ZipBooks vs Shoeboxed

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Our analysts compared ZipBooks vs Shoeboxed based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Accounting Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Shoeboxed Software Tool

Product Basics

ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing platform designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It works independently or with certified accountants who will prepare monthly financial statements for a user's business.

It's also available as an iOS app with credit card processing, chart of accounts, business listings, machine learning, time tracking, team management and other capabilities that are specifically designed for the app.
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Shoeboxed is a business document management and online receipt service that helps track expenses by scanning, organizing and categorizing receipts and business cards into a searchable cloud database. It helps small businesses focus more time on core objectives and less on paperwork by turning physical files into digital data. Available through the web app and mobile apps, it aids small businesses and entrepreneurs to get organized and maximize tax deductions.
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$15 Monthly, Freemium
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Tailored to your specific needs
$18 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
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Linux
Android
Chromebook
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Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

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

Product Insights

  • User-Friendly Interface: Users don't require a master's degree in accounting to operate ZipBooks because its features and interface are intuitive, making it easy to use no matter the level of experience.  
  • Affordable: ZipBooks offers four payment options with distinct features such as free, smarter, sophisticated and the accountant plan offers adjustable pricing. This makes it a viable option for anyone with a small budget, such as small businesses or freelancers trying to get their careers off the ground. 
  • Knowledgeable Experts: ZipBooks' certified bookkeepers can provide users with financial advice and recommendations when assisting with accounting practices. 
  • Record and Document Tasks: Keeping track of every task, project and file can be cumbersome. Thanks to ZipBooks, users can create and allocate responsibilities to specific projects so everything is chronicled and accessible in one place.  
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  • Flexible Receipt Capture: Upload images from anywhere through mobile applications or drag and drop from the desktop and send the receipt through email. 
  • Human Verified Data: Use extracted information that gets double-checked by a team of experts. Organize fully searchable and editable data. 
  • Simplified Expense Reports: Export, share or print information with just a few clicks. Use the receipt images to make tax preparation and reimbursement easy and hassle-free. 
  • Better Audit Readiness: Scan and properly categorize documents to ensure they are always ready for the audit. 
  • Secure Data: Store all papers and documents. Use the Secure Socket Layer encryption to protect digital data. 
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  • Accountant Access: Users can easily share information with accountants and financial experts with ZipBooks' accounting accessory. This tool enables users to effortlessly track routine transactions and extend completely accurate data for filing taxes, preparing financial reports and asking for sound financial advice to their accountants. The accounts receivable feature enables users to monitor invoices and payments so the money they make and amounts they owe will promptly update in their accounts receivable reports. Users can also review what their clients have already paid, outstanding amounts and the normal amount of time it takes them to pay. Transactions made outside of ZipBooks can be added manually for full accuracy. 
  • Oversee Accounts Receivable: The accounts receivable tool enables users to review their accounts receivable history while also providing smart insights on which particular accounts are paying in a rational timeline. This module also extends an elaborate list of customers who make late payments so users can establish more payment reminders. Users can also create a snapshot of general payment trends in a given year for proper budgeting.  
  • Perform Accurate Bank Reconciliations: Users can employ the bank reconciliation extension in the accounting tool to automatically transfer transaction information into their ZipBooks account so they can always see the most current account balance. This function also allows users to sort and study transactions by placing a checkmark on each transaction that appears on users' bank statements. ZipBooks will even monitor transactions that aren't verified so users will always stay in the know about their finances. Other extensions included within the accounting tool include bank connecting, auto-categorization, chart of accounts, project accounting and tagging. This tool is also supplied with several reports such as aging, balance sheet, general ledger, income statement, taxes invoiced and trial balance. 
  • Regulate Billing Processes: ZipBooks' billing management accessory allows users to choose regular or subscription-based invoicing for constant billing to fit their needs. Users can personalize their invoices with logos, particular colors and contact information. This tool can also trace customer payments, invoice history, overdue balances and collected taxes and alert users when an invoice has been paid. The credit card processing extension enables users to accept payments from every major credit company from approximately 22 various countries. Users can also take digital payments from Square and PayPal.  
  • Initiate Concurrent Bills: Thanks to the recurring billing function, users can set up future payments and never worry about them getting to the right customer again. There are dynamic features users can adjust to instantly autofill invoices with precise customer information. This function can immediately bill customer credit cards on a monthly basis and securely store credit card information. Other functions that come with the billing module include estimates, invoices, customer management, mobile access, multi-currency, reminders, saved items, team management and time tracking.  
  • Machine Learning Insights: ZipBooks' machine learning function of the intelligence module is similar to adding a supercomputer to a user's team because it blends work with research to immediately pick a category for each transaction. The more users work with the machine learning tool, the more it can learn about the way they chronicle and sort their transactions until it can auto-categorize. If there's a classifying error, users can make the correction and the extension will learn from its mistakes. The machine learning function will also categorize every bank transaction that a user imports and provide a confidence score based on their accounting knowledge and history.  
  • Thorough Business Wellness Check: Users can implement the business health score extension to check and finetune the health of their business that will aid in making better business decisions. This function can search for concurrent clients, punctual payments, sales growth and repeating revenue. Other helpful functions within the intelligence accessory include invoice quality score, recommendations and smart search.  
  • Manage Billable Expenses: To get reimbursed for expenses users' business accrue for customers such as paint supplies needed to paint a house or parts to fix a car, users can develop a transaction, mark it as billable and add the name of the client to be billed with the billable expenses function in the expense management tool. The expense will be added to the customer's invoice. The vendor management extension enables users to view expense histories, keep vendor contact information updated, and review payments owed. When users attach a bill or expense to a vendor's name, ZipBooks will instantly pinpoint general contacts as vendors. If users no longer use someone as a vendor but want to keep their contact information handy, they can easily change the name back to contact. Other functions included in the expense management module include receipt saving and split categories. 
  • Deliver Review Invitations: ZipBooks' growth accessory's reviews extension enables users to automatically or manually send invitations via email or text message to clients to review their business online. Users can employ ZipBooks' widget component to share customer reviews onto their website. This extension also allows users to reply to customer reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp and other platforms. 
  • Locate and Manage Search Ranks: The ranking function in the growth module permits users to see where their business ranks in search results based on specific keywords customers may use when searching for a business, service or product on maps, computers or mobile search apps. Users can accordingly add keywords for more insight and install parameters to identify searches within particular target areas. This function also allows users to track the progress of their rankings such as rising, falling or consistencies. Other extensions within the growth accessory include widgets and business listings.  
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  • OCR and Human Data Verification: Extract receipts and transform them into human-verified data. Digitize and archive them into a single secure location. Convert document digitally into any format and make it editable. Enable automation of specific tasks and get bulk data entry done in minutes. 
  • Online Organization: Ensure that all the images of the receipt are accepted by the Internal Revenue Service and the Canada Revenue Service and keep them audit ready. Ensure all the receipts get scanned, easy to locate and comprehensively categorized. 
  • Expense Report: Create comprehensive expense reports with receipt images from anywhere using the web or mobile app. Ensure accurate and timely expense reporting without paper receipts. 
  • Integration: Eliminate the worry of manual data entry or errors by seamlessly working with other accounting tools like QuickBooks, Evernote, Bench, Working Point, SkyClerk, Abbyy and more. 
  • Automatic Receipts Archive: Import receipts automatically from Gmail so that they are never lost. Archive receipts from any email by sending it to a unique, secure email address. 
  • Business Card Management: Free users from the worry of carrying piles of business cards with the possibility of losing them. Transform business cards into online contacts. Download the database as a CSV file or send it to a CRM program for further communication. 
  • Mobile Apps: Take receipt images from the phone with their free app with receipt and mileage tracker. Get accurate mileage tracking with its phone’s GPS capability. Keep track of business expenses, mileage and billable time. Pull in data automatically and create an expense report. 
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Product Ranking

#33

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#146

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 300 reviews
Great User Sentiment 435 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

ZipBooks has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 300 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

88%
of users recommend this product

Shoeboxed has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 435 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

5.0 (15)
n/a
4.8 (78)
n/a
4.5 (93)
4.38 (214)
4.5 (99)
4.4 (221)
4.1 (15)
n/a

Awards

ZipBooks stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Free Plan: ZipBooks offers a free plan that includes unlimited invoices, the ability to accept digital payments, and basic reporting features, making it a cost-effective solution for freelancers and small businesses with basic accounting needs.
User-Friendly Interface: The platform is known for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing users to quickly create professional invoices, track expenses, and manage their finances without extensive accounting knowledge.
Time Tracking: ZipBooks includes time-tracking tools that enable users to accurately record billable hours for projects and clients, simplifying the process of generating invoices based on actual time spent.
Integrations: ZipBooks integrates with popular payment gateways like PayPal and Square, as well as other business tools such as Slack and Google Calendar, streamlining workflows and reducing manual data entry.
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Effortless Expense Tracking: Shoeboxed makes it easy to keep tabs on business expenses by converting receipts into digital data. This simplifies accounting by eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Mileage Deduction Calculation: The mileage tracking feature helps users maximize tax deductions by accurately logging business trips. This eliminates the hassle of manual mileage logs and ensures accurate records for tax purposes.
Organized Digital Records: Shoeboxed provides a central hub for storing receipts and invoices, making it easy to find documents when needed. This eliminates the need for physical storage and simplifies record keeping.
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Limited Integrations: ZipBooks may not integrate with all the applications a business uses, potentially leading to manual data entry and reduced efficiency.
Scalability Concerns: Some users have expressed concerns about ZipBooks' ability to handle the needs of larger businesses or those with more complex accounting requirements as they grow.
Customer Support: While ZipBooks offers support, some users have reported challenges in obtaining timely or comprehensive assistance for their inquiries.
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Lack of Customization: Some users have expressed frustration with the lack of customization options for expense categorization. Shoeboxed automatically categorizes expenses, which may not always align with a business's specific accounting needs.
Limited Integrations: Shoeboxed's integrations with other accounting software can be limited, potentially requiring manual data entry for users who rely on specific accounting platforms.
Pricing: Some users find Shoeboxed's subscription plans to be expensive, particularly for businesses with low volumes of receipts.
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ZipBooks: Accounting made easy. ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software that helps small businesses manage their finances, but how does it stack up against the competition? Users appreciate its ease of use and affordability, making it a great choice for those who are new to accounting software or have a limited budget. The platform offers features like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting, which are essential for many small businesses. However, some users have noted that ZipBooks lacks more advanced features found in other accounting software, such as inventory management and in-depth financial reporting. Additionally, customer support has received mixed reviews, with some users finding it helpful while others have experienced challenges. One of ZipBooks' unique features is its integration with popular business apps like QuickBooks, Google Drive, and Salesforce, allowing for seamless data transfer and increased efficiency. The software also includes project management tools, which can be beneficial for businesses that need to track time and tasks. ZipBooks offers a free starter plan, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses. Paid plans provide additional features, such as payroll integration and reputation management. Overall, ZipBooks is a solid choice for freelancers and small businesses that prioritize ease of use and affordability. However, businesses with more complex accounting needs or those requiring extensive customer support may want to explore other options like QuickBooks Online or Xero.

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Recent user reviews suggest that Shoeboxed can be a valuable tool for small businesses and individuals looking to streamline their accounting processes. Users praise Shoeboxed for its ability to effortlessly digitize receipts and documents, eliminating the need for bulky physical storage. This feature proves particularly useful for individuals who frequently travel or have limited office space. The ability to access financial records from any location with an internet connection is also highlighted as a major advantage. However, some users express concerns about the software's learning curve, finding the initial setup and navigation somewhat cumbersome. Others point out that the expense tracking functionality, while helpful, lacks the robust reporting capabilities of dedicated accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero. Shoeboxed's strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use for basic accounting tasks, making it ideal for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners who need a straightforward solution for managing receipts and generating expense reports. For users requiring more advanced accounting features, integrating Shoeboxed with dedicated accounting software might be a more suitable approach.

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