Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting software with deep e-commerce integrations for sales tracking, inventory management, and automated tax calculations in online retail.
- 2#2: Xero - Beautiful online accounting platform featuring bank reconciliation, inventory tracking, and seamless connections to platforms like Shopify for retail businesses.
- 3#3: Zoho Books - Comprehensive accounting solution with multi-channel inventory sync, project tracking, and affordable pricing for e-commerce retailers.
- 4#4: FreshBooks - User-friendly cloud accounting tool focused on invoicing, expense tracking, and time management for small online retail operations.
- 5#5: Wave - Free, intuitive accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic financial reporting for starting online sellers.
- 6#6: NetSuite - Robust cloud ERP with integrated accounting, order management, and real-time inventory for scaling online retail enterprises.
- 7#7: Sage Intacct - Advanced financial management system providing multi-dimensional accounting and analytics for mid-market online retailers.
- 8#8: Odoo - Modular open-source ERP suite combining accounting, e-commerce, inventory, and CRM for comprehensive online retail operations.
- 9#9: Acumatica - Flexible cloud ERP platform delivering distribution, retail accounting, and supply chain management for online businesses.
- 10#10: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central - AI-powered ERP solution with finance, sales fulfillment, and inventory control optimized for small to midsize online retailers.
We ranked these solutions by evaluating functionality (including e-commerce integration, multi-channel tools, and automation), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver tailored support across the full spectrum of online retail operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table equips retailers with insights into top online retail accounting software, including QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Books, FreshBooks, Wave, and more. It outlines key features, pricing structures, integration options, and suitability for different business sizes, helping readers select the right tool for efficient financial management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting software with deep e-commerce integrations for sales tracking, inventory management, and automated tax calculations in online retail. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Xero Beautiful online accounting platform featuring bank reconciliation, inventory tracking, and seamless connections to platforms like Shopify for retail businesses. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Zoho Books Comprehensive accounting solution with multi-channel inventory sync, project tracking, and affordable pricing for e-commerce retailers. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | FreshBooks User-friendly cloud accounting tool focused on invoicing, expense tracking, and time management for small online retail operations. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free, intuitive accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic financial reporting for starting online sellers. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | NetSuite Robust cloud ERP with integrated accounting, order management, and real-time inventory for scaling online retail enterprises. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Sage Intacct Advanced financial management system providing multi-dimensional accounting and analytics for mid-market online retailers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Odoo Modular open-source ERP suite combining accounting, e-commerce, inventory, and CRM for comprehensive online retail operations. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Acumatica Flexible cloud ERP platform delivering distribution, retail accounting, and supply chain management for online businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central AI-powered ERP solution with finance, sales fulfillment, and inventory control optimized for small to midsize online retailers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software with deep e-commerce integrations for sales tracking, inventory management, and automated tax calculations in online retail.
Beautiful online accounting platform featuring bank reconciliation, inventory tracking, and seamless connections to platforms like Shopify for retail businesses.
Comprehensive accounting solution with multi-channel inventory sync, project tracking, and affordable pricing for e-commerce retailers.
User-friendly cloud accounting tool focused on invoicing, expense tracking, and time management for small online retail operations.
Free, intuitive accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic financial reporting for starting online sellers.
Robust cloud ERP with integrated accounting, order management, and real-time inventory for scaling online retail enterprises.
Advanced financial management system providing multi-dimensional accounting and analytics for mid-market online retailers.
Modular open-source ERP suite combining accounting, e-commerce, inventory, and CRM for comprehensive online retail operations.
Flexible cloud ERP platform delivering distribution, retail accounting, and supply chain management for online businesses.
AI-powered ERP solution with finance, sales fulfillment, and inventory control optimized for small to midsize online retailers.
QuickBooks Online
specializedCloud-based accounting software with deep e-commerce integrations for sales tracking, inventory management, and automated tax calculations in online retail.
Real-time multi-channel inventory syncing and automated sales tax compliance across jurisdictions
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software from Intuit, widely regarded as the top solution for online retail accounting due to its comprehensive features tailored for e-commerce businesses. It excels in inventory management, sales tracking across multiple channels like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy, automated sales tax calculations, and real-time financial reporting. The platform supports invoicing, expense tracking, payments processing, and scalability for growing retailers, all accessible via web and mobile apps.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms for automated sales and inventory syncing
- Advanced inventory tracking with bundles, pricing rules, and multi-location support
- Robust reporting and analytics for sales trends, profitability, and cash flow insights
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced inventory and retail features
- Steep learning curve for complex customizations
- Occasional sync delays with third-party integrations during peak sales periods
Best For
Small to medium online retailers seeking scalable, e-commerce-integrated accounting with strong inventory and multi-channel sales management.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); annual discounts available, with a 30-day free trial.
Xero
specializedBeautiful online accounting platform featuring bank reconciliation, inventory tracking, and seamless connections to platforms like Shopify for retail businesses.
Deep e-commerce integrations that automatically sync sales, inventory, and payments from platforms like Shopify and Amazon
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small to medium businesses, including online retailers, providing tools for invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and basic inventory management. It excels in integrating with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, allowing automatic import of sales data, order tracking, and multi-currency support for global sales. Real-time dashboards and customizable reports help retailers monitor cash flow, profitability, and tax compliance effortlessly from any device.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms for automated sales tracking
- Intuitive interface with real-time collaborative access for unlimited users
- Strong bank feeds and AI-powered reconciliation for efficient bookkeeping
Cons
- Basic inventory management lacks advanced features like lot tracking
- Pricing scales up quickly for premium features like payroll
- Reporting customization can feel limited without add-ons
Best For
Small to medium online retailers needing user-friendly accounting with e-commerce integrations and real-time insights.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (Starter plan) up to $70+/month (Premium), billed annually; pricing varies by region and includes unlimited users.
Zoho Books
specializedComprehensive accounting solution with multi-channel inventory sync, project tracking, and affordable pricing for e-commerce retailers.
Multi-channel e-commerce inventory synchronization for real-time stock updates across platforms
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, with strong capabilities for online retailers including inventory tracking, sales order management, and e-commerce integrations. It streamlines invoicing, expense management, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting while supporting multi-currency transactions and tax compliance. The platform's automation features and mobile app enhance efficiency for retail operations across multiple sales channels.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce
- Robust inventory management with real-time tracking and purchase orders
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small businesses
Cons
- Advanced reporting and customization require higher-tier plans
- Customer support can have variable response times
- Some complex multi-entity setups need additional Zoho apps
Best For
Small to medium online retailers needing an intuitive, cost-effective solution with strong e-commerce and inventory features.
Pricing
Free for businesses under $50K revenue; paid plans start at $20/month (Standard, 3 users) up to $70/month (Elite), billed annually with per-user scaling.
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly cloud accounting tool focused on invoicing, expense tracking, and time management for small online retail operations.
Automated recurring invoices and late payment reminders with built-in payment chasing
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform primarily designed for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, focusing on invoicing, expense tracking, time management, and basic financial reporting. For online retail accounting, it offers solid invoicing and payment processing integrations but falls short on inventory management, multi-channel sales tracking, and advanced e-commerce features. It's best used by retailers with simple transaction volumes who need user-friendly billing over comprehensive retail-specific tools.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoicing
- Seamless integrations with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go expense tracking and approvals
Cons
- No native inventory tracking or management capabilities
- Limited support for multi-channel e-commerce sales reconciliation
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans or third-party add-ons
Best For
Small online retailers or solopreneurs with low inventory needs who prioritize easy invoicing and client management over robust retail accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite plan, annually billed) for basic invoicing up to $99/month (Select plan) for unlimited clients and advanced features; 30-day free trial available.
Wave
specializedFree, intuitive accounting software offering unlimited invoicing, payments, and basic financial reporting for starting online sellers.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no user or transaction limits on core features
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and sole proprietors, providing tools for invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning, and basic financial reporting. It supports accepting online payments via credit card and bank transfers, with multi-currency capabilities and automated bank reconciliations. While suitable for straightforward online retail operations, it lacks native inventory management, making it best for low-volume sellers without complex stock needs.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting and unlimited invoicing
- Intuitive interface with mobile receipt scanning
- Seamless payment processing integrations
Cons
- No built-in inventory or stock tracking
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Paid add-ons for payroll and payments (transaction fees)
Best For
Solo entrepreneurs or micro online retailers with simple sales tracking and minimal inventory requirements.
Pricing
Core accounting and invoicing free; Payments at 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction; Payroll starts at $20/month + $6 per employee (US/Canada only).
NetSuite
enterpriseRobust cloud ERP with integrated accounting, order management, and real-time inventory for scaling online retail enterprises.
Unified real-time dashboard providing instant insights across financials, inventory, orders, and e-commerce channels
NetSuite is a robust cloud-based ERP platform from Oracle that delivers end-to-end business management, including advanced accounting, inventory management, order fulfillment, and e-commerce integrations for online retailers. It excels in handling complex financial processes like multi-currency transactions, revenue recognition, and global tax compliance while providing real-time visibility across operations. Designed for scalability, it supports growing businesses transitioning from basic accounting to full enterprise resource planning.
Pros
- Comprehensive ERP suite with deep accounting and inventory features tailored for retail
- Seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and BigCommerce
- Scalable for multi-location and international online retail operations with real-time analytics
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing and significant implementation fees
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring professional services
- Overkill for small or simple online retail accounting needs
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level online retailers seeking an integrated ERP for complex accounting, inventory, and growth scalability.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $999/month base + $99-$199 per user/month, plus one-time implementation costs often exceeding $20,000.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseAdvanced financial management system providing multi-dimensional accounting and analytics for mid-market online retailers.
Multi-dimensional data tracking for granular analysis of retail dimensions like location, department, and product line
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management platform designed for mid-sized businesses, offering robust accounting, reporting, and ERP capabilities tailored for scaling operations. It excels in core accounting functions like general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and inventory management, with strong support for multi-entity and multi-location retail environments. For online retail, it provides order management, purchasing, and integrations with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon, enabling streamlined financials and real-time insights.
Pros
- Powerful multi-dimensional reporting and analytics for detailed retail insights
- Seamless multi-entity and multi-location support ideal for expanding online retailers
- Strong integrations with e-commerce platforms and inventory systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training or implementation partners
- Higher pricing may not suit small online retail operations
- Less specialized retail POS features compared to dedicated retail software
Best For
Mid-sized online retailers with multiple sales channels needing advanced financial consolidation and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $15,000 annually depending on modules and users.
Odoo
enterpriseModular open-source ERP suite combining accounting, e-commerce, inventory, and CRM for comprehensive online retail operations.
Modular app ecosystem allowing one-click integration of accounting with e-commerce, inventory, and CRM modules
Odoo is a comprehensive open-source ERP platform with a powerful accounting module designed for online retail businesses, handling invoicing, payments, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with e-commerce, inventory, and sales modules to manage multi-channel orders and stock levels in real-time. Ideal for scaling operations, it supports multi-currency transactions and automated tax compliance for global online stores.
Pros
- Extensive integration with e-commerce platforms, inventory, and POS for end-to-end retail accounting
- Open-source community edition is free with unlimited users and robust core features
- Highly customizable dashboards and automated workflows for financial reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring technical expertise
- Performance can lag with very large datasets or high transaction volumes
- Advanced features like full mobile app and premium support locked behind Enterprise plans
Best For
Small to medium online retailers needing an integrated ERP with scalable accounting capabilities.
Pricing
Community edition free; Enterprise plans start at $31.10/user/month (billed annually) including hosting and support.
Acumatica
enterpriseFlexible cloud ERP platform delivering distribution, retail accounting, and supply chain management for online businesses.
Unlimited user licenses with automatic cloud scaling based on resource consumption, ideal for growing retail teams without per-user fees.
Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP platform offering robust accounting and financial management tailored for online retail operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, inventory control, and order management. It excels in multi-channel e-commerce integrations with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and WooCommerce, enabling seamless synchronization of sales, inventory, and finances. Designed for scalability, it supports growing retailers with advanced reporting, analytics, and automation to streamline retail accounting processes.
Pros
- Unlimited users with resource-based pricing for scalability
- Strong multi-channel e-commerce and inventory management integrations
- Comprehensive financial reporting and real-time analytics
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training or implementation partners
- Higher cost may not suit very small online retailers
- Customization often needs developer assistance
Best For
Mid-sized online retailers seeking a scalable ERP solution with integrated accounting for multi-channel sales and inventory.
Pricing
Subscription-based on resource usage (e.g., storage, automation minutes), starting around $1,500-$2,000/month for small to mid-sized deployments; unlimited users.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
enterpriseAI-powered ERP solution with finance, sales fulfillment, and inventory control optimized for small to midsize online retailers.
Copilot AI integration for intelligent automation and predictive insights across accounting and operations
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, providing comprehensive accounting, inventory management, sales order processing, and financial reporting ideal for online retail operations. It supports multi-channel e-commerce integrations, real-time inventory tracking, and automated invoicing to streamline retail workflows. With deep ties to the Microsoft ecosystem, it enables advanced analytics via Power BI and AI-driven insights through Copilot.
Pros
- All-in-one ERP with robust accounting, inventory, and CRM modules
- Real-time reporting and analytics powered by Power BI integration
- Highly scalable for growing online retail businesses
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup often requiring partners
- Higher pricing may not suit very small online retailers
- Overkill for basic accounting needs compared to simpler tools
Best For
Mid-sized online retailers with expanding operations needing integrated ERP for accounting, inventory, and sales management.
Pricing
Starts at $70/user/month (Essentials) or $100/user/month (Premium), billed annually, with additional implementation and customization costs.
Conclusion
Evaluating leading online retail accounting software highlights QuickBooks Online as the top choice, with its cloud-based design, robust e-commerce integrations for sales tracking and tax calculations, and seamless inventory management. Xero follows as a strong alternative, boasting a beautiful interface and easy connections to platforms like Shopify, while Zoho Books stands out with its comprehensive multi-channel inventory sync and affordable pricing. These tools address key needs, but QuickBooks Online’s blend of versatility and retail-focused features makes it the ultimate solution.
Take the next step in simplifying your online retail finances—start with QuickBooks Online to automate tasks, track performance, and streamline operations, no matter the size of your business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
