggling multiple providers for bookkeeping, payroll, and taxes, it’s more efficient to work with a single trusted partner who can efficiently address compliance, proactive tax planning, and ongoing advisory.

Criteria for Choosing a Bench Alternative

Before engaging with Bench competitors, it's essential to understand the criteria and other features necessary for your growing business. When evaluating Bench bookkeeping alternatives, consider these key factors:

• Comprehensive services: Look for providers that combine bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, and advisory.

• Pricing transparency: Flat-rate packages are easier to budget for than unpredictable hourly billing.

• Industry expertise: Professionals familiar with your industry and the nuances of your region can provide more accurate insights and guidance.

• Ease of use: User-friendly platforms and automation save time while reducing errors and frustration.

• Scalability: Select a service that can support your business's growth goals at every stage.

Top Bench Accounting Alternatives in 2025

Review the following bookkeeping services for small businesses in 2025. Bench alternatives with tax filing and online accounting for small businesses are featured, allowing for an in-depth comparison of Bench vs. competitors.  

1. 1-800Accountant – Best All-in-One Solution (Editor’s Pick)

1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm, provides comprehensive virtual accounting services for small businesses, encompassing bookkeeping, tax preparation and planning, payroll, entity formation, and audit defense. Clients are assigned dedicated professional CPAs, EAs, bookkeepers, or a team, ensuring error-free work and year-round support. Full-service bookkeeping is powered by a real bookkeeper and ClientBooks, a proprietary platform that centralizes financial records and communication.

Key stats: On average, 1-800Accountant clients save more than $12,000 per year in taxes and reclaim more than 25 hours during tax season alone.

• Pricing: Flat-rate packages start around $179/month.

• Best suited for: Small businesses, freelancers, and startups seeking a single partner for all their accounting needs. 

• Standout feature: Affordable, flat-rate pricing with unlimited access to your designated team.

👉 Explore virtual accounting for small businesses with 1-800Accountant.

2. QuickBooks Live

QuickBooks Live is Intuit’s bookkeeping offering that pairs directly with its well-known QuickBooks software. For business owners already using QuickBooks for accounting, this add-on offers a seamless way to integrate professional bookkeepers.

• Strengths: Seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks software, making it a natural choice for users already invested in the QuickBooks ecosystem.

• Limitations: Focuses only on bookkeeping—no tax filing or payroll included.

• Best for: Business owners already committed to QuickBooks for accounting software.

3. Bookkeeper360

Bookkeeper360 markets itself as a tech-enabled accounting partner with a range of financial tools. It integrates with both QuickBooks and Xero, providing businesses with access to advisory services in addition to core bookkeeping support.

• Strengths: Offers bookkeeping, payroll, and CFO advisory, with integration to QuickBooks and Xero.

• Limitations: No built-in tax prep; requires working with an external CPA, EA, or tax preparation partner.

• Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses needing more financial reporting insight.

4. Pilot

Pilot is a startup-focused accounting service that emphasizes automation and scalability. It’s particularly popular with venture-backed companies thanks to integrations with growth and investor reporting tools.

• Strengths: Tech-forward, designed for startups, and integrates with venture capital tools.

• Limitations: High pricing and limited scope. Pilot primarily offers bookkeeping and CFO services.

• Best for: High-growth startups with complex reporting needs.

5. Wave Advisors

Wave Advisors builds on the free Wave accounting software by offering access to bookkeeping professionals. It’s designed to help freelancers and microbusinesses get affordable support without committing to expensive accounting packages.

• Strengths: Affordable bookkeeping linked to Wave’s free accounting software.

• Limitations: Lacks full tax preparation and payroll services.

• Best for: Freelancers or solopreneurs with straightforward bookkeeping needs.

6. Xendoo

Xendoo positions itself as a modern bookkeeping service with bundled tax support. It integrates with major accounting platforms, such as QuickBooks and Xero, while keeping costs more accessible for small businesses.

• Strengths: Includes bookkeeping and tax filing in bundled packages.

• Limitations: Less personalized support than full-service firms that provide year-round guidance.

• Best for: Small businesses that need basic bundled bookkeeping and tax services at a lower cost.

7. Merritt Bookkeeping

Merritt Bookkeeping focuses on simplicity and affordability. By offering a single, flat monthly fee for bookkeeping, it appeals to very small businesses seeking straightforward service without unnecessary extras.

• Strengths: Simple, affordable bookkeeping service at around $190/month.

• Limitations: No payroll, tax filing, or advisory support.

• Best for: Very small businesses with the most basic bookkeeping needs.

Final Thoughts – Which Bench Alternative is Best for You?

Bench is useful for simple bookkeeping tasks in the short term, but many modern business owners and entrepreneurs demand more. As tax laws continue to evolve and key 2025 tax deadlines approach, compliance and strategic financial planning become increasingly critical considerations.

For small businesses seeking a trusted partner with bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and advisory capabilities for an affordable, tax-deductible fee, the choice is clear: 1-800Accountant is the top alternative to Bench in 2025. Its flat-rate pricing, expert CPAs, EAs, bookkeepers, and tax professionals, along with its comprehensive and scalable service model, provide peace of mind and significant, long-term savings, supporting your business from launch. 

Ready to simplify your finances? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today to preview your potential time and tax savings.