Best QuickBooks Online Alternatives in 2026
QuickBooks Online ($30/mo) not the right fit? Here are 3 alternatives we tested and compared — from free options to enterprise-grade tools.
Last updated: February 2026 · 3 alternatives reviewed
QuickBooks Online
The industry-standard small business accounting platform with payroll, invoicing, and tax preparation.
- Expensive — $30-200/month with no free plan
- Frequent price increases (has raised prices 3x since 2023)
- Can be complex for non-accounting users
📝 Why People Look for QuickBooks Online Alternatives
QuickBooks is the 800-pound gorilla of small business accounting. Every CPA knows it, every bank integrates with it, and its reporting is the most comprehensive available. The downside is cost: starting at $30/mo and going up frequently. For freelancers, it's overkill — but for businesses with an accountant, it's the standard.
Switching to Xero or FreshBooks? Export your chart of accounts, transaction history, and outstanding invoices. QuickBooks makes it easy to export but hard to leave — the biggest lock-in is your accountant's workflow. Discuss with them before switching.
Top 3 Alternatives to QuickBooks Online
FreshBooks
Cloud accounting and invoicing software built for freelancers and small business owners.
- Best-in-class invoice creation — professional and customizable
- Built-in time tracking and project management
- No free plan — only 30-day trial
- Lite plan limited to 5 clients
Xero
Cloud accounting platform popular with small businesses globally, with strong multi-currency and advisor features.
- Best multi-currency accounting — ideal for international businesses
- Unlimited users on all plans (QuickBooks charges per user)
- Starter plan limited to 20 invoices/month
- US payroll requires third-party add-on (Gusto)
Wave Financial
Free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning for small businesses and freelancers.
- 100% free accounting and invoicing — no catch
- Unlimited invoices, clients, and users on free plan
- No inventory management
- Limited integrations (no Zapier, limited API)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to QuickBooks Online?
The best free alternatives to QuickBooks Online include Wave Financial. Each offers a free plan with varying feature limits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to QuickBooks Online?
Yes. QuickBooks Online starts at $30/mo. FreshBooks ($7.6/mo) and Xero ($15/mo) offer lower pricing.
Why do people switch from QuickBooks Online?
Common reasons include: Expensive — $30-200/month with no free plan, Frequent price increases (has raised prices 3x since 2023), Can be complex for non-accounting users. Each alternative addresses different pain points, so the best choice depends on your specific needs.
Can I migrate my data from QuickBooks Online?
Most alternatives offer import tools or CSV migration paths. The complexity depends on your data volume and workflow complexity. We recommend running both tools in parallel for 1-2 weeks during transition.