Best QuickBooks Alternatives for Small Businesses (2025)

QuickBooks is the most recognized accounting software in the U.S., holding roughly 62% of the overall market share. Despite its popularity, many entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners find QuickBooks features to be overwhelming, pricing too expensive, or simply not the right fit for their needs.

Fortunately, the accounting software space offers alternatives that are a better fit for modern small business owners, offering affordability, ease of use, and scalability. At the top of the list is ClientBooks, a solution built specifically for small business owners and integrated with real human accounting and bookkeeping expertise from 1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm.  

This guide will walk through the best QuickBooks alternatives in 2025, highlighting their unique capabilities and helping you choose software that's the best fit for your small business needs.

Key Highlights

• QuickBooks and QuickBooks Online dominate the market, but many small businesses find them to be too costly and complex.

• ClientBooks leads as the best overall QuickBooks alternative, offering do-it-yourself (DIY) bookkeeping, compatibility with common platforms, and the option to add full-service bookkeeping powered by your designated bookkeeper for an affordable, tax-deductible fee.

• Other strong QuickBooks competitors to consider include FreshBooks, Xero, Wave, Zoho Books, Sage, and Kashoo—each catering to different business needs.

• Choosing the right solution depends on factors like budget, features, integrations, and overall support.

• The right accounting platform saves time, reduces stress, and helps your small business grow with confidence.

Why Look for QuickBooks Alternatives in 2025?

While QuickBooks has long been the default choice for accounting software, it’s not without drawbacks:

• High costs: Subscription pricing can add up, especially for small or seasonal businesses.

• Complexity: Many entrepreneurs don’t need the advanced features designed primarily for accounting professionals.

• Steep learning curve: Business owners often spend more time trying to figure out QuickBooks than actually using it to help their businesses grow.

The rise of new technologies and user-friendly design has paved the way for affordable, intuitive small business bookkeeping software options that better align with the needs of small businesses. In 2025, trends shaping these alternatives to QuickBooks and the overall accounting software market include:

• Automation: From recurring invoices to automated reminders, reducing manual entry.

• Integrated solutions: Platforms that combine bookkeeping with tax filing support for small businesses.

• Accessible support: Increasingly, entrepreneurs are demanding software backed by real human expertise, not just self-service tools.

The Best QuickBooks Alternatives in 2025

1. ClientBooks (Best Overall for Small Businesses)

ClientBooks is built with the over 100,000 small businesses we've served in mind—not accountants. When it comes to ClientBooks vs. QuickBooks, ClientBooks combines simple DIY bookkeeping software with the option to upgrade to full-service support, including a dedicated bookkeeper, through 1-800Accountant.

Key strengths:

• DIY software with optional professional bookkeeping.

• Flat-rate, affordable pricing—no hidden fees.

• Tax-ready reports with seamless integration into 1-800Accountant services for maximum efficiency. 

• Real human professional support available.

• Scales with your business, whether you’re a freelancer or a growing startup.

Best suited for: Freelancers, startups, and small businesses seeking flexibility and peace of mind.

👉 Start your journey with ClientBooks bookkeeping software today.

2. FreshBooks (Best for Freelancers and Service Businesses)

FreshBooks is well-known for its easy invoicing (some plans support unlimited invoices) and expense tracking. It’s a cloud-based solution and integrates with popular payment processors, making it a favorite for freelancers and service-oriented businesses.

• Excellent for billing clients and tracking expenses.

• Strong reputation for customer support.

• Best suited for small service businesses and independent professionals.

Learn more at FreshBooks.

3. Xero (Best for Growing Startups)

Xero has gained global popularity, especially with startups. It integrates with over 1,000 apps, from payment processors to customer relationship management (CRM) tools.

• Feature-rich and scalable.

• Affordable entry-level pricing.

• Best suited for businesses planning to grow quickly and requiring robust integration options.

Visit Xero.

4. Wave Accounting (Best Free Alternative)

For entrepreneurs just starting, Wave is hard to beat—it’s entirely free for bookkeeping and accounting tasks.

• Ideal accounting system for side hustlers or very small businesses.

• Downsides: charges for payroll and payment processing, and customer support is limited.

• Still, the free, full-featured accounting software makes it a great entry point.

Explore Wave Accounting and its free plan.

5. Zoho Books (Best for Automation & Ecosystem)

Zoho Books is part of the broader Zoho suite, making it a great choice if you already use Zoho apps, rather than a separate system.

• Budget-friendly and packed with automation (recurring professional invoices, reminders).

• A strong fit for businesses seeking CRM integration, email, and a financial management solution.

Check out Zoho Books.

6. Sage Accounting (Best for Established Businesses)

Sage is one of the most established accounting platforms worldwide due to its intuitive accounting software features.

• Substantial compliance and reporting features.

• Trusted by more established small to mid-sized businesses.

• Known for its reliability and global recognition.

Discover Sage Accounting.

7. Kashoo (Best for Simplicity)

Kashoo is designed for solopreneurs and freelancers who value simplicity above more advanced accounting features.

• Straightforward interface, minimal learning curve.

• Affordable pricing.

• Great for self-employed professionals managing their own books.

Learn more about Kashoo.

How to Choose the Right QuickBooks Alternative

Selecting the best QuickBooks replacement comes down to your business’s specific needs:

• Budget: How much can you invest in software each month?

• Business size: Freelancers may need fewer robust features than a growing startup.

• Integrations: Do you need software that connects with your existing tools?

• Support: Is access to real CPAs, bookkeepers, and accounting professionals vital to your operations?

While many of the tools highlighted offer affordable accounting software, ClientBooks has innovated in the space by combining DIY bookkeeping with the option to upgrade to professional, full-service help when you need it most. This flexibility ensures your software can scale with your business, with consistency at every stage.

Choosing Your Accounting Software

QuickBooks may be the biggest name in accounting software, but it’s not the only option—and it’s not always the best bookkeeping software for small businesses. In 2025, entrepreneurs have a wealth of choices, from free platforms like Wave, with its intuitive interface, to automation-friendly Zoho Books and the globally trusted Sage.

For most small businesses, however, ClientBooks stands out as the best overall QuickBooks alternative. With its affordable flat-rate pricing, seamless tax integration, and access to real accountants and bookkeepers through 1-800Accountant, it offers the perfect balance of simplicity and support.

👉 Ready to simplify your bookkeeping? Try ClientBooks bookkeeping software today and spend more time growing your business, not managing spreadsheets.