Choosing the right accounting software is a crucial decision for business owners. It allows businesses to effectively manage their finances, gain valuable insights, and plan for growth. In the UK, QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Sage 50 are recommended as the top accounting solutions. In this article, we review six different accounting software options suitable for businesses of all sizes.
QuickBooks Online is considered the gold standard in accounting software. It offers five scalable plans and is user-friendly, making it ideal for first-time business owners. The cloud-based solution allows secure access from any device and includes a robust mobile app for convenient accounting tasks. Pricing starts at £10 per month for QuickBooks Self-Employed and goes up to £70 per month for QuickBooks Advanced.
Xero is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. It offers unlimited users in most plans and includes features like stock management and VAT calculation with each plan. Xero’s pricing starts at £15 per month for Xero Starter and goes up to £55 per month for Xero Ultimate.
FreeAgent is an affordable accounting software designed specifically for small businesses with up to 10 employees. It offers basic accounting tools, including payroll features, and pricing starts at less than £10 per month. FreeAgent also offers free access for customers who have business bank accounts with certain banks.
Zoho Books offers scalable plans to support businesses of all sizes. It is part of a suite of business products and integrates well with other Zoho applications. Zoho Books has a free plan for businesses with annual revenue below £35K and paid plans starting at £10 per month.
FreshBooks is an excellent choice for businesses that primarily generate revenue through invoicing. It includes features like automations for easy invoice generation and time tracking. FreshBooks pricing starts at £12 per month and includes add-on fees for additional users.
When choosing an accounting software, consider factors like accessibility (mobile app vs. desktop software), budget, setup assistance, collaboration features, and integrations with other business apps. It’s also helpful to sign up for free trials and demos to test the software and ensure it meets your needs.
