Last Updated on October 1, 2025
Managing your business finances doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful.
Thanks to modern cloud accounting software, small businesses, startups, and even larger companies can now handle invoicing, expenses, payroll and reporting from anywhere, at any time.
The right tool not only saves you hours of manual work but also gives you real-time insights that help you make smarter financial decisions.
But with so many options available, how do you know which software is best for your business?
That’s where this guide comes in.
We’ve reviewed and compared the top 10 cloud accounting companies, scoring them on four key areas that matter most to business owners:
Whether you’re a freelancer looking for simple invoicing, a startup that needs flexibility, or a growing company that requires powerful integrations, this list will help you choose the right cloud accounting solution for your stage of business.
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How We Ranked the Top 10 Cloud Accounting Companies
Choosing accounting software isn’t just about ticking off a list of features.
Instead, it’s about finding the right balance between usability, support, flexibility, and growth potential.
To give you a clear comparison, we scored each company out of 5 across four key attributes:
Ease of Use
Is the software intuitive for beginners? Can you set it up quickly without needing an accountant?
This saves time and reduces frustration so you can focus on running your business instead of learning a tool.
Customer Support
When problems arise, is help available? Are there live agents, chat, or only self-help articles?
Quick resolutions mean less downtime and more confidence in managing your finances.
Integrations
Does it connect easily with your other tools like CRM, ecommerce, or payment processors?
A connected system reduces duplicate work and creates a smooth workflow across your business.
Features
Beyond basic accounting, does it offer automation, reporting, invoicing, or payroll?
More features tailored to your needs can save costs on extra software and help you scale efficiently.
Each company also receives an Overall Score based on these four areas, so you can quickly see which platforms perform best for different business types.
1. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is one of the most recognized names in accounting software and for good reason.
It’s designed to work for everyone, from solo freelancers to established companies with multiple employees.
With its powerful automation, reporting, and integrations, QuickBooks Online is often seen as the gold standard in cloud accounting.
QuickBooks Online has a clean, modern interface and setup wizard that helps new users get started quickly.
Even non-accountants can learn the basics in a few hours.
You spend less time figuring out the system and more time actually running your business.
QuickBooks offers 24/7 live chat and phone support, plus a huge knowledge base and community forum.
When you hit a roadblock, you can get real help fast, minimizing downtime.
With over 650 integrations, including Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, and HubSpot, QuickBooks connects to nearly every major business tool.
You can centralize your financial data, automate workflows, and eliminate manual data entry.
From invoicing and expense tracking to payroll, inventory, and advanced reporting, QuickBooks Online covers almost every business need.
Automation features like bank reconciliation and recurring invoices save hours every month.
One platform to manage all your finances reduces the need for extra tools and keeps your business running smoothly.
Best For: Businesses of all sizes that want a reliable, all-in-one solution with advanced features and integrations.
2. Xero
Xero has become a favorite among small and medium-sized businesses worldwide.
Known for its sleek design and strong collaboration tools, Xero makes managing finances less of a chore and more of a seamless process.
Xero’s dashboard is clean and simple, with an easy learning curve.
Bank feeds, invoicing, and expense tracking are straightforward.
You can quickly understand your cash flow without spending hours digging through reports.
Xero offers 24/7 online support and a vast knowledge base, though phone support is limited.
You get answers when you need them, but the lack of direct phone support can be a drawback if you prefer speaking to an agent.
Xero integrates with over 1,000 third-party apps, covering ecommerce, payroll, CRM, and project management.
Whatever tools your business uses, chances are Xero connects with them, giving you flexibility to scale.
Xero includes invoicing, inventory, bank reconciliation, multi-currency support, and solid financial reporting.
Its unlimited user access is a big plus for growing teams.
You don’t pay extra to add team members, making it cost-effective for collaboration.
Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses that value collaboration, integrations, and a modern interface.
3. Zoho Books
Zoho Books is part of the larger Zoho ecosystem, making it a fantastic option for businesses that already use Zoho apps (CRM, Projects, Inventory).
It’s affordable, feature-rich, and offers excellent automation for small to mid-sized companies.
Zoho Books is intuitive, with a guided setup and a clean dashboard. Some advanced features may take a bit of learning.
You can get started quickly while still having access to powerful tools as your business grows.
Zoho provides email, live chat, and phone support during business hours, along with a helpful knowledge base.
Direct help is available when needed, reducing delays in managing your accounts.
Zoho Books integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products and third-party apps like PayPal, Stripe, and G Suite.
If you already use Zoho apps, the experience is seamless, creating a unified business platform.
Features include invoicing, expense tracking, project billing, inventory, and multi-currency support.
Workflow automation helps streamline tasks like recurring invoices and payment reminders.
Automation reduces manual work, saving time and ensuring you never miss a payment or deadline.
Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses looking for affordable, scalable accounting software with strong automation and seamless integration into the Zoho ecosystem.
4. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is designed with small businesses, freelancers, and service-based professionals in mind.
Its focus on simplicity, time tracking, and invoicing makes it especially appealing to those who bill clients by the hour or project.
FreshBooks has a very user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality and a straightforward setup.
Even if you have zero accounting background, you can manage your finances confidently and without stress.
FreshBooks is known for responsive and friendly customer support via phone, email, and live chat.
You get quick, personal help whenever you’re stuck, so you won’t waste time troubleshooting on your own.
FreshBooks integrates with around 100+ apps including Gusto, Stripe, Shopify, and Trello.
While not as extensive as Xero or QuickBooks, the integrations cover most tools small businesses and freelancers actually use.
FreshBooks shines with invoicing, expense tracking, and built-in time tracking. It also includes project management tools for collaboration and client communication.
This is perfect for freelancers or agencies who want to track billable hours, manage projects, and invoice clients in one place.
Best For: Freelancers, solopreneurs, and service-based businesses that want simple yet powerful invoicing and time-tracking features.
5. Sage Business Cloud Accounting
Sage is a long-established name in accounting software, trusted by millions worldwide.
Its cloud version, Sage Business Cloud Accounting, is geared toward small to medium-sized businesses looking for reliable, straightforward accounting with strong compliance features.
Sage’s interface is functional, though not as modern as FreshBooks or Xero. The learning curve is a bit steeper for beginners.
Once set up, it offers robust reliability and consistency that’s ideal for businesses with more complex accounting needs.
Support options include phone, email, and live chat, plus an extensive help center.
You can get expert help quickly, especially if your business relies heavily on accurate compliance.
Sage integrates with a range of apps including Microsoft 365, Stripe, and PayPal, but has fewer third-party connections than Xero or QuickBooks.
This works well if your business already uses Microsoft or wants strong payment integration.
Sage covers invoicing, cash flow management, VAT compliance, inventory tracking, and multi-currency support. It also provides excellent reporting tools.
Businesses get the financial clarity they need to make data-driven decisions and stay tax compliant.
Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses that need reliable accounting with a focus on compliance and strong financial reporting.
6. Kashoo
Kashoo is a straightforward cloud accounting solution designed for small business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs who want simplicity without sacrificing essential accounting features.
Kashoo offers a clean interface and automation features like smart categorization of expenses.
It’s designed for non-accountants.
You spend less time managing books and more time running your business.
Support is available via email, live chat, and phone during business hours.
Access to direct help gives peace of mind if you hit a snag, especially for first-time users.
Kashoo integrates with Stripe, Square, BluePay, and other payment processors, but its integration list is limited compared to QuickBooks or Xero.
This works best if you just need straightforward payment collection and don’t rely heavily on third-party apps.
Kashoo includes invoicing, expense tracking, bank feeds, tax preparation tools, and real-time reporting.
Automation reduces repetitive tasks.
Great for small businesses that need essential features without overwhelming complexity.
Best For: Freelancers and small businesses looking for simple, affordable accounting software that takes care of the basics efficiently.
7. Wave
Wave is best known for its free accounting software, but its paid services (payments, payroll, and bookkeeping) make it a scalable option for small businesses that want to grow without switching platforms.
Wave is extremely simple to navigate, with a clean dashboard and straightforward setup.
Ideal for small business owners who want to manage finances quickly without a steep learning curve.
Support is limited on the free plan, but paid services like payroll and Wave Advisors offer email and chat assistance.
You get help when needed, but free users may need to rely on self-service resources.
Wave integrates primarily with payment processors and basic tools, but lacks the extensive third-party integrations of QuickBooks or Xero.
This is enough for businesses focusing on invoicing and basic accounting, but not ideal for complex tech stacks.
Wave provides invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and reporting, with optional paid add-ons like payroll and credit card payments.
Users can start free and upgrade only when they need additional features, avoiding unnecessary costs.
Best For: Solopreneurs and small businesses looking for a simple accounting platform that can scale with optional paid services.
8. OneUp
OneUp is a cloud accounting solution designed for small businesses that want a combination of accounting, CRM, and inventory management in a single platform.
OneUp has a user-friendly interface, though its all-in-one approach can feel a bit cluttered at first.
Business owners get a single platform to manage finances, customers, and inventory without juggling multiple apps.
Support is primarily via email and chat, with helpful resources in the knowledge base.
You can get answers reasonably quickly, though live phone support is limited.
OneUp integrates with popular payment processors and a few third-party apps, but its ecosystem is smaller than QuickBooks or Xero.
Although basic needs are covered, more complex workflows require workarounds.
Features include invoicing, CRM, inventory tracking, expense management, and automated bank reconciliation.
This helps small teams streamline operations and reduces manual bookkeeping errors.
Best For: Small businesses wanting an all-in-one system that combines accounting, CRM, and inventory management.
9. Patriot Software
Patriot Software is designed primarily for small U.S.-based businesses, offering simple accounting and payroll solutions that are affordable and easy to use.
Patriot’s interface is straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy for small business owners to navigate.
You can manage bookkeeping and payroll without prior accounting experience.
Support is available via phone and email during business hours, with helpful guides and tutorials.
Small businesses get reliable assistance, especially for payroll and tax-related questions.
Patriot integrates primarily with payment processors and basic payroll tools, but has a limited app ecosystem.
This is sufficient for small U.S. businesses that need simple payroll and accounting functionality.
Patriot offers payroll, direct deposit, tax filing, and basic accounting features like invoicing and expense tracking.
Administrative work is reduced and this also helps ensure compliance with U.S. payroll regulations.
Best For: Small U.S.-based businesses looking for simple accounting combined with reliable payroll solutions.
10. AccountEdge Pro
AccountEdge Pro is a hybrid desktop and cloud accounting solution ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need robust inventory management alongside traditional accounting features.
The interface is more traditional and may feel less intuitive for beginners. Some setup time is required.
Once configured, it provides a stable and reliable platform for businesses with complex needs.
Support is available via phone, email, and live chat, along with detailed documentation and tutorials.
Access to guidance ensures you can troubleshoot issues and get expert help when needed.
Integrations are limited compared to other cloud-first solutions, though it works well with certain payment processors and reporting tools.
This is useful for businesses that primarily need strong inventory and accounting rather than extensive app connectivity.
Features include inventory management, invoicing, payroll, reporting, and multi-entity support.
These features are beneficial for product-based businesses, giving them control over stock, pricing, and financial reporting in one system.
Best For: Product-based small to medium businesses that need strong inventory management integrated with accounting.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to cloud accounting, the right software can save you time, reduce errors, and give you a clear picture of your business finances.
Among the top options, QuickBooks Online stands out as a powerful all-in-one solution for businesses of all sizes, offering extensive features and integrations.
Xero is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that want a modern interface and strong collaboration tools.
Zoho Books provides an affordable, scalable option with excellent automation and workflow efficiency.
For small businesses just starting out, Wave offers an intuitive and free platform, with optional paid add-ons for payments and payroll, making it easy to scale without switching tools.
By considering ease of use, customer support, integrations, and features, you can choose the cloud accounting software that best fits your business needs.
Test your top choices with free trials or demos to ensure they align with your workflow and growth plans.
If you want to see head-to-head comparisons of top cloud accounting softwares, follow the link highlighted.
- Zoho Books vs Xero. Which Accounting Software Wins? - October 2, 2025
- AccountEdge Pro vs QuickBooks Online. Which Should You Pick? - October 1, 2025
- Patriot Software vs QuickBooks Online. Which One Is The Best? - September 30, 2025