7 Best Alternatives to QuickBooks for 2025

QuickBooks is undeniably powerful, but for many international founders and small business owners, it’s simply too much.

The platform can feel overwhelming, with its exhaustive list of features that often go unused by businesses with straightforward needs.

Instead of a comprehensive tool designed for everyone, you may require an accounting solution tailored to your specific requirements — one that simplifies your operations rather than complicates them.

Whether it’s managing invoices, categorizing expenses, or maintaining a clear budget, efficiency and user-friendliness are paramount.

This is where alternatives to QuickBooks and platforms like doola Bookkeeping shine, offering solutions designed with the needs of entrepreneurs and global business founders in mind.

If QuickBooks feels like more than you need, consider exploring these excellent alternatives.

A Quick Dive Into Quickbooks Competitors

✅ doola Bookkeeping: Personalized bookkeeping and compliance support tailored for global entrepreneurs.

✅ Bench.co: Your go-to for a completely hands-off bookkeeping experience.

✅ Xero: All the essentials, wrapped in a more intuitive package.

✅ FreshBooks: A freelancer’s dream for invoicing.

✅ One Up: Built for small retailers who just need the basics.

✅ You Need a Budget (YNAB): For those who need to budget on a dime (literally).

✅ Wave: A totally free solution for cash-strapped entrepreneurs.

✅ GNUCash: Geared towards the tech-savvy, with deep customization.

7 Best Alternatives to QuickBooks for 2025

1. doola Bookkeeping

doola Bookkeeping is more than just bookkeeping software—it’s like having your own financial guide in your corner.

Tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners, doola takes the complexity out of accounting so you can focus on growing your business.

Pricing:

Starts at $25/month

Key Features:

– Fully personalized bookkeeping designed for your unique needs.

– Automated categorization that saves you hours each week.

– Real-time insights with a user-friendly dashboard.

– Support for LLC setup and compliance, so you’re always on track.

– Clear pricing, built with growing businesses in mind.

2. Bench

If you’re dreaming of completely outsourcing your bookkeeping, Bench is a good choice. It pairs you with a team of experts who handle it all for you.

Pricing:

Starts at $349/month.

Key Features:

– Dedicated bookkeeping professionals to track and organize everything.

– Monthly financial reports that are easy to digest.

– Optional tax filing add-ons for a seamless year-end.

Pros:

✔️ Perfect for hands-off bookkeeping.

✔️ Customizable reports tailored to your business goals.

Cons:

❌ It’s on the pricier side.

❌ Not ideal for businesses needing advanced features like inventory tracking.

3. Xero

Xero strikes a balance between powerful tools and an easy-to-navigate interface. It’s perfect for small businesses looking for comprehensive features without feeling overwhelmed.

Pricing:

Starts at $20/month.

Key Features:

– Tools for invoicing, reconciling bank accounts, and tracking expenses.

– Integration with over 1,000 third-party apps.

– A mobile app that keeps you in control on the go.

Pros:

✔️ Affordable for its feature set.

✔️ Fantastic integrations.

Cons:

❌ Limited customer support options.

❌ Can feel overwhelming for complete beginners.

4. FreshBooks

Freelancers, rejoice! FreshBooks is tailor-made for service professionals needing invoicing and time-tracking tools.

Pricing:

Starts at $19/month.

Key Features:

– Invoicing with automated reminders.

– Time tracking for hourly or project-based work.

– Simple expense tracking and easy reporting.

Pros:

✔️ Easy-to-use, even for non-accountants.

✔️ Great for freelancers or small teams.

Cons:

❌ Limited scalability.

❌ Lacks some advanced accounting features.

5. Wave

For entrepreneurs on a tight budget, Wave delivers essential accounting tools for free. Yes, it’s really free.

Pricing:

Free (pay for extras like payroll).

Key Features:

– Invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliations.

– Generate profit and loss reports with ease.

– Optional credit card payment features.

Pros:

✔️ No cost for the basics.

✔️ Simple, straightforward interface.

Cons:

❌ Not built for businesses with complex needs.

❌ Limited scalability for growing companies.

6. You Need a Budget (YNAB)

YNAB isn’t just software—it’s a budgeting philosophy. YNAB is good for small business owners who want a laser focus on cash flow.

Pricing:

$14.99/month or $99/year.

Key Features:

– Real-time cash flow tracking.

– Educational resources to improve your financial habits.

– Bank syncing for seamless updates.

Pros:

✔️ Affordable and effective for budgeting.

✔️ Great for improving financial literacy.

Cons:

❌ Doesn’t handle anything beyond budgeting.

❌ No invoicing or payroll capabilities.

7. GNUCash

For the tech-savvy who love tinkering, GNUCash offers unmatched customization. It’s a powerful free tool for those willing to learn.

Pricing:

Free

Key Features:

– Double-entry accounting for precise record-keeping.

– Customizable reporting and tracking.

– Suitable for both personal and small business finances.

Pros:

✔️ It’s free and packed with features.

✔️ Highly customizable.

Cons:

❌ Not user-friendly for beginners.

❌ Outdated design compared to modern platforms.

Is an LLC Right for Every Ecommerce Business?

Small ecommerce businesses can reap big benefits from forming an LLC. Think liability protection, simplified taxes, and an air of professionalism.

But for larger businesses, a corporation may unlock better scalability and access to investors.

When Another Option Might Be Better

If your risks are low and you’re just starting out, a sole proprietorship might work just fine.

Or, if you’re seeking investment or planning a public offering, consider a corporation instead.

Most Important Features to Look for in a Quickbooks Alternative

• Automation to streamline repetitive tasks.  

• Seamless bank and app integrations.

• Growth-friendly scalability.  

• Transparent pricing that fits your budget.  

• Intuitive, easy-to-use design.

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Good Quickbooks Alternative

👉🏼 Are you looking for the long haul?

When selecting software for your business, it is important to consider whether you’re in it for the long run. 

Think about the trajectory of your company over the next several years and determine if the solution you choose will remain relevant and beneficial.

Will this software adapt as your business grows?

👉🏼 What’s essential, and what’s just fluff?

Not all software features carry equal weight. Some tools might impress with cutting-edge capabilities that seem exciting but ultimately add little value to your specific operations. 

Before investing, outline exactly what you need the software to do. Identify the core functions that support critical tasks — such as managing inventory, processing transactions, or generating compliance-ready reports. 

👉🏼 What’s your transaction volume?

The scale of your business transactions plays a major role in determining the right software. 

High-volume enterprises often need automated workflows, bulk processing capabilities, and reliable integrations to handle large data sets efficiently. 

👉🏼 Who needs access? 

Determining who needs access to your financial software is critical for smooth operations, informed decision-making, and compliance. 

Consider the roles and responsibilities within your organization: managers may need overview reports, sales teams might require commission summaries, and your accountant will need comprehensive data to handle tax filings. 

Look for software that supports multiple user accounts with configurable permissions, allowing you to maintain control over sensitive information while enabling the right people to see what they need. 

👉🏼 Is it within budget? 

Striking the right balance between cost and capability is essential.

Before making a decision, establish a realistic budget based on your projected return on investment, and remember that cheaper isn’t always better. 

A bargain-basement solution might lack vital features or reliable support, forcing you to invest more time and resources in workaround measures. 

On the other hand, expensive, feature-packed platforms might overwhelm you with complexity and raise your total cost of ownership. 

Simplify Your Finances With doola Bookkeeping

doola isn’t just a QuickBooks alternative—it’s a whole new way to handle your finances.

Whether you’re starting fresh or scaling up, doola simplifies bookkeeping, offers insightful tools, and provides dedicated support to help you stay ahead. 

By streamlining your financial processes, doola Bookkeeping frees you from tedious data entry and confusing spreadsheets, allowing you to focus on the parts of your business you truly love. 

It integrates seamlessly with key platforms, gives you real-time visibility into your cash flow, and makes it easy to generate the reports and statements you need for confident decision-making. 

With doola, you aren’t merely importing and categorizing expenses; you’re cultivating a better understanding of where your money comes from and where it’s headed.

Plus, knowledgeable customer support is always on hand to guide you through setup, best practices, and strategic planning. 

Book your doola Bookkeeping demo today. 

FAQs

1. Is doola Bookkeeping startup-friendly?

Absolutely! doola’s flexibility makes it a perfect fit for startups.

2. What sets doola Bookkeeping apart from QuickBooks?

While QuickBooks is feature-heavy, doola Bookkeeping emphasizes simplicity and personalized service.

3. Can doola Bookkeeping assist with taxes?

Yes, doola Bookkeeping helps you prepare for tax season with tools and expert support.

Is there a free trial for doola Bookkeeping?

Yes, explore all the features with a risk-free trial.

Does doola Bookkeeping integrate with other tools?

Absolutely! doola Bookkeeping seamlessly connects with a range of business tools.