What Is The Easiest Accounting Software for Small Business

Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Riajur Rahman

Keeping a record of your business was not accessible before, but now bookkeeping has become a simple data entry task with the invention of fast and easy software.

You can get many free online and offline software for managing the accounting activities of your small businesses. But in the market, there are hundreds of software; you may get confused to choose the best for your business.

If you want to know what is the easiest accounting software for small business, then we can help you. We will share some of the excellent and most straightforward accounting software to manage your small business activities.

Why does a small business need accounting software?

You may know many people who still use manual bookkeeping systems and maintain records manually. But modern business needs have changed; even the tiny shopkeeper needs accounting software to keep accounting records perfectly.

Advantages of having Accounting Software for Small Businesses:

There are many advantages of having accounting software for small businesses.

• One of the worthy assets you have is your time. Accounting software saves your time and makes complex entries to record on different pages is a simple data entry.
• Most problems that make your manual accounting system problematic are errors and omissions. But no worry, when you have accounting software, you can complete your complex entries with one single entry.
• It saves your money; you do not need to employ many people to keep an accounting record; a single person can handle four to five employees.
• The correct recording also makes you able to make the right decision for your business according to your business’s actual performance.
• You do not need to maintain separate spreadsheets for your account business. Even the free easiest bookkeeping software can help you a lot in keeping your business accounting record.
• Keeping your accounting data is also secure because there is no need to worry about data loss. After all, you can log in to your software from anywhere and get access to all of your data.
• Suppose your business is organized, and you also have other employees with you. In that case, it becomes straightforward for you to collaborate with your boss, colleagues, and employees with small business software.

What is some famous and easiest accounting software in 2025?

There are hundreds of software available that can manage your small business activities. But only a few software are excellent and are a perfect choice for you. 

We have researched and found some accounting software that can be the most accessible bookkeeping software for small businesses. 

20 Best and Easiest Accounting Software for Small Business

1. Wave

Wave is a pretty easy accounting software that is free. You will get excellent customer support, competitive pricing, and excellent accounting features for your business accounting management.

It is one of the best small business accounting software free that offers you strong accounting capabilities. Etsy sellers and small business owners can use that software.

Top Features

• It offers you vital features that can compete with many paid accounting software.
• Small business owners that do not have enough accounting knowledge can quickly learn and navigate with that software. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to handle all its functions.
• It covers all the accounting basics such as expense tracking, bank reconciliation, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and many other functions.
• The outstanding feature of Wave accounting software is that users can maintain separate business and personal expenses that are best for side hustlers and freelancers that do not have different business accounts in the bank. It makes it the best and easiest accounting software for the self-employed.
• Wave software also offers some other necessary functions for a successful business, like reports, receipts, item management, and contact management.

Overall the software is excellent but also has a drawback that it offers slow customer support, and time-tracking abilities are also limited. If you need better performance for customer support, then it may not be the perfect software for you to choose.

2. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is the best accounting software for self-employed independent business persons like small shopkeepers, freelancers, and independent contractors. It is best to track individual income and expenses to calculate the tax.

QuickBooks is developed for small business owners who file Schedule on the individual tax return. Freelancers can easily manage all their income and expenses to calculate their income at the end of the year.

You can easily total up all of your business transactions automatically just by entering the entries, and you will get an error and omission-free income at the end of the year.

Top Features

• It provides you with simple features to differentiate the business and personal expenses separately.
• You can track the mileage with that software.
• You can also run that software on your mobile by installing its app.
• The software is Sync with Turbo Tax.
• You can track the mileage and take a picture of receipts and expenses by using its mobile App.
• Software is supported with Cloud-based features.
• It provides you all the features for proper calculation of your income for the tax purposes, such as sorting expenses, receipts, invoices, and estimating for filing the taxes.

It is the best software for small business owners to separately manage expenses and incomes to find the actual income for tax, but it also has some flaws. You cannot transfer its data to any other software like other packages.

Reporting option is available but has limitations, and its invoicing functionality and customization are also limited. But the small business owners, especially freelancers, can use that tool that does not have separate accounts for their business in the banks.

3. SlickPie

SlickPie is also a good accounting software that is entirely online and is developed for small businesses. The software is pretty straightforward with a simple user interface and offers accessible functions that are simple to learn.

It is the best accounting software for small businesses that comes with almost all the essential accounting functions like online billing, document management, invoicing, producing financial reports, and much more.

SlickPie is a free accounting software download that can be downloaded with simple clicks. You can use that online software from anywhere just by logging in. 

Top Features

• The software is online that makes it accessible from any device and from anywhere.
• You can use its predefined invoices design, or you can also customize your invoices designs.
• It offers all the essential accounting management functions for small businesses for making decisions and knowing business growth.
• Software is free, and you can download it without paying a single penny.
• You can send auto-business reminders to your customers through auto-invoices options.
• It also offers automated data entry features and is one of the best accounting programs.

Software is best for small business owners and offers excellent and easy navigation features, but the major drawback is that you cannot access that software if you do not have internet access. 

So if you are in some remote area where there is no internet arrangement, then you cannot access your internet.

4. FreshBooks

There is no significant requirement other than having an invoicing feature for accounting software. When we compare FreshBooks software with other software, then we do not find better software than FreshBooks.

It is the best accounting software for self-employed that offers you business to customize the invoice according to your business needs. The primary function of that software is to receive, send, print, and then pay the invoices.

But the software meets the basic accounting needs of small businesses as well. The software makes it simple for small businesses to send invoices and proposals, collect client retainers, request deposits, track time on projects, and receive payments.

Top Features

• Software is paid and offers four plans for business users. Lite plan is available for 6 dollars per month, plus package is for 10 dollars, and premium package is for 20 dollars. If any person needs some special packages, then they can take a select plan.
• The software has integration features with third-party apps like Gusto, Shopify, G Suite, Stripe, and many more.
• You can customize the invoices with high styles to give them a professional look and feel. 
• It offers excellent features for proposals, collecting customer payments, sending estimates, and budgeting out the projects.
• The software comes with cloud-based features that make it easy to connect.
• The software offers a user-friendly interface to make it easy to use for new clients.

FreshBooks is the best software that comes with paid features and makes you satisfied with its performance. But still, some flaws are available, like it does not provide payroll features, mobile apps are limited, and no inventory management features found.

5. Kashoo

For straightforward solutions for individual people to maintain their small business activities on the phone, Kashoo is a perfect accounting software developed by the Apple App Store for iPhone, iPad. You can also use that software on the web from your Desktop or Pc.

This easiest bookkeeping software comes with cloud-based services that make it easier to work on Wi-fi technology. The software is included in Apple products and is widely used by small business owners to manage essential accounting functions.

The software allows its users to manage their small business essential bookkeeping functions such as manage finances, invoices, enter expenses, and generate profit from their mobile devices.

Top Features

• The product comes with excellent features of essential accounting functions.
• It offers account payable and accounts receivable functions to ease for the people to manage debit and credit.
• Kashoo helps you to track income and expenses and your smaller business.
• You will get comprehensive features such as CPA firm management, bank reconciliation, expenses and income tracking, invoice management, finances management, and many others.
• You will get a free trial before its purchase; if you are not satisfied, you can quit its services. But if you feel at ease with that tool, you can buy it for 12.95 dollars per month.
• Affordable only 12.95 dollars is not a high cost for better management of the business.

Kashoo is a great software that also comes with mobile phones and web compatibility. But its response is slow and takes a lot of time, making you irritated if you are dealing with a customer services business. It works in an online mood; if there is no internet connection, you cannot access your accounting features.

6. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is an intuitive accounting solution perfect for micro-businesses. You’ll get smart automation features, excellent mobile access, and comprehensive accounting tools for your business management.

It stands out as one of the best affordable accounting solutions that offers powerful automation capabilities. Online sellers and service-based businesses can benefit greatly from this software.

Top Features

• It provides you with intelligent features that rival more expensive alternatives.
• Business owners who want automated workflows can easily set up and customize this software. It offers a clean dashboard that simplifies all financial operations.
• It handles all fundamental accounting needs including automated bank feeds, project time tracking, client portals, sales approval workflows, and more.
• The standout feature of Zoho Books is its AI-powered expense tracking that automatically categorizes transactions and detects duplicates, making it ideal for busy entrepreneurs who need hands-off bookkeeping.
• Zoho Books also includes valuable additional functions like inventory management, document storage, and team collaboration tools.

While the software is powerful, it does have limitations in its customer support response times, and the mobile app lacks some desktop features. If you need immediate phone support, you might want to consider other options.

7. Xero

Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for growing small businesses. You’ll enjoy unlimited users, excellent third-party integrations, and robust accounting features for your financial management.

It’s considered one of the best scalable accounting solutions that offers strong collaboration features. Retail businesses and agencies will find this software particularly useful.

Top Features

• It delivers comprehensive features that support business growth and multi-user access.
• Business owners who need real-time collaboration will appreciate how easy it is to share access with team members and accountants. The interface is modern and intuitive for all user levels.
• It covers advanced accounting functions including multi-currency support, purchase orders, expense claims, payroll integration, and detailed financial reporting.
• The most impressive feature of Xero is its ecosystem of over 800 third-party app integrations, making it the most flexible option for businesses using various tools.
• Xero also provides excellent additional capabilities like project tracking, fixed asset management, and custom invoice branding.

The software does have one significant drawback – phone support is only available for premium plan subscribers, and some users report the learning curve is steeper than simpler alternatives.

8. Sage 50cloud

Sage 50cloud is a powerful desktop accounting solution with cloud connectivity. You’ll get advanced reporting, industry-specific features, and strong inventory management for your business operations.

It remains one of the most robust accounting systems for businesses needing detailed financial insights. Manufacturing and distribution companies often prefer this software.

Top Features

• It offers enterprise-level features while maintaining accessibility for small business owners.
• Business owners who need detailed job costing and inventory tracking will find the interface logically organized, though it may require some initial training.
• It includes specialized accounting functions like advanced budgeting, industry-specific reporting, audit trails, and cash flow management.
• The most valuable feature of Sage 50cloud is its advanced inventory management with serialized item tracking and multiple warehouse support, perfect for product-based businesses.
• Sage also provides exceptional additional tools like advanced security controls, role-based permissions, and Microsoft 365 integration.

The primary drawback is the software’s pricing structure, which is higher than many competitors, and some users find the interface somewhat outdated compared to newer cloud-based alternatives.

9. Patriot Accounting

Patriot Accounting is a straightforward solution designed for very small businesses. You’ll get essential accounting features, affordable pricing, and optional payroll integration for your financial needs.

It’s one of the simplest paid accounting systems available that doesn’t overwhelm users with unnecessary complexity. Home-based businesses and sole proprietors will appreciate this software.

Top Features

• It focuses on core accounting functions without complicated extras.
• Business owners who want a no-frills approach to bookkeeping will find the interface refreshingly simple and easy to navigate from day one.
• It handles basic accounting necessities including income and expense tracking, invoice creation, accounts payable, and financial reporting.
• The best feature of Patriot Accounting is its optional payroll add-on that integrates seamlessly, making it ideal for business owners who want to manage everything in one place.
• Patriot also offers useful supplementary features like multiple user access and accountant collaboration tools.

The software’s main limitation is its lack of advanced features like inventory tracking or project management, which growing businesses might eventually need.

10. QuickBooks Self-Employed

QuickBooks Self-Employed is a specialized version designed for freelancers and independent contractors. You’ll get simplified tax tracking, mileage recording, and basic income/expense management.

It’s the most tailored solution for 1099 workers and gig economy participants who need straightforward tax preparation. Ride-share drivers, consultants, and creative professionals benefit most.

Top Features

• It provides freelancer-specific features that automate tax calculations.
• Independent workers who want to maximize deductions will appreciate how easily the software separates business and personal expenses throughout the year.
• It focuses on essential functions including automatic mileage tracking, receipt capture, quarterly tax estimates, and Schedule C preparation.
• The standout feature is its seamless integration with TurboTax, making year-end tax filing dramatically simpler for self-employed individuals.
• The mobile app also offers excellent additional capabilities like real-time profit tracking and instant receipt scanning.

The major limitation is that it doesn’t support inventory, employees, or complex business structures, making it inappropriate for growing businesses with more sophisticated needs.

11. FreeAgent

FreeAgent is a beautifully designed accounting software perfect for freelancers and small agencies. You’ll get intuitive invoicing, expense tracking, and tax forecasting all in one place.

It’s particularly popular among UK-based businesses and freelancers who value its clean interface and HMRC compliance features.

Top Features

• It offers a stress-free approach to accounting with smart automation features.
• Business owners who dread accounting will love how the software simplifies complex tasks with its colorful, easy-to-understand dashboard.
• It covers all the essentials including automatic bank feeds, time tracking, project management, and self-assessment tax preparation.
• The best feature is its real-time tax estimates that show exactly how much you owe throughout the year, eliminating year-end surprises.
• FreeAgent also includes helpful extras like client retainers, receipt scanning, and multi-currency support.

The main drawback is that it’s slightly more expensive than some competitors, and its payroll features are limited compared to dedicated solutions.

12. ZipBooks

ZipBooks is a free accounting solution with surprisingly robust features. You’ll get unlimited invoicing, basic reporting, and time tracking without paying a dime.

It stands out as one of the most generous free accounting platforms that doesn’t severely limit functionality for non-paying users.

Top Features

• It provides professional-grade invoicing completely free of charge.
• Startups and freelancers on tight budgets will appreciate how quickly they can create and send beautiful, customized invoices.
• It handles fundamental accounting needs including expense tracking, basic reporting, accounts receivable, and client management.
• The standout feature is its intelligent invoice auto-billing that can automatically charge recurring clients on schedule.
• ZipBooks also offers useful additional functions like team time tracking and late payment reminders.

The software’s primary limitation is its lack of a mobile app, and some advanced features require upgrading to paid plans.

13. OneUp

OneUp is an AI-powered accounting solution that automates data entry. You’ll get smart categorization, inventory management, and CRM features in one platform.

It’s ideal for product-based small businesses that want to minimize manual bookkeeping while maintaining control.

Top Features

• It uses artificial intelligence to dramatically reduce data entry time.
• Business owners tired of manual categorization will love how the software learns from their patterns to automate repetitive tasks.
• It includes comprehensive features like inventory tracking, sales pipelines, purchase orders, and cash flow forecasting.
• The most impressive feature is its AI that automatically suggests transaction categories and matches them to contacts.
• OneUp also provides valuable extras like project profitability tracking and vendor management.

The main drawback is its limited third-party integrations compared to larger platforms, and some users report occasional syncing issues with bank feeds.

14. AccountEdge Pro

AccountEdge Pro is a powerful desktop accounting solution for Mac and PC. You’ll get robust features without requiring an internet connection for daily use.

It’s perfect for businesses that prefer traditional software but want modern capabilities like cloud backup options.

Top Features

• It delivers enterprise-level accounting features in a desktop package.
• Business owners who dislike purely cloud solutions will appreciate the software’s offline accessibility and one-time purchase option.
• It handles advanced accounting needs including job costing, time billing, payroll processing, and detailed inventory tracking.
• The standout feature is its comprehensive reporting suite with over 150 customizable financial reports.
• AccountEdge also includes excellent additional tools like batch invoicing and recurring transactions.

The software’s primary limitation is its lack of real-time collaboration features, and mobile access requires additional purchases.

15. Odoo Accounting

Odoo Accounting is part of an open-source business management suite. You’ll get modular apps that integrate accounting with other business functions.

It’s ideal for tech-savvy businesses that want accounting to seamlessly connect with their CRM, inventory, and other operations.

Top Features

• It offers unlimited customization as part of an integrated business platform.
• Growing businesses that need more than just accounting will love how the modules connect (sales, inventory, projects, etc.).
• It covers all accounting fundamentals plus advanced features like multi-company consolidation and analytic accounting.
• The best feature is its unified database that automatically syncs accounting entries with all other business operations.
• Odoo also provides powerful extras like document management and built-in email integration.

The main drawback is its complexity – the learning curve is steep, and some features require technical knowledge to implement properly.

16. Sunrise

Sunrise is a completely free mobile-first accounting app. You’ll get simple income/expense tracking and invoicing designed for on-the-go entrepreneurs.

It’s perfect for microbusinesses and side hustles that need basic accounting without any upfront investment.

Top Features

• It provides essential accounting features in an easy-to-use mobile interface.
• Business owners who primarily use their phones will appreciate how quick and intuitive the app is for daily money management.
• It handles basic accounting needs including receipt capture, invoice creation, expense categorization, and financial reporting.
• The standout feature is its beautiful, minimalist design that makes accounting feel simple rather than overwhelming.
• Sunrise also includes helpful extras like mileage tracking and tax preparation exports.

The software’s limitation is its lack of advanced features – it’s truly designed only for very basic accounting needs.

17. MYOB

MYOB is a comprehensive accounting solution popular in Australia and New Zealand. You’ll get local tax compliance, payroll features, and robust reporting.

It’s the go-to choice for Australian small businesses that need software tailored to local regulations.

Top Features

• It offers complete compliance with Australian tax and reporting requirements.
• Business owners down under will appreciate how the software automatically handles GST, BAS, and other local tax obligations.
• It includes all standard accounting features plus Australian-specific functions like Single Touch Payroll and SuperStream.
• The best feature is its payroll system that stays automatically updated with changing Australian employment laws.
• MYOB also provides valuable extras like document management and accountant collaboration tools.

The primary drawback is its geographic limitation – it’s not ideal for businesses operating outside Australia/NZ.

18. Neat

Neat is a specialized accounting solution focused on receipt and expense management. You’ll get best-in-class document organization with basic accounting features.

It’s perfect for businesses with heavy expense tracking needs or those that want to go completely paperless.

Top Features

• It provides exceptional document management and organization features.
• Business owners drowning in receipts will love the software’s automatic scanning, categorization, and digital filing system.
• It handles expense tracking, receipt management, vendor tracking, and basic financial reporting.
• The standout feature is its AI that extracts key data from receipts and invoices with impressive accuracy.
• Neat also includes helpful extras like expense reporting and integration with accounting platforms.

The software’s limitation is its narrow focus – it’s more of a document management system with accounting features than a full accounting solution.

19. TrulySmall

TrulySmall is accounting software designed for very small operations. You’ll get the simplest possible interface with just the essential features.

It’s ideal for solopreneurs and microbusinesses that want accounting software that’s truly simple.

Top Features

• It offers the most streamlined accounting experience available.
• Business owners intimidated by accounting will appreciate how the software removes all complexity while keeping essential functions.
• It handles basic income/expense tracking, invoicing, receipt capture, and tax preparation.
• The best feature is its “one-screen” design that puts everything you need on a single, simple dashboard.
• TrulySmall also includes useful extras like automatic bank feeds and financial snapshots.

The obvious limitation is its lack of advanced features – it’s designed only for the simplest business structures.

20. GnuCash

GnuCash is a free, open-source accounting solution for tech-savvy users. You’ll get professional-grade features without any licensing costs.

It’s perfect for businesses that want powerful accounting without subscriptions or vendor lock-in.

Top Features

• It provides complete accounting functionality without any ongoing costs.
• Business owners who value software freedom will appreciate the open-source nature and lack of restrictions.
• It handles double-entry accounting, investments tracking, small business accounting, and detailed reporting.
• The standout feature is its cross-platform availability (Windows, Mac, Linux) and local data storage.
• GnuCash also includes powerful extras like scheduled transactions and financial calculations.

The main drawback is its dated interface and steep learning curve – it’s not designed for accounting novices.

Frequently asked Questions

Question: Is free accounting software good to use for my small business?

Many software programs offer you essential and straightforward accounting management functions services. Some of them are paid, but mostly the software is free.

Not all free software is reliable and trusted, but only a few are an excellent alternative to your paid software. Suppose you want the best alternative software of QuickBooks paid software, then you can consider the Wave software because it provides you with almost all activities of QuickBooks.

So it is possible that free software can help you a lot to manage your basic accounting functions.

Question: Should a small business owner have accounting software?

Modern means of business dealings have changed, and now people want easy and fast solutions. No matter the size of the business, all needs fast means to manage business activities.

The software makes everything easier for you, like generating invoices, keeping expenses and receipts records, and finding the income. You can calculate your taxable income and much more.

You can get free accounting software if your business has a lower budget to manage the business activities. But if you have an organized small business, you can get a paid accounting software between 12 to 15 dollars per month that is also affordable.

Final Thoughts

Having accounting software is now a must for a small business for efficient management of business activities. But while buying a question arises, what is the easiest accounting software for small business because not everyone is an expert in accounting functions and wants easy solutions.

We have provided you with some simple software that is very easy to use and comes with excellent basic accounting functions to manage small business activities.