Updated 2026-01-28
Best Accounting Software for Freelancers
Invoicing + expenses with minimal setup.
Finance tools should reduce admin, not create it. The best choice depends on whether you need invoicing, bookkeeping, payroll, or budgeting. This page compares common picks and the situations where each one makes sense.
Note: we focus on practical trade-offs. If you already know the category, jump straight to the comparison table.
Quick picks
| Tool | Why it’s a good fit | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe Best overall | Best for modern online payments and developer-friendly integrations. | Fees add up; requires some setup for advanced billing. |
| Zoho Books Best value | Strong value if you already use Zoho products; solid automation. | Ecosystem is best when you stay inside Zoho. |
| QuickBooks Best for teams | Common choice for accounting with strong integrations; fits many small businesses. | Costs add up; setup can feel heavy if you’re very small. |
| Gusto Best for beginners | Strong payroll + HR basics for small businesses, especially in the US. | Region-specific; verify availability and compliance support. |
| Wave Best for power users | Good if you want basic invoicing/accounting with low upfront cost. | Advanced features may be limited compared to paid suites. |
How to choose
- Start with the job to be done: what problem are you solving weekly?
- Setup vs simplicity: powerful tools often require configuration.
- Pricing reality: check seat limits, usage caps, and add-ons.
- Adoption: the best tool is the one your team actually uses.
Next steps
Once you’ve shortlisted 2–3 tools, test them with one real workflow (not a demo project). That usually reveals the right pick quickly.