Top Good Bookkeeping Apps for Small Businesses in 2025

Stepping into 2025, getting a handle on your small business finances can feel like a big job. The good news is, there are a bunch of really good bookkeeping apps out there that can make things way easier. Whether you're tracking what you spend, sending out invoices, or dealing with payroll, the right software can save you a ton of time and keep everything neat and tidy. We've put together a list of the top bookkeeping apps that could seriously change how you manage your money this year.

Key Takeaways

• These apps can really simplify your financial tasks, saving you time and hassle.
• Most of these tools come with different price points, including free options that are great for businesses on a tighter budget.
• Picking the right app means finding one that fits what your business needs, is easy to use, and has good feedback from other users.
• Many modern bookkeeping apps have mobile versions, so you can handle your money even when you're not at your desk.
• Look for features like invoicing, tracking expenses, generating reports, and connecting with other tools you use.

1. FreshBooks

FreshBooks has been around since 2003, and it's become a go-to for service-based businesses. This Canadian software really shines when it comes to creating custom invoices. It's more than just invoicing though; it handles basic bookkeeping, billing, expense tracking, and even time tracking. The interface is pretty easy to get the hang of, which is a big plus.

FreshBooks can really streamline your billing. It helps you spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on clients.

FreshBooks is great for businesses that bill clients by the hour or project.

Here's what makes FreshBooks stand out:

• Customizable Chart of Accounts
• Multiple user access on all plans
• Strong security with encryption and data backups
• Integrations with apps like Gusto and Stripe

FreshBooks plans start at $21 per month. You get customizable invoices, automated billing, and expense categorization. These features can really simplify financial management, even if you don't have a background in accounting. The mobile app is available for both iOS and Android, letting you track time, capture expenses, and send invoices on the go. It's a great business accounting software.

2. Intuit QuickBooks Online

Intuit's QuickBooks Online remains a powerhouse for small business accounting in 2025. It's a comprehensive solution that scales well as your business grows. I remember when I first started using it; the sheer number of features was a bit overwhelming, but once I got the hang of it, it really streamlined my bookkeeping. It's not the cheapest option, but the robust features and integrations often make it worth the investment.

Here's a quick look at why it's still a top contender:

• Extensive reporting capabilities: You can generate almost any report you need, from basic profit and loss statements to detailed sales analyses. This is great for detailed reporting tools.
• Scalability: QuickBooks Online offers different plans to accommodate businesses of varying sizes and complexities.
• Integration with other apps: It connects with a wide range of third-party apps, such as payment processors, CRM systems, and e-commerce platforms.

I've found that the biggest advantage of QuickBooks Online is its ecosystem. There are tons of resources available, from online tutorials to certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors, so you're never really stuck. Plus, most accountants are very familiar with the platform, which makes tax time a lot easier.

QuickBooks also offers live bookkeeping support, which can be a lifesaver if you're not an accounting expert. You can communicate with a dedicated accounting expert to help you with setup, transaction monitoring, and month-end closing. It's a nice option to have if you need extra help.

3. Wave

Wave is a pretty popular choice, especially if you're just starting out and watching every penny. It's known for being free, which is a huge plus for small businesses trying to keep costs down. I remember when my cousin started her online store, she used Wave for the longest time because, well, free is hard to beat!

The best part? Wave offers free accounting software for small businesses accounting and invoicing services, which is a big deal. It lets you handle bookkeeping and invoicing all in one spot. It's not perfect, but for many, it's more than enough to get the job done.

Here's a quick rundown of what makes Wave stand out:

• Free accounting, invoicing, and banking software.
• User-friendly interface, making it easy to learn.
• Good for freelancers and very small businesses.

Wave is great if you're on a tight budget and need basic accounting features. It's not as robust as some of the paid options, but it's a solid starting point. Just be aware of its limitations as your business grows.

4. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is a solid pick, especially if you're already in the Zoho ecosystem. It's built to scale, which is great for growing businesses. I remember my cousin Lisa trying to run her bakery using a bunch of different apps one for invoices, another for expenses, it was chaos! Something like Zoho Books could have really simplified things for her. Zoho Books has a surprisingly good free version.

It's a good choice if you use other Zoho apps or expect your business to grow. The software automates a lot, saving time. Bank feeds and auto-reconciliation cut down on manual work. Real-time inventory tracking keeps you in the loop. You can also check price at Zoho Books.

Here's what you can expect:

• Generate financial reports and dashboards.
• Accept online payments through multiple gateways.
• Customize templates and fields for tailored reports.
• Access the platform via mobile and desktop apps.

Zoho Books is user-friendly and efficient, perfect for small businesses. It's also very affordable and easy to set up. Other Zoho software integrates well with Zoho Books. However, Zoho isn't a Canadian company, so it might need extra customization for Canada, like setting up the correct taxes.

5. Manager

Manager is a free accounting software option that's been gaining traction. It's a desktop application, which might feel a bit old-school compared to cloud-based options, but it also means your data is stored locally. This can be a plus for some businesses concerned about data privacy.

The best part? The base version is completely free. You only need to pay if you want to use the cloud edition, which offers features like multi-user access. I remember when my cousin started his small retail business, he used Manager because he didn't want to commit to a monthly subscription right away. It worked well for him in the beginning.

Manager offers a decent range of features, including:

• Invoicing
• Expense tracking
• Bank reconciliation
• Reporting

It's worth noting that while Manager is free, it might require some technical know-how to set up and use effectively. The interface isn't as intuitive as some of the paid options, so be prepared to spend some time learning the ropes. However, the online community support is strong, so you can usually find answers to your questions.

It also handles document management and tracks inventory. It's a solid choice if you're on a tight budget and don't mind a bit of a learning curve. It also has accounting features.

Wrapping Things Up

So, there you have it. Picking the right bookkeeping app can really make a difference for your small business in 2025. There are tons of choices out there, and it's all about finding what works best for you. Whether you need something super simple and free, or a more advanced tool with all the bells and whistles, there's an app that fits. These tools don't just save you time; they also help you keep your money matters straight, so you can focus on making your business grow. Take a look at the apps we talked about, maybe try a couple out, and see how they can make your financial life easier. You might be surprised at how much smoother things can run!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bookkeeping software?

Bookkeeping software is like a smart helper for your money. It keeps track of all the money coming in and going out of your business, making it much easier to see how you're doing financially.

Why do small businesses need bookkeeping apps?

Small businesses really need these apps to stay neat and tidy with their money. They help save a lot of time and stop you from making money mistakes, which is super important when you're busy growing your business.

Are there free bookkeeping apps available?

Yes, absolutely! There are some great free options out there, like Wave and Zoho Books. They're perfect if you're just starting out or watching your budget closely.

How do I choose the right bookkeeping app?

To pick the best app, think about what your business needs most. Is it easy to use? Do other people like it? Make sure it has the tools that will help you the most.

Can I use bookkeeping software on my phone?

Good news! Most of the new bookkeeping apps work on your phone. This means you can check your money, send bills, or record costs even when you're not at your desk.

What features should I look for in bookkeeping software?

Look for things like sending bills to customers, tracking what you spend, making reports to see how your business is doing, and if it can connect with other tools you use. These features make managing your money a breeze.