Updated November 6, 2026
Xero: Cloud accounting popular in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. People look for alternatives when they need a lower price, a free plan or a better fit for a specific job.
These 8 tools cover similar ground. Each entry explains who it suits, how pricing works and what to watch out for.
| Tool | Best for | Pricing | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| BILL | Businesses that want to automate paying bills and collecting payments | Free trial | No |
| Expensify | Businesses whose staff submit expenses | Freemium | Yes |
| FreshBooks | Freelancers, consultants and service businesses | Free trial | No |
| Harvest | Agencies and consultants who invoice for time | Freemium | Yes |
| Oracle NetSuite | Mid-size and larger businesses that need a full ERP | Paid | No |
| QuickBooks Online | Small businesses and their accountants, especially in the US | Free trial | No |
| Ramp | US businesses that want cards, expenses and bill pay in one place | Freemium | Yes |
| Sage Intacct | Growing companies that have outgrown small business accounting | Paid | No |
Accounts payable and receivable automation for businesses.
Paid plans with a free trial.
Who it suits: Businesses that want to automate paying bills and collecting payments.
Receipt scanning and expense reports.
Free plan available. Paid plans add more features and limits.
Who it suits: Businesses whose staff submit expenses.
Invoicing-first accounting for freelancers and service businesses.
Paid plans with a free trial.
Who it suits: Freelancers, consultants and service businesses.
Time tracking with invoicing and expenses.
Free plan available. Paid plans add more features and limits.
Who it suits: Agencies and consultants who invoice for time.
Cloud ERP covering accounting, inventory, CRM and more.
Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.
Who it suits: Mid-size and larger businesses that need a full ERP.
The most widely used small business accounting software in the US.
Paid plans with a free trial.
Who it suits: Small businesses and their accountants, especially in the US.
Corporate cards and spend management with automated expenses.
Free plan available. Paid plans add more features and limits.
Who it suits: US businesses that want cards, expenses and bill pay in one place.
Cloud financial management for mid-size companies.
Paid plans. Check the vendor for current pricing.
Who it suits: Growing companies that have outgrown small business accounting.
Accounting software records income and expenses, sends invoices, reconciles bank accounts and produces reports for taxes. Small businesses need simplicity; growing companies need multi-entity support and deeper reporting.
Prices and features change often. Check each vendor’s website for current plans before you buy.
