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18 Best Small-Business Apps of February 2023
These apps can help you with point-of-sale, accounting, invoicing and payroll.
Assigning Editor | Credit cards, Medicare, business software, moving services, home improvement
Claire Tsosie is an assigning editor for NerdWallet. Her areas of expertise include research and strategy. She’s edited articles on a variety of topics, including business software, Medicare and home improvement. Previously, she was a credit cards writer at NerdWallet for over five years. Her work was featured by Forbes, USA Today and The Associated Press. She's been a speaker at both CardCon (2017, 2018) and FinCon (2019). Email: <a href="mailto:claire@nerdwallet.com">claire@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Alex Rosenberg is a NerdWallet writer focusing on Medicare and information technology. He has more than 10 years of experience researching and writing about health care, insurance, technology, data privacy and public policy. His research has supported lawmakers in the Wisconsin State Legislature as well as health systems and national health authorities in the United States and more than 10 other countries. Email: <a href="mailto:arosenberg@nerdwallet.com">arosenberg@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Lisa Anthony covers small-business software for NerdWallet’s SMB team. She has a BA in Business Administration and over 20 years of diverse experience in banking and finance. Prior to becoming a writer, Lisa held positions in customer care at Intuit, was a loan officer at Bank of America, and a marketing consultant at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Email: lanthony@nerdwallet.com
Christine Aebischer is an assistant assigning editor on the small-business team who joined NerdWallet in 2020, originally as a copy editor. Previously, she held editing roles at Fundera, Northwestern Mutual and LearnVest, where she covered a variety of personal and business finance topics. Christine earned bachelor's degrees in English and journalism from The College of New Jersey. Email: <a href="mailto:caebischer@nerdwallet.com">caebischer@nerdwallet.com</a>.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
The best small-business apps can help you run your company, startup or side hustle more efficiently, saving you time and money. Here are NerdWallet's top picks for accounting, point-of-sale, payroll and invoicing.
Point-of-sale systems allow you to ring up customers and complete sales, and the best ones can be customized to fit your business and industry. Restaurants, for example, need POS systems that allow for table management and coordination. Retail shops, meanwhile, require robust inventory management features in their retail point-of-sale systems.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
in-person; 2.6% + 30¢ or 2.9% + 30¢ online, depending on plan.
Monthly fee
$0
Free plan; $29 Plus plan; $79 Premium plan.
Square is easy to use, and the company offers transparent pricing and live support. It’s also mobile-friendly and works on iPhones, iPads and Androids. For small businesses that don’t need advanced functionality, there’s also a free plan.
Pros
Deep list of features.
Free version offers a lot of functionality.
Square offers helpful related services, like payroll, that integrate closely with its POS system.
Cons
Can’t run on Windows devices.
Complex industries might prefer a more specialized system.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Toast’s restaurant-specific design prioritizes features that make the back-of-house and front-of-house operate smoothly. You can manage menus and tables easily, get useful reporting and analytics and accept orders from multiple platforms.
Pros
Promises no additional transaction fees or markups.
Restaurant-friendly features for managing tables, inventory and employee performance.
Multi-location management and the ability to publish different menus and set different prices at different locations.
Live support available by phone, email or instant message.
Pay-as-you-go plan with no monthly fee available.
Cons
Some features, like online ordering and the loyalty program, may cost extra based on the package you choose.
If you close your account before your contract term ends, you’ll have to pay the remaining subscription and software financing fees.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Lightspeed’s inventory management system sets it apart from the competition. That makes it an ideal choice for large businesses that keep track of a lot of inventory in multiple locations, with various discount rules or tax classes.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Shopify makes it possible to almost instantly set up and run an e-commerce store and has helpful features like automated emails sent to shoppers who abandon their virtual shopping carts. It also offers software and hardware for accepting payments in store — including the option to rent hardware rather than buying it.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Vend is a retail-specific POS that allows you to set sales targets for your team, manage inventory easily and forecast purchasing trends. It doesn’t come bundled with hardware and payment processing services, so you can choose your favorites from a variety of compatible options.
Pros
Inventory management feature allows you to forecast trends and automate reorder points so you don’t run out of stock.
Unlimited users.
Ability to add customer profiles and create custom loyalty programs.
Live support available.
Cons
No free plans available.
Loyalty program is only available on more expensive plans.
Payment processing isn’t included.
Prepayments are nonrefundable; if you prepay for a year and don’t use the full term, you can’t get the money back.
With careful bookkeeping and good accounting software, you can track your business's revenue, profit margins and overall financial health. It can also help you answer important questions, like, "How much can I afford to spend on marketing this month?"
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
QuickBooks is the industry leader for small-business accounting software, so it’s easy to find an accountant or bookkeeper who will support it. Its multiple tiers of service can easily scale with your company, too. QuickBooks Online, the cloud-based version, can also be accessed anywhere.
Pros
Easy to share information with your accountant and to find QuickBooks experts and online resources if needed.
More than 750 app integrations, including live, in-house bookkeeping.
Robust feature set includes thorough record-keeping, comprehensive reporting, excellent invoicing and inventory management, plus a capable mobile app.
Daily phone support and 24/7 chat support in all plans.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Xero is easy to use, rich with features and widely supported by bookkeepers and accountants. Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t place any limit on the number of users you can add.
Pros
Unlimited users in all pricing plans.
Integrates with more than 1,000 third-party apps.
Feature set includes an excellent mobile app and suite of reports, capable invoicing features, plus automated bill and receipt capture through Hubdoc.
Simple layout and easy to use.
Cons
No phone number for customer support listed.
Limits on bills and invoices with the entry-level plan (five and 20 monthly, respectively).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Free (Wave makes money via paid money management products).
Promotion
N/A
Unlike its competitors, Wave's accounting software is completely free. With it, you can add unlimited users and unlimited bank and credit card connections. It’s also possible to run multiple businesses from the same account.
Pros
Free.
Unlimited partners, collaborators and accountants.
Intuitive, customizable invoicing capabilities compete with those of more robust accounting solutions.
Cons
Lacks features that quickly growing companies need, like audit trails.
Free plan doesn’t include customer support with a human.
No third-party integrations or additional plans to increase functionality.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Zoho Books offers plenty of useful features at an affordable price, including a free option for businesses that bring in less than $50,000 per year. It also has handy automation tools so you can, for example, send email notifications to yourself when an employee creates an invoice that exceeds a certain amount.
Pros
Less expensive than some competitors; free plan available for businesses with less than $50k in annual revenue.
Email support in free plan; 24/5 phone and chat support in paid plans.
Rich feature set includes excellent invoicing, inventory management, workflow rules and a capable mobile app.
Cons
Fewer third-party integrations and reports than some competitors.
No plan includes more than 15 users (can add additional users for a fee).
Paying your employees is a must, and good payroll software can make it easier to manage and track wages, withholdings and tax filings. Many programs also give employees access to a portal so they can view their pay history.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $80, custom pricing. Fee per employee varies by tier.
Promotion
N/A
Gusto gives employees access to a self-service portal for payroll- and benefit-related information that’s accessible even after they leave a company. It also administers full-service payroll across 50 states and offers online and phone support.
Pros
Benefits administration (401(k)s available in all 50 states; health benefits are available in 37 states and Washington, D.C.).
Time-tracking features at higher-price tiers (limited at Simple level).
Certified HR experts available (at the Premium level).
Free account setup.
Next-day direct deposit (at Plus and Premium levels).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Additional pricing tiers (per month): $75, $125. Fee per employee varies by tier.
Promotion
50% off
50% off for three months or 30-day free trial; terms apply.
QuickBooks Payroll offers full-service payroll services in all 50 states with a direct connection to QuickBooks Online, unlimited payroll runs and next-day or same-day deposits. Also nice: Employees can view pay stubs, withholdings and remaining vacation day balances.
Pros
Benefits administration at all levels.
Time-tracking features available (Premium and up).
Next-day direct deposit at Core level (same-day at Premium).
HR support available (Premium and up).
The option to choose a 30-day free trial or 50% off base price for first three months; terms apply.
Easy integration with QuickBooks Online.
Cons
Limited integration with non-QuickBooks products.
Additional fees if you have employees in more than one state (Core and Premium).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Plus $4 per employee. Additional pricing tiers (per month): $37.
Promotion
One month free
Terms apply
Patriot's payroll software is a relatively affordable payroll option that offers direct deposits, an employee portal, unlimited payrolls and multiple locations and pay frequencies. There’s also email, chat and phone support available.
Payroll4Free is one of the few payroll companies that allows you to run payroll at no cost — as long as you aren’t paying over 25 people. You will have to pay for additional services such as tax filing and W-2 processing. It supports tax calculations, PTO tracking, an employee portal, and direct deposits or paper checks. It also offers live and email support.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
Plus $4 per employee. Custom pricing also available.
Promotion
Three months free
Terms apply
RUN Powered by ADP is the industry leader’s cloud-based payroll software for businesses with up to 49 employees. This app allows you to automate payroll, enter data online or by mobile app and, in more advanced subscription tiers, manage human resources tasks such as background checks.
Pros
Benefits administration available as add-on.
Time-tracking features available as add-on.
HR features offered at higher tiers, including HR help desk support.
If you send bills or invoices to customers, invoicing software can be a key tool to keep track of transactions and what you’re still owed. The best options also handle quotes and estimates, time tracking and integration with payment processing and accounting systems.
FreshBooks bundles accounting and invoicing tools together with useful automation features, handy mobile apps and integration options. With the mobile app, you can send automated messages to clients to remind them about invoices or late payments. It’s a helpful feature for entrepreneurs on the go.
Pros
Bundles accounting and invoicing together.
Mobile app available.
Large number of integration options.
Automated client messages.
Cons
Doesn’t integrate directly with accounting software such as QuickBooks.
Zoho Invoice has a feature-filled free option, including estimates, time and expense tracking, invoicing, payment acceptance and a portal where clients can review their account.
Pros
Automatic payment reminders.
Integrates with popular payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
Time-tracking tools, plus project management.
Converts estimates into invoices.
Recurring invoices and automatic billing for repeat clients.
Client portal available.
Cons
Limits users to 1,000 invoices per year.
Not designed to accept in-person payments.
How to choose the right small-business apps for your needs
Point-of-sale
The best point-of-sale systems reach far beyond simply handling customer payments. Some systems are designed for specific industries, such as retail, online stores and restaurants. In addition to the cost of hardware and software fees, a processing fee for each customer transaction will typically be assessed. When comparing systems, pay attention to the following:
Hardware options including card readers, terminals, cash drawers and receipt printers.
Inventory tracking features.
Monthly software fees and payment processing fees.
Accepts swiped, tapped and keyed payments.
Offline and mobile payment processing options.
Live support offered 24/7.
Accounting
Accounting software, at a minimum, tracks the income and expenditures of a small business. The best accounting software has additional features that can make it easier to determine the financial health of your business. Look for the following features:
Easy to use.
Robust accounting reports.
Invoicing capabilities.
Integrations with third-party apps including payroll and point-of-sale systems.
Daily customer support.
Scalability.
Payroll
The best payroll software does more than help you pay your employees on time. Transparent pricing is a timesaver when comparing products and you’ll want to look for the following features:
Unlimited payroll runs.
Calculates, files and pays federal, state and local payroll taxes.
Provides employee access through a portal or mobile app.
Benefits administration.
Next-day or same-day direct deposit options.
Accounting integrations.
Invoicing
The best invoicing software goes beyond simply creating bills for your services. It can help you create quotes, track time and communicate with your customers. Before comparing products, consider the following:
How much do you want to pay each month?
What features are must-haves?
Does it need to be scalable?
Does it need to integrate with other software you use?
Are you interested in bundling with another app such as accounting?
