Top Bench Alternatives & Competitors For 2024

Last Updated:

Looking for alternatives to Bench? Many users crave user-friendly and feature-rich solutions for tasks like Banking and Cash Management, Tax Management, and Financial Statements and Revenue Management. Leveraging crowdsourced data from over 1,000 real Accounting Software selection projects based on 400+ capabilities, we present a comparison of Bench to leading industry alternatives like Freshbooks, Tipalti, Wave Accounting, and BILL Spend & Expense.

Bench Software Tool
Tipalti Software Tool
Wave Accounting Software Tool

Product Basics

Bench automates bookkeeping and provides financial assistance to small business owners. It automatically connects all transaction data from the business accounts each month. Users can take advantage of the subscription to cloud-based modules and or in-house professional consultants. Access it through the iPhone app to track cash flow and financial health with income statements, intuitive expense reports and more.
read more...
Freshbooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses. Its core features include invoicing, expense tracking, online payments, project management, and basic reporting. It's user-friendly and integrates with popular tools like Stripe and PayPal. Freshbooks shines for solopreneurs and small teams seeking a simple, affordable solution to manage basic accounting tasks. Its intuitive interface and mobile app make it accessible even for non-accountants. Users appreciate its automated features like recurring invoices and expense categorization, saving them time and effort. Compared to some competitors, Freshbooks may lack advanced accounting functionalities like inventory management or double-entry bookkeeping. However, its focus on simplicity and ease of use makes it a popular choice for those starting out or needing a lightweight accounting solution. Pricing starts at a reasonable monthly fee and scales based on the number of clients and features needed. This pay-as-you-go model ensures users pay only for what they use, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Mobile app access
  • Automated invoicing
  • Online payments
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Limited features
  • No double-entry
  • Price increases with clients
  • Basic reporting
  • Not for large businesses
read more...
Tipalti is an accounting solution that automates payables and invoice-to-pay-to-reconciliation procedures, allowing companies to adapt and thrive with updated practices while keeping payables hassle-free, safe and more efficient. Its scalability enables users to pay a large population of suppliers for digital goods and services.

Supplier and invoice management, payment reconciliation, tax and value-added tax (VAT) compliance and self-billing are its top features.
read more...
Wave Accounting streamlines financial management for small businesses and freelancers. Its intuitive interface simplifies bookkeeping tasks like expense tracking, invoicing, and receipt scanning. Users praise its ease of use and mobile accessibility, making it ideal for entrepreneurs on the go. Wave offers core accounting features like bank reconciliation and income/expense reports, all for free. Premium plans unlock advanced functionalities like payroll, double-entry bookkeeping, and tax filing for an affordable monthly fee. Compared to similar products, Wave shines in user experience. Reviews highlight its intuitive design, helpful tutorials, and responsive customer support. However, its free plan lacks features crucial for larger businesses, requiring an upgrade for robust accounting needs. Ultimately, Wave excels as a beginner-friendly, cost-effective solution for solopreneurs and small teams seeking hassle-free financial management.

Pros
  • Free core features
  • Easy to use interface
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Excellent customer support
  • Free bank reconciliation
Cons
  • Limited features in free plan
  • No inventory tracking
  • No double-entry accounting
  • Few integrations with other software
  • Limited reporting options
read more...
BILL Spend & Expense (formerly called Divvy) is a free cloud-based accounting and expense management solution. It provides businesses with a secure financial platform to manage payments, subscriptions and eliminate the requirements of expense reports. The swipe to books functionality helps make well-informed cash flow decisions, cut down on the losses before they happen and frees businesses from the worry of saving receipts ever again.
read more...
$$$$$
i
$$$$$
i
$$$$$
i
$$$$$
i
$$$$$
i
$249
$4.50
$129
$20
$0
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Free
No
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Ranking

#140

among all
Accounting Software

#2

among all
Accounting Software

#11

among all
Accounting Software

#4

among all
Accounting Software

#25

among all
Accounting Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

we're gathering data
87
we're gathering data
72
we're gathering data
we're gathering data
94
we're gathering data
78
we're gathering data
we're gathering data
94
we're gathering data
92
we're gathering data
we're gathering data
73
we're gathering data
87
we're gathering data
Show More Show More
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Banking and Cash Management
Budget and Expense Management
Deployment Options
Platform Security
Project Accounting
Tax Management
Financial Statements and Revenue Management
Journal Entries
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Banking and Cash Management
Budget and Expense Management
Deployment Options
Financial Statements and Revenue Management
Accounts Receivable
Mobile Support
Tax Management
Banking and Cash Management
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Banking and Cash Management
Budget and Expense Management
Deployment Options

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Bench
Freshbooks
Tipalti
Wave Accounting
BILL Spend & Expense
+ Add Product + Add Product
Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Banking and Cash Management Budget and Expense Management Financial Statements and Revenue Management General Ledger and Chart of Accounts Integration and Extensibility Inventory Management Journal Entries Mobile Support Multi-company Accounting and Asset Management Platform Capabilities Project Accounting Reporting and Analytics Tax Management 94 94 73 86 98 75 88 81 97 97 49 89 100 92 100 78 92 87 57 98 61 58 50 73 90 65 78 56 70 88 0 25 50 75 100
0%
100%
89%
11%
0%
100%
56%
44%
0%
100%
0%
100%
94%
6%
0%
100%
83%
17%
0%
100%
0%
100%
80%
20%
0%
100%
80%
20%
0%
100%
0%
100%
85%
15%
0%
100%
31%
69%
0%
100%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
100%
75%
25%
0%
100%
63%
37%
0%
100%
0%
100%
77%
23%
0%
100%
23%
77%
0%
100%
0%
100%
57%
43%
0%
100%
0%
100%
0%
100%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
60%
40%
0%
100%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
80%
20%
0%
100%
0%
100%
50%
50%
0%
100%
50%
50%
0%
100%
0%
100%
89%
11%
0%
100%
78%
22%
0%
100%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
100%
0%
100%
0%
100%
89%
11%
0%
100%
47%
53%
0%
100%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
80%
20%
0%
100%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

0%
100%
67%
33%
0%
100%
33%
67%
0%
100%
0%
100%
100%
0%
0%
100%
83%
17%
0%
100%

User Sentiment Summary

we're gathering data
Excellent User Sentiment 4096 reviews
Great User Sentiment 487 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2602 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 271 reviews
we're gathering data
90%
of users recommend this product

Freshbooks has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 4096 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

89%
of users recommend this product

Tipalti has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 487 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

88%
of users recommend this product

Wave Accounting has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 2602 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

94%
of users recommend this product

BILL Spend & Expense has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 271 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.8 (28)
4.8 (14)
4.0 (15)
5.0 (14)
n/a
4.6 (586)
4.5 (204)
4.4 (203)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
4.43 (1298)
4.68 (257)
n/a
4.5 (3332)
4.7 (129)
4.4 (964)
n/a
n/a
n/a
4.0 (2)
n/a
n/a
n/a
4.0 (150)
4.2 (138)
4.0 (122)
n/a

Awards

we're gathering data
User Favorite Award
we're gathering data
we're gathering data
User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive Interface: Many users find Bench's platform easy to navigate, simplifying tasks like categorizing transactions and generating financial reports.
Automated Bookkeeping: Bench automates many bookkeeping tasks, such as importing bank statements and categorizing transactions, saving users time and effort.
Dedicated Bookkeeper Support: Users appreciate having access to a dedicated bookkeeper who can answer questions and provide personalized support.
Show more
Customer Support: Approximately 89% of users that mentioned it in their review said customer support is supportive, helpful and quick to respond to issues.
Appliances: Precisely 58% of users that discussed the system functionalities enjoyed this program's appliances because they can create clean reports, set up repeating invoices, and add and manage credit cards.
Simple and intuitive interface: Freshbooks' clean layout and straightforward navigation make it easy for even non-accountants to manage their finances.
Time-saving features: Automated invoicing, expense categorization, and online payments let users save time and effort on routine accounting tasks.
Mobile app for on-the-go management: Access invoices, track expenses, and manage clients from smartphones or tablets, ensuring flexibility and productivity.
Affordable plans for growing businesses: Choose a plan that scales with your needs and budget, with options starting at an accessible price point.
Seamless integrations with popular tools: Streamline workflows by connecting Freshbooks with tools like Stripe, PayPal, and Google Workspace, centralizing financial data.
Show more
Implementation: Of the users who addressed this solution's implementation process, 58% said it was fast, easy and pleasing.
Customer Support: Approximately 69% of users who mentioned this program's customer support said employees were reliable and quick to respond.
Performability: Of the users who spoke of the application's overall performance, nearly 82% said it was user friendly, easy to use and centralized payable options in one location.
Functionality: Roughly 54% of users who discussed this solution's functionality revved about the easy transfer management, invoicing and various payment methods such as ACH, e-check, PayPal and wire.
Show more
System Performance: Of the users who mentioned this solution's performance, precisely 65% said it's easy to use, documents all tasks performed and provides accurate information.
Modules: Approximately 57% of users who discussed this program's functionality said it has a variety of capabilities such as an assortment of reports, bank account synching and invoice reminders.
Cost: Of the users who mentioned this application's pricing, approximately 87% of users said they like the free version because it comes with plenty of appliances.
Show more
Virtual Cards: BILL Spend & Expense allows users to create virtual cards for specific vendors or employees, which helps to control spending and track expenses more effectively.
Budgeting Tools: The platform offers budgeting tools that enable users to set spending limits and track their progress against those limits, promoting better financial management.
Expense Tracking: BILL Spend & Expense simplifies expense tracking by automatically categorizing transactions and allowing users to attach receipts and notes to expenses.
Integrations: BILL Spend & Expense integrates with various accounting software programs, streamlining the process of reconciling expenses and keeping financial records up-to-date.
Mobile App: The BILL Spend & Expense mobile app provides users with convenient access to their accounts and expense management tools while on the go.
Show more
Limited Features for Accountants: Some users have expressed that Bench lacks robust features specifically designed for accounting professionals, such as advanced reporting capabilities or complex inventory management.
Customer Support Concerns: A few users have reported experiencing delays or difficulties in getting timely support from Bench's customer service team.
Pricing Structure: While Bench offers transparent pricing, some users have found it to be relatively expensive compared to alternative bookkeeping solutions, especially for businesses with higher transaction volumes.
Show more
Limited features for complex accounting: Freshbooks may not handle advanced accounting needs like inventory management, double-entry bookkeeping, or fixed assets.
Not ideal for large businesses: As businesses grow, Freshbooks' scalability and feature set might become insufficient for complex financial operations.
Price increases with client base: The cost of Freshbooks can rise significantly as you add more clients, potentially exceeding initial budget expectations.
Basic reporting and analytics: Freshbooks' reporting capabilities may be insufficient for businesses requiring in-depth financial analysis and data insights.
Limited customer support for free plans: Free trial and Lite plan users might have limited access to customer support, potentially hindering troubleshooting and issue resolution.
Show more
Interface: Of the users who addressed this solution's interface, 41% said it was clunky.
Reporting: Approximately 45% of users who discussed this software's modules said the reporting function either couldn't customize reports or duplicates reports unnecessarily.
Show more
Frustrating reconciliation process: Users often describe matching transactions as difficult and time-consuming, leading to delayed reconciliation and potential errors.
Limited reporting options: Users express a desire for more robust and flexible reporting features, including better sorting, exporting, and preset date options for generating customized reports.
Lack of phone support: Wave relies primarily on email and online resources for support, which can be frustrating for users who prefer immediate assistance or have complex issues to resolve.
Occasional glitches and errors: Users have reported occasional software glitches, such as duplicated transactions or difficulties with bank syncing, which can disrupt workflows and create data inconsistencies.
No inventory management: Wave lacks full-fledged inventory tracking and management capabilities, making it unsuitable for businesses with complex inventory needs or those who sell directly through eCommerce platforms.
Show more
Limited Accounting Features: BILL Spend & Expense's strength lies in expense management, but it may lack advanced accounting features required by some businesses, such as accounts payable and accounts receivable management.
Integrations: While BILL Spend & Expense integrates with popular accounting software, the depth of integration and available features may vary. Users should ensure their accounting software is fully compatible with BILL Spend & Expense to avoid manual data entry or limitations.
Customer Support: Some users have reported challenges with BILL Spend & Expense's customer support, including long wait times and difficulty resolving complex issues. Consider the importance of responsive and effective customer support for your business needs.
Show more

Is Bench the right software to help your business come out on top? Bench is a cloud-based accounting software that aims to simplify financial management for small businesses. User reviews highlight its user-friendliness as a major strength, making it ideal for those without extensive accounting experience. Features like invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll streamline financial tasks, saving users time and effort. However, pricing emerges as a significant drawback, potentially deterring budget-conscious businesses. Bench differentiates itself through its dedicated team of bookkeepers who provide personalized support and ensure tax readiness. This hands-on approach sets it apart from competitors like Xero and QuickBooks Online, which primarily offer software tools without the same level of human assistance. This is particularly valuable for businesses seeking expert guidance and peace of mind regarding their financial records. Overall, Bench is best suited for small business owners who prioritize ease of use and personalized bookkeeping support, even if it comes at a higher cost. Those comfortable handling their own accounting or seeking more budget-friendly options might find other software more suitable.

Show more

Freshbooks emerges from user reviews as a reliable and user-friendly accounting solution for solopreneurs and small businesses. Its intuitive interface, mobile app access, and automated features like invoicing and online payments are consistently praised for saving time and streamlining workflows. Compared to competitors like QuickBooks, users appreciate Freshbooks' ease of use for non-accountants, while acknowledging its limitations in advanced functionalities like double-entry bookkeeping or inventory management. This makes it ideal for those starting out or needing a lightweight accounting solution, but potentially less suitable for complex financial needs as businesses grow. Another key differentiator for Freshbooks is its affordability, with tiered plans starting at an attractive price point. However, user reviews also highlight a potential drawback: as client bases expand, so does the cost, which can become a concern for some users. Additionally, while basic reporting and analytics are included, users seeking in-depth data analysis may find Freshbooks' capabilities limited compared to more robust competitors. Overall, user reviews paint a picture of Freshbooks as a user-friendly and affordable accounting solution for solopreneurs and small businesses seeking to simplify their financial management. Its strengths lie in ease of use, automation, and mobile access, while its limitations emerge in advanced features and scalability for larger businesses. Ultimately, the decision to choose Freshbooks hinges on individual needs and priorities, with users emphasizing the importance of weighing its strengths against its limitations to ensure a perfect fit.

Show more

Tipalti is a robust accounting ERP that streamlines all workflows and bookkeeping needs. Its implementation is comfortable and pleasing to users. Its performance is impeccable because it provides a centralized location for various payment options and its modules — tax compliance, billing, invoicing, payment management and more — offer efficient bookkeeping needs. Users also agree that the customer support team is quick to respond and resolve problems. Despite some users' sentiments about the clunky interface and non-flexible reporting apparatus, most find this solution as a handy asset.

Show more

Wave Accounting users appreciate its simplicity and affordability, making it a popular choice for freelancers and solopreneurs. The free plan covers essential features like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting, catering to those with straightforward accounting needs. Users praise its intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go tracking, highlighting its convenience compared to clunky desktop software. However, Wave's limitations become apparent as businesses grow. Users cite frustrating reconciliation issues, limited reporting options, and the lack of advanced features like inventory management or payroll integrations. Compared to competitors like Quickbooks or Xero, Wave feels less capable of handling complex accounting workflows. While its automatic bank imports save time, the absence of phone support can be a dealbreaker for some users who need immediate help troubleshooting issues. Ultimately, Wave shines for its ease of use and zero-cost entry point, but its lack of scalability and robust features might necessitate switching to more powerful alternatives as businesses evolve. Choosing Wave comes down to prioritizing convenience and affordability over comprehensive functionality and expert support.

Show more

BILL Spend & Expense has garnered positive feedback from users for its user-friendly interface and time-saving automation features. The software simplifies expense reporting by allowing employees to capture receipts and submit expenses directly through the mobile app. BILL Spend & Expense's budgeting tools enable businesses to allocate funds, track spending, and gain insights into their financial health. Users appreciate the real-time visibility into cash flow and the ability to integrate with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. While BILL Spend & Expense receives praise for its core functionalities, some users note that the customer support could be more responsive. Additionally, the software may not be as feature-rich as some of its competitors, such as Expensify or Zoho Expense, which offer more advanced reporting and customization options. However, BILL Spend & Expense's simplicity and ease of use make it an attractive choice for small and medium-sized businesses that prioritize streamlining expense management and budgeting processes. Its intuitive platform and automation capabilities cater to businesses seeking a hassle-free solution to track spending, control costs, and gain better financial control.

Show more

Related Categories

Top Alternatives in Accounting Software


Accounting Seed

Acumatica

BQE Core

Dynamics 365 Finance

FreeAgent

Freshbooks

Manager

Odoo Accounting

Oracle Financials Cloud

Patriot Accounting

QuickBooks Online

Sage 50cloud Accounting

Sage Intacct

SAP Business One

SAP S/4 HANA Finance

TallyPrime

Wave Accounting

Workday Financial Management

Xero

ZarMoney

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings