Let’s be real for a second. I’m not an accountant. I don’t have a CPA license, and I definitely don’t keep a calculator in my pocket. What I do have? Years of experience as a self-employed freelancer who, like many of you, had to figure out how to do accounting without screaming into the void.
Back in the day (okay, a few years ago), I couldn’t afford to hire a pro. QuickBooks looked like it had been built by financial wizards—for other wizards. Between the confusing dashboard and the high price, I gave up. But giving up bookkeeping entirely? Not an option.
So I went on a mission: find the best QuickBooks alternatives—tools that are:
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Easy to use
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Budget-friendly (or totally free!)
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Full of features that actually help
This list is based on real experience, testing by expert teams, and input from freelancers and business owners across the United States. Whether you’re in sunny California, snowy Maine, or somewhere in between, there’s an accounting app on this list that’s perfect for you.
Let’s dive in.
1. Wave: The Best Free Accounting Software in the USA
If you want a QuickBooks alternative that doesn’t cost a penny, Wave is your new best friend.
Why freelancers and small businesses love Wave:
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It’s completely free for invoicing and accounting
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It has a beautiful, friendly interface
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Built-in credit card processing (with fees, of course)
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You can scan receipts with your phone
But there’s a catch. Wave is only available in the U.S. and Canada. So, if you’re sipping coffee in New York or running a store in Texas, you’re good. But international users? Not so much.
Use case: You’re just starting your photography business in Oregon. You don’t have extra cash for software, but you want to send professional invoices and track your income. Boom—Wave is for you.
Price: $0 for core features. Credit card processing fees apply. Paid Pro plan starts at $16/month.
2. Xero: A Project-Tracking Powerhouse With Serious Accounting Muscles
Based in New Zealand, but a hit in the U.S., Xero is a well-loved alternative for businesses that run projects—think agencies, contractors, or consultants.
Xero’s standout strengths:
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Track time and expenses by project
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Gorgeous dashboard that’s easy on the eyes
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Syncs beautifully with bank accounts
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Clean, modern UI (a big deal if you’re not spreadsheet-savvy)
The only downside? Project tracking is only available on their $80/month plan. So if that’s what you need, be ready to pay up.
Use case: You’re a web developer in Florida juggling three client projects at once. You want to track your hours, invoice clients, and keep tabs on what’s profitable.
Price: Starts at $20/month. Established plan (with project tracking) is $80/month.
3. FreshBooks: Freelancer-Friendly and Fuss-Free
If the word “invoice” makes you sweat, FreshBooks is here to hold your hand.
Why freelancers in states like California, Illinois, and Georgia are switching to FreshBooks:
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Super easy interface
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Invoices look beautiful and can be branded
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Great for solopreneurs and side hustlers
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OCR-powered receipt capture
But note: the basic plan only supports 5 clients—which can be limiting. Still, if you’re just starting your side hustle in Michigan or North Carolina, this is more than enough.
Use case: You’re a freelance designer in Arizona with a handful of steady clients. You need something easy, fast, and not stressful.
Price: Starts at $14/month. Add-ons for extra team members.
4. Zoho Books: The All-in-One Accounting Super Tool
Want one app to do everything except make your morning coffee? Zoho Books might be it.
What makes it powerful:
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Budgeting, inventory, project tracking, and tax reports
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Deep customization for reports and workflows
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Free plan for small businesses
Zoho Books is part of a huge suite of apps (Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Zoho Invoice—you name it). It can be overwhelming at first, but once you set it up, you’re golden.
Use case: You’re running a small online shop in Ohio. You want accounting, inventory tracking, and tax reports—all in one place.
Price: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $15/month.
5. Sage 50: Big-Time Reporting for Growing Businesses
Sage isn’t new. It’s been around since cassette tapes were cool, and its Sage 50 Accounting is a favorite for businesses ready to scale.
Top features:
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Over 20 customizable reports
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Handles multiple companies and advanced inventory
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Add-ons for just about everything
This one isn’t for beginners. But if you’re a business owner in Pennsylvania or New Jersey with big growth goals, Sage might be a great match.
Use case: You’re managing a regional HVAC company in Indiana and want deep reporting and audit trails.
Price: Starts at $625/year. Multi-user plans available.
6. QuickBooks Online: The Cloud-Based Sibling With a Modern Twist
Okay, it’s still QuickBooks, but it’s not that QuickBooks.
QuickBooks Online is a sleeker, faster version that works across devices. If you still love the QuickBooks layout but hate being chained to your desktop, this is your ticket out.
What makes it better:
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Real-time collaboration with your team or accountant
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Works on laptop, tablet, or phone
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AI assistant helps with invoices, payments, and reports
Use case: You’re a remote-first team with staff in Colorado, New Mexico, and Kansas. Everyone needs access, and you don’t want to deal with sending files back and forth.
Price: Starts at $35/month.
7. Square: Best for Social Media Selling and Simple Bookkeeping
Wait—Square? Isn’t that what cafés use?
Yes, but it’s also a solid QuickBooks alternative if you sell products online or through social media.
Square perks:
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Sell via Facebook, Instagram, and even pop-ups
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Invoices, inventory, and payment processing in one place
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Accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards
Use case: You’re running a small handmade candle shop in Vermont and mostly sell through Instagram. Square lets you take payments, manage inventory, and send invoices—all from one dashboard.
Price: Free with transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30 per sale). Premium plan starts at $29/month.
8. Oracle NetSuite: Big-League ERP for Big Business Goals
If you’re scaling fast and QuickBooks can’t keep up, NetSuite is like the Ferrari of accounting tools.
What you get:
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Enterprise-level features: HR, payroll, inventory, supply chain
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Multi-language, multi-currency support
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Full financial planning suite
It’s overkill for a solo gig—but a dream for mid-size companies with teams across multiple U.S. states.
Use case: You’re running a growing tech company headquartered in Washington with operations in Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina. NetSuite gives you one system to rule them all.
Price: Custom pricing. Translation: It’s expensive but powerful.
9. Puzzle: Smart, Modern, and Built for Startups
Puzzle is designed specifically for startups that are burning cash (literally and figuratively). It shows you important things like burn rate and runway—essential if you’re trying to keep your business alive beyond next quarter.
Other goodies:
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Built-in accountant chat
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Financial checklist for monthly tasks
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Free plan if your expenses are low
Use case: You’re launching a new app from your apartment in Brooklyn. You’re not making much yet but need serious financial insights.
Price: Free for under $5,000 in monthly expenses. Paid plans from $50/month.
10. OneUp: Bridging the Gap Between Sales and Accounting
Running sales and accounting separately is like trying to ride a bike with one pedal. Enter OneUp, a smart, streamlined tool that connects your CRM and finances in a single platform.
Why it rocks:
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Modular design (use only what you need)
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Tracks inventory, leads, and invoices together
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Solid value at a low price
Use case: You’re a small business in Utah selling custom furniture. You want salespeople and bookkeepers working from the same system without confusion.
Price: Starts at $9/month. Better functionality at $19+/month.
State-by-State Tips for Choosing QuickBooks Alternatives
Running a business in Texas? Go for something scalable like Xero or QuickBooks Online.
In California? You might prefer the sleek style of FreshBooks.
New York freelancers love Wave’s zero-cost setup.
Florida startups? Puzzle’s insights might be what you need.
Oregon creatives often choose Square for social media sales.
Whatever state you’re in, remember: your accounting software should work for you, not against you.
Final Thoughts: Ditch the Stress, Keep the Profits
You don’t have to be an accountant to manage your money wisely. You just need the right tool.
Whether you’re running a solo business in Montana, managing a growing company in Illinois, or selling digital products in Colorado, there’s a QuickBooks alternative out there that matches your style, budget, and business needs.
Forget spreadsheets that make your eyes hurt. Forget software that feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube underwater. You deserve accounting software that’s as sharp as your hustle.
So, pick your favorite, start simple, and remember—your time is better spent building your dream than untangling receipts.
