Accounting/Finance Software
We have researched and found some good free or low-cost accounting/finance software for small or micro-businesses. This software can help you save time by automating your accounting/finance processes. Because it keeps track of all data, it often improves quality and reduces errors. It also simplifies tax compliance. “As reported by PCMag, US Business of Bureau Index, 20% of Small Business Enterprises without accounting software struggle to last in their 1st year.” Most small businesses now use cloud-based accounting software. “The companies that use cloud accounting exclusively saw a 15% growth in the year-over-year revenue pattern and were also able to get five times the total number of customers than the companies that don’t use cloud accounting exclusively.” https://www.acecloudhosting.com/blog/accounting-stats/
In alphabetical order:
- Freshbooks: According to Merchant Maverick, “Best for small businesses looking for simplicity, strong invoicing, proposals, and good customer support.” Pricing. Marketing video (36 seconds)
- QuickBooks: According to Merchant Maverick, “Best for small businesses looking for a full-featured accounting solution that is relatively easy to use.”
- Wave A free cloud-based accounting software. According to Merchant Maverick, “Best for small businesses on a tight budget that still want strong accounting capabilities.” Pricing (has a free version). Video review (2 min 45 sec)
- Xero: “Xero can automatically handle tasks that used to take up all of your time. From importing bank transactions to sending invoice reminders, we’ll do the work for you.” Pricing.
- ZipBooks: According to Merchant Maverick, “Best for small businesses in need of affordable, strong accounting. Ideal for business owners with little previous accounting experience.” Pricing (has a free version).
- Zoho Books: According to Merchant Maverick, “Best for small businesses in need of strong online accounting, affordable pricing, and good invoicing.” Pricing.
Here is a nice resource for “The Best Accounting & Bookkeeping Software for Small Businesses” from Lendio, a small business lending company.
According to business.com (2025)
6 Best Accounting Software Programs for 2025
- Intuit Quickbooks Best for small businesses
- Xero Best for growing businesses
- Zoho books: Best for automation
- Sage 50: Best for desktop users
- Oracle Netsuite accounting: BestERP
- Freshbooks accounting: Best for invoicing