The best accounting software for small businesses Accounting software is a smart, scalable solution for small businesses, but which platform will supercharge your workflow? Written by Eddie Harris Reviewed by Dan Heelan Updated on 15 December 2025 Our Research To recommend the best accounting software, our writers and researchers focused on the factors that matter most to small business owners – ease of use, features, design, scalability, and suitability for the UK taxation system. Startups.co.uk is reader supported – we may earn a commission from our recommendations, at no extra cost to you and without impacting our editorial impartiality. 1 of 3 Xero: Limited Time: 90% Off for 6 Months See Pricing 2 of 3 Sage: Try out an AI-powered assistant FREE See Pricing 3 of 3 Compare software deals to find the best option Compare Costs In January 2025, our research team completed an in-depth analysis of seven top accounting software platforms. After 57 hours of hands-on testing and 555 completed tasks, we determined Zoho Books to be the best accounting software for small businesses, as it’s affordable, easy to use, and packed with features like effective transaction documentation.The 2025 Autumn Budget brought in a host of changes for UK employers, in addition to those already introduced in last year’s Spring Statement. It can be tricky for SMEs to keep up, but the best way to be prepared is with reliable software.That’s why we’ve worked rigorously to determine the six best accounting software for small businesses, covering a total 1,512 areas of investigation during our testing. Check out our breakdown of all the heavy hitters below. 💡Key takeaways Zoho Books is our top choice for the best accounting software, thanks to its excellent usability and free plan for solopreneurs.Xero is a better option if you require 24/7 support.QuickBooks provides a particularly effective feature for bank reconciliation.On all Sage plans you will get access to Sage Copilot, its AI-powered assistant.Other important functionalities to consider are bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, mobile capabilities, and integrations. The best accounting software: comparison table 0 out of 0 backward forward Rating Price From BEST FOR Free Trial FEATURED PROVIDER BEST OVERALL Xero Zoho Books QuickBooks FreeAgent Sage FreshBooks 4.3 4.8 4.5 4.5 4.2 4.1 £7/month (+ VAT)Get 90% off for 6 months Free £10/month (+ VAT)Get 90% off QuickBooks for a year £10/month (+ VAT)£5/month for 6 months (+ VAT) £18/month (+ VAT)90% off the first three months £15 per month50% off for three months Best for expanding businesses that need a software that can grow alongside them Best overall accounting software Best for managing your finances on the move, thanks to an excellent mobile app Best if you bank with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank or Mettle Best for if you prefer a more traditional bookkeeping software experience Best for service based business that need affordable time tracking tools Try Xero Compare Deals Try QuickBooks Compare Deals Try Sage Compare Deals I last updated this article on 15/12/2025I frequently review and update this article to make sure it’s accurate and relevant, and I’ve verified all pricing and information as accurate as of this date. However, as the accounting software industry is so competitive, I always recommend confirming pricing directly with providers before making any buying decisions. How we test accounting software for UK small businessesOur testing and analysis is a rigorous process. We combined data-driven industry research with 57 hours of actual, hands-on testing.Our in-house researchers explored a total of 1,512 areas of investigation spread across the six categories we determined as the most important to good accounting software.Our six testing categories:Core accounting: How well does the software handle the key functions of accounting software, including invoicing, tax preparation and financial transactions?Financial planning and visibility: How well does the software help you get a clear and helpful understanding of your company’s financial health?Operational efficiency: How well does the platform integrate with other products, and how customisable is the workflow?Help and support: What types of support are available, what are the contact hours, and what security measures are in place?Pricing: How much do the monthly fees cost, and are there any hidden or setup costs?Usability: How easy is the software to use? 1. Zoho BooksZoho Books is the best overall accounting software Zoho Books 4.8 Compare Deals Starting price from: Free Free trial: 14 days Easy-to-use platform that's simple to navigate Excellent free plan for solopreneurs and micro-businesses Mobile app for real-time financial management Summary Zoho initially made its name from CRM systems, but has been providing accounting software since 2011. Zoho Books stands out for its clean and modern interface, and seamlessly aligns with the broader Zoho products. While the platform is geared towards small businesses, we would also recommend it to sole traders, as the tools can be used by inexperienced users. Show moreless What does Zoho Books do best?Zoho Books stands out due to is clean and simple interface, making it the most-user friendly accounting software I tested. Everything is so well signposted, and the natural intuitiveness of the platform means you’ll feel confident when completing day-to-day tasks like managing quotes and invoices.We particularly appreciated Zoho Books’ modern and easy-to-use interface. Source: Startups.co.ukThe software also fits neatly into the wider Zoho ecosystem, so if you’re already using Zoho products for your business this one is a no-brainer. You could choose to run your entire business from Zoho One (its all-in-one software suite), ensuring your accounting software seamlessly connects to your CRM and mail systems.The dashboard feels tailored to small businesses, and can offer quick insights into key information. Source: Startups.co.ukThe dashboard has been designed specifically with small businesses in mind, giving you critical insights into your cash flow and payments at just a glance.More key features:Accurate time tracking function Auto-scan receiptsAssign multiple delivery addresses to customersWhat could be improved?The built-in receipt capture tech is on the basic side, as it requires manual entry, so it isn’t really much of a time-saver.Zoho is lacking payroll functionality in the UK, so you would need to find an external payroll option that’s able to connect to the Zoho ecosystem.Zoho Books only offers limited hours of support – live chat and phone support is only available weekdays from 9am until 6pm. Xero, by comparison, provides 24/7 assistance.How much does Zoho Books cost? 0 out of 0 backward forward Plan Cost Free Standard Professional Premium Free Paid monthly: £12/month (+ VAT)Paid yearly: £10/month (+ VAT) Paid monthly: £24/month (+ VAT)Paid yearly: £20/month (+ VAT) Paid monthly: £30/month (+VAT)Paid yearly: £25/month (+ VAT) What’s great about Zoho Books is that it provides a wide range of plans that support scalability. You can get started on the basic free plan, but upgrade to the higher levels if you need them. Just keep in mind there’s a £2 charge to add any additional users outside the limit in your plan.We’d also urge that some care should be taken when selecting your monthly plan. The free plan can be tempting, but just keep in mind that the limitations (like the 1,000 invoice cap per year) only makes it a suitable option for businesses with limited needs. Suitable if: You want a beginner-friendly software that’s simple to use You’re looking to get started on a free plan You want the simplicity of being part of the wider Zoho ecosystem (including CRM software) Not suitable if: You’re planning on implementing non-Zoho integrations You want support outside of standard business hours You want built-in UK payroll functionality Expert opinion: Dan Heelan on Zoho Books Zoho Books is clean, quick and relatively easy to use. If you’re looking to use many of the other Zoho apps, this one is worth a serious look, especially as it has arguably the best ‘free’ plan. Dan Heelan Accountant and Business Services Director at Heelan Associates Ltd 2. QuickBooksQuickBooks is best for managing your finances on the move, thanks to its excellent mobile app QuickBooks 4.5 Try QuickBooks Starting price from: £10 (self-assessment only) Free trial: 30 days Great bank reconciliation feature Predicts your transaction categorisation Custom reports and templates tailored to your business’ needs Summary Part of the American multinational company Intuit Inc., QuickBooks is accounting software specifically designed for SMEs. It currently has 6.5 million subscribers worldwide. We think its intuitive layout combined with detailed features makes it suitable for more advanced business operations. It’s more suited to those working in accountancy rather than small business owners themselves, due to the complexity of the software and steep learning curve. Show moreless What does QuickBooks do best?QuickBooks stands out thanks to its particularly well-designed mobile app, which is helpful for time-poor business owners who need to manage bookkeeping on the go. It allows you to create invoices, and manage your cash flow, but impressively also includes an automatic milage tracking feature.QuickBooks’s cash flow projection tools also stood out as a highlight during our testing. Source: Startups.co.ukQuickBooks also provides an effective feature for bank reconciliation. Automatic links to your bank account are not infallible and they can fail, so this is an especially slick and helpful tool to make sure all your numbers are adding up as they should. There’s also a new AI-powered bank feed which is steadily improving with the suggestions it provides.You should consider QuickBooks if your business needs customisable reporting. Source: Startups.co.ukI also appreciated how well laid out and logical the interface was. You can also customise the dashboard to your liking, so you get a lot of control over your workflow. Since August 2025, QuickBooks has began rolling out a revamped version of its interface, including a new search bar (though users can switch back to the old interface if they prefer).More key features:Access a clear Set Up Guide from the main dashboardFree onboarding sessionPre-populated fields and email preview help streamline workflowWhat could be improved?I found the initial learning curve a bit steeper than I would have anticipated, whereas Zoho Books and FreshBooks were much simpler out of the gate. QuickBooks can be tricky to master.Users should be aware that time tracking for projects, or billable hours, is only included in the Plus and Advanced plans (and can be difficult to locate). While it’s packed with features, QuickBooks can sometimes be slightly slower to load than its competitors (however the latest revamp has seemingly sped things up a little).How much does QuickBooks cost? 0 out of 0 backward forward Plan Cost Best suited for: Sole Trader Simple Start Essentials Plus Advanced £10/month (+ VAT)You can currently get 90% off for the first six months £16/month (+ VAT)You can currently get 90% off for the first six months £38/month (+ VAT)You can currently get 90% off for the first six months £56/month (+ VAT)You can currently get 90% off for the first six months £123/month (+ VAT)You can currently get 90% off for the first six months Sole traders not registered for VAT, and single property landlords Sole traders and small business owners who are managing income tax and VAT Small businesses that are working with suppliers or need to manage bank accounts in other currencies Small businesses that are managing projects and inventories of stock Businesses that need more sophisticated support like custom permissions and tailored insights In terms of features, QuickBooks is one of the best value for money options on the roundup. It’s one of the few apps that allows you to handle multiple currency banks on the cheaper plans (starting on the Essentials plan).If you opt for the Sole Trader tier, you can currently get started for just £1 per month for your first six months, making it a very low-cost option if you just want to get a self-assessment done. Suitable if: You need to use the software on the go: it has one of the best mobile apps You need the software to connect to other apps: as a market leader many software developers build with QuickBooks in mind You already have experience with accounting software and setting up workflows Not suitable if: You need to get up and running quickly with a beginner-friendly software You need time tracking functionality on a basic tier Expert opinion: Dan Heelan on QuickBooks Whilst QuickBooks can be quite overwhelming for novice users, in terms of its power and value for money, it’s arguably the best for the investment. If you are looking to primarily manage your affairs on mobile, at the time of writing, this will be the app of choice. Dan Heelan Accountant and Business Services Director at Heelan Associates Ltd 3. FreeAgentFreeAgent is a great choice if you qualify for a free plan FreeAgent 4.5 Compare Deals Starting price from: £10/month Free trial: 30 days The only software we tested that gives you built-in tax forecasting and planning tools at no extra cost Helpful cash flow alerts about potential surpluses and shortfalls Free plan available with certain qualifying banks Summary Originally launched in 2007, FreeAgent is based in Edinburgh and now helps over 200,000 small businesses. It was acquired by NatWest Group in 2018. Our recommendation is that FreeAgent is best suited to freelancers, sole traders, and novice accountants. It’s a good middle ground for those who need a feature-filled system that’s not overly complex. Show moreless Why is FreeAgent right for my business?FreeAgent provides great financial planning tools for no-cost, just as long as you qualify for one of its free plans. You can get FreeAgent for free if you open a business bank account with any of the following banks:NatWestRoyal Bank of ScotlandUlster BankMettleWe appreciated FreeAgent’s clear layout. Source: Startups.co.ukThe cash flow alerts keep you updated about potential surpluses and shortfalls, while another major highlight was the timeline feature for invoicing, which made everything extremely clear and easy to follow. The detailed end-of-year reports can also help you get a clear view of your finances, and streamline your operation.You can create custom invoices with FreeAgent. Source: Startups.co.ukOverall, FreeAgent strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality. A platform like Xero, for example, is geared towards more experienced users, but with FreeAgent, you get a beginner-friendly option that still provides some serious business management features.More key features:Customisable invoicing templates, tax reminders, and end-of-year reportsSmart Capture receipt toolUser-friendly invoicing templatesWhat could be improved?I did come across a couple of aspects that were not quite as user-friendly: the platform uses unclear terminology in places, and certain sections, like payment reminders, were a little tricky to find.While help access is technically available whenever you need it, the link to the help guide is tricky to locate, and it takes you from the software to an external knowledge base (making it feel like a disjointed experience).If you’re manually entering a bill then FreeAgent won’t provide autofill suggestions of previously used account codes (though it will when capturing a receipt or clearing down your bank account).How much does FreeAgent cost? 0 out of 0 backward forward Plan Cost Landlord Sole Trader Partnership/LLP Limited Company £10/month (+ VAT)£5/month for the first 6 months (+ VAT) £19/month (+ VAT)£9.50/month for the first 6 months (+ VAT) £27/month (+ VAT)£13.50/month for the first 6 month (+ VAT) £33/month (+ VAT)£16.50/month (+ VAT) While its monthly fees aren’t quite as low as QuickBooks’ or Zoho Books’ (provided of course, you don’t qualify for a free plan), FreeAgent still represents very good value for money. With a starting price of just £10 per month and no hidden fees, we think this is a pretty good deal. Suitable if: You want powerful tools and want to bank with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank or Mettle You need a limited company tax prediction You're a service-based business Not suitable if: You need a low cost starter plan (and you don't qualify for the free plan) Having well designed help and support is a top priority You prefer to manually add bills Expert opinion: Dan Heelan on FreeAgent If you are banking with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank or Mettle, then FreeAgent is a very strong choice because of the sheer value for money of having a powerful accounting app for free. A solid choice for service-based businesses. Dan Heelan Accountant and Business Services Director at Heelan Associates Ltd 4. XeroXero is best for expanding businesses that need a software that can grow alongside them Xero 4.3 Try Xero Starting price from: £16/month Free trial: 30 days Easiest interface for quickly dealing with your bank transactions Well-thought out plans and growth path Connect with over 1,000 possible integrations Summary Based in New Zealand, Xero was founded in 2006 and now boasts 4.2 million subscribers. Xero is tailored mostly towards experienced professionals and accountants, predominantly positioning itself towards high-turnover businesses with long-term client bases. We wouldn’t recommend it to new users. Show moreless Why is Xero right for my business?Xero has a great upgrade path, with well balanced plans that provide good value for money, no matter where you might be on your business journey. Xero can stay with you from a simple startup to processing millions of pounds, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of switching to a new software as your business expands.You can customise Xero’s dashboard to display the key information you need on the main screen. Source: Startups.co.ukIf you’re also having to process a high number of expense claims for your business or your clients, this is another area where Xero shines. It provides a clear section for uploading your receipt images and inputting mileage for travel claims. You can even assign the expenses to specific clients.Xero is complex, but it offers a lot of functionality. Source: Startups.co.uk.Overall Xero is a serious piece of software, with impressive functionality. It takes a little time to get your head around, but once you’ve gotten to grips with Xero it can be great to use. For example, the way Xero handles bank reconciliation stood out as particularly user-friendly.More key features:Thousands of possible integrationsOne of the easiest interfaces for quickly dealing with your bank transactionsSimple connectivity to third-party apps (importing data from Excel is nice and easy)What could be improved?If you hold banks in different currencies then the multicurrency functionality can be a frustrating cost jump (you’ll need the costly Comprehensive plan), especially if you don’t need the other advanced features included. Both QuickBooks and FreeAgent provide this functionality on lower cost plans.Xero comes bundled with HubDoc, the receipt capture app, which is solid but it does require some extra steps to use as it’s a separate app from Xero itself.How much does Xero cost? 0 out of 0 backward forward Plan Cost Simple Ignite Grow Comprehensive Ultimate £7/month (+ VAT)Buy by 30/01/2026 to get 90% off for the first six months £16/month (+ VAT)Buy by 30/01/2026 and get 90% off for the first six months £37/month (+ VAT)Buy by 30/01/2026 to get 90% off for the first six months £50/month (+ VAT)Buy by 30/01/2026 to get 90% off for the first six months £65/month (+ VAT)Buy by 30/01/2026 to get 90% off for the first six months While Xero’s not the cheapest option, the plans are well balanced when it comes to cost vs. features. Another benefit to keep in mind with Xero is that there are no caps on user limits. There is an additional cost if you want more members of your team to be able to add receipts, but this is quite a rare need. Suitable if: You need software to support you on your business journey as you grow You need to connect your accounting software to a multitude of other apps You want fast categorisation of your bank expenses Not suitable if: You’re an accounting novice who only needs very simple software You’re used to desktop accounting software, and you want a traditional bank reconciliation function You need multicurrency functionality, but don't want to pay for a higher tier plan Expert opinion: Dan Heelan on Xero Having worked with thousands of clients, time and time again the feedback is Xero is the easier accounting software to use once the owner has got used to it. It’s packed with features and scales so well as your business grows. Dan Heelan Accountant and Business Services Director at Heelan Associates Ltd 5. SageSage is the best option for those who prefer a more traditional bookkeeping software experience Sage 4.2 Try Sage Starting price from: £18/month Free trial: First month free A quick, no-nonsense experience Customisable themes and logos to establish a strong brand identity Reassurance of a long-standing accounting brand Summary Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, as of 2017 Sage is the UK’s second largest technology company, the largest supplier to small businesses and has 6.1 million worldwide customers. Its accounting software is best suited for service-based businesses, like builders, contractors and handymen. While it’s good for managing quotes and invoicing, it may lack the functionality needed by more established businesses. Show moreless Why is Sage right for my business?Sage is a strong fit for users who prefer a simpler, more traditional, accounting software platform. It’s a trusted brand name that delivers a fast, uncomplicated, bookkeeping experience. If you want the basics done quickly, then Sage is a great option.Sage provides customisable themes and logos, allowing you to establish strong brand authority. Source: Startups.co.ukSage also provides customisable reporting and seamless integrations with the wider Sage ecosystem to help streamline your operations. In my testing, the slick invoicing and quoting workflows really leapt out as modern and intuitive – both product and service-based businesses could benefit from using Sage.Sage impressed us with its modern, visually appealing interface. Source: Startups.co.ukYou also get a lot of control with Sage – the customisable profit and loss reports are a key example. Sage can help establish a strong brand identity by customising external documents like invoices and reports with your logo, as well as allowing you to change themes and fonts.More key features:Access to Sage Copilot, the AI-powered assistantPayroll is included in all plansAI can help capture receipts and invoicesWhat could be improved?The mobile app is more lightweight than its competitors, and not as feature packed as QuickBooks’s app for example.Sage does have a tendency to use some accounting specific terms that might be confusing for a novice user.How much does Sage cost? 0 out of 0 backward forward Plan Cost Accounting Start Accounting Standard Accounting Plus £18/month (+ VAT)90% off for three months £39/month (+ VAT)90% off for three months £59/month (+ VAT)90% off for three months Sage, overall, represents very decent value for money. It might not be the absolute cheapest option possible, but you get some bang for your buck with its customisable reports and features, and there are no hidden fees or additional costs to fret about. The ability to send unlimited sales invoices is also good for an entry level plan. Suitable if: You want to establish a strong brand identity through customisable themes You need to seamlessly connect payroll integrations into your workflow Your prefer a more no-frills, ‘traditional’, accounting software platform Not suitable if: You need a feature-packed mobile app You need receipt capture at the lowest cost (this is only included in the Standard and Plus plans) Expert opinion: Dan Heelan on Sage Sage continues to be a household accounting name with a solid product. It’s quick and delivers. Its cloud offering has been getting better and better in recent times and is a competitive choice for any business in terms of features. Dan Heelan Accountant and Business Services Director at Heelan Associates Ltd 6. FreshBooksFreshBooks is great for service based businesses thanks to the project and time tracking tools FreshBooks 4.1 Compare Deals Starting price from: £15/month Free trial: 30 days (if another business is added, this gets another 30 day free trial) Get support at any hour from the 24/7 customer support chatbot Precise Time Tracking for billable hours Intuitive, user-friendly interface Summary Based out of Toronto, Canada, FreshBooks is designed primarily for SMEs. To date, over 30 million people have used FreshBooks in over 160 countries. It’s certainly geared towards the needs of small businesses and sole traders, but high-level accountants and larger operations may find it too limited. Show moreless Why is FreshBooks right for my business?FreshBooks standout feature is the precise time tracking for billable hours, which you can then turn into invoices directly from the projects folder. This is a particularly valuable feature for service-based businesses.We really liked how well organised the vertical navigation bar was on FreshBooks. Source: Startups.co.ukNewer, inexperienced businesses (as well as sole traders) will also benefit from the user-friendly interface. I liked how well organised the navigation bar is, with all the features clearly signposted, giving you quick and painless access to any essential tool you need.You can use FreshBooks’ precise time tracking to convert billable hours into invoices. Source: Startups.co.ukFreshBooks also provides a chatbot that you can access at any time of the day or night, which could be really helpful for newer enterprises that need a lot of support.More key features:Integrate other applications with the FreshBooks AppStoreMobile app for both Android and iPhone, which includes mileage trackingWhat could be improved?While this is a good, low-cost system for new users, it doesn’t have the advanced tools needed by a more serious outfit. It lacks the customisability of Sage’s reporting, there’s no client portal like Xero’s, and QuickBooks is a better choice for budgeting and forecasting tools.The range of third-party applications that can connect to FreshBooks is more limited than some of its competitors (Xero, for example).The cap on client numbers on the Lite and Plus plans means that many small business owners would have to start on at least the Premium tier.How much does FreshBooks cost? 0 out of 0 backward forward Plan Cost Lite Plus Premium £15/monthOr £180/year50% off for three months £25/monthOr £300/year50% off for three months £35/monthOr £420/year50% off for three months FreshBooks, when compared to competitors, has a pretty fair cost for its plans. There’s a big additional cost to keep in mind though: it charges an eye-watering £8 per additional team member. So if you’re looking to equip a team, another provider might make more sense. Suitable if: You’re a sole trader or new business that needs the basics at an affordable price You need the reassurance of all-hours help and support via a chatbot You need time tracking so you can accurately invoice clients Not suitable if: You want a comprehensive mobile app to manage your financial data on the move You want advanced budgeting and forecasting tools You need sophisticated features as you grow as a business Video: a rundown of our top accounting software platformsShort on time? Watch our in-house Research Executive, Olivia Bond, explain everything you need to know about our top picks in just two-and-a-half minutes: Loading Buying guide: How to choose the right accounting software for your small businessBefore making a decision on the accounting software you’ll be using, here are the top 10 factors you should be considering:1. Pricing: make sure what you’re paying for makes sense for your business. There’s no point going for the cheapest option available if it doesn’t have the features that are vital to your business model.2. Scalability: you’ll need software that can support your business as it grows. Make sure your chosen plan aligns with your financial goals, and there are more advanced plans you can upgrade to if needed in the future.3. Bookkeeping: efficient bookkeeping is the central function of accounting software. Look for products that simplify the recording and categorisation of transactions.4. Accounts payable: managing payments is crucial for SMEs. Look for features that streamline invoice processing, support timely payments, and provide insights into cash flow.5. Accounts receivable: you’ll need software that allows smooth invoicing, helps track customer payments, and provides reminders for overdue invoices.6. Financial reporting: choose software that offers a range of customisable reports. Access to real-time insights will help successful strategic financial planning.7. Integrations: seamless integration with banking, payment gateways, and CRM systems enhances efficiency as you can share relevant information across multiple systems.8. Usability: you’ll want a modern system with a slick, well-designed interface. Poorly-designed systems can slow your operation down, and possibly even result in admin errors.9. Mobile capabilities: a user-friendly app lets you access key financial information and perform essential tasks anywhere; essential for SME owners on the move.10. Help and support: live chat, forums, and phone or email support help you and your team find solutions more quickly when it comes to software issues or queries.Overall, it’s worth keeping in mind that many of the top accounting software options are for the most part very close in features and functionality. So it’s more about focusing on the niche tools that will benefit your specific business.The plus side of this is that as long as you’re looking at the top providers, you can’t go too far wrong when choosing an accounting software. The majority of the key players will provide:Ability to create and send invoicesManage data entryConnect to most bank accounts to bring in the transactionsProvide accounting reportsThe key aspect to focus on will be which specific plan will be best for your business. Make sure your chosen plan gives you the tools and feature limits that suit your operation.Now you know what to look out for in a good accounting software, we’d recommend using our free cost comparison tool to help you find one that’s the best fit for your business’s budget.In summaryAs a result of our in-depth testing, we chose Zoho Books as our number one recommendation for small businesses needing accounting software. Zoho Books is fairly priced, has seamless inventory tracking, a comprehensive mobile app, and a range of features to boost your efficiency.Zoho Books might be our overall pick, but accounting software isn’t always a one-size-fits-all approach. You should look for software that aligns with your business type and size. For example, a rapidly expanding business will most likely get the most out of a software like Xero. Jump back up to any of our reviews: Accounting software comparison table How we test accounting software 1. Zoho Books 2. QuickBooks 3. FreeAgent 4. Xero 5. Sage 6. FreshBooks Buying guide: How to choose the right accounting software for your small business Startups.co.uk is reader-supported. If you make a purchase through the links on our site, we may earn a commission from the retailers of the products we have reviewed. This helps Startups.co.uk to provide free reviews for our readers. It has no additional cost to you, and never affects the editorial independence of our reviews. Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Tags Topic spotlight Written by: Eddie Harris Senior Reviews Writer Eddie is resident Senior Reviews Writer for Startups, focusing on merchant accounts, point of sales systems and business phone systems. He works closely with our in-house team of research experts, carrying out hours of hands-on user testing and market analysis to ensure that our recommendations and reviews are as helpful and accurate as possible. Eddie is also Startups video presenter. He helps create informative, helpful visual content alongside our written reviews, to better aid customers with their decision making. Eddie joined Startups from its sister site Expert Reviews, where he wrote in-depth informational articles and covered the biggest consumer deals events of the year. And, having previously worked as a freelancer providing screenplay and book coverage in the film and television industry, Eddie is no stranger to the demands of the sole trader. Reviewed by: Dan Heelan Licensed Accountant and founder of Heelan Associates Dan Heelan is a Licensed Accountant and the founder of Heelan Associates, a UK accounting firm dedicated to helping small businesses thrive and scale. With 18+ years of hands-on experience as a practicing accountant and a former small business owner himself, Dan possesses real-world expertise in the financial lifecycle of an entrepreneur - from initial bookkeeping to complex tax strategy. He and his team have personally guided over 3000 UK clients through successful growth, offering comprehensive support across accounts, tax, and payroll. Dan is widely recognized for his authoritative, practical financial advice, shared weekly with his highly engaged audience of over 50,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs on YouTube. His unique blend of high-level tax knowledge and direct, operational experience with leading accounting software ensures his advice is both technically sound and immediately applicable to your business growth.