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QuickBooks Online (affiliate link) is the accounting software most accountants know. On October 17, 2026 its list prices were Simple Start $38, Essentials $85, Plus $140 and Advanced $340 a month, with introductory promotions (Simple Start was $19 a month for the first three months). For a freelancer with a few clients, that is a lot of software.
When QuickBooks is still the right call
- Your accountant or bookkeeper requires it or works fastest in it.
- You have employees, inventory or many bank accounts.
- You need integrations that only QuickBooks supports.
Cheaper or simpler alternatives
| Option | Price (as listed) | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Wave (affiliate link) | Starter $0; Pro $19/mo or $190/yr | Solo freelancers in the US/Canada who need invoices and simple books |
| Xero (affiliate link) | From $27/mo (as shown) | Clean books and good accountant support |
| Zoho Books | Free plan with limits; paid tiers | Small businesses in the Zoho ecosystem |
| FreshBooks (affiliate link) | Lite $23/mo list | Time tracking and a polished client experience |
| Manager.io | See vendor site | Do-it-yourself accounting software you run yourself |
| Keeper (affiliate link) | Bookkeeping Only $20/mo (Oct 14, 2026) | 1099 earners who want write-offs found from card transactions |
| Bench | Grow from $199/mo; Core from $399/mo; Core+Tax from $599/mo | Done-for-you bookkeeping if you'd rather not do it (now run under Employer.com after a Dec 2024 acquisition) |
Do you need accounting software at all?
A solo freelancer on the cash method often needs three things: invoices, a record of expenses and a profit number for taxes. A good invoicing app plus our free expense tracker spreadsheet covers that. Add accounting software when volume, an accountant or lenders require it.
Choosing
- Ask your accountant which tools they accept before switching.
- Count your monthly transactions. Under a few dozen, a spreadsheet may be fine.
- Take advantage of free trials and import a month of real data.
FAQ
Is QuickBooks worth it for a freelancer?
If your accountant uses it or you need payroll or inventory, yes. For simple freelancing, cheaper tools usually cover invoices and expenses.
Can I switch away from QuickBooks?
QuickBooks supports exporting reports and lists. Plan the switch at a year or quarter end and ask your accountant what they need from the old books.
What about doing my own books in a spreadsheet?
It can work for a low volume of transactions on the cash method, as long as you reconcile to your bank statements.