If you run a business, you already know: your accounting software matters.
The right tool helps you track revenue, stay tax-ready, and avoid the headaches that come with messy books. But there are hundreds of options—and not all of them are built for businesses like yours.
In this blog, we’ll cover the best accounting software for small businesses in 2025. Whether you’re a solo founder or scaling your team, here’s what’s worth using (and when).
Check outSam's Listof a list ofproactive accountantsspecialized in your industry, stage of growth, and needs.
TL;DR: Our Top Picks by Use Case
| Use Case | Best Tool | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | QuickBooks | Scalable, industry standard, strong integrations |
| Best for Solopreneurs | Wave | Free, intuitive, easy to use |
| Best for Growing Teams | Xero | Multi-user, great for collaboration |
| Best for E-Commerce | A2X + QuickBooks | Syncs directly with Shopify, Amazon, etc. |
| Best Visual Dashboards | Bench | Outsourced bookkeeping + great UX |
How to Choose the Right Software for You
Before you pick a tool, ask:
How much revenue are you generating?(Many tools charge based on usage volume)
Are you handling bookkeeping yourself or outsourcing it?
Do you need payroll, inventory, or tax support?
Are you selling physical goods, digital products, or services?
Your business model and budget should guide your choice.
Our Detailed Reviews
1. QuickBooks Online
Best For: Most small businesses, especially those with growth plans.
Pricing: Starts at $30/month
Strengths:
Integrates with 650+ apps
Offers payroll, invoicing, time tracking
Bank feeds & automated categorization
QuickBooks is the gold standard for a reason. Most accountants andbookkeepersuse it, so collaboration is seamless.
2. Wave
Best For: Solopreneurs and freelancers
Pricing: Free (with paid add-ons for payroll or support)
Strengths:
Zero cost to get started
Clean UX and basic reports
Built-in invoicing and receipt scanning
If you're under $100K in revenue and want something simple, Wave gets the job done without the price tag.
3. Xero
Best For: Teams with multiple users or international operations
Pricing: Starts at $13/month
Strengths:
Cloud-based and collaborative
Great for multi-currency businesses
Accountant-friendly interface
Xero is QuickBooks’ main competitor. It’s modern, flexible, and perfect for businesses that need shared access.
4. Bench
Best For: Founders who want bookkeeping done-for-you
Pricing: Starts at $299/month
Strengths:
Comes with a dedicated bookkeeper
Monthly reports and year-end tax package
Visually intuitive dashboard
Bench is a hybrid service/software solution. If you’re ready to offload bookkeeping but not hire in-house, this is a strong contender.
5. A2X (with QuickBooks)
Best For: E-Commerce businesses
Pricing: Starts at $19/month for A2X + QuickBooks
Strengths:
Reconciles Shopify/Amazon payouts
Handles high transaction volume
Tax-compliant reporting
E-commerce founders love A2X because it solves one of the biggest pain points: tracking revenue and fees accurately from marketplaces.
Sam’s List POV: What Founders Actually Use
Most founders onSam’s Liststart with Wave or QuickBooks. By the time they’re scaling past $250K–$500K, they move to QuickBooks + A2X (if ecom), orhire a bookkeeperwho uses Xero or QuickBooks.
Bench works well for founders who want to stay hands-off—but some outgrow it once they want more granular visibility or multi-entity support.
Q&A
What is the easiest accounting software for beginners?
Wave is the easiest tool to get started with. It’s free, intuitive, and designed for solopreneurs or freelancers who want clean books without the learning curve.
Which software do most accountants recommend?
QuickBooks is the most recommended and widely supported platform among accountants in the U.S.
Can I switch software later?
Yes, but it’s best to do it at the end of a fiscal year or quarter. Many tools allow you to export/import data or work with migration specialists.
What’s best for e-commerce?
A2X paired with QuickBooks or Xero is the go-to setup for businesses selling through Shopify, Amazon, or Etsy.
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Author: Kimi, Co-founder of Sam's List
Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam's List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
