Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting platform that manages invoicing, expenses, inventory, and integrated payroll for small to medium businesses.
- 2#2: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting software offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, reporting, and payroll integration for SMBs.
- 3#3: Gusto - All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform with seamless accounting integrations for small businesses.
- 4#4: ADP RUN - Comprehensive payroll and HR solution with tax compliance, benefits administration, and accounting exports for businesses of all sizes.
- 5#5: Paychex - Full-service payroll software providing automated tax filing, compliance, and integration with accounting systems.
- 6#6: Rippling - Unified workforce management platform combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance with global payroll capabilities.
- 7#7: Sage Intacct - Scalable cloud ERP for accounting with advanced financial management, multi-entity support, and payroll integrations.
- 8#8: NetSuite - Cloud-based ERP suite delivering real-time accounting, financials, and payroll within a comprehensive business management system.
- 9#9: Zoho Books - Affordable online accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, inventory, and payroll add-ons for growing businesses.
- 10#10: Wave - Free cloud accounting tool for invoicing, payments, receipts, and basic payroll tailored to solopreneurs and small teams.
We selected and ranked these tools based on key metrics including feature versatility, user-friendliness, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse business needs from SMBs to enterprise-level operations.
Comparison Table
Explore top accounting and payroll software tools—including QuickBooks Online, Xero, Gusto, ADP RUN, Paychex, and more—with this comparison table to understand their key features, pricing, and usability, helping you identify the right fit for your needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting platform that manages invoicing, expenses, inventory, and integrated payroll for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 2 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting software offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, reporting, and payroll integration for SMBs. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Gusto All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform with seamless accounting integrations for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | ADP RUN Comprehensive payroll and HR solution with tax compliance, benefits administration, and accounting exports for businesses of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Paychex Full-service payroll software providing automated tax filing, compliance, and integration with accounting systems. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Rippling Unified workforce management platform combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance with global payroll capabilities. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Sage Intacct Scalable cloud ERP for accounting with advanced financial management, multi-entity support, and payroll integrations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | NetSuite Cloud-based ERP suite delivering real-time accounting, financials, and payroll within a comprehensive business management system. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Zoho Books Affordable online accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, inventory, and payroll add-ons for growing businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Wave Free cloud accounting tool for invoicing, payments, receipts, and basic payroll tailored to solopreneurs and small teams. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based accounting platform that manages invoicing, expenses, inventory, and integrated payroll for small to medium businesses.
User-friendly cloud accounting software offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, reporting, and payroll integration for SMBs.
All-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform with seamless accounting integrations for small businesses.
Comprehensive payroll and HR solution with tax compliance, benefits administration, and accounting exports for businesses of all sizes.
Full-service payroll software providing automated tax filing, compliance, and integration with accounting systems.
Unified workforce management platform combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance with global payroll capabilities.
Scalable cloud ERP for accounting with advanced financial management, multi-entity support, and payroll integrations.
Cloud-based ERP suite delivering real-time accounting, financials, and payroll within a comprehensive business management system.
Affordable online accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, inventory, and payroll add-ons for growing businesses.
Free cloud accounting tool for invoicing, payments, receipts, and basic payroll tailored to solopreneurs and small teams.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud-based accounting platform that manages invoicing, expenses, inventory, and integrated payroll for small to medium businesses.
Fully integrated payroll that automates federal/state tax filings, forms (like 1099s), and compliance updates in real-time.
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software suite from Intuit, designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses to manage invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, financial reporting, and inventory. It includes a robust payroll module that handles employee payments, tax withholdings, filings, and benefits administration. With real-time collaboration, mobile access, and thousands of app integrations, it streamlines financial operations end-to-end.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting tools including automated bank feeds and customizable reports
- Seamless integrated payroll with auto tax calculations and direct deposit
- Extensive ecosystem of 750+ app integrations and multi-user access
Cons
- Payroll and advanced features require add-ons or higher-tier plans at extra cost
- Interface can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners despite intuitive design
- Customer support varies in responsiveness, often relying on self-help resources
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing a scalable, all-in-one platform for accounting, invoicing, and payroll with strong automation.
Pricing
Core plans from $30/mo (Simple Start) to $200/mo (Advanced); Payroll add-on $45/mo base + $6/employee, with discounts for annual billing.
Xero
specializedUser-friendly cloud accounting software offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, reporting, and payroll integration for SMBs.
Unlimited users at no extra cost with real-time multi-user collaboration
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, providing comprehensive tools for invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, inventory management, and payroll processing in supported regions. It offers real-time financial reporting, multi-currency support, and customizable dashboards for instant insights into business performance. With seamless integrations to over 1,000 third-party apps, Xero enables efficient workflows and scalability as businesses grow.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with excellent mobile app accessibility
- Automatic bank feeds and smart reconciliation for efficiency
- Unlimited users and vast integrations ecosystem
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced features and larger teams
- Payroll functionality limited to specific countries
- Reporting tools less advanced than enterprise competitors
Best For
Small and medium-sized businesses needing a user-friendly cloud accounting solution with strong integrations and real-time collaboration.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) up to $78/month (Ultimate plan), with payroll as a region-specific add-on; annual billing offers discounts.
Gusto
enterpriseAll-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform with seamless accounting integrations for small businesses.
Full-service payroll that automatically handles federal, state, and local tax filings and payments
Gusto is a comprehensive cloud-based platform specializing in payroll, benefits administration, and HR management for small to medium-sized businesses. It automates payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and payments across all 50 states, while also offering employee onboarding, time tracking, and performance management tools. Through seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, it supports accounting workflows without being a standalone accounting solution.
Pros
- Automated full-service payroll with multi-state compliance and direct deposit
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app for employees and admins
- Robust integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero
Cons
- Limited native accounting features; relies heavily on integrations
- Pricing scales per employee, which can add up for larger teams
- Advanced HR analytics require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with easy accounting integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $40 base + $6/employee/month (Simple plan); up to $149 base + $12/employee/month (Premium), with contractor-only options available.
ADP RUN
enterpriseComprehensive payroll and HR solution with tax compliance, benefits administration, and accounting exports for businesses of all sizes.
On-time tax filing guarantee with ADP covering any penalties for compliant filings
ADP RUN is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax compliance, and filings. It integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, enabling efficient data syncing for financial reporting and reconciliation. Beyond payroll, it includes employee self-service portals, benefits management, and talent tools to support growing teams.
Pros
- Exceptional tax compliance and automated filings with penalty protection
- Strong integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks for streamlined workflows
- Scalable features including HR, benefits, and time tracking for growing businesses
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and per-employee fees
- Steeper learning curve for non-HR users despite intuitive interface
- Limited native advanced accounting capabilities beyond payroll syncing
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing robust, compliant payroll with HR tools and accounting integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4-$11 per employee (Essential plan); scales to Enhanced ($99 base + $9/EE) and Complete ($148 base + $11/EE) with custom quotes for larger teams.
Paychex
enterpriseFull-service payroll software providing automated tax filing, compliance, and integration with accounting systems.
Automated, guaranteed tax filing and compliance across all 50 states with expert handling of complex regulations
Paychex is a robust payroll and HR management platform that specializes in automated payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance for businesses of all sizes. It integrates HR tools like onboarding, time tracking, and benefits administration with accounting features through seamless connections to QuickBooks and other systems. Paychex also offers optional PEO services for full HR outsourcing, making it a one-stop solution for workforce management.
Pros
- Exceptional payroll accuracy and multi-state tax compliance
- Strong integration with accounting software like QuickBooks
- Dedicated customer support and expert guidance
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for very small businesses
- Interface may feel dated compared to modern competitors
- Full accounting functionality requires add-ons or integrations
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking reliable payroll, HR compliance, and scalable growth support.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $59/month base + $5/employee, with higher tiers for advanced HR/PEO features.
Rippling
enterpriseUnified workforce management platform combining payroll, HR, IT, and finance with global payroll capabilities.
Single employee record that syncs payroll, benefits, devices, and apps across HR, IT, and finance in real-time
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, IT, payroll, and finance operations into a single system. For accounting and payroll, it provides automated payroll processing, multi-state and international compliance, tax filings, and direct integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero. This enables seamless data sync, expense management, and real-time financial reporting, reducing manual errors and administrative overhead for businesses with distributed teams.
Pros
- Unified platform integrates payroll with HR, IT, and finance for streamlined operations
- Robust global payroll support across 100+ countries with automatic compliance
- Strong automation for onboarding, offboarding, and expense reimbursements
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Less depth in advanced accounting compared to specialized tools like Sage or ADP
Best For
Mid-sized businesses with global or multi-state teams needing integrated HR and payroll management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at $8 per employee/month for core HR features, with payroll add-ons at $5-10 per employee/month plus per-pay-run fees; volume discounts available.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable cloud ERP for accounting with advanced financial management, multi-entity support, and payroll integrations.
True multi-dimensional GL tracking and inter-entity transaction management
Sage Intacct is a robust cloud-based financial management and accounting software designed primarily for mid-sized businesses and enterprises with complex, multi-entity needs. It provides core accounting functions like general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, cash management, revenue recognition, and advanced dimensional reporting. While it doesn't offer native payroll processing, it integrates seamlessly with leading payroll providers such as ADP, Paychex, and Sage Payroll, enabling comprehensive financial operations.
Pros
- Exceptional multi-entity and multi-book accounting for consolidated financials across locations or subsidiaries
- Powerful dimensional reporting and customizable dashboards for real-time insights
- Strong automation for workflows, approvals, and revenue recognition
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring professional implementation
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller teams
- Payroll relies on third-party integrations rather than native functionality
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses with multiple entities, locations, or subsidiaries needing scalable accounting with advanced reporting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $15,000-$30,000 annually for basic setups (10-20 users), scaling with modules and users.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud-based ERP suite delivering real-time accounting, financials, and payroll within a comprehensive business management system.
OneWorld multi-subsidiary management for global financial consolidation and compliance across entities
NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform that provides robust accounting functionalities including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, financial reporting, and revenue recognition, alongside integrated payroll processing through Oracle HCM Cloud or third-party partners. It offers real-time visibility into financials, multi-subsidiary support, and advanced analytics tailored for growing businesses. While powerful for enterprise-scale operations, its payroll capabilities are more of an extension rather than a standalone focus.
Pros
- Scalable ERP with deep accounting automation and multi-entity consolidation
- Real-time dashboards and customizable reporting for complex financial needs
- Seamless integrations with CRM, inventory, and payroll systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- High pricing that may not suit small businesses
- Payroll features require additional modules or partners, adding complexity
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring an all-in-one ERP solution with advanced accounting and integrated payroll for multi-location operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $999/month for base financials plus $99/user/month, with full ERP/payroll setups often exceeding $20,000 annually plus implementation fees.
Zoho Books
specializedAffordable online accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, inventory, and payroll add-ons for growing businesses.
Seamless Zoho Payroll integration for automated accounting-to-payroll workflows and compliance
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, inventory management, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with Zoho Payroll for handling employee payments, tax filings, and compliance. The platform emphasizes automation, multi-currency support, and scalability within the Zoho ecosystem.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Strong automation for invoicing and expenses
- Affordable pricing with excellent Zoho ecosystem integrations
Cons
- Payroll requires separate add-on subscription
- Advanced reporting lacks depth for enterprises
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking an affordable, user-friendly accounting platform with payroll integration for streamlined operations.
Pricing
Free for businesses under $50K revenue; paid plans start at $20/month (Standard) up to $275/month (Ultimate), billed annually with payroll add-on extra.
Wave
specializedFree cloud accounting tool for invoicing, payments, receipts, and basic payroll tailored to solopreneurs and small teams.
100% free professional invoicing and accounting with no limits on customers or transactions
Wave is a cloud-based platform providing free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning tools tailored for small businesses and freelancers. It offers payroll processing as a paid add-on in select countries including the US, Canada, and UK. The software emphasizes simplicity, allowing users to track income, expenses, and generate reports without complex setups.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting and unlimited invoicing
- Intuitive interface with mobile receipt scanning
- Seamless integration for basic financial tracking
Cons
- Payroll limited to US, Canada, and UK only
- Lacks advanced features like inventory or project management
- Transaction and payroll fees add costs
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses needing simple, cost-free invoicing and basic accounting with optional payroll in supported regions.
Pricing
Free for accounting/invoicing; Payroll $20-40/mo base + $6/active employee (US); 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card payment.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools cater to diverse business needs, with QuickBooks Online emerging as the top choice due to its all-encompassing cloud-based features for small to medium operations. Xero and Gusto follow closely, offering standout user-friendliness and integrated HR payroll solutions, respectively, each serving as strong alternatives for specific business requirements.
Begin streamlining your accounting and payroll with QuickBooks Online—its robust capabilities make it the ideal starting point for efficient, all-in-one financial management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison