Xero

www.xero.com

Cloud accounting software popular with small businesses worldwide.

A strong QuickBooks alternative, especially outside the US.

What you'll find

Accounting · Accounting & Payroll

Intuit's widely used small-business accounting software.

Our take: The industry standard — most accountants already know it.

Accounting

Accounting and invoicing for freelancers and very small businesses.

Our take: The budget pick for when you just need clean books and invoices.

Payroll

Payroll, benefits and HR for US small businesses.

Our take: A friendly way to run payroll and pay contractors without a payroll department.