Top Zoho Books Alternatives & Competitors For 2024

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Looking for alternatives to Zoho Books? 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 Zoho Books to leading industry alternatives like Freshbooks, BQE Core, Wave Accounting, and Bill.com.

BQE Core Software Tool
Wave Accounting Software Tool
Bill.com Software Tool

Product Basics

Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software offering streamlined bookkeeping tools for small businesses and freelancers. Its core functionality revolves around managing expenses, invoices, payments, and payroll. Users can track income and outgoings, generate financial reports, and collaborate with their accountant. Zoho Books caters best to solopreneurs and small teams seeking an affordable, user-friendly accounting solution. Its intuitive interface and mobile app make it accessible for individuals with limited accounting expertise. Key benefits include automatic data entry, bank reconciliation, and inventory management. Popular features encompass purchase orders, recurring invoices, and project profitability tracking. User reviews within the accounting context praise its ease of use, affordability, and helpful customer support. Zoho Books offers tiered pricing based on the number of users and required features. Plans range from a free version with basic functionality to more comprehensive options for growing businesses, making it a scalable solution as accounting needs evolve.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable pricing
  • Mobile app access
  • Good customer support
  • Solid basic features
Cons
  • Limited advanced features
  • Reporting customization
  • Inventory management depth
  • Integrations with third-party apps
  • Scalability for larger businesses
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...
BQE Core streamlines accounting processes for mid-sized businesses, simplifying tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial reporting. Its intuitive interface and automation features cater to users with varying accounting expertise, making it suitable for both in-house accountants and bookkeeping teams. The software boasts strong general ledger functionality, multi-currency support, and real-time financial insights, enabling better decision-making. Popular features include bank reconciliation tools, inventory management, and project accounting capabilities. Users appreciate BQE Core's scalability and customizability, allowing it to adapt to specific business needs. While subscription pricing varies based on company size and required modules, it generally falls within the mid-range compared to similar accounting software. BQE Core prioritizes ease of use and automation, making it a solid choice for businesses seeking to streamline their accounting operations and gain valuable financial insights.

Pros
  • Intuitive interface
  • Time-saving automation
  • Comprehensive features
  • Flexible customization
  • Scalability for growth
Cons
  • Limited mobile app
  • Occasional bugs reported
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Customization requires effort
  • Pricing can be complex
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.com is a cloud-based software solution provider that automates financial processes for small and medium-scale businesses. It streamlines accounts payable and receivable management and uses AI and machine learning to reduce tedious data entry and manual errors. As an end-to-end option, it connects businesses with suppliers and clients to assist them in managing cash inflows and outflows.
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Product Assistance

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Product Ranking

#7

among all
Accounting Software

#2

among all
Accounting Software

#158

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Accounting Software

#4

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#42

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Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

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Accounts Payable
Banking and Cash Management
Inventory Management
Platform Capabilities
Platform Security
Platform Security
Project Accounting
Tax Management
Financial Statements and Revenue Management
Journal Entries
Banking and Cash Management
Financial Statements and Revenue Management
General Ledger and Chart of Accounts
Project Accounting
Accounts Payable
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

Zoho Books
Freshbooks
BQE Core
Wave Accounting
Bill.com
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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 100 95 100 90 90 75 82 100 85 80 60 100 92 92 96 94 94 73 86 98 75 88 81 97 97 49 89 100 92 100 97 95 100 93 100 100 58 50 67 80 80 78 100 93 96 78 92 87 57 98 61 58 50 73 90 65 78 56 70 88 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 546 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 4096 reviews
Great User Sentiment 354 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2602 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2020 reviews
88%
of users recommend this product

Zoho Books has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 546 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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.

86%
of users recommend this product

BQE Core has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 354 user reviews from 4 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.

85%
of users recommend this product

Bill.com has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 2020 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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Awards

Accounts Payable Award
Inventory Management Award
Platform Capabilities Award
User Favorite Award
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive interface: Users consistently praise Zoho Books for its simple and easy-to-navigate interface, even for those without prior accounting experience.
Automation superpowers: Tasks like invoicing, payment reminders, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting become effortless with Zoho Books' automation features, saving users significant time and effort.
Seamless integrations: Zoho Books smoothly integrates with other Zoho apps, like CRM and Projects, as well as popular third-party tools, streamlining workflows and eliminating data silos.
Mobile accessibility: The user-friendly mobile app allows for on-the-go accounting, ensuring users can manage finances anytime, anywhere.
Value for money: Zoho Books is consistently praised for its affordable pricing plans, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Customer service responsiveness: Users frequently highlight the prompt and helpful support provided by Zoho Books' customer service team.
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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.
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Intuitive Interface: Easy to learn and navigate, even for non-accountants.
Automation Powerhouse: Saves time and reduces errors with automated tasks like bank reconciliation and invoice generation.
Scalability and Flexibility: Adapts to growing businesses and diverse accounting needs with customizable modules and features.
Actionable Insights: Real-time dashboards and reports provide clear financial visibility for informed decision-making.
Collaboration Booster: Shared workspaces, task assignments, and approval workflows streamline team accounting processes.
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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.
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Automated Workflow: Streamlines invoice processing, approval, and payment, saving time and reducing errors.
Centralized Platform: Manages all accounts payable and accounts receivable functions in one place, providing a comprehensive view of cash flow.
Seamless Integrations: Connects with popular accounting software, banks, and payment gateways, eliminating manual data entry and reconciliation.
Robust Reporting: Provides detailed insights into spending, cash flow, and vendor performance, enabling informed decision-making.
Improved Vendor Relationships: Automates vendor payments, reduces late fees, and strengthens supplier relationships.
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Transaction limits: Users express frustration with the capped number of monthly transactions (5,000 on the highest plan), potentially hindering high-volume businesses.
Inventory management constraints: While Zoho Books offers inventory tracking, it lacks advanced features like sales analytics and in-depth item breakdowns, making it less suitable for businesses with complex inventory needs.
Coding requirements for automation: Unlocking the full potential of automation features often requires knowledge of coding (Deluge script), posing a challenge for non-technical users.
Occasional reporting issues: Some users report occasional glitches or inconsistencies in financial reports, necessitating careful review and potential manual adjustments.
Multiple subscriptions for multiple businesses: Managing multiple businesses requires separate subscriptions, which can become cost-prohibitive for users with several entities.
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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.
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Limited Mobile App: Functionality lags behind desktop version, hindering on-the-go access.
Occasional Bugs: Users report occasional bugs and glitches, impacting workflow.
Steeper Learning Curve: Interface can be less intuitive compared to some competitors, requiring more training.
Customization Effort: In-depth customization can be complex and require technical expertise.
Pricing Complexity: Tiered pricing structure and optional modules can make cost calculations intricate.
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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.
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Lack of Customization: Limited flexibility in customizing reports, workflows, and user permissions, making it difficult to adapt to specific business needs.
Limited Integration Options: Fewer pre-built integrations with other business applications compared to competitors, leading to manual data entry and potential errors.
Inconsistent User Interface: The user interface can be inconsistent across different modules, resulting in a steep learning curve and reduced efficiency.
Slow Response Times: Users have reported experiencing slow loading times and delays when processing large volumes of transactions or generating reports.
Limited Functionality for Complex Accounting: May not offer advanced features required for complex accounting needs, such as multi-entity consolidation or specialized industry-specific functions.
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Zoho Books lands a punch with its user-friendly interface and automation superpowers, even for accounting newbies. Invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reports become automatic allies, saving users precious time. Integration with the Zoho ecosystem and other popular tools keeps workflows in harmony. Plus, the mobile app lets you manage finances on the go, a big win for busy entrepreneurs. However, Zoho Books stumbles with transaction limits, potentially tripping up high-volume businesses. Inventory management feels like a lightweight sidekick compared to some competitors, lacking the muscle for complex needs. Unlocking automation's full potential requires coding know-how, leaving some users stranded. And while reports are generally reliable, occasional glitches necessitate a closer look. Managing multiple businesses under separate subscriptions can also add up cost-wise. So, how does Zoho Books stack up? Users often compare it to Quickbooks Online. Zoho shines with its intuitive interface and affordability, especially for solopreneurs and small teams. But Quickbooks packs a heavier punch in its inventory management and advanced reporting features, catering to larger businesses with complex needs. Zoho's seamless integrations and user-friendliness win hearts, while Quickbooks offers a more robust toolset for seasoned accountants. Ultimately, Zoho Books is a capable accounting sidekick for businesses starting their financial journey. Its ease of use, automation muscle, and affordable price tag make it a tempting choice. But for high-volume businesses or those with intricate inventory needs, other contenders might offer a more powerful punch.

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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.

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BQE Core users praise its intuitiveness and automation features, saving them time and reducing errors. It's lauded for its scalability and flexibility, adapting to growing businesses and diverse needs, which some users find lacking in simpler rivals. Real-time insights and seamless collaboration features are also appreciated, empowering informed decision-making and team efficiency. However, a limited mobile app and occasional bugs can disrupt workflow, drawing comparisons to competitors with more robust mobile experiences. While BQE Core's extensive customization options are admired, some find it steeper to learn and configure compared to user-friendly alternatives. Pricing can also be complex, requiring careful consideration of modules and user licenses, unlike competitors with clearer upfront costs. Ultimately, BQE Core shines for its ease of use, automation, and scalability, but users must weigh occasional technical hiccups and intricate pricing against its strengths. Those seeking a mobile-first or simplified experience might explore other options, while BQE Core excels for businesses prioritizing customization and growth potential.

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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.

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Users highly rate Bill.com's user-friendly interface, time-saving automation features, and excellent customer support. They appreciate the ability to easily track invoices, automate payments, and reconcile bank statements. Compared to other accounting software, Bill.com stands out for its seamless integration with popular business applications and its robust reporting capabilities. These strengths make it a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their financial operations and improve efficiency. While Bill.com excels in many areas, users have also noted some limitations. Some users find the software's pricing structure to be higher than competitors, and the lack of advanced inventory management features may be a drawback for businesses with complex inventory needs. Additionally, the software's reliance on an internet connection can be a concern for businesses that require offline access. Overall, Bill.com is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a user-friendly and efficient accounting solution. Its strengths in automation, integration, and reporting make it a valuable tool for streamlining financial operations. However, businesses with advanced inventory management needs or those requiring offline access may need to consider alternative options.

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