Best Accounting Software (2026)

Simplify bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial management with the best accounting tools.

5 tools tested | Updated monthly | Independent reviews

Buyer's Guide

Good accounting software saves small businesses 5-10 hours per week on financial management. QuickBooks dominates the US market with the widest accountant adoption and integration ecosystem. Xero excels for international businesses with multi-currency support and unlimited users. Key factors: invoicing capabilities, bank reconciliation, payroll integration, tax preparation features, and whether your accountant supports the platform.

All Accounting Software Reviewed

Xero

Rating: 4.5/5 | Pricing: From $15/mo

Cloud accounting software with beautiful design and multi-currency support.

  • Unlimited users on all plans
  • Beautiful, intuitive interface
  • 21,000+ bank feed integrations

QuickBooks

Rating: 4.4/5 | Pricing: From $30/mo

The #1 small business accounting software for invoicing, expenses, and taxes.

  • Most widely used (accountants know it)
  • Excellent integration ecosystem (750+ apps)
  • Full-service payroll available

FreshBooks

Rating: 4.3/5 | Pricing: $19/mo – $60/mo

Best invoicing and accounting software for freelancers.

  • Best-in-class invoicing
  • Built-in time tracking
  • Client portal

Wave

Rating: 4.2/5 | Pricing: Free (core features)

Free accounting and invoicing software for small businesses and freelancers.

  • Completely free accounting
  • Free invoicing
  • Receipt scanning

Sage

Rating: 4.1/5 | Pricing: From $15/mo

Enterprise-ready accounting and business management software for growing companies.

  • Scales from SMB to enterprise
  • Strong compliance features
  • Global payroll support

Popular Comparisons

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluate accounting platforms by processing real financial scenarios — invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, payroll, and tax reporting. We consult with 20+ CPAs to gauge accountant preference and measure integration reliability with banks and payment processors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best accounting software in 2026?

Based on our testing, Xero is our top pick with a rating of 4.5/5.

How do we evaluate accounting software?

We evaluate accounting platforms by processing real financial scenarios — invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, payroll, and tax reporting. We consult with 20+ CPAs to gauge accountant preference and measure integration reliability with banks and payment processors.

Are your accounting software reviews independent?

Yes. While we may earn affiliate commissions, our editorial team tests every product independently. Ratings are never influenced by commercial relationships.

How often are reviews updated?

We re-test and update our accounting software reviews at least quarterly to ensure accuracy.

How does Xero compare to QuickBooks?

Xero (4.5/5) and QuickBooks (4.4/5) are both top-rated. Read our detailed comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.