Chartered Management Accountants

Accounting Software Similar to QuickBooks [UK Edition 2025]
Did you know that more than 26,000 small businesses in the UK use QuickBooks for their accounting needs? Yes, that’s right. QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting software across the UK.
But, among the 96000 small businesses across the UK, not all of them can afford QuickBooks as their regular accounting partner. Many UK small business are exploring alternatives due to budget constraints, features, or simply modern bookkeeping preferences. So how do they keep track of their finances?
In this blog, we’ll learn about Accounting Software Similar to QuickBooks and its features. So, let’s hop in.
Key takeaways from top QuickBooks alternatives:
- Zoho Books: Best overall accounting software for Zoho users
- Xero: Best for established SMEs
- FreshBooks: Ideal for new businesses or startups
- Sage: Supports custom financial solutions
When to Look for Alternatives to QuickBooks?

If you own a small business in the UK, you might think of looking for a more feasible option or alternative to QuickBooks. Let’s be real, pricing is a real concern for small businesses. As QuickBooks pricing for small businesses typically starts with £33 per month, many of the startups usually struggle.
For small businesses with a tight budget, more affordable or free alternatives may offer better value, especially when adding features like payroll, multi-user access, or advanced reporting.
While QuickBooks is feature-rich, many small businesses usually look for a simpler, easier-to-use software that is more efficient for basic invoicing, expense tracking, or VAT filing. At Taj Accountants, we help small businesses like you choose the right accounting software from the start based on your actual business needs (not just hype).
Key Features You Should Look for When Choosing Similar to or Alternative to QuickBooks
When exploring accounting software similar to or alternative to QuickBooks, try choosing a tool that matches your business’s size, industry, and compliance needs (especially in the UK).
Here are the features you can consider:
- Make sure the software offers full cloud support so you can manage your cash flows from anywhere. Accounting software that comes with mobile apps can be very useful in this case.
- Look for alternatives that allow custom invoice templates, automatic reminders, and recurring billing options.
- For your UK small business, HMRC compliance accounting software is a must. Make sure your tool supports VAT returns, digital record keeping, and Making Tax Digital (MTD) submissions directly to HMRC.
- If your small business runs payroll, you need to ensure the QuickBooks alternative you’re choosing comes with built-in payroll processing or support.
- A good alternative should offer a clear financial dashboard and customisable reports like profit & loss, cash flow, and other receivables.
Top 4 QuickBooks Alternatives for Your Small Business in The UK
Before we dive deeper into the alternatives to QuickBooks Accounting, here’s a quick overview of the tools that we consider at Taj Accountants for you to give a try:
Software | Best for | Free Option | Mobile App | UK Support | Best For |
QuickBooks | Small business accounting | No free plan | ✅ | ✅ | VAT & MTD compliance, invoicing, payroll add-on |
Zoho Books | All-in one solution | Free for revenue under £35,000/year (UK) | ✅ | ✅ | Time tracking, banking, projects, inventory |
Xero | Project tracking with accounting | No free plan (30-day trial only) | ✅ | ✅ | Bank feeds, invoicing, multi-currency (higher tier) |
FreshBooks | Easy to use for freelancers | No free plan (30-day trial only) | ✅ | ✅ | Simple UI, time tracking, invoicing |
Sage Intacct | In-depth reporting system | No free plan (30-day trial only) | ✅ | ✅ | Sage Copilot, cloud backup, multi-entity reports |
Here’s a detailed breakdown of 5 QuickBooks alternatives:
1. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is one of the most used accounting tools in the UK, apart from QuickBooks, which is best for Zoho users, says the Forbes Advisor. The best part of it is that it comes in a free plan where you can manage up to 1,000 invoices per year, manage 1099 contractors, and receive payments.
Features of Zoho Books:
- Supports tax and bank reconciliation
- Manage contacts, accounts payable, etc.
- Time tracking tool available
- Active customer support
Zoho Books Pricing:
- Free
- £10 to £30 per month
Pros & Cons of Zoho Books:
Pros | Cons |
A free plan is available for all Zoho users | The ecosystem may be complex for starters |
Feature loaded beyond accounting and billing | You can only add a maximum of 15 users |
Simple integration with the Zoho ecosystem |
2. Xero

Xero is famous for project tracking with your accounting, offering some limited plans at affordable prices for small businesses in the UK. With Xero, you can add receipts and track expenses via Hubdoc easily.
Features of Xero:
- Cloud-based
- Intuitive design with a user-friendly interface
- Simplified invoicing
- Customisable report generation
Xero Pricing:
- Starts at $20 per month
Pros and Cons of Xero:
Pros | Cons |
Full suite of accounting tools | No time tracking on low-tier plans |
Packed with small business and freelancer-oriented features, including invoice management, purchase orders, etc. | Limited invoice when it comes to sending and approving invoices. |
160+ currencies for the highest tier |
3. FreshBooks

FreshBooks brings a great deal for freelancers and solo-preneurs who need accounting software. It gives users easy-to-manage invoices who have a handful of clients. If you have fewer than 5 clients for your business, FreshBooks is your go-to tool.
Features of FreshBooks:
- Over 70 integrations with third-party apps
- Good mobile app interface
- Double-entry accounting
- Time tracking, contact management and reports management
FreshBooks Pricing:
- Freemium
- Starts at $21 per month on Lite plan
Pros and Cons of FreshBooks:
Pros | Cons |
Affordable plans for micro businesses/solo-preneurs | An additional team member costs an extra $10 per month |
Free trial available for 30 days | No accounts payable, inventory or payroll functionality |
Let you generate unlimited invoices |
4. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is an online accounting software that is suitable for small businesses with features like income and expense tracking. You can create invoices and estimates, and manage your own business cash flow.
Features of Sage Intacct:
- Free access to Sage Copilot
- Data stored with cloud backup
- Capture receipts and invoices with AI
Sage Intacct Pricing:
- Starts at £18
Pros and Cons of Sage Intacct:
Pros | Cons |
Free 30-day trial | Requires paid add-ons for time tracking |
Automated bank reconciliation | Payroll is additional |
Multi-currency support |
How Taj Accountants Helps You Choose and Use the Right Software

Choosing the right accounting software can be overwhelming, especially with so many tools offering similar features.
That’s where Taj Accountants steps in. Based in East London and trusted by startups, SMEs, and self-employed professionals, we simplify the decision and support you at every stage.
1. Software Consultation Based on Your Business Model
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a sole trader, growing startup, or established small business, we assess your business type, industry, and accounting needs to recommend the best-fit solution—be it QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent, or Zoho Books.
2. Smooth Migration from QuickBooks or Excel
Switching software? We offer secure migration support, ensuring your data (invoices, transactions, contacts) transfers cleanly and safely from QuickBooks, spreadsheets, or any other platform.
3. Bookkeeping and VAT Filing Support
Once you’re set up, we can manage your bookkeeping, categorise transactions, and ensure all VAT returns are accurate and on time. You focus on your business—we keep your accounts tidy and compliant.
4. MTD & HMRC Compliance Setup
We help configure your software to be Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliant and seamlessly connected to HMRC for direct submissions, keeping you ahead of deadlines and regulations.
5. Multi-Platform Expertise
We’re certified and experienced in major UK accounting tools—QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent, and Zoho Books. Whether you need training, troubleshooting, or long-term support, we’ve got you covered.
6. Trusted by Businesses Across London
From creative freelancers in Shoreditch to retail shops in Whitechapel, Taj Accountants has helped hundreds of London-based businesses streamline their accounting with the right tools and real human support.
Conclusion
QuickBooks is a robust and well-known accounting solution, but it’s not always the perfect fit for every business. Depending on your business size, industry, and long-term goals, alternatives such as Xero, FreeAgent, or Zoho Books may offer better value, simplicity, or local UK compliance.
If you’re unsure which platform suits your needs or want to move away from QuickBooks, expert guidance can make the transition much easier.
Taj Accountants provides end-to-end support—from software selection and setup to secure data migration, MTD configuration, and ongoing bookkeeping. With years of experience supporting UK-based startups, SMEs, and self-employed professionals, Taj Accountants ensures your accounting software works for you, not against you.
Not sure which software to choose or how to get started? Book your free consultation with Taj Accountants, and let’s set up a system that works for you, not against you.
FAQs
What is the best alternative to QuickBooks for UK small businesses?
Top alternatives include Xero, FreeAgent, Zoho Books, and Sage Accounting. Each offers different strengths depending on your business type, compliance needs, and feature requirements.
1. Is there free accounting software like QuickBooks?
Yes. Zoho Books offers a free plan for businesses earning under £35,000 annually. Wave is another free option, but it is not MTD compliant and may lack UK-specific features.
2. Can Taj Accountants help migrate my QuickBooks data?
Yes. Taj Accountants provides secure, professional data migration from QuickBooks to other accounting platforms, ensuring nothing is lost in the transition.
3. Which software is easier to use than QuickBooks?
FreeAgent and Zoho Books are known for user-friendly dashboards and simplified features, making them ideal for freelancers and non-accountants.
4. Does FreeAgent support UK VAT and MTD?
Yes. FreeAgent is fully HMRC-recognised and compliant with UK VAT rules and Making Tax Digital (MTD) regulations.