Zoho Books Alternatives

Charlotte Baroukh

Tax Expert @ Pie

3 min read

Finding the Right Accounting Software for Your Business

Zoho Book is accounting software that is sometimes described as easy-to-learn and easy-to-use. It’s known for its various pricing plan options and a generally favourable feature set. But while Zoho Books typically gets positive reviews nothing is without its downside, and Zoho is no exception.

When it comes to managing your business finances, the right accounting software can make all the difference. While Zoho Books is a popular choice, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Whether you need more robust features, better customer support, or specific integrations, there are several alternatives available that cater to various business needs in the UK.

In this article, we'll explore the 5 of the best Zoho Books alternatives, their feature sets, pricing, downsides and anything else about them that stands out as noteworthy. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which accounting software might be the right choice for your business, helping you streamline your financial management and make informed decisions. First, here is a quick overview:

How is Pie different?

Pie is the only app that handles multiple income streams and helpful advice when you need it.

Save £830 per year vs Quickbooks + Accountant

Return

Refund

We don't charge commission

Fees

Mobile App

MTD

Real Time Tax figure

Bookkeeping

Receipt reconciliation

Open banking integration

Multiple incomes / accounts

Direct HMRC submission

Invoicing

Tax support and advice *

Return checks

We do it for you

Free

£7.50 per month

£59

£126

Quickbooks

(Simple start)

£230

per year

Taxfix

£249

per year

£349 per year

£249

Accountant

£600 avg

per year

FREE

10 Features

Mobile App

MTD

Real Time Tax figure

Bookkeeping

Receipt reconciliation

Open banking integration

Multiple incomes / accounts

Direct HMRC submission

Invoicing

Tax support and advice *

£7.50 per month

Return checks

£59

We do it for you

£126

Quickbooks

£230

per year

7 features

Taxfix

£249

per year

4 features

Accountant

£600

avg per year

5 features

MTD is Free with Pie

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5 Best Zoho Book Alternatives

Pie

Pie has been making a lot of waves in accounting software circles lately. Pie was designed for the Sole Trader; the software reflects the fact that Pie is a CIMA-approved accountancy practice, HMRC-recognised software and regulated by the FCA.

Essential Features

• World class features right on your smartphone

• Intuitive, easy-to-use interface

• Automatic consolidation of financial information

• Fully GDPR compliant

• Rock solid data security

• Invoice generation

• Automatic updates

• Real-time tax figures

• Direct submission to HMRC

• Five star customer support

Pie Tax

Quickbooks

QuickBooks is often cited as a solid choice for small to medium-sized businesses, and it’s easy to see why. With over 30 years of experience, QuickBooks has developed a feature set that meets the needs of SME owners. However, a downside is that its more involved plans can become expensive quickly.

Essential Features

• Invoice generation

• Job costing

• VAT calculation

• Expense tracking

• Limited E-commerce features

• Bill management

• Financial accounting

• Real-time reporting

QuickBooks

Sage

Sage software helps small business owners manage accounting, invoicing, expenses, cash flow, inventory, and financial reporting, while also enabling online tax return submissions and handling multi-currency transactions.

Essential Features

• Accounting

• Invoicing

• Expensing

• Cashflow management

• Inventory and financial reporting

• Online tax return submission

• Multi-currency transactions

Sage

Xero

Next on our list of Zoho Books alternatives is Xero, launched in 2006. Xero quickly became a strong alternative to well-known accounting software. It’s a cloud-based service that syncs your bank account and is accessible via smartphone. However, the lower-level plans have limited features, and even the Established Plan supports only one business per subscription.

Essential Features

• Bank reconciliation

• Send and receive payments

• Worldwide access via your smartphone

• Simple project management

• Unlimited users

• Simple setup

Xero

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a reliable alternative to Zoho Books that enables small business owners to streamline their billing process, organise company payroll and track invoices, including when the customer has received and when they have viewed your invoice. Like QuickBooks however, its pricing is fairly steep compared to some better-value options.

Essential Features

• Invoice tracking

• Create basic reports

• All plans include time tracking

• Easy to add billable hours and expenses

• Modest learning curve

FreshBooks

Conclusion

There are a lot of good-to-excellent Zoho Books alternatives out there most of which will easily handle your accounting needs. Which one you choose then will depend largely on your budget, the size of your business and whether you need any special features. For our money, Pie Accounting Software offers the best combination of features, dependability and cost-effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right accounting software for my business?

Choosing the right accounting software involves evaluating your business size, industry, and specific needs. Consider factors like ease of use, features, scalability, integration with other software, customer support, and pricing. It's helpful to read user reviews, test free trials, and consult with your accountant or finance team to make an informed decision.

Can I migrate my data from Zoho Books to other accounting software?

Yes, most accounting software allows data migration from other platforms, including Zoho Books. Before migrating, ensure the target software supports the file formats used by Zoho Books. It is advisable to backup your data, review data migration documentation, and consider consulting with an IT expert or accountant to ensure a smooth transition.

How is Pie different?

Pie is the only app that handles multiple income streams and helpful advice when you need it.

Save £830 per year vs Quickbooks + Accountant

Return

Refund

We don't charge commission

Fees

Mobile App

MTD

Real Time Tax figure

Bookkeeping

Receipt reconciliation

Open banking integration

Multiple incomes / accounts

Direct HMRC submission

Invoicing

Tax support and advice *

Return checks

We do it for you

Free

£7.50 per month

£59

£126

Quickbooks

(Simple start)

£230

per year

Taxfix

£249

per year

£349 per year

£249

Accountant

£600 avg

per year

FREE

10 Features

Mobile App

MTD

Real Time Tax figure

Bookkeeping

Receipt reconciliation

Open banking integration

Multiple incomes / accounts

Direct HMRC submission

Invoicing

Tax support and advice *

£7.50 per month

Return checks

£59

We do it for you

£126

Quickbooks

£230

per year

7 features

Taxfix

£249

per year

4 features

Accountant

£600

avg per year

5 features

Zoho Books Alternatives

Finding the Right Accounting Software for Your Business