15 Best Bookkeeping Software For Small Business

Selling goods or services is only one aspect of running a business. There are invoices to send, tasks to track, customers to follow up with, and teams to manage. Doing all of this manually takes time, and even small mistakes can slow things down.

Bookkeeping software helps simplify these everyday operations. The right tool can handle your workload, organize your processes, and free you up to focus on what actually moves your business forward.

To make things easier for you, we’ve researched and compiled a list of some of the most efficient and user-friendly bookkeeping software for small business available today. These platforms strike the right balance between functionality, affordability, and customer support. Whether you’re billing clients, tracking projects, or managing your team’s productivity, there’s a tool here designed to fit your business needs.

What to Look For in Bookkeeping Software

1. Ease of Use – A friendly interface that keeps you from diving deep into accounting theory.
2. Invoicing & Payments – Customize templates, add logos, accept digital payments.
3. Expense & Bank Sync – Scan receipts, auto-import transactions.
4. Reporting & Dashboards – Instant visibility on profit, cash flow, tax-ready docs.
5. Compliance Tools – GST/VAT support or region-specific tax features.
6. Cloud & Mobile Access – Work from any device, never lose data.
7. Integrations – Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, inventory, payroll and CRM
8. Scalability – Upgrade as your business grows, from solo to multi‑user teams.

Top 15 Bookkeeping Software for Small Businesses

1. Kashoo

Website: https://www.kashoo.com/

Kashoo is a straightforward, no-frills bookkeeping software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed professionals who want to handle accounting without any confusion. It offers essential tools like income and expense tracking, invoicing, and bank reconciliation — all in a clean, easy-to-navigate interface.

Designed for users who don’t have a background in accounting, Kashoo simplifies financial tasks while still offering the features that matter. With smart automation and real-time reporting, it helps users stay on top of their books without getting overwhelmed by technicalities.

Trusted by thousands of small business owners, Kashoo is especially ideal for service-based professionals and solopreneurs looking for a reliable, affordable alternative to more complex platforms.

Key Features:

• Simple double-entry accounting system
• Smart inbox for automatic expense categorization
• Real-time bank feed and reconciliation
• Unlimited invoicing and expense tracking
• Multi-currency support and basic project tracking

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Extremely beginner-friendly with no accounting jargon	Limited scalability for growing teams
Fast setup with clean, clutter-free interface	Mobile app is functional but lacks some web features
Strong customer support and good tutorials	No advanced inventory or payroll features

Pricing:

• Trulysmall: $216/year
• Kashoo: $324/year

2. Xero

Website: https://www.xero.com/

Xero is a leading cloud-based accounting software tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering robust features for invoicing, bank reconciliation, inventory tracking, and payroll. Founded in New Zealand, Xero now supports over 3.95 million subscribers globally. Its clean interface, real-time reporting, and seamless integrations with 1,000+ third-party apps make it ideal for both accountants and business owners.

Xero also provides multi-currency support and detailed financial dashboards to track performance effortlessly. The software is popular among startups, freelancers, and bookkeepers who want flexibility and mobility in managing finances.

Key Features:

• Online invoicing and automated bank reconciliation
• Real-time cash flow tracking and reporting
• Inventory and fixed asset management
• Multi-currency support with live exchange rates
• Integrates with 1,000+ apps, including Stripe, PayPal, Shopify

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Intuitive dashboard and mobile app	Limited phone support in some regions
Excellent third-party integration ecosystem	No direct customer support via call
Ideal for small and medium businesses	Payroll support not available in all countries

Pricing:

• Starter Plan: $29 / month
• Standard Plan: $46/month
• Premium Plan: $69/month
• Free Trial: 30 days

3. TallyPrime

Website: https://tallysolutions.com/

TallyPrime is one of India’s most trusted accounting software solutions, widely used by small and medium enterprises for GST-compliant billing, inventory management, payroll, and more. It’s a desktop-based system with offline capabilities, offering speed, reliability, and control to Indian businesses. Over 2 million businesses use Tally for its simplicity, statutory compliance, and localized features.

TallyPrime supports multilingual operations and remote access while providing detailed financial insights without needing deep accounting expertise. Its newer versions have focused on improved UI, faster navigation, and smarter reporting tools.

Key Features:

• GST-compliant billing and return filing
• Smart inventory and payroll management
• Multi-user, multi-location access
• Works offline with remote access options
• Multilingual interface and keyboard shortcuts for efficiency

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Trusted by over 2 million Indian businesses	Desktop-only, not fully cloud-based
Extremely user-friendly for accountants	Lacks integration with many global apps
Strong GST and compliance support	Requires manual data backup and updates

Pricing:

• TallyPrime Silver (Single User)
  • 1 Month – ₹750 +18% GST
  • 3 Months – ₹2,138 +18% GST
  • 12 Months – ₹8,100 +18% GST
  • Lifetime License – ₹22,500 +18% GST

• TallyPrime Gold (Multi-User Access)
  • 1 Month – ₹2,250 +18% GST
  • 3 Months – ₹6,413 +18% GST
  • 12 Months – ₹24,300 +18% GST
  • Lifetime License – ₹67,500 +18% GST

4. Wave Accounting

Website: https://www.waveapps.com/

Wave is a completely free cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers, small businesses, and solopreneurs. It offers powerful tools for invoicing, expense tracking, accounting, and receipt scanning, all without monthly fees. Over 2 million small businesses across North America use Wave due to its intuitive interface and zero-cost model.

Though limited in terms of advanced features or scalability, Wave is perfect for service providers, consultants, and side hustlers who need a professional yet simple solution. It also allows connection to bank accounts for automatic transaction import and categorization.

Key Features:

• 100% free invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning
• Automatic bank transaction syncing
• Recurring billing and payment reminders
• Customizable invoices with payment tracking
• Double-entry accounting system for compliance

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Completely free with no hidden charges	Limited support outside U.S. and Canada
Ideal for freelancers and solopreneurs	No payroll support in India
Clean, modern interface for easy use	Lacks inventory and project tracking

Pricing:

• Starter Plan – $0/month
• Pro Plan – $170/year (billed annually)

5. QuickBooks Online

Website: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

QuickBooks Online is one of the most recognized cloud accounting solutions globally, trusted by over 7 million businesses. Developed by Intuit, it’s tailored for small to mid-sized companies looking for advanced accounting features with simplicity. From invoicing and GST filing to expense management and cash flow tracking, it delivers everything a business needs to stay financially organized.

Its user-friendly dashboard, real-time collaboration with accountants, and customizable reports make it a go-to solution. QuickBooks also offers mobile apps and strong integration with over 650 third-party tools.

Key Features:

• GST-compliant invoicing and automated tax calculations
• Real-time profit & loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reports
• Auto expense tracking and bank reconciliation
• Multi-user access and accountant collaboration
• Integration with PayPal, Shopify, Razorpay, and more

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Rich set of accounting and compliance tools	Pricing on the higher side for small startups
Seamless bank and payment gateway integrations	Occasional syncing issues with some banks
Clean, modern dashboard with great support	Add-on features may cost extra

Pricing:

• Simple Start – $3.50/month (regular $35/month)
• Essentials – $6.50/month (regular $65/month)
• Plus – $9.90/month (regular $99/month)
• Advanced – $23.50/month (regular $235/month)

Suggested Read: Business Opportunity in India

6. FreshBooks

Website: https://www.freshbooks.com/

FreshBooks is a modern cloud-based accounting software for small business owners built specifically for freelancers and service-based professionals. With a customer base of over 30 million users in 160+ countries, it excels in offering user-friendly accounting, time tracking, project management, and client communication tools in one place.

Its standout feature is simplicity, users can easily create branded invoices, track time, manage expenses, and accept payments online. FreshBooks is especially useful for creative professionals, agencies, and consultants who bill clients regularly and need collaborative, on-the-go finance management.

Key Features:

• Intuitive invoicing with online payment support
• Project time tracking and team collaboration tools
• Expense tracking with receipt upload
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Double-entry accounting and report generation

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Beautiful, easy-to-use interface	Less robust for inventory-heavy businesses
Excellent for freelancers and creatives	Limited multi-user access on basic plans
Mobile invoicing and time tracking tools	Advanced features need higher-tier plans

Pricing:

• Lite – $8.40/month
• Plus – $15.20/month
• Premium – $26.00/month

7. Busy Accounting Software

Website: https://www.busy.in/

Busy is a homegrown Indian accounting software designed for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with complex business needs. It goes beyond basic accounting to support inventory, taxation, and multi-location operations. Trusted by over 3 lakh businesses in India and abroad, Busy is popular for its localized features like GST compliance, e-invoicing, and TDS handling.

It’s available in both desktop and cloud versions, with industry-specific configurations for traders, manufacturers, and distributors. Its ability to handle multi-currency, batch-wise inventory, and advanced financial analysis makes it a solid pick for growing Indian businesses.

Key Features:

• Complete GST, e-invoicing, and TDS support
• Batch-wise, location-wise inventory tracking
• Role-based multi-user access
• Mobile app for business reports and insights
• Barcode printing and CRM add-ons

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive Indian compliance support	Slight learning curve for beginners
Tailored for Indian MSMEs and manufacturers	UI not as modern as some global platforms
Cost-effective with high scalability	Limited integration with third-party apps

Pricing:

• Basic Edition – ₹9,000/year (Single User)
• Standard Edition – ₹12,600/year (Single User)
• Enterprise Edition – ₹17,100/year (Single User)
• Additional multi-user packs and cloud versions come at extra cost.

8. Zoho Books

Website: https://www.zoho.com/books/

Designed for Indian SMEs and startups, Zoho Books is a robust online accounting program that complies with GST. Part of the Zoho ecosystem, it offers end-to-end financial management — including invoicing, banking, inventory, tax filing, and automation — all in a mobile-friendly interface.

With over 13 million users globally, Zoho Books is a favorite among tech-savvy businesses looking for cost-effective automation. It integrates seamlessly with other Zoho apps like CRM, Inventory, and Payroll, making it an all-in-one business suite. It also supports e-invoicing, audit trails, and custom workflows under India’s regulatory framework.

Key Features:

• GST-ready invoicing, returns, and e-invoicing
• Bank feeds with auto-reconciliation
• Inventory and project management
• Custom reports and workflow automation
• Integration with 50+ Zoho and third-party apps

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Built-in compliance with Indian tax laws	May overwhelm very small businesses
Deep integration within Zoho ecosystem	Limited features on free plan
Great value for features provided	Slightly complex for non-tech users

Pricing:

• Free Plan – ₹0
• Standard – ₹749/month
• Professional – ₹1,499/month
• Premium – ₹2,999/month
• Elite – ₹4,999/month
• Ultimate – ₹7,999/month

9. Vyapar

Website: https://vyaparapp.in/

Vyapar is a straightforward yet effective GST accounting and billing program designed specifically for small enterprises in India. It’s widely adopted by retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and service providers who want to digitize their billing, inventory, and tax compliance without needing deep accounting knowledge.

With over 10 million downloads, Vyapar is especially popular for its mobile-first design, making business management easy for shopkeepers on the go. It supports Hindi and other regional languages, offline functionality, barcode billing, and complete GST reporting — making it ideal for small retailers and local entrepreneurs.

Key Features:

• GST billing, e-invoicing, and return filing
• Inventory and stock tracking with expiry management
• Offline and online access via desktop and mobile
• Payment reminders and WhatsApp invoice sharing
• Multi-language support and data backup options

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Highly affordable and easy to use	Not suited for medium or large enterprises
Excellent mobile app for Android users	No iOS support yet
Works offline without internet access	Limited integration with other platforms

Pricing:

• Mobile App Plan: ₹599/year
• Desktop + Mobile Plan: ₹2,399/year
• Free Trial: 15 days

10. Marg ERP 9+

Website: https://www.margerp.com/

Many Indian distributors, merchants, and manufacturers use Marg ERP 9+, a powerful accounting and inventory management system. Trusted by over 1 million businesses, it is especially favored by pharma companies, FMCG dealers, and hardware stores due to its industry-specific modules.

Marg’s strengths lie in real-time inventory control, GST compliance, barcode/RFID support, and advanced reporting. Though its UI feels slightly dated, its sheer depth in Indian trade operations, including batch, expiry, MRP, and rate-wise pricing, makes it an indispensable tool for inventory-heavy businesses.

Key Features:

• GST billing, e-way bills, and e-invoicing
• Complete pharma and FMCG inventory management
• Multi-location and user access
• Custom invoice and barcode generation
• Mobile app for reports and order updates

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Industry-specific modules for pharma, FMCG	Steeper learning curve for new users
Deep inventory and supply chain management	UI and UX not modern
Affordable with strong offline capabilities	Cloud version costs extra

Pricing:

• Marg ERP Nano – ₹5,400
• Basic Edition – ₹9,999
• Silver Edition – ₹13,500
• Gold Edition – ₹25,200

11. Khatabook

Website: https://www.khatabook.com/

Khatabook is India’s leading digital ledger app, helping over 50 million MSMEs manage credit, payments, and cash flow digitally. It’s ideal for small shopkeepers, kirana store owners, and field agents who want to record transactions with customers and vendors in real-time.

Khatabook stands out for its simplicity, regional language support, payment reminders, and UPI integration. Though it’s not a full-fledged accounting solution, it’s a powerful entry-level tool for cash-based businesses starting their digital journey.

Key Features:

• Digital ledger with credit/debit tracking
• UPI payments and instant SMS reminders
• Automatic backup and phonebook sync
• Available in 13+ Indian languages
• Reports for cash flow, balances, and collections

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Extremely easy for non-tech users	Lacks accounting/inventory features
Works offline with secure backup	Not suitable for GST or formal compliance
Free for most basic features	Limited to mobile — no desktop version

Pricing:

• Free Plan – ₹0 (most features for digital ledger and basic reminders)
• Khatabook Biz Premium – ₹999/year

12. myBillBook

Website: https://mybillbook.in/

myBillBook is a modern GST billing and accounting software designed for small and medium businesses across India. With a sleek user interface and mobile-first experience, it allows business owners to generate GST invoices, manage inventory, collect payments via UPI, and track daily sales in real-time.

It has seen rapid adoption, with over 10 million downloads, especially among retail shops, wholesalers, and distributors. Its WhatsApp invoice sharing, barcode scanning, and bilingual support make it user-friendly even for first-time digital users.

Key Features:

• GST-compliant invoicing and reports
• Inventory, stock, and barcode management
• UPI payment collection and reminders
• Real-time reports and analytics
• Supports English + 13 Indian languages

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Intuitive UI for mobile and desktop	Limited integrations with other apps
Excellent mobile features	Free version lacks full GST support
Ideal for growing MSMEs	Desktop version is Windows-only

Pricing:

• Diamond – ₹2,599/year
• Platinum – ₹2,999/year
• Enterprise – ₹4,999/year

13. Bookipi

Website: https://bookipi.com/

Bookipi is an all-in-one invoicing and business management platform built for freelancers, solopreneurs, and small service-based businesses. It started as a mobile invoicing app and has evolved into a complete toolkit with features like proposals, e-signatures, client CRM, expense tracking, and AI-powered assistance.

Its intuitive mobile-first interface makes it easy to manage clients, send invoices, and accept payments on the go. With over 1 million users globally, Bookipi is especially helpful for creative professionals and consultants who prefer fast, mobile invoicing and business management.

Key Features:

• Unlimited invoices, proposals, and client management
• Built-in e-signatures, receipts, and card payments
• AI assistant for writing proposals and content
• CRM with client tracking and project pipeline
• Real-time mobile sync and offline access

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Excellent mobile interface and intuitive design	Limited accounting or tax compliance tools
Includes CRM, e-signatures, proposals & payments	Free plan limits invoice and signature counts
Affordable pricing for solopreneurs	Some features (AI, website builder) are extra

Pricing:

• Free – $0/month (forever)
• Starter – $7.60/month (US$91.20/year)
• Professional – $39.00/month (US$468.00/year)
• AI Website Builder Pro – $9.99/month (US$119.88/year)

14. Saral Accounts

Website: https://saralaccounts.com/

Saral Accounts is a product from Relyon Softech, known for its focus on simplified accounting for SMEs, tax consultants, and freelancers. It handles all accounting needs, including ledger, trial balance, cash flow, bank reconciliation, and statutory reports.

Saral’s major strength lies in its easy TDS, VAT, and GST integration, which is beneficial for service-based businesses and compliance-heavy industries. The interface is designed to feel like traditional ledger books, which appeals to users transitioning from paper to digital.

Key Features:

• Full accounting suite with journal & ledgers
• GST invoicing, returns, and reconciliation
• TDS, VAT, and service tax support
• MIS reporting and financial analysis tools
• Data import/export from Excel and Tally

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Strong compliance reporting	Dated UI and less intuitive layout
Affordable and powerful	No mobile app or cloud version
Offline, fast, and lightweight	Requires Windows OS

Pricing:

• Saral Bronze
  • ₹7,500 (Single User)
  • ₹15,000 (Multi User)

• Saral Silver
  • ₹15,000 (Single User)
  • ₹20,000 (Multi User)

• Saral Gold
  • ₹12,000 (Single User)
  • ₹25,000 (Multi User)

• Saral Diamond
  • ₹25,000 (Single User)
  • ₹35,000 (Multi User)

15. ERPNext (Accounting Module)

Website: https://frappe.io/erpnext/

ERPNext is a versatile open-source ERP platform developed in India, offering a comprehensive accounting module alongside CRM, inventory, HR, manufacturing, and more. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, it offers both cloud-based and self-hosted options, featuring built-in double-entry bookkeeping, multi-currency support, and GST/VAT compliant reporting.

It scales easily, ideal for growing businesses that need integrated finance plus operations tools in one system. ERPNext is trusted by growing enterprises and community-driven users alike. It’s especially appealing for those who want full customization without vendor lock‑in while benefiting from a modern, modular architecture.

Key Features:

• Full double-entry accounting with financial statements
• Automated bank reconciliation and ledger mapping
• GST/VAT compliance with e-invoicing and tax reports
• Multi-company, multi-currency, multi-branch support
• Integration with inventory, sales, HR, and project modules

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Fully open source with no licensing fees	Self-hosting needs IT skills or developer support
Highly customizable to business workflows	Overkill for sole proprietors or very small firms
Built-in ERP ecosystem—one platform for all modules	Setup and configuration take time

Pricing:

• Frappe Cloud (Hosting ERPNext):
  • Hobby Plan – $10/month (up to 3 users, basic usage)
  • Standard Plan – $50/month (up to 10 users)
  • Pro Plan – $100+/month (advanced resources, unlimited apps)
  • Enterprise/Custom Plans – Quotation-based pricing

Why It Matters

• Fewer errors, less stress: Accurate records minimize mistakes, late fees, and audit exposure.
• Save time and money: Automation frees up more time for customers and less time spent on spreadsheets by reducing manual entry.
• Better cash flow: Real‑time dashboards help spot trends and avoid surprises.
• Easier taxes: Most tools export reports or integrate with tax platforms, making filing a breeze.

Final Thoughts

Managing finances may not be the most glamorous part of running a business, but it’s one of the most important. Accurate bookkeeping helps you pay bills on time, prepare for tax season, and plan for future growth. That’s why investing in the right bookkeeping software for Your business is more than just a convenience it’s a strategic move.

The tools we’ve listed are designed to simplify accounting tasks for freelancers, startups, and growing teams. Whether you’re sending invoices, tracking expenses, or managing payroll, there’s a solution that fits your needs and budget. The best part? These platforms are user-friendly, automate repetitive work, and reduce costly errors.

Ultimately, the right bookkeeping software for small business empowers you to stay organized and make smarter financial decisions without being buried in spreadsheets. Find the tool that works best for you—and get back to focusing on what you do best: growing your business.

FAQs

Q: Do I need accounting knowledge to use these tools?

A: No, most are built for non‑accountants, offering guided setup and user-friendly dashboards.

Q: Can I switch software later?

A: Absolutely. Most providers support data export/import. Transitioning is easier than keeping a disorganized mess.

Q: Do mobile apps matter?

A: If you invoice, scan receipts, or review reports on the go, apps like FreshBooks, QuickBooks, and Wave are excellent.