ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE REVIEWS Choose the best small business accounting software program that fills your needs now and in the future, while still being budget-friendly.

Top 10 Best Accounting Software

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1
quickbooks online
  • Expert Popularity Score : 9.9 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 9.9 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 8.9 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 9.9 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 9.9 of 10
Their online version can generate over 65 different kinds of reports. Add-ons and customized reports can be costly.
2
fresh books logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 7.9 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 9.8 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 9.9 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 1 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.6 of 10
Award winning customer support and tops in customer happiness. It is unable to print checks from software program.
3
xero logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 7.9 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 6.5 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 9.9 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 2 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.3 of 10
Can be set up in minutes and offers unlimited users for free. Takes company months to fix small “bugs” in the system.
4
Sage50 logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 4 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 2.5 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 9.9 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 1 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.2 of 10
Their desktop security is merged with online flexibility. One of the poorest support systems, displeasing most of their customers.
5
Zoho Books logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 5.9 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 4.7 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 7.8 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 0.4 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.8 of 10
Their double entry accounting system can automatically create a journal. Doesn’t allow split transactions.
6
sage one logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 4 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 3.6 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 4 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 1 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.1 of 10
Available for use in 14 countries; no accounting experience required. It can’t manage large inventories or many employees.
7
AccountEdge logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 4 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 2.4 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 7.9 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 0.3 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.1 of 10
Their command center runs all parts of your business including sales, invoicing, purchases, payroll, and more. It cannot keep up with large company growth.
8
Intacct logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 4 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 4.1 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 5 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 2 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.1 of 10
Program offers comprehensive financial consolidation. Their very slow support system is email only.
9
Less Accounting logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 5.9 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 3.6 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 3.2 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 0.1 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 0.6 of 10
Offer a 10 minute basic bookkeeping run-through in their software. Not a good choice for inventory based businesses.
10
wave logo
  • Expert Popularity Score : 5.9 of 10
  • Expert Ratings : 4 of 10
  • Consumer Popularity Score : 2.1 of 10
  • Consumer Ratings : 1 of 10
  • Consumer Complaints : 4.1 of 10
All their accounting tools are 100% free. Numerous bugs and extremely slow support staff.

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE TYPES

Spreadsheets

Most companies start with a financial spreadsheet to show them different areas of work and money.  Though pretty simple to read at first glance, adding more details and clients change this image drastically.

The initial spreadsheet is not as changeable and fluid when multiple transactions are added to its base.  Business owners can tell you how less usable they are when the information entered by the employee is inaccurate.

Spreadsheets don’t correct themselves when there are added entries, they rely on the user to provide those up-dates.

Commercial accounting software

This software began to be developed soon after the personal computer was introduced.  It has seen enormous change in the ensuing decades.  The most popular kind of accounting software and easiest to get, it can be purchased in-store or on online.

Various commercial accounting software options exist to be used in small to large businesses.  From simple applications to complex reports, most beginning businesses benefit from using one of these types of software to start.

Look for restricted or shared options according to your needs.

Enterprise accounting software

This kind of software is usually associated with several basic functions.  It simplifies your general ledger, billing, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reconciliation with regular report processing.

It has the ability to go a bit further with forecasting and allocation tracking.  It has a central depository for financial data and can do your quarterly and annual statutory reporting automatically.

This is a good option for insurance companies and similar businesses.

Custom accounting software

This is best used for the customer who needs “special developed” software for their specific business.

It is unlike the off-the-shelf or free software that is available being that each function of the software uses the details of that particular business to create and keep financial reports that are outside the norm.

The software is created to be adjustable and modified easily, as new situations develop within their financial realms.  The customer’s personal expectations are integrated in each area of the software.

It can be the most costly of all the accounting software options.

Web-hosted accounting applications

This is also known as “cloud computing accounting software”.  Data is sent to the web-host or “in the cloud” where transactions are processed and sent back to the user.

This growing wave of accounting software offers many keen options and the ability to use it anywhere or anytime.  One need not sit in front of your computer to take care of all your accounting tasks.  Enter transactions as they occur, out in the field, or on a week-end when you are not in the office.

Multiple employees can use it at the same time and in different locations.  Software providers charge regular fees and extra fees for add-on applications.  The most sought after option is that your financial data is backed up regularly and if there should be a disaster, it can be recovered through the internet with ease.

New options are always being researched and added to the various accounting software providers.

IMPORTANT FEATURES IN CHOOSING ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

things to considerAccounting and Business Features

A number of the accounting software systems integrate business features to give the business owner the best of both worlds.

The accounting side of it can be compatible with tax software or you can do taxes within the program.  It can track sales and purchase transactions, and handle foreign currencies.  It can offer basic balance sheets with profit and loss reports, to customized reports specific to your business.

Another great option is the ability to track separate financial records for the different departments or businesses operating as one.

The business side of the software allows you to track your inventory, orders, jobs and works in progress.  They can interface with other computer systems to manage multiple areas all at once.

Detailed customer records give you information such as what they buy, how often and when, letting you track your sales and best customers easily.  With some full-service business management options, you can check employee expenses and quickly transfer information going in and out.

Always look for accredited software so that you can feel safer in your business transactions.

things to consider Time-Saving Features

There are many time-saving features that will attract you to certain software options.  The old adage “time is money” keeps providers improving their accounting software to make it more desirable to busy business owners.

  • Look for programs that can handle multiple bank accounts and calculate payroll along with all its requirements. Automated simplified bookkeeping with a reduction in the need for manual double entry is a huge time-saver for businesses of any size.
  • Online banking and other financial transactions lessen physical trips to the bank, thus letting you run other aspects of your business.
  • Tax filing is also a highly sought after option since tax codes not only vary regionally but may change annually too, creating nightmares for all.
  • Be sure it has quick and easy back up procedures and the ability to reach maintenance and support in different forms for your personal needs. Waiting “on hold” is a time killer.
  • Most of all, make sure you find the accounting software easy to use so you don’t have to call for support often. 

things to consider Remote Access and Mobile

A cloud-based accounting software program is very appealing to the business that runs from more than one location.  If you have a good internet connection, you can access your software on your smartphone, tablet or laptop from anywhere.

Installation and updates are done by the server and don’t require you to do the same on your end.  Records can be kept secure and are accessible to multiple employees who need not be at the “office”.

Some can be integrated with your traditional, hard-drive accounting software, if you so desire.  Be aware of the differences between cloud and traditional software.

things to consider Additional Business Services

The busiest businesses could always use a hand with even more important details.  Some accounting software present these choice advantages to help in generating sales forecasts, overstock inventory reports and identifying the least profitable products or services.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE SYSTEM?

So how do you begin searching for an accounting software system that is best for your business?  Let’s start with some basic questions:

vacuum cleaners features WHO IS GOING TO USE YOUR SOFTWARE?

If you have a very small business without an accountant or IT department, or both are there when you look in the mirror, choose one that is easy to use.

It should be the most efficient for your business now and later.  You don’t want to have to change software systems after some growth, but be sure to realize that is a possibility.

Going with a well-established accounting software program that can grow with you is a plus.

vacuum cleaners features HOW CAN YOUR ACCOUNTANT HELP?

The most helpful opinion you will get on choosing your accounting software will be from your accountant.  His education and expertise can save you a lot of headaches when you are researching software.

Make sure it can do all the bookkeeping tasks you need to do.Even if you are using a premier software program with business add-ons, some financial literacy is required in most programs.

If you are a start-up company, your accurate financial data will keep you from going under.  Human errors occur in all areas of accounting, so you will want to reduce the risk by purchasing one that can do multiple tasks and limit manual double entry.

Your accountant also will be able to show you how to use this “tool” properly and know its limitations.

vacuum cleaners features HOW CAN YOUR IT DEPARTMENT HELP?

The first thing to know is the scope of your hardware situation.

Many desktop accounting software programs take up a huge amount of space for various functions.  You will want to make sure your system can handle it all or if you need to upgrade before purchasing any software at all.

If your business is in an unusual or small industry, consider customized accounting software to take care of all your needs in one place.  Though it may be more expensive to begin with, you may save money in the long run if your software can’t do all you need it to and you have to purchase add-ons.

vacuum cleaners features WHAT IS THE COST OF OBTAINING AND USING YOUR ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE?

You can purchase a desktop version for a single fee and find it adequate for your needs.  You can also discover that it doesn’t quite cut it and need to purchase add-ons.

A web-based accounting software will charge you regular fees to use it.  In this case, updates are usually included and are the provider’s responsibility, but check before you choose it to be sure.  Staying within your budget will make you a happier customer.

vacuum cleaners features DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE SPECIAL ACCOUNTING NEEDS?

If you do business internationally, you will want a software program that can handle the diversity andhave multiple currency options.  This will be a necessity on a daily basis and you will want your software to do all the hard work for you in this area.

vacuum cleaners features WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DOES THE ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE PROVIDE? 

This is probably the most important question you need answered when you are researching different accounting software programs.

Will the provider offer you any kind of support?

Is it limited to business time or does it include nights and weekends?

Will you have to wait long for assistance to your problems?

If they can’t give you straight-forward and complete answer, it’s probably best to pass on it and try another software option.

 

Our verdict

Our Top Ten list gives you our unbiased verdict of best accounting software. We offer an expert and consumer recommendations by calculating the popularity of the product. Our algorithm calculates it all and gives us the result. Here are TOP 10 accounting software recommended by Reviewsbee:

We have done the research for you so you can read just one site’s reviews to make the best decision for your company.  We wish to save you time so that you can take care of your other business needs.

Use our information to choose the accounting software that will bring your financial data in order and make it easily accessible.  We know your time is valuable.

Total ReviewsBee Rating

In rating the various accounting software available, we strive to give you the best information possible. No need for you to do the same research when our professionals and unbiased algorithm do it for you! See the different venues we search for information gathering.

1. We Collect Data from All Around the Web

Reviews Bee collects consumer review information from popular retail websites including Amazon, eBay, and Best Buy. Consumer websites, such as epinions.com, are also included in our analysis. In addition, Reviews Bee utilizes reputable market niche websites, to include in the product ranking decision. Using the feedback of actual customers in coordination with expert evaluations enables us to provide each product with a score that takes into account all trustworthy information available on that item.

2. We Analyze the Data Five factors are inserted into our algorithm in order to calculate our Reviews Bee Score. This score, in turn, is used to rank each medical alert system in our Top 10 recommendation. The Reviews Bee score is a summary of each of the most important factors indicating the value of a medical alert system.

3. We Deliver The Best Results By taking each of these essential factors into account, we are able to give each medical alert system an overall Reviews Bee Score that ranks each product against the others in our Top 10 list. By using a vast array of expert and consumer ratings, reviews, and feedback, Reviews Bee provides you with the most comprehensive analysis of product information available to you. You can make your purchase knowing that the best research was utilized to make your decision.

Overall Algo

Customer Rating Sources

Expert Rating Sources

Our Algorithm Factors

1. Expert Popularity Score

The Reviews Bee team analyzes many trustworthy expert sites to complete our popularity scores. By reviewing comments and how often a particular brand is mentioned by the experts, we come up with an average rating that is easy to understand. These are some of the sites we use as our sources: “TrustedReviews.com”, “TopTenReviews.com” and “ConsumerReports.org”.

2. Expert Ranking Score

Our algorithm analyzed information concerning every accounting software from their sites to create a summary of their rankings and that is how we came up with the final score for each accounting software.

3. Consumer Popularity Score

We used the knowledge from the following sources: “Yelp.com”, “BBB.org”, “trustpilot.com” and “consumeraffairs.com” and more to gather our over 4210 reviews.

4. Consumer Rating Score

As we examined many reviews, we came up with a rating for customer satisfaction.  We looked at the details those customers commented on in different areas of each product.  Then we averaged their “star” level to create our own number rate.

5. Consumer Complaint Score

Our rating wouldn’t be complete without including the complaints from customers when analyzing our data. Consumer issues from several internet sites were added to figure out how well each brand rated over-all.  Our algorithm contains the negative factors of these complaints to achieve a more accurate score.  We used the sources we collected from sites such as: “Consumeraffairs.com”, “Amazon.com”, and “BBB.org”.

This synopsis of all available facts, positive and negative, allows us to give an accurate and complete rating of the products.  With expert and consumer reviews involved in our system, you get the most out of all the researchable information in one score!

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