Top 10 Cloud-Based Accounting Software for Small Businesses [Including Free Options]

Here are the Top 10 Cloud-Based Accounting Software for Small Businesses [Including Free Options].

The best cloud-based accounting software for small businesses simplifies how you manage your business finances and provides a clear record of cash flow and profit and loss.

While you can use standalone solutions for taxation or invoicing software, you will get more value when you use more comprehensive accounting solutions.

The good thing is that there are some reliable free accounting programs. These no-cost programs can be very helpful if you are just starting out or if you have less complex accounting needs. Also, some paid-for software offers some form of free trial.

Below, we have compiled a list of the 10 best cloud-based accounting software for small businesses. Some of these options are free tiers for paid programs, while others are freeware software that you can use without hurting your pocket.

The good thing is that you can use these programs from anywhere and from any device as long as you have an internet connection. So, let’s look at each one of them.

The Top Cloud-Based Accounting Software for Small Businesses

1. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is the best cloud-based accounting software for small businesses in nearly all aspects.

The program offers more customization options for accounting management and invoicing compared to the competition. Its greatest strength is in sending, printing, receiving, and paying invoices.

Freelancers and small businesses can also use the tool to handle most of their basic bookkeeping needs.

Essentially, this cloud-based accounting program makes it easier for business owners running service-based companies to track time on projects, send proposals, and receive payments. It is also affordable and integrates swiftly with some third-party apps.

Pricing

• Paid packages start at $17 per month.
• There is also a 30-day free trial.

2. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is an industry leader and a popular accounting package that offers all-around accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes.

We believe it is the best cloud-based accounting software for small businesses because of its impressive range of features that are easy to use and scalable.

The tool also allows you to comply with accounting standards, integrates with top payroll and bookkeeping programs, allows for easy sharing with your accountants, and offers live customer support.

Pricing

• Paid plans start at $30 per month.
• You can opt for a free trial or 50% off for the first three months.

3. Xero

Xero is another popular accounting package for both small and big businesses. It stands out in most aspects, including its automation capabilities and simple and intuitive user interface.

We believe Xero is one of the best cloud-based accounting software for small businesses because it supports unlimited users in all its tiers.

The tool also has a customizable analytics dashboard that allows all users to rearrange or hide panels.

Another good thing about this accounting program is that it fully integrates with some third-party applications, including payroll services. Also, businesses can collect payments from customers thanks to its seamless integration with GoCardless and Stripe.

Pricing

• The free tier is limited to 30 days.
• Paid packages start at $15 per month.

4. Sage Accounting

Sage Accounting delivers slick but functional accounting applications that offer much value to small businesses.

The tool offers cross-platform support, meaning that you can access it from any browser and have a connection to iOS and Android apps.

It attracts most small businesses because of its gimmick-free pricing model. The paid plan offers excellent value, and you can try it for free for up to 30 days. 

Pricing

• There is a 30-day free trial.
• Paid plans start at $10 per month.

5. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is the best cloud accounting software for startups. This program offers the largest collection of paid plans, offering more choices than the competition.

Among these items is a free plan that offers basic accounting features. Additionally, you can link this program to Zoho’s suite of business software.

What it means is that you can access other additional software when you need it without having to buy each of them separately.

That is why this accounting package is the best choice for young businesses and startups with growth potential.

Pricing

• A free plan is available.
• There is also a 14-day free trial.
• Paid plans start at $20 per month.

6. Kashoo

Kashoo is the best hassle-free cloud-based accounting software for small businesses.

The system doesn’t have a complicated interface and offers everything in a single tier. So, you won’t waste time trying to figure out which bundle is best for you.

You will also like it because it supports multiple currencies and offers mobile app support.

The only downside of using this tool is that it doesn’t offer any form of free trial or free plan. To attract some businesses with tight budgets, Kashoo has an interesting offer for the first year at just $2, but the cost will rise in the second and subsequent years.

Pricing

• There is no free plan or free trial.
• The paid option costs $2 per month for the first year but will rise to $18 per month for the second year.

7. Wave 

Wave is the choice for most small business owners who require less complex accounting solutions. It is hugely popular, partly due to its features and the fact that it is free to use.

Already, the program supports over two million users across the world.

The software is generally well-designed and offers most of the features, like invoicing and bookkeeping, that small businesses need. Ideally, it is best suited for small businesses with low sales volumes. 

But keep in mind that if you want to access more advanced features, such as payroll, you will need to pay $40 per month, with an additional $6 per independent contractor or employee.

Also, personal technical support comes at a cost, making it less attractive if you require handholding.

Pricing

• There is a free option.
• Premium offers cost $40 per month and $6 per additional employee or contractor.

8. ZipBooks

ZipBooks is one of the best free cloud-based accounting software for small businesses. The tool comes with a wide range of fantastic accounting features to enable you to handle most of the accounting needs of your small business.

This accounting software also has a contemporary interface, making it easier for users to carry out tasks.

The basic tier is free for all users and provides unlimited invoices to multiple customers, making it more useful and less restrictive than some free accounting packages.

You can also use the system for unlimited bookkeeping needs and can even accept payments from PayPal and popular credit cards.

Overall, it is one of the best free cloud-based accounting software for small businesses. Its only drawback is that the free version supports only one user, and you can generate only basic reports. Generally, most of the nice-to-have features are bundled into paid tiers.

Pricing

• There is a free trial for paid options.
• Premium options start at $15 per month.

9. Money Manager Ex

This is another superb free accounting software that has excellent features that rival some of the premium accounting programs.

The good thing about Money Manager Ex is that it is easy to use and comes without any advertisements.

Its simplicity makes it a perfect choice for small businesses, which are usually less tech-savvy and have less complex accounting operations.

We also love the fact that this tool doesn’t have tiers.

There is only one version of the software, making things easier for you. Apart from this, there is an Android app to help you carry out your accounting tasks while on the move.

While you can use the program straight from your USB stick, it is better to stick to the cloud version, which comes with fewer risks.

Pricing

• It is completely free to use.

10. Adminsoft Accounts

This cloud-based accounting software for small businesses is completely free to use. It mainly generates its revenue from advertisements, making it possible to offer quality service with no strings attached.

With this accounting package, you can manage not just statements and invoicing but also other advanced accounting needs such as stock controls, budgeting, purchase orders, remittance advice, and some HR functions.

Given that it is UK-based software, the default currency is the sterling pound, but the good thing is that you can adjust to your preferred currency.

Another thing you should note about this accounting software is that you can opt for a paid version, which is also advertising-free. And if you want to include Shop Manager or AutoManager, you can add a few bucks to your paid option.

Pricing

• It is free to use.
• Paid versions are advertising-free and start at £199.

Final Words

The best cloud-based accounting software for small businesses helps you track how your money moves and generates insightful reports that will help in decision-making.

Such a program ensures that you have a detailed financial record by the time the tax season arrives. It also offers fantastic tools for streamlining everyday accounting tasks, such as invoicing.

The good thing about the above-recommended accounting programs is that you can access them from anywhere and that they are affordable.

Some are even entirely free to use, making it less stressful for growing businesses. But before you choose any system, ensure that it supports your current and future versions of your business. 

Also Read:

• The 10 Best Cloud Accounting Software
• The 10 Best SaaS Accounting Software
• 10 Best Cloud Accounting Software for Businesses in 2024