QuickBooks On-line raised its costs once more on July 1, 2025. Now, its widespread Plus plan is $16 dearer than it was in July 2024.
Does this imply it’s time to think about different choices? It’s true — QuickBooks is the trade normal in small-business accounting. But it surely’s not the reply for each enterprise.
1. QuickBooks is getting too costly
This one’s apparent. On-line commenters usually complain about QuickBooks’ worth hikes and tendency to upsell. Possibly you’re in the identical boat, and your enterprise can’t sustain with QuickBooks’ elevated price.
In that case, calculate how a lot you’d save annually with an easier, cheaper various, like Zoho Books. Its plans begin at $0 monthly, versus $38 monthly.
After all, Zoho Books’ free possibility does lots lower than QuickBooks On-line’s introductory plan. Zoho’s Customary tier will get you nearer, together with options like automated financial institution feeds. And it’ll nonetheless price you $18 much less monthly than QuickBooks’ most cost-effective possibility.
If the financial savings justify transferring your books to a special software program product, go for it. There’s no assure that these merchandise gained’t additionally enhance in worth over time. Nevertheless, they might not do it as incessantly as QuickBooks. Zoho Books, for instance, hasn’t upped its costs since 2021.
2. You run a really small enterprise with no workers
QuickBooks On-line has extra options than plenty of very small companies want. For instance, smaller freelance companies might solely require primary reporting and invoicing capabilities. The identical goes for companies with out workers.
These kinds of operations usually have less complicated funds than companies with a number of departments, places or worker roles. Their taxes are often extra easy, too.
For instance, plenty of sole proprietors report their enterprise’s funds of their particular person tax varieties. That sometimes means their books don’t have to be as detailed. After all, you’ll wish to ensure you’re nonetheless separating your enterprise and private bills.
Hear extra from Hillary about QuickBooks options
3. You don’t use customized fields
One among QuickBooks On-line’s most precious options is its transaction monitoring tags, which at the moment are known as customized fields. These are separate from the classes used to assign every transaction to a particular account.
Customized fields provide the freedom to group transactions by different standards, like division. Then, you should utilize them to drill down into experiences and examine totally different segments of your enterprise.
If customized fields aren’t mandatory for your enterprise, you may select an easier various, like FreshBooks or Wave. They nonetheless allow you to categorize transactions by account, however they don’t provide extra granular monitoring choices. FreshBooks plans begin at $21 monthly, and Wave’s plans begin at $0.
4. Your accountant OKs another
Earlier than you ditch QuickBooks or select accounting software program for the primary time, ensure that to talk along with your accountant. Inform them what you don’t like about QuickBooks, and ask in the event that they’re prepared to work with another.
A number of accountants, for instance, are aware of Xero. When it comes to performance, it mainly matches QuickBooks. In case your accountant offers you the inexperienced mild, it’s most likely value making an attempt out. Xero plans vary from $20 to $80 monthly, which may lead to vital financial savings.