Best 10 Accounting Software in 2025
Accounting tools have evolved from simple ledgers into critical systems that influence how startups manage cash. For founders, choosing the right software determines how confidently you can scale, raise capital, or navigate audits.
But not every business has the same needs.
A startup with U.S. operations and global teams needs different capabilities than a local freelancer or a service agency. From compliance requirements and tax filings to cross-border coordination, the gaps start to show quickly if the software doesn’t match your structure.
This article compares 10 of the most relevant accounting tools for 2025. For each, we highlight who it works best for, where it excels, and when it may fall short, so you can pick a solution that fits your business today and prepares you for what’s next.
Best Accounting Software in 2025
The accounting tool you choose will shape how efficiently you manage cash, stay compliant, and prepare for growth. But with different tools built for different users from global startups to local freelancers, it’s important to pick one that fits your stage, structure, and reporting needs.
Here’s a quick look at 10 popular accounting platforms and what each one is best suited for:
Let’s now take a closer look at each of these tools, who they’re built for, what they offer, and where they might fall short.
1. Inkle
Startups with U.S. entities face a unique challenge: managing IRS filings, GAAP compliance, and remittance workflows from overseas often without a full in-house finance team. Inkle is purpose-built for this scenario. It combines CPA-led U.S. accounting with software that speaks the language of startup founders. No generic dashboards. No disconnected workflows. Just one tightly integrated platform that handles both compliance and collaboration.
Who is it for?
- Starups managing Delaware C-Corps
- Startups preparing U.S. GAAP books for investor reporting
- Early-stage teams without a dedicated U.S. finance resource
- Operators who need global teams on the same page
Key Features
- U.S. GAAP-compliant bookkeeping managed by real CPAs
- IRS filing support for Form 1120, 5472, and more
- Integrated remittance tracking and compliance
- Syncs with Stripe, Mercury, Brex, and US banks
- Chat-based support from U.S. accounting experts. No bots
If you're building from the world, Inkle eliminates the gaps between what your business needs and what traditional software offers. It's not just accounting, it’s cross-border coordination, compliance, and control in one clean workflow.
2. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks has long been a default choice for small and medium businesses in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s mature, well-documented, and offers nearly every feature a domestic business might need, from double-entry bookkeeping to payroll. For companies with in-house finance knowledge or U.S.-based teams, it’s a reliable system with wide adoption and an extensive partner ecosystem.
Who is it for?
- U.S.-based SMBs with standard accounting and tax needs
- Teams with dedicated finance staff or external bookkeepers
- Businesses looking for out-of-the-box tax filing and payroll tools
Key Features
- Double-entry accounting with detailed chart of accounts
- Built-in support for payroll, sales tax, and expense tracking
- Large app marketplace and bank integrations
- Automated invoicing, bill pay, and reconciliation
- Supports accountant collaboration and audit prep
QuickBooks is a strong fit if your team is based in the U.S. and you're comfortable managing books in-house or through external CPAs. However, for global teams or founders outside the U.S., it often requires manual coordination, additional tools, and workarounds to manage cross-border scenarios.
3. Xero
Xero is known for its modern interface and flexible integrations, making it a favorite among startups with distributed teams or multi-entity operations. It focuses heavily on automation, clean design, and a user-friendly experience - ideal for founders who want visibility into their finances without needing to dig through outdated spreadsheets or clunky menus.
Who is it for?
- Global startups with operations in multiple countries
- Teams with internal finance knowledge looking for customization
- Businesses that prioritize clean design and third-party integrations
Key Features
- Multi-currency support and real-time collaboration
- Automated bank feeds and smart reconciliation tools
- Inventory management and project tracking
- Large ecosystem of add-ons through Xero’s app marketplace
- Clean dashboard for performance monitoring and reporting
Xero is a strong choice for global-first companies that have the internal know-how to customize and manage their accounting workflows. That said, it may not be the best starting point for early-stage teams looking for hands-on support or specific compliance features like U.S. tax filings or remittance tracking.
4. FreshBooks
FreshBooks focuses on simplicity and client-facing workflows making it a popular choice among freelancers, consultants, and service-led teams. It prioritizes ease of use, fast invoicing, and time tracking over advanced accounting functionality, which works well for solo founders or teams that bill by the hour or project.
Who is it for?
- Freelancers, agencies, and consultants with project-based billing
- Early-stage teams offering services and tracking time
- Founders who prioritize invoicing and payments over complex accounting
Key Features
- Built-in time tracking, estimates, and proposals
- Customizable invoices with automated reminders
- Recurring billing and client payment portals
- Expense logging and light reporting
- Simple mobile interface for on-the-go updates
FreshBooks is excellent for managing clients and cash flow in a service-driven business. But for startups needing robust compliance, multi-entity reporting, or global coordination, it may fall short as the business scales.
5. Wave
Wave is often the go-to tool for solopreneurs and side-hustlers who want to stay organized without paying for basic accounting features. It covers essential tasks like invoicing, income tracking, and basic reports - all at no cost. For founders just starting out or testing ideas, it’s a way to stay financially aware without adding overhead.
Who is it for?
- Solopreneurs and freelancers in early stages
- Founders validating an idea without major revenue yet
- Users seeking free access to core accounting tools
Key Features
- Free invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting
- Bank sync and receipt uploads
- Simple dashboard with income/expense breakdowns
- Optional paid features like payroll or payment processing
Wave works well for basic financial hygiene in the early days. But as your business grows or takes on cross-border compliance, investor reporting, or more complex transactions, you’ll likely outgrow what it offers.
6. Zoho Books
Zoho Books is a popular choice among Indian SMBs and SaaS founders looking for GST-compliant workflows, automation, and native integrations with other Zoho apps. It’s feature-rich and cost-effective, making it appealing to teams operating primarily in India with standard accounting and reporting needs.
Who is it for?
- Indian businesses managing domestic sales, GST, and TDS
- SaaS teams using other Zoho tools like CRM or Projects
- Founders who want automation without enterprise-level costs
Key Features
- GST-ready invoicing, TDS management, and vendor payment tracking
- Multi-user access with role-based permissions
- Workflow automation for billing, reminders, and approvals
- Deep integrations with Zoho ecosystem (CRM, Inventory, Projects)
- Client portal and mobile access
Zoho Books offers excellent value for Indian businesses focused on local compliance and SaaS workflows. But it doesn’t support U.S. filings or investor reporting—making it less ideal for founders managing U.S. entities or cross-border structures.
7. Sage Business Cloud / Sage 50
Sage is built for traditional businesses with operational complexity including inventory, multiple locations, or detailed payroll setups. It offers both cloud-based and desktop options, giving companies flexibility based on their infrastructure. While not the most modern interface, its depth and legacy in financial software make it a solid choice for established SMEs.
Who is it for?
- SMEs with inventory management, manufacturing, or distribution workflows
- Businesses that require both cloud and desktop access
- Finance teams used to traditional accounting systems
Key Features
- Inventory and order management with batch tracking
- Payroll, vendor payments, and job costing
- Desktop-first experience with optional cloud sync
- Audit-ready financial reports and permissions-based access
- Support for multi-location and departmental tracking
Sage is ideal if your business has operational layers beyond services or software. But for startups looking for flexibility, remote access, or fast collaboration, it may feel rigid and overly complex for day-to-day use.
8. Bench
Bench offers a hybrid model—pairing software with a dedicated bookkeeping team. It’s built for U.S.-based small businesses that want to offload bookkeeping entirely while still having visibility into their financials. Bench is not a do-it-yourself tool; it’s more of a done-for-you service with software as the front end.
Who is it for?
- U.S. startups and small businesses without internal finance teams
- Founders who prefer human support over managing books themselves
- Businesses focused on staying investor-ready without daily involvement in accounting
Key Features
- Dedicated bookkeepers prepare monthly financial statements
- Year-end tax package ready for filing or CPA handoff
- Visual dashboards for cash flow, expenses, and trends
- Catch-up bookkeeping for previously unmanaged records
- Add-on support for tax filing (with Bench Tax plan)
Bench is ideal for founders who want accounting off their plate without sacrificing accuracy or investor readiness. However, it’s U.S.-centric, and doesn’t support cross-border finance coordination, Indian compliance, or multi-country operations.
9. Kashoo
Kashoo is a simplified accounting platform aimed at first-time business owners who want to get started quickly without learning complex accounting systems. It’s designed to remove friction from setting up books and is best suited for solo operators or very small teams managing basic finances.
Who is it for?
- First-time founders and sole proprietors
- Small teams looking for a no-fuss, minimal learning curve tool
- Businesses without multi-entity or compliance-heavy needs
Key Features
- Guided onboarding with plain-language setup
- Bank account sync and automatic transaction categorization
- Real-time income and expense dashboards
- Basic reporting for tax prep and cash flow visibility
- Mobile and desktop access with secure cloud storage
Kashoo is helpful for staying organized early on, especially if you’re managing finances yourself. But as needs become more complex—like managing compliance across borders or preparing investor-ready reports—it may fall short.
10. ZipBooks
ZipBooks positions itself as smart accounting software for service-based small businesses. It adds a layer of intelligence to standard bookkeeping with features like tagging, performance scores, and insight-driven suggestions. It’s lightweight, clean, and geared toward teams that want more than spreadsheets but don’t need heavy-duty accounting infrastructure.
Who is it for?
- Small service businesses and agencies
- Founders who want simple tools with smarter insights
- Teams managing recurring work, invoicing, and client projects
Key Features
- Smart tagging and automated financial health scores
- Invoicing with payment reminders and client history tracking
- Expense tracking and time logging
- Basic CRM features for client management
- Custom report generation with visual summaries
ZipBooks adds value for teams that want a bit more clarity and structure in their accounting. But it lacks the depth required for companies with cross-border entities, GAAP-level reporting, or investor audits.
Why Choose Inkle
Most accounting tools on this list are built for domestic use cases—local businesses, solo professionals, or SMEs with in-house finance teams.
But global startups with a U.S. entity, face a different set of challenges:
- How do you stay IRS-compliant?
- How do you maintain investor-grade books when your team spans time zones and tax jurisdictions?
- How do you file Form 5472 or manage remittances without hiring a U.S.-based CPA?
Inkle helps you with all of that.
Inkle isn’t just another accounting tool; it’s a compliance system built for U.S. startup operations. With CPA-managed U.S. books, real-time visibility, and integrations with tools like Stripe and Mercury, it removes the operational burden without compromising accuracy. And unlike traditional firms or general-purpose software, it coordinates directly with finance teams to keep both sides aligned.
If you're running a global startup without a full-fledged finance department, Inkle helps you scale without stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Inkle different from tools like QuickBooks or Zoho?
Most tools are built for general business accounting. Inkle is purpose-built for startups with U.S. entities. It combines real CPA oversight, GAAP-compliant books, and IRS filings in one integrated platform with support for gloabl finance coordination.
2. Can I use Inkle if I don’t have a finance team?
Yes. Inkle is designed for early-stage founders who are managing accounting themselves. Real accountants handle your filings and books, so you don’t need in-house expertise to stay compliant.
3. Does Inkle replace a CA or external accountant?
For U.S. compliance, yes. Inkle is managed by licensed CPAs who prepare your books and filings. You can still work with your CA, and Inkle’s team ensures both sides stay aligned.
4. Can I migrate from QuickBooks, Xero, or Zoho to Inkle?
Absolutely. Inkle offers guided onboarding and helps import your historical data. You won’t lose continuity in your financial records.
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