Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work in maintaining this directory.
Sarah Chen
Editor-in-Chief
Sarah Chen, Editor-in-Chief
We rate QuickBooks 4/5. Industry standard for small business accounting, making it especially useful for solopreneurs and small-business. The main tradeoff: pricing has increased significantly.
About QuickBooks
QuickBooks by Intuit is the most widely used accounting software for small businesses in the US, serving over 7 million customers. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and tax preparation.
Simple Start ($30/month) includes invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reports. Essentials ($60/month) adds bill management, time tracking, and multi-user access. Plus ($90/month) adds inventory tracking and project profitability. Advanced ($200/month) adds batch invoicing and custom roles.
QuickBooks Online automates bank transaction categorization, generates profit/loss statements, and integrates with 750+ business apps. QuickBooks Payroll ($50+/month add-on) handles employee paychecks, tax filings, and direct deposit.
For solo founders, Simple Start at $30/month covers invoicing, expense tracking, and the basic financial reporting needed for tax time. The bank feed automatically imports and categorizes transactions.
Limitations: per-plan pricing gets expensive with add-ons, the interface has a learning curve for non-accountants, and customer support quality has declined. Wave (free) and FreshBooks (simpler UI) are alternatives for very small businesses.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Industry standard for small business accounting
- +Strong tax preparation features
- +Bank feed integration
- +Huge accountant ecosystem
Cons
- -Pricing has increased significantly
- -Interface can be cluttered
- -Frequent upselling
Best For
- ▶Small business bookkeeping
- ▶Invoice creation and tracking
- ▶Expense categorization and tracking
- ▶Payroll and tax filing
- ▶Financial reporting and P&L
Key Features
Alternatives to QuickBooks
Cloud accounting platform with beautiful UX and global support.
Invoicing and accounting built for self-employed professionals.
Compare QuickBooks
How We Evaluate Tools
Our editorial team tests and reviews each tool based on features, pricing, ease of use, integration ecosystem, and real user feedback. Ratings reflect our independent assessment and are not influenced by affiliate partnerships. Learn more about our process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks free?
QuickBooks is a paid tool. A free trial may be available. Simple Start: $30/month. Essentials: $60/month. Plus: $90/month (inventory). Advanced: $200/month. Self-Employed: $15/month. 50% off first 3 months frequently.
What are the best alternatives to QuickBooks?
The best alternatives to QuickBooks include Xero, FreshBooks. Each offers similar functionality with different strengths in features, pricing, and ease of use. Visit our alternatives page for detailed comparisons.
What is QuickBooks used for?
Accounting software for small businesses and solopreneurs. Common use cases include: Small business bookkeeping, Invoice creation and tracking, Expense categorization and tracking, Payroll and tax filing, Financial reporting and P&L.