# Best Online Accounting Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Online Accounting Software for your organization. Compare top Online Accounting Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison --- [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 June 15, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide Filter products 175 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 175 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 Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) Sage Intacct operates within the Sage Business Cloud portfolio as a comprehensive cloud-based financial management software, exp...[Read more about Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) **4.3** ([687 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/reviews/)) **478** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Microsoft Excel +112 more +111 more +110 more Sage Intacct's Best Rated Features 4.83Third-Party Integrations See All Sage Intacct's Worst Rated Features 3.17Expense Claims See All [Xledger](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/) Xledger, True Cloud Finance Software Built For Modern, Multi-entity Organisations Xledger is a true-cloud finance management pl...[Read more about Xledger](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/) **4.5** ([12 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/reviews/)) **218** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Dynamics 365 GoldFinch ERP +1 more +0 more +0 more [Sage 50 Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/) Sage 50 Accounting is an accounting solution designed to cater to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a su...[Read more about Sage 50 Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/) **3.9** ([468 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/reviews/)) **213** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Excel +15 more +14 more +13 more Sage 50 Accounting's Best Rated Features 4.61Accounting See All Sage 50 Accounting's Worst Rated Features 3.63Customizable Invoices See All [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite that incorporates ERP, financial management, CRM and eCommerce f...[Read more about NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) **4.2** ([2045 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/)) **177** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Salesforce Sales Cloud Docusign +18 more +17 more +16 more NetSuite's Best Rated Features 4.75Check Writing See All NetSuite's Worst Rated Features 2.71Dashboard See All [AccountMate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/) AccountMate is a hybrid accounting solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and offers them tools and functionalitie...[Read more about AccountMate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/) **4.3** ([25 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/reviews/)) **130** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Shopify HubSpot CRM +1 more +0 more +0 more [Connected](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/) Connected is a hybrid integrated accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) that caters to small and midsize businesses a...[Read more about Connected](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/) **5.0** ([3 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountek-profile/#reviews)) **102** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SurePayroll +0 more +0 more +0 more [Striven](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/) Striven is a cloud-based, all-in-one business management ERP platform built for small and midsize companies tired of duct-taping...[Read more about Striven](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/) **4.8** ([129 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/striven-profile/reviews/)) **80** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Gmail Shopify +13 more +12 more +11 more Striven's Best Rated Features 5.0Order Management See All Striven's Worst Rated Features 4.20Sales Pipeline Management See All [Deltek Costpoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) Deltek Costpoint is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) and management solution designed to meet the requirements of midsize a...[Read more about Deltek Costpoint](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/) **3.9** ([215 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/deltek-costpoint-profile/reviews/)) **73** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Deltek GovWin IQ +0 more +0 more +0 more Deltek Costpoint's Best Rated Features 4.67Approval Process Control See All Deltek Costpoint's Worst Rated Features 3.71Expense Tracking See All [Fraxion](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/fraxion-profile/) Fraxion provides a complete procure-to-pay solution for purchasing, expense, and AP automation with advanced spend analytics. T...[Read more about Fraxion](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/fraxion-profile/) **4.4** ([130 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/fraxion-profile/reviews/)) **66** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Teams QuickBooks Online +11 more +10 more +9 more Fraxion's Best Rated Features 4.86Access Controls/Permissions See All Fraxion's Worst Rated Features 2.43Fraud Detection See All [Aplos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/aplos-profile/) Aplos is a dedicated accounting solution engineered specifically for the unique financial demands of nonprofit organizations. We...[Read more about Aplos](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/aplos-profile/) **4.5** ([186 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/aplos-profile/reviews/)) **53** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Gusto Bloomerang +4 more +3 more +2 more Aplos's Best Rated Features 4.63Income & Balance Sheet See All Aplos's Worst Rated Features 3.67Member Database See All [Procurify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/procurify-profile/) Procurify is a procurement and spend management software designed to automate the intake-to-pay process for organizations. It co...[Read more about Procurify](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/procurify-profile/) **4.6** ([202 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/procurify-profile/reviews/)) **45** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Slack QuickBooks Online +16 more +15 more +14 more Procurify's Best Rated Features 5.0Duplicate Payment Alert See All Procurify's Worst Rated Features 4.10Budgeting/Forecasting See All [Beyond Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/beyond-profile/) Beyond Software is a project accounting and management software system available for small to mid-size companies. The system all...[Read more about Beyond Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/beyond-profile/) **4.7** ([7 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/beyond-profile/#reviews)) **31** recommendations Free trial Free version [Versa Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/versaccounts-profile/) Versa is Modern all-in-one Cloud ERP software created for fast growing inventory heavy manufacturing, distribution, and e-commer...[Read more about Versa Cloud ERP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/versaccounts-profile/) **4.8** ([22 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/versaccounts-profile/reviews/)) **27** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations PayPal Salesforce Sales Cloud +9 more +8 more +7 more [M3 Accounting Core](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/m3-profile/) M3 Accounting Core Software is a cloud-based accounting solution that helps streamline financial operations for small to large b...[Read more about M3 Accounting Core](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/m3-profile/) **4.7** ([11 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/m3-profile/reviews/)) **23** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations WebRezPro AvidXchange +1 more +0 more +0 more [Deltek Ajera](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/) Deltek Ajera is an integrated accounting and project management solution built for architecture and engineering (A/E) firms. It ...[Read more about Deltek Ajera](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/) **3.6** ([62 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/deltek-ajera-profile/reviews/)) **11** recommendations Free trial Free version Deltek Ajera's Best Rated Features 4.67Online Time Tracking See All Deltek Ajera's Worst Rated Features 3.14Billing & Invoicing See All [Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) Sage X3 is a powerful ERP software solution designed for midsized national and global manufacturers, distributors, and after-sal...[Read more about Sage X3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/) **4.3** ([119 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/sage-x3-profile/reviews/)) **9** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SPS Commerce Boomi +19 more +18 more +17 more Sage X3's Best Rated Features 4.60Income & Balance Sheet See All Sage X3's Worst Rated Features 2.85Document Management See All [Sage Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/) Sage Accounting is a cloud-based accounting and invoice management solution for small to midsize businesses. It offers accountin...[Read more about Sage Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/) **4.1** ([614 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/reviews/)) **6** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Stripe Zapier +38 more +37 more +36 more Sage Accounting's Best Rated Features 4.74Invoice History See All Sage Accounting's Worst Rated Features 3.38Budgeting/Forecasting See All [SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a cloud-based and on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. It is suitable for small, midsize...[Read more about SAP S/4HANA Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/) **4.3** ([358 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-s-4hana-cloud-profile/reviews/)) **5** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations SAP Concur SAP SuccessFactors HCM +15 more +14 more +13 more SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Best Rated Features 4.75Supply Chain Management See All SAP S/4HANA Cloud's Worst Rated Features 4.14Audit Trail See All [Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/) Focus X is an all-inclusive enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that helps you connect every aspect of your business opera...[Read more about Focus X](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/) **3.8** ([119 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/3600-focus/reviews/)) **5** recommendations Free trial Free version Focus X's Best Rated Features 4.50Approval Process Control See All Focus X's Worst Rated Features 3.17Purchase Order Management See All [MIP Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/) MIP is the leading accounting software designed for mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, schools, healthcare, ass...[Read more about MIP Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/) **4.1** ([69 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/121198-MIP-Accounting/reviews/)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations AvidXchange TripLog Mileage Tracker +2 more +1 more +0 more [SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) SAP Business One is a modular and integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. This platform integrates financials, C...[Read more about SAP Business One](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/) **4.3** ([344 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/reviews/)) **4** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel Mailchimp +7 more +6 more +5 more SAP Business One's Best Rated Features 4.86Scheduling See All SAP Business One's Worst Rated Features 3.33Purchasing & Receiving See All [TimeSolv Legal Billing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/) TimeSolv is a cloud-based legal time tracking and billing solution that caters to law firms, accountants, consultants, architect...[Read more about TimeSolv Legal Billing](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/) **4.7** ([647 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/423485-TimeSolv-Legal-Billing/reviews/)) **3** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Dropbox Business Microsoft 365 +6 more +5 more +4 more TimeSolv Legal Billing's Best Rated Features 4.86Automatic Billing See All TimeSolv Legal Billing's Worst Rated Features 3.67Calendar Management See All [Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/) Blackbaud’s cloud fund accounting software Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT provides transparency across teams, security, and compli...[Read more about Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/) **4.2** ([164 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/nonprofit/blackbaud-profile/reviews/)) **3** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Paycor Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT +2 more +1 more +0 more Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT's Best Rated Features 4.50Bank Reconciliation See All Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT's Worst Rated Features 4.0Financial Reporting See All [R4 Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/royal4-enterprise-manufacturing-profile/) Royal 4 Enterprise is an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution with built-in modules for distribution, manufact...[Read more about R4 Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/royal4-enterprise-manufacturing-profile/) **4.5** ([4 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/royal4-enterprise-manufacturing-profile/#reviews)) **1** recommendations Free trial Free version [Dynamics 365](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/) Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based CRM ecosystem for small, medium and enterprise organizations, with a focus on Sales, Fie...[Read more about Dynamics 365](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/) **4.4** ([5825 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/106335-Dynamics-365/reviews/)) **1** recommendations Free trial Free version Integrations Integrations Microsoft Excel Salesforce Sales Cloud +23 more +22 more +21 more Dynamics 365's Best Rated Features 4.89Dispatch Management See All Dynamics 365's Worst Rated Features 3.75Sales Trend Analysis See All 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?page=6)[7](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/online-accounting-software-comparison/?page=7) ## 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/)[ QuickBooks Desktop vs Xero ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/quickbooks-pro-profile/vs/xero/)[ Zoho Invoice vs Wave ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/18767-Wave-Apps/vs/435103-zoho-invoice/)[ Sage Intacct vs Odoo ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/odoo/)[ Zoho Books vs Happay ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/happay-profile/vs/zoho-books/) ## 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: **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