Business accounting is a complicated process. Recurring invoices, payment processing, expense tracking, cash flow management, bookkeeping – the list goes on. While managing can be stressful, accounting is an indispensable part of your business.
Small business owners can rely on online accounting software to send invoices, pay bills, reconcile their accounts, calculate taxes, and maintain audit trails, among other functions.
Sage Accounting is an online accounting software that helps simplify and streamline your small business's accounting system. But this list is helpful if you are looking for Sage Accounting alternatives. Sage offers flexibility and rich accounting features.
However, despite its good functionality, Sage Accounting only caters to some business needs. It may fall below your expectations if, for instance, you want a cheaper tool or quick implementation time.
You can look into Sage accounting alternatives, explore their functions, and decide if any fits your requirements better.
This blog will explore the top 4 alternatives to Sage Accounting and their features, pros, cons, and everything you need to know.
Overview of 4 Best Sage Accounting Alternatives
1. ZarMoney
Compared to Sage Accounting, ZarMoney ranks higher in ease of use, features, and value for money. If you are looking for a top Sage accounting alternatives accounting platform, ZarMoney is it. It performs essential functions small businesses require, like invoicing, billing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation. Find a comparison table of ZarMoney and Sage Accounting here. Use ZarMoney if you are looking for the best Sage accounting alternative.
ZarMoney Key Features
- Accounts receivable and payable
- Online payment processing
- Bank reconciliation
- Billing and invoicing
- Cash management
- Check processing
- Customer statements
- Customizable invoices
- Connection with over 9600 banks
- Multi-login
- Automated taxation
- Custom tax order
- Journal entries
- Profit and loss statements
- Alerts and reminders
ZarMoney Top 3 Features
1. Project and Inventory Management
ZarMoney, as a prominent online accounting software, offers robust project management capabilities. This feature ensures businesses can efficiently track project progress and allocate resources.
Inventory tracking is pivotal for any business, and ZarMoney excels in this domain. The software provides real-time insights into stock levels, facilitating superior decision-making.
2. Financial Management with Bank Reconciliation
ZarMoney isn't just another cloud-based accounting software; it's a comprehensive financial management platform. Its bank reconciliation feature allows users to seamlessly align their bank statements with recorded transactions, eliminating potential manual entry errors and maintaining a precise balance sheet, showcasing the financial health of a business more transparently than competitors like Sage Business Cloud Accounting.
3. Expense Tracking with Online Payment Integration
ZarMoney Pros
- Optimized professional accounting
- Affordable
- Ease of use
- Feature-rich
- Easy setup
- Several third-party integrations
- It is scalable, depending on the needs of your small business.
- It uses data analytics to help you understand your financial performance.
ZarMoney Cons
- No manual input option.
Pricing of ZarMoney
ZarMoney offers three pricing plans.
- Entrepreneur: $15 / month / 1 user
- Small Business: $20 / month / 2 users
- Enterprise: $350 / month / 30+ users
- Free trial for 15 days
Customer Support of ZarMoney
- Knowledge Base
- FAQs/Forum
- Phone Support
- Email/Help Desk
- Chat
- 24/7 (Live rep)
Supported Platforms of ZarMoney
ZarMoney can be accessed on the following platforms.
- Web
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Chromebook
Final Verdict on ZarMoney
When considering Sage accounting alternatives, ZarMoney emerges as a compelling contender. Unlike traditional platforms such as Sage 50 cloud and Sage Business Cloud Accounting, ZarMoney offers many essential accounting tools. From sole traders, medium-sized businesses to larger enterprises, business owners can benefit from its user-friendly interface and comprehensive accounting features.
2. Xero
Compared to Sage, Xero offers greater flexibility in two key areas of small business accounting - multi-user login and payroll, making it a vast choice as a Sage accounting alternative. In addition, while Sage offers limited users on a single accounting dashboard, Xero allows you to add more team members. If you have a bigger team and want them to collaborate with you on your accounting tool, you can go for Xero.
Xero Key Features
- 401(k) tracking
- ACH payment processing
- Accounts payable & receivable
- Automated quoting & billing
- Bank reconciliation
- Billing & Invoicing
- Budgeting
- Currency conversion
- Customer statements
- Customizable invoices & reports
- Financial analysis
- Income & balance sheet
- Multi-channel management
- Online invoicing & payments
- Real-time reporting
Xero Top 3 Features
1. Comprehensive Financial Management
Xero offers a cloud-based accounting platform suitable for businesses from sole traders to medium-sized enterprises. It provides a robust balance between financial tracking and essential accounting tools, rivaling Sage accounting alternative.
2. Efficient Bank Reconciliation and Expense Tracking
Xero simplifies bank reconciliation by automating the matching of bank transactions. Additionally, its expense management solution and integrated online payment and credit card processing ensure seamless financial operations.
3. Project Accounting and Management
Xero stands out with its project management and accounting capabilities, from online invoicing to project time tracking. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth experience, making it a preferred choice over Sage accounting alternatives.
Xero Pros
- Easy to implement and use.
- Affordable in pricing.
- Customer billing portal.
Xero Cons
- Features for inventory and purchase order management are not extensive.
- Its reporting function keeps changing, making it difficult for many business owners to use.
- Limited bank connections.
Pricing of Xero
- Starter: $29 / month
- Standard: $46 / month
- Premium: $62 / month
Supported Platforms of Xero
- Web
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
Final Verdict on Xero
Xero is a prominent choice among Sage accounting alternatives, offering a comprehensive suite of online accounting software features. With capabilities ranging from tax management, bank reconciliation, and project accounting to inventory management and expense tracking, Xero stands out in many online accounting platforms.
3. QuickBooks Online
Compared to Sage, QuickBooks is a very easy-to-use accounting software, making it a vast choice for Sage accounting alternative. Both tools offer entry-level accounting functions. But while Sage has a steep learning curve, Quickbooks requires no training and very little time to use. It provides a financial reporting feature that helps you and your team gain insights into your financial standing.
QuickBooks Key Features
- Accounting
- Activity Dashboard
- Automatic Billing
- Compliance Management
- Data Import/Export
- Donor Management
- Expense Tracking
- Invoice Management
- Multi-Currency
- Payroll Management
- Sales Tax Management
- Third-Party Integrations
- Time Tracking
QuickBooks Top 3 Features
1. Bank Reconciliation
QuickBooks Online, a leading online accounting software, offers seamless bank reconciliation. It automatically matches your bank transactions with entries in the software, eliminating manual entries and ensuring accuracy. This feature, often considered essential in accounting software, gives business owners a clear picture of their financial health.
2. Inventory Management and Tracking
3. Project Accounting and Management
QuickBooks offers a wide range of project management and accounting tools. It aids businesses in tracking the financial performance of individual projects, ensuring that they remain profitable. With its user-friendly interface, business owners can manage project time tracking, expense tracking, and even invoice creation all under one roof.
QuickBooks Pros
- It can be utilized for accounting and customer and payroll management.
- It has good expense tracking capability.
- Use its multi-currency function to manage global clients without the hassle of currency conversion for each transaction.
QuickBooks Cons
- It has limited industry-specific functions.
- It allows you to add only a few users to the accounting dashboard.
- Too many error messages.
Pricing of QuickBooks
- Simple Start: $18 / month
- Essentials: $27 / month
- Plus: $38 / month
Supported Platforms of QuickBooks Online
- Web
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Chromebook
- iOS
- Android
Final Verdict on QuickBooks
When evaluating Sage accounting alternatives, QuickBooks Online emerges as one of the promising online accounting software. It provides business owners comprehensive features like tax management, bank reconciliation, and project accounting. Its inventory management and expense tracking capabilities are commendable. Its affordable pricing tiers and extensive features make it a top pick among modern Sage accounting alternatives.
4. Wave Accounting
Unlike Sage, Wave Accounting is software for small businesses with clear accounting and bookkeeping needs. The app does away with complex functions and provides clean functionality at reasonable costs. For instance, you can get bank connections automatically. This means you do not have to manually enter data about transactions, whether incoming or outgoing. If you need to add more people, consider the alternatives to Wave.
Wave Key Features
- ACH payment processing
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable
- Automatic billing
- Bank reconciliation
- Invoicing
- Cash flow management
- Currency conversion
- Customer statements
- Customizable branding
- Electronic payments
- Estimating
- Expense tracking
- Financial reporting
- General ledger
- Income & balance sheet
- Online invoicing
- Invoice management
- Mobile app
Wave Top 3 Features
1. Affordable Accounting Software
Wave Accounting stands out as one of the key Sage accounting alternatives. This online accounting software offers essential accounting tools for sole traders and medium-sized businesses. Unlike many accounting platforms with tiered pricing, Wave Accounting boasts a free-forever plan, making it a cost-saving alternative, especially for business owners who are conscious about their expenses.
2. Comprehensive Financial Management
Wave Accounting goes beyond being just a Sage accounting alternative. It offers comprehensive features, such as bank reconciliation, financial reports, and expense tracking, ensuring businesses fully grasp their financial health.
3. User-Friendly Interface with Online Payment Options
One of the main challenges for many business owners when choosing an accounting app is the user interface. Wave Accounting shines in this department by offering a user-friendly interface, ensuring even novice users can navigate the system efficiently.
Wave Pros
- The pricing plans list the costs upfront, with no extra money charged later.
- Through its zero-fee plan, it offers free accounting software to small business owners.
- The user interface is modern and easy for new users to get around.
Wave Cons
- Sending recurring invoices can be a slow and cumbersome process.
- The tool can hang at times.
- Its accounting features are limited.
Pricing of Wave
- Invoicing and Accounting: $0 / month (free)
- Credit card processing: 2.9% per transaction
- Mobile Receipts: $8 / month
- Payroll: $40 / month
- Advisors: $149 / month
Supported Platforms of Wave
- Windows
- MacOS
- Android
- iOS
Final Verdict on Wave
Wave Accounting is a notable option for various business sizes when delving into the myriad of Sage accounting alternatives. As an online accounting software, Wave stands shoulder-to-shoulder with giants like ZarMoney and QuickBooks Online. Its user-friendly interface makes it an ideal option for business owners and novice users, providing comprehensive tools for tax management and bank reconciliation.
Table Comparison - Top 5 Sage Accounting Alternatives
|
Features |
ZarMoney |
Xero |
QuickBooks |
Wave |
|
Bank Reconciliation |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Project Management |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Inventory Management |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Expense Tracking |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Online Invoicing |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Online Payment |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Financial Reports |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Unlimited Users |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
|
Customer Relationship Management |
✅ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
Businesses often encounter a wide range of options when searching for Sage accounting alternatives. Xero, QuickBooks Online, and Wave are among the most popular online accounting software solutions, with a wide range of features tailored for businesses. However, ZarMoney emerges as an unrivaled option among these choices.
Best of the Best - Top 3 Sage Accounting Alternatives
1. ZarMoney
As the elite of Sage accounting alternatives, ZarMoney tops our list. This accounting software provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of financial management tools, ensuring seamless bank reconciliation and efficient inventory management. With its cloud-based accounting software capabilities, ZarMoney facilitates easy online payment processing and excels in online invoicing. Business owners, particularly those seeking advanced features paired with a user-friendly interface, will find this platform invaluable.
2. Xero
Securing the second spot, Xero is a powerful Sage accounting alternative known for its exceptional financial tracking and inventory tracking functionalities. It has rich features, including bank transaction management and expense tracking, essential for business growth. Xero offers an intuitive user interface, allowing even novice users to navigate easily. Its mobile capabilities ensure that users can manage their finances on the go, making it an ideal option for sole traders and midsize businesses looking for a versatile Sage accounting alternative.
3. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online, a stalwart in online accounting software, offers various essential accounting tools. It excels in project management, bank reconciliation, and financial report generation. Its asset management and credit card processing features further enhance its appeal. QuickBooks Online stands out as a reliable Sage accounting alternative with its affordable pricing tiers and reliable online payment options.
Conclusion
Accounting software is vital today to ensure financial management, streamlined operations, and transparent reporting. However, make sure to use a more suitable online accounting tool. Before you purchase a new platform, make sure you gauge your business requirements. The accounting functions needed by a retail business would be very different from what an e-commerce store requires. Next, determine the budget you can set aside for the tool.
Now that you know the best Sage Accounting alternatives, what's stopping you? Explore and experiment. Start by trying out ZarMoney for free. Take the free trial today; no credit card payment is needed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why would someone consider Sage accounting alternatives?
Businesses and individual users often look for Sage accounting alternatives to find a solution that better suits their financial tracking needs, user interface preferences, or specific accounting requirements.
2. Is QuickBooks Online a viable Sage accounting alternative?
Yes, QuickBooks Online is one of the notable Sage accounting alternatives. With features like online invoicing, bank reconciliation, and inventory tracking, many businesses find it aligns well with their financial management needs.
3. What are some essential accounting tools that Sage alternatives should offer?
Comprehensive features like bank reconciliation, tax management, project accounting, expense tracking, and online payment processing are essential accounting tools businesses often look for in Sage alternatives.
4. How do ZarMoney and other Sage accounting alternatives support businesses with project management?
Many Sage accounting alternatives, including ZarMoney, offer project management tools. These can help businesses track expenses, manage project time, and ensure efficient financial management throughout the project cycle.
5. What features are vital in Sage accounting alternatives for small to medium-sized businesses?
Medium-sized businesses and sole traders often prioritize features like online accounting software capabilities, cloud-based accounting software flexibility, and user-friendly interfaces in their Sage accounting alternatives.
6. Can Sage accounting alternatives handle inventory management?
Yes, many Sage accounting alternatives offer comprehensive tools for inventory management. This includes inventory tracking, ensuring businesses can monitor stock levels and manage sales orders efficiently.
7. Is it easy to transition to a Sage accounting alternative?
Transitioning to Sage accounting alternatives like ZarMoney usually involves a learning curve, but many of these platforms prioritize a user-friendly interface to make the process smoother. They often provide professional services to aid in the transition, ensuring the continuity of business accounting processes.
8. Do most Sage accounting alternatives offer mobile capabilities?
Yes, a wide range of Sage accounting alternatives provide mobile capabilities in today's digital age. This ensures that businesses can manage their financial health, create invoices, or even perform bank transactions on the go.
9. Is there an affordable accounting software that can be considered an alternative to Sage 50cloud?
Indeed, while Sage 50cloud is a comprehensive accounting platform, other affordable accounting software options exist in the market. Wave Accounting and other platforms often offer basic or even free-forever plans to cater to businesses with varying budgets.
10. How do Sage accounting alternatives support online payment processes?
Sage accounting alternatives typically provide various online payment options like ZarMoney, including credit card payments and online payment integrations. This ensures businesses have the flexibility to process payments in a way that suits their operations best.
