--- title: "Best Online Accounting Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Online Accounting Software for your organization. Compare top Online Accounting Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Online Accounting Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Online Accounting Software of 2026 Updated November 4, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide Filter products 184 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 184 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Sage 50 Accounting](/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.0/5 - Reviews: 630 - Starting price: $124.42/month - Best for: On the rise - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage 50 Accounting is an accounting solution designed to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a suite of tools that streamline financial management, [Read more](/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive financial management tools - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Tailored for small businesses ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and limited support options - Limited and cumbersome reporting features - Expensive and rising subscription costs #### Features ##### Best rated features - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Customizable Templates: 5/5 - Financial Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Pro Accounting - Price: $124.42/month - This plan is also available at an annual subscription of $625. Pricing for single user. ##### Premium Accounting - Price: $169.33/month - This plan is also available at an annual subscription of $1043 and is designed for small businesses ##### Quantum Accounting - Price: $253.42/month - This plan is also available at an annual subscription of $1780 and provides industry specific [See full pricing details](/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Xledger](/accounting/xledger-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 30 - Starting price: $750.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Xledger, True Cloud Finance Software Built For Modern, Multi-entity Organisations Xledger is a true-cloud finance management platform built for organisations needing more than [Read more](/accounting/xledger-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Receipt Management: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 5/5 - Audit Trail: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/xledger-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Connected](/accounting/accountek-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 3 - Starting price: CA$649.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Connected is a hybrid integrated accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) that caters to small and midsize businesses across various industry verticals and helps them to [Read more](/accounting/accountek-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: CA$649.00 [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountek-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Beyond Software](/psa/beyond-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 7 - Starting price: $6,120.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Beyond Software is a project accounting and management software system available for small to mid-size companies. The system allows organizations to manage and execute around their [Read more](/psa/beyond-profile/) --- ### [AccountMate](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 25 - Starting price: $4,000.00one time - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AccountMate is a hybrid accounting solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and offers them tools and functionalities, which help them to manage their financial [Read more](/accounting/accountmate-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Task Management: 4/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $4,000.00one time [See full pricing details](/accounting/accountmate-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Sage Intacct](/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 718 - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Intacct serves more than 4,000 customers with their online solution; they're a featured vendor in CRN's 2011 Top 100 Cloud Providers. Intacct targets CPA firms and mid-sized [Read more](/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) ##### What users love - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Comprehensive accounting functionality - Robust, customizable reporting capabilities ##### To take in mind - Complex and inflexible report customization - Slow and unresponsive support experience - Expensive and rising costs #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - For Nonprofits: 5/5 - Vendor Management: 5/5 - Customer Statements: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/#key-features) --- ### [NetSuite](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 2,086 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce functionalities into a unified platform, helping [Read more](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) ##### What users love - Deep system tailoring options - Comprehensive and scalable functionality - Centralized financial operations platform ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Complex and rigid reporting tools - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Aging Tracking: 5/5 - "What If" Scenarios: 5/5 - Knowledge Base Management: 5/5 - Vendor Master Data Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Striven](/project-management/striven-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 131 - Starting price: $35.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Striven is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management ERP platform built for small and midsize companies tired of duct-taping popular accounting tools, a CRM, a project tool, [Read more](/project-management/striven-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Routing: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 - Milestone Tracking: 5/5 - Percent-Complete Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 1/5 [See all features](/project-management/striven-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $35.00/month - The plan is based on the number of users. ##### Enterprise - Price: $70.00/month - The per-user price decreases as the number of users increases. [See full pricing details](/project-management/striven-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Deltek Ajera](/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.6/5 - Reviews: 62 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deltek Ajera is a project management and project-based accounting system that helps small architecture and engineering firms get paid faster, keep projects profitable, and see [Read more](/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Budget Management: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Invoice History: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Timesheet Management: 4/5 - Collaboration Tools: 4/5 [See all features](/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Deltek Costpoint](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 215 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deltek Costpoint is an ERP for government contractors that gives firms the speed, clarity, and control to manage complex contracts from pursuit through closeout. It connects [Read more](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Task Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 [See all features](/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Deltek Vantagepoint](/reporting-tools/deltek-vantagepoint-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.0/5 - Reviews: 490 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deltek Vantagepoint is an AI-powered, project based ERP that helps architecture, engineering, and consulting firms manage projects and financials in one application — so teams gain [Read more](/reporting-tools/deltek-vantagepoint-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive project oversight tools - Flexible and adaptable customization options - Efficient time and task tracking ##### To take in mind - Complex and unintuitive reporting tools - Outdated interface and update issues #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Management: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Customizable Invoices: 5/5 - Project Accounting: 5/5 [See all features](/reporting-tools/deltek-vantagepoint-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT](/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 165 - Starting price: $0.01/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Blackbaud’s cloud fund accounting software Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT provides transparency across teams, security, and compliance, and reduces the need for manual processes. The [Read more](/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Project Accounting: 5/5 - Cash Management: 5/5 - Financial Analysis: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Financial Reporting: 3.9/5 - Donation Tracking: 4/5 [See all features](/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MIP Accounting](/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 69 - Starting price: $0.01 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MIP is the leading accounting software designed for mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, schools, healthcare, associations, and government entities. It provides [Read more](/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - General Ledger: 5/5 - Income & Balance Sheet: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Accounts Payable: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Payroll Management: 1/5 - Grant Management: 1/5 [See all features](/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/#key-features) --- ### [M3 Accounting Core](/accounting/m3-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 11 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview M3 Accounting Core Software is a cloud-based accounting solution that helps streamline financial operations for small to large businesses in the hospitality industry. The software [Read more](/accounting/m3-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Expense Tracking: 5/5 - Transaction Management: 5/5 - Accounts Payable: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/m3-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Fraxion](/scm/fraxion-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 131 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Fraxion provides a complete procure-to-pay solution for purchasing, expense, and AP automation with advanced spend analytics. The all-in-one procure-to-pay suite [Read more](/scm/fraxion-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Document Imaging: 5/5 - Contract/License Management: 5/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Fixed Asset Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile Access: 2/5 - Fraud Detection: 2.4/5 [See all features](/scm/fraxion-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Procurify](/accounting/procurify-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 208 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Procurify is the agentic procurement platform for finance and operations teams that understands your vendors, budgets, and policies. It delivers complete spend control across [Read more](/accounting/procurify-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Quotes/Estimates: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Audit Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/procurify-profile/#key-features) --- ### [BQE CORE Suite](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 796 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BQE CORE is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing software designed for architecture, engineering, and consulting firms. The platform enables users to streamline operations and [Read more](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support team - Intuitive and adaptable interface design - Flexible and efficient invoicing tools ##### To take in mind - Limited and confusing reporting options - Challenging migration and workflow issues - Frequent lag and slow loading times #### Features ##### Best rated features - Budgeting/Forecasting: 5/5 - Percent-Complete Tracking: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Client Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Gantt/Timeline View: 1/5 - Cost Estimating: 2/5 - Forecasting: 2/5 [See all features](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Foundations - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Versa Cloud ERP](/accounting/versaccounts-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 23 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Versa is Modern all-in-one Cloud ERP software created for fast growing inventory heavy manufacturing, distribution, and e-commerce businesses moving to the next level. Versa [Read more](/accounting/versaccounts-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Search/Filter: 5/5 - Inventory Control: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/versaccounts-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Dynamics 365](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 5,865 - Starting price: $50.00/month - Best for: Features - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based CRM ecosystem for small, medium and enterprise organizations, with a focus on Sales, Field Service, Customer Service complete with strong [Read more](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/) ##### What users love - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration - Centralized workforce and operations control ##### To take in mind - Expensive licensing and add-ons - Limited and complex customization options - Steep learning and onboarding process #### Features ##### Best rated features - Commission Management: 5/5 - Financial Analysis: 5/5 - Monitoring: 5/5 - For Real Estate: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Lead Scoring: 3.5/5 - Sales Trend Analysis: 3.8/5 - Prospecting Tools: 3.9/5 - API: 3.9/5 [See all features](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Professional - Price: $50.00/month ##### Enterprise - Price: $105.00/month ##### Premium - Price: $195.00/month [See full pricing details](/product/106335-Dynamics-365/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Sage X3](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 176 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage X3 is a powerful ERP software solution designed for midsized national and global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sales providers and can establish a foundation for your [Read more](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supplier Management: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Serial Number Tracking: 5/5 - Profit/Loss Statement: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Visualization: 1/5 - Performance Metrics: 1/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 1/5 - Enterprise Asset Management: 1.8/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Focus X](/product/3600-focus/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 119 - Starting price: $60.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Focus X is an all-inclusive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that helps you connect every aspect of your business operations. From production to supply chain, customer [Read more](/product/3600-focus/) ##### What users love - Robust and flexible reporting tools - Flexible system adaptation options ##### To take in mind - Slow and unreliable support response #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Accounting: 5/5 - Online Payments: 5/5 - Scheduling: 5/5 - Mobile App: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Fraud Detection: 1/5 [See all features](/product/3600-focus/#key-features) --- ### [Sage Accounting](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 653 - Starting price: $20.00/month - Best for: Popular - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sage Accounting is a cloud-based accounting and invoice management solution for small to midsize businesses. It offers accounting, project accounting, expense management and [Read more](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined daily financial management - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Accessible cloud-based accounting platform ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and hard-to-reach support - Limited and inflexible invoicing tools - Restrictive and unintuitive reporting features #### Features ##### Best rated features - Time Tracking: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 - For Accountants: 5/5 - Duplicate Payment Alert: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Accounting Start - Price: $20.00/month - The Sage Accounting Start plan comes with an 30-day free trial and is ideal for micro-businesses. ##### Accounting Standard - Price: $40.00/month ##### Accounting Plus - Price: $50.00/month [See full pricing details](/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [DealerCenter](/accounting/dealercenter-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 1,486 - Starting price: $40.00/month - Best for: For Automotive Dealerships - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview DealerCenter is a cloud-based dealer management system designed to help small to large businesses manage processes related to accounting, customer relationships, auctions, [Read more](/accounting/dealercenter-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support team - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Comprehensive dealership operations suite ##### To take in mind - Lag and frequent software glitches - Complex fees and billing frustrations #### Features ##### Best rated features - Remote Access/Control: 5/5 - Invoice Processing: 5/5 - Sales Reports: 5/5 - Reminders: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Sales Floor Management: 3.5/5 [See all features](/accounting/dealercenter-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### DMS - Price: $99.00/month ##### Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) - Price: $50.00/month ##### QuickBooks - Price: $40.00/month [See full pricing details](/accounting/dealercenter-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Elorus](/accounting/elorus-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 325 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Elorus is an online invoicing, time-tracking, billing and expense management platform. At heart, it is the ideal professional solution for every freelancer, small business and [Read more](/accounting/elorus-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reimbursement Management: 5/5 - Accounts Payable: 5/5 - Electronic Payments: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Task Management: 3/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 3.9/5 [See all features](/accounting/elorus-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free - Price: $0.00 - 6$ per extra user ##### Starter - Price: $9.00/month - 6$ per extra user ##### Standard - Price: $19.00/month - 6$ per extra user [See full pricing details](/accounting/elorus-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Zoho Invoice](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 823 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Billing & Invoicing - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Zoho Invoice is a 100% free cloud-based invoicing solution designed to help small businesses with invoicing, tracking expenses and accepting online payments.Key features include [Read more](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible and customizable invoicing - Intuitive and beginner-friendly interface - Free and affordable plans ##### To take in mind - Complex settings and navigation - Limited and outdated email features #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Billing: 5/5 - Data Security: 5/5 - Customizable Branding: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Recurring Invoicing: 4/5 - Client Portal: 4/5 - Timesheet Management: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $0.00 - Up to 2 users [See full pricing details](/accounting/zoho-invoice-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ... [8](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=8) ## Popular Comparisons [ QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Enterprise ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/49801-qb-desktop-enterprise/vs/393202-QuickBooks-Online/)[ NetSuite vs Dynamics 365 ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/25483-netsuite-financials-accounting-software/vs/106335-Dynamics-365/)[ Sage Intacct vs Xero ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/xero/)[ Zoho Invoice vs Wave ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/18767-Wave-Apps/vs/435103-zoho-invoice/)[ Sage 50 Accounting vs QuickBooks Online Advanced ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/49805-QuickBooks-Online/vs/423487-sage-50cloud/)[ Odoo vs Cin7 Core ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dear-systems-profile/vs/odoo/) ## Your Guide to Top Online Accounting Software, September 2022 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Online Accounting products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [Patriot Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/patriot-profile/) - [Airbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/airbase-profile/) - [BQE CORE Suite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/bqe-core-accounting-profile/) - [TimeSolv Legal Billing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/) - [Striven](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/) - [Bench](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/benchbookkeeping-profile/) - [ZarMoney](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/zarmoney-profile/) - Deskera Books - [Wave](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/18767-Wave-Apps/) - [SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) - [Zoho Books](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/zoho-books-profile/) - [SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) - [Dynamics 365](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/) - [Cin7 Core](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dear-systems-profile/) - [Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/) - [Accounting Seed](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accounting-seed-profile/) - [Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) - [QuickBooks Online](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/393202-QuickBooks-Online/) - [Sage 100](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/sage-100cloud-profile/) - [Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) - [QuickBooks Online Advanced](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/49805-QuickBooks-Online/) - [Sage Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/) - [Sage 50cloud Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/) - [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) - [Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. With online, or Web-based accounting software, an organization’s financial data is hosted by the vendor. In this software-as-a-service (SaaS) module, data is stored on secure servers with automatic back-up and redundancy capabilities. In recent years, these programs have become highly customizable: businesses only pay for the services that they consume. This flexibility, along with the lack of capital investment requirements, attracts small and medium-sized businesses especially. Because of the hundreds of online accounting programs, it can be very difficult to decide which one is best for your business. This buyer’s guide is designed to help you navigate the online business accounting software market. Here’s what we’ll cover: - [What is online accounting software?](#Whatisonlineaccountingsoftware) - [What type of buyer are you?](#Whattypeofbuyerareyou) - [What are the benefits and potential issues of online accounting software?](#Whatarethebenefitsandpotentialissuesofonlineaccountingsoftware) - [What are the market trends of online accounting software?](#Whatarethemarkettrendsofonlineaccountingsoftware) - [The vendor landscape](#Thevendorlandscape) ## What is online accounting software? Accounting solutions track the financial transactions within an organization. Typical features include: - [General ledger](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/general-ledger-comparison/) - Accounts [payable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accounts-payable-comparison/)/[receivable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accounts-receivable-comparison/) - Payroll and reporting modules Specialty systems often have additional features dedicated to a particular market. These include fund accounting for nonprofits, commission calculations for sales-oriented businesses like real estate, rate analysis for banking or claims scrubbing for medical practices. Online accounting systems are specifically designed to be used through the Internet, rather than being installed locally onto company computers. This reduces information technology requirements like server hardware, backups and maintenance and shifts the expenditure from being a large up-front capital cost to a much smaller, but ongoing, monthly or annual fee. _AR invoice screenshot in AccuFund_ There are two types of accounting software online: browser-based, SaaS and application service providers (ASPs). SaaS solutions are designed for the user to access the information through an Internet browser like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or Safari. This allows the information to be accessed from anywhere, and it always looks exactly the same. An ASP is a client-server system, where the business installs a small software “client” onto their computers. In both models—SaaS and ASP—all of the data is hosted by the vendor on a remote server. Most ASPs are also “Web-enabled,” meaning that a Web-browser can be used if necessary, though it will come with a few disadvantages since it is not designed for that purpose. ## What type of buyer are you? Online financial software falls into three main categories: **Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions.** This describes an integrated suite of features that includes manufacturing, sales, customer relationship management, project management, supply chain management etc. Buyers will want an ERP if they’re looking for a full-suite comprehensive solution, of which accounting is just a small part. **Basic systems.** Basic programs online that aren’t part of an ERP tend to be much more cost effective to purchase outright and install locally, and there aren’t very many Web-based systems that focus in this market. But there are a handful available, if this is the deployment model you prefer and all you need is basic functionality. There are also a number of online vendors that will let you select only the features you wish to use. **Fund accounting solutions.** There are several products out there designed specifically for the nonprofit market, which include industry-specific features like fund accounting, requisitions and grant and donation management. ## What are the benefits and potential issues of online accounting software? A Web-based system has a number of significant advantages over traditional on-premise software platforms: **Greater level of interactivity.** Online bookkeeping software extends system capabilities with functions such as online payments and employee portals. An online accounting system can support a user interface for business employees and customers for communication and sales. Online payments save time by integrating with accounts payable/receivable and the general ledger to automatically update a company’s books. Online employee portals can increase the flexibility of communication and collaboration. **Limited IT burden.** Browser-based access for Web accounting software avoids potential compatibility problems, which can sometimes happen when installing these kinds of programs locally to your system. In addition, the vendor handles all of the routine back-ups, upgrades and maintenance, saving considerable time and money on IT infrastructure, a particular benefit for smaller businesses. **Lower up-front costs.** Rather than paying a large installation fee, Web-based systems come on more of a subscription basis. In the SaaS model, the user pays a monthly or annual fee, making it a low but ongoing operational expense rather than a capital one. **Data security.** Web-based software vendors have stringent security requirements to ensure that your data is secure from hackers and protected from loss. Therefore, an on-premise crash, theft or other hazard to the company’s computers will not destroy the business accounting data. Many online solutions also allow businesses download their data locally, if that’s preferred. Although Web-based solutions don’t require the same investment in hardware as traditional software installations, subscription costs can accrue over time. The longer it stays in use, the more the user pays, and after a few years the costs may exceed whatever would have been paid for an on-premise system. This is especially true for larger organizations that have the capital and IT infrastructure to make an on-premise system more cost-effective. Another issue to consider whenever purchasing any new product is to ensure user buy-in. If people feel like they’re having new software “forced” on them, they’re more likely to resist its implementation. Therefore, it’s important to get them excited about the benefits of the new program. A great way to do this is to involve them in the selection process, either inviting them to the demos directly or, if there are too many users for that to be practical, at the very least surveying employees for their opinions on the features they’d want in a new program. ## What are the market trends of online accounting software? **Customization.** A growing trend in the SaaS accounting market is the ability to select the features your organization needs or wants. If all you need is core accounting, that’s all you pay for, and if you want forecasting but not grant management, the software won’t include it. **Electronic payments.** The ability to pay invoices and collect receipts electronically is a great way to save time and money. The benefits are strong enough that most solutions are developing electronic payment features to allow their customers to take full advantage of those capabilities. **SaaS for larger businesses.** In the past, Web-based systems were being marketed exclusively as online small business accounting software for companies that couldn’t afford the up-front costs associated with an on-premise system. Today, however—although many small business systems still offer SaaS models—more and more vendors are targeting larger companies with SaaS solutions offering extremely high-level functionality, as in the ERP realm, offering the best of both worlds. ## The vendor landscape These are the best online accounting software solutions and vendors to consider, categories by program type: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | These types of buyers... | Should evaluate these systems... | | Enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions | NetSuite, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics GP, SAP, Royal 4 | | Basic programs | HIntacct, Accumatica, Lawson S3 | | Fund solutions | FastFund, Serenic, Accufund, Sage MIP Fund | ---