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Best Accounting Software for Macs
Product | Promotion | Learn more | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Xero Learn more on Xero's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Unlimited Mac users | $15/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $42, $78. | 75% off for six months on Business Edition plans. | Learn more on Xero's secure website |
QuickBooks Online Learn more on QuickBooks Online's secure website | 5.0/5 Best for Overall accounting software for Macs | $35/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $65, $99, $235. | 50% off for first three months or free 30-day trial. | Learn more on QuickBooks Online's secure website |
FreshBooks Learn more on FreshBooks' secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Apple Pay-friendly option | $19/month Additional pricing tiers (per month): $33, $60, custom. | 30-day free trial or monthly discount (terms vary). | Learn more on FreshBooks' secure website |
Zoho Books Learn more on Zoho Books' secure website | 4.5/5 Best for Low cost, high value | $0 Additional pricing tiers (per month): $20, $50, $70, $150, $275. | 14-day free trial of the Premium plan. | Learn more on Zoho Books' secure website |
Wave Accounting | 3.5/5 Best for Free option | $0 Additional pricing tiers (per month): $16 | N/A |
Our pick for
Unlimited Mac users
Xero
on Xero's secure website
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $42, $78.
for six months on Business Edition plans.
Pros
- iOS app available.
- Apple Watch app.
- Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
- Inventory management.
- Full reporting included with all subscription levels.
- Automated bill and receipt capture.
Cons
- Accepts Apple Pay only via Stripe integration.
- No live phone support.
- Limits on bills and invoices with the entry-level plan (five and 20 monthly, respectively).
Our pick for
Overall accounting software for Macs
QuickBooks Online
on QuickBooks Online's secure website
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $65, $99, $235.
for first three months or free 30-day trial.
Pros
- Easy to share information with your accountant and to find QuickBooks experts and online resources if needed.
- More than 750 app integrations.
- Robust feature set includes record-keeping, reporting, invoicing and inventory management, plus a capable mobile app.
- Chat and phone support available Monday through Saturday in all plans.
Cons
- Expensive compared with the competition.
- Frequent price increases and a tendency toward upselling.
- Limited account users with each plan.
Our pick for
Apple Pay-friendly option
FreshBooks
on FreshBooks' secure website
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $33, $60, custom.
or monthly discount (terms vary).
Pros
- iOS app available.
- Supports Apple Pay for U.S.-based customers.
- Ease of use.
- Billing includes unlimited estimates and invoices.
- Option to add advanced payment processing.
- Phone and online support.
Cons
- Each pricing tier includes one user; each additional user adds $10 per month.
- Limited features (no advanced budgeting or tax support).
Our pick for
Low cost, high value
Zoho Books
on Zoho Books' secure website
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $20, $50, $70, $150, $275.
of the Premium plan.
Pros
- iOS app available.
- Apple Watch apps available for time tracking, mileage tracking, business report tracking and other functions.
- Ease of use.
- Can integrate with a family of other Zoho products and several third-party apps.
- Ability to automate workflows.
- Phone and email support.
- Specialized versions for nonprofits and startups.
Cons
- Third-party app integrations are more limited than other choices.
- Even the top-tier plan is capped at 10 users (additional seats can be added at $2 each per month).
Our pick for
Free option
Wave Accounting
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $16
Pros
- Can use Apple Pay to make secure payments with Wave Money in iOS apps, on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac.
- Free.
- Ease of use.
- Unlimited income and expense tracking.
- Unlimited partners, collaborators or accountants.
Cons
- Relevant iOS apps are for Wave Invoicing and Wave Money (but not Wave Accounting).
- Not suitable for larger or fast-growing companies.
- Not ideal for companies that handle foreign transactions.
NerdWallet’s picks for best accounting software for Macs
QuickBooks Online
- $35 per month for the Simple Start plan.
- $65 per month for the Essentials plan.
- $99 per month for the Plus plan.
- $235 per month for the Advanced plan.
Xero
- $15 per month for the Early plan.
- $42 per month for the Growing plan.
- $78 per month for the Established plan.
FreshBooks
- $19 per month for the Lite plan.
- $33 per month for the Plus plan.
- $60 per month for the Premium plan.
- Custom pricing for the Select plan.
Zoho Books
- $0 per month for the Free plan.
- $20 per month for the Standard plan.
- $50 per month for the Professional plan.
- $70 per month for the Premium plan.
- $150 per month for the Elite plan.
- $275 per month for the Ultimate plan.
Wave
Accounting software features that Mac users should consider before buying
- Accessibility: Most new accounting software is cloud-based, meaning you can access it from any device with an internet connection, via either a browser or app for your iOS-enabled device. If wide accessibility, collaboration and integrations are important to your business, then a cloud-based option may be your priority.
- Collaboration: If you plan to work with an outside accountant or bookkeeper, choosing a software they can work in is paramount.
- Scalability: Your accounting software should be able to grow with your business. That means looking at whether you can upgrade your accounting software when you need to and whether there are limits on the use of certain features.
- Feature set: Beyond the standard accounting features, what else does your business need to run most efficiently? You may also find inventory management, built-in payment processing, multi-currency capabilities, integrations and more in today’s accounting products. Be sure the one you choose has everything you need. On the flip side, don’t pay for “extras” you won’t use.
- Cost: Price is probably isn’t the only deciding factor in your accounting software choice, but it's important to know what to expect. Monthly and annual subscription fees vary a lot, and add-ons could raise the price.