1. Xero

Okay, let's talk about Xero. We've been playing around with it, and honestly, it's pretty solid. It's one of those cloud-based accounting softwares that seems to have its act together.

Xero is a great option for small to medium-sized businesses.

It was founded way back in 2006 in New Zealand, and now it's used by businesses in a ton of countries – over 180, apparently. That's pretty impressive. What we like is that it seems to cover all the important stuff – sales, bills, expenses, even inventory. Plus, it has some cool reporting and analytics tools that give you a better look at your financial data.

One thing we noticed is how easy it is to use, even on the go. The mobile app is actually useful, which is a big plus. You can do pretty much anything from your phone – send invoices, track payments, all that jazz. And it integrates with a bunch of other apps, which is always a good thing.

Here's a quick rundown of what we think are the best parts:

• It's cloud-based, so you can access it from anywhere.
• The mobile app is surprisingly good.
• It integrates with over 1,000 other apps.

And while it doesn't have a free plan, the Xero pricing is pretty reasonable, especially if you're just starting out. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something that's easy to use and has a lot of features. Plus, it automates sales tax, which is a huge time saver. We think it's a smart investment for small businesses.

2. QuickBooks

QuickBooks has been a major player in the small business accounting world for a long time. Since its start, it's become a go-to solution for many. It's known for its wide range of features and scalability.

QuickBooks has evolved quite a bit. It started as a desktop program, but now QuickBooks Online offers cloud-based access, which is super convenient. It's designed to help with everything from basic bookkeeping to more complex financial management.

Here's what we think makes QuickBooks stand out:

• It's got a ton of features.
• It integrates with many other business tools.
• It offers different plans to fit different business needs.

QuickBooks is a solid choice if you're looking for a well-established accounting solution with a lot of support and resources available. It might take some time to learn all the ins and outs, but it can be a powerful tool for managing your business finances. It offers automation features and various integrations.

3. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is another solid option we've been checking out. It's designed with small businesses and freelancers in mind, and honestly, it feels way less intimidating than some of the other software out there. We think it's a good choice if you're not an accountant but still want to keep your books in order.

One of the things we like most is how easy it is to use. The interface is clean, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to send invoices or track expenses. Plus, it has some cool features like automated payment reminders, which can be a lifesaver when you're chasing down payments. It's also great that you can track billable hours, store receipts digitally, and manage retainer payments all in one place.

FreshBooks really shines when it comes to project management. The ability to track time, mileage, and expenses, and even share files, all within the same platform is a huge plus. It eliminates the need for separate project management software, making it a one-stop shop for both bookkeeping and project tracking.

Here's a quick rundown of what we've found:

• Intuitive interface for non-accountants
• Powerful invoicing features with automated payment reminders
• Time tracking and project management tools

Of course, it's not perfect. Adding team members or managing 1099 contractors can add to the cost, and the inventory tracking is pretty limited. But overall, if you're a freelancer or run a small service-based business, FreshBooks is definitely worth a look.

4. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is another solid option we've been checking out. It's a cloud-based accounting platform that aims to give small business owners easy-to-use bookkeeping solutions. We've found it's pretty good for tracking time, billing customers, recording transactions, and even automating workflows. Plus, it helps with tax compliance, all in one place. It's like a central hub for your finances.

One thing we appreciate is that Zoho Books' pricing grows with your business. You're not stuck paying for features you don't need right away. It's designed to scale, which is a big plus.

If you already use other Zoho products, you’ll probably find the Zoho Books’ interface easy to navigate. For those new to the Zoho ecosystem, the learning curve may be steeper, and the interface may feel clunky compared to other options. However, you can be sure that Zoho Books’ comprehensive feature set will allow you to manage your business finances efficiently!

Zoho Books offers a completely free plan! This is perfect for teams of one just starting out and includes invoice creation.

Zoho Books stands out as a comprehensive accounting solution designed for the unique needs of small businesses. Its rich set of features encompasses double-entry accounting, efficient management of accounts receivable and payable, intuitive time tracking, and robust inventory management, in addition to smooth integration with other Zoho apps.

Zoho Books offers advanced automation, multi-currency support, and detailed financial reporting. It also includes customer dashboards, allowing clients to view invoices, make or accept payments, and track transactions. It seamlessly integrates with Zoho's ecosystem, including CRM, customer support, and project management tools. Consider its integration capabilities when making your choice.

5. Sheetify Bookkeeping

Sheetify Bookkeeping is something we've been looking at, especially for those of us already living in Google Workspace. It's basically a Google Sheets template that turns your spreadsheets into a pretty useful bookkeeping tool. If you're already comfy with spreadsheets, you're halfway there!

Sheetify is designed for small businesses, giving you a pre-built, customizable Google Sheets template to help you manage your finances without too much effort. It aims to let you manage your business finances right inside your trusty Google account.

One of the best things about Sheetify is its one-time pricing. For a single payment of $47, you and your whole team get access to every feature. No monthly subscriptions or complicated software needed, just functional tools that make sense. You just download the template, and you're ready to manage your finances in one place!

For those needing even more customization, Sheetify also offers personalized packages for small teams wanting a tailored bookkeeping experience. By making accounting easier, Sheetify Bookkeeping frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business while keeping your finances in check. It’s a solid tool for small businesses looking for a streamlined, affordable, lifetime bookkeeping solution.

Here's a quick look at what Sheetify offers:

• Income and expense tracking
• Invoice and quote generation
• Google Apps integrations
• Goal tracking and tax calculations
• 7 customizable dashboards
• Automated report generation

Sheetify Bookkeeping helps you manage tasks like tracking income and expenses, calculating taxes, setting financial goals, and generating invoices. It comes with built-in formulas, organized sheets, and integrated Apps to manage your day-to-day business finances. It's a Google Sheets bookkeeping template that transforms Google Sheets into an effective, practical tool for managing your finances.

In this section, we talk about Sheetify Bookkeeping. If you want to keep your finances in order without the stress, check out our website for more tips and tools. We can help you manage your money better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bookkeeping software?

Bookkeeping software helps small businesses keep track of their money. It makes it easier to record sales, expenses, and manage invoices.

Why do small businesses need bookkeeping software?

Small businesses need bookkeeping software to save time and avoid mistakes. It helps them manage their finances better and focus on growing their business.

Which bookkeeping software is best for small businesses?

The best bookkeeping software for small businesses includes Xero, QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Zoho Books, and Sheetify Bookkeeping. Each has unique features that can help with different needs.