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Best Small Business Accounting Apps 2026

Covering the freelancer and solopreneur tier: QuickBooks Self-Employed, FreshBooks, Wave, Bonsai, and HoneyBook. Every recommendation includes what the vendor's marketing page will not tell you.

Best overall

FreshBooks

8.1/10

Invoicing + time tracking + client portal

Full review →

Best for mileage deductions

QuickBooks SE

7.8/10

78% background GPS capture + Schedule C export

Full review →

Best free option

Wave

7.2/10

Core features remain free as of 2026-05-19

Full review →

All five tools reviewed

FreshBooks

8.1/10

Best for

US and Canadian service freelancers who need automated invoicing, time tracking, and a polished client portal

Skip if

UK sole traders (no MTD support), inventory businesses, anyone needing payroll

Starting from: $19/mo Lite, $33/mo Plus (most freelancers)

QuickBooks Self-Employed

7.8/10

Best for

US freelancers who drive significant business miles and do their own taxes via TurboTax

Skip if

UK-based anyone (US product only), teams with employees, inventory businesses

Starting from: $20/mo, $35/mo with TurboTax bundle

Bonsai

7.9/10

Best for

Freelancers who want contracts, proposals, time tracking, invoicing, and basic accounting in one tool

Skip if

Anyone needing full double-entry accounting, UK MTD compliance, or payroll

Starting from: $21/mo Starter (annual), $32/mo Professional

HoneyBook

7.5/10

Best for

Creative freelancers (photographers, designers, event planners) where client experience and project pipeline matter

Skip if

Anyone needing rigorous accounting or Schedule C export — HoneyBook is a CRM first

Starting from: $16/mo Starter (annual), $32/mo Essentials

Wave

7.2/10

Best for

Solo freelancers and micro-businesses with basic needs and zero software budget

Skip if

UK businesses, multi-user teams, anyone who cannot tolerate a potential future paywall

Starting from: $0 (core), $16/mo Pro, $35/mo+ Payroll (US only)

Price comparison (verified 2026-05-19)

Vendor From Verified
Wave $0 ✓ Verified 2026-05-19 Try it
FreshBooks Lite $19/mo ✓ Verified 2026-05-19 Try it
QuickBooks SE $20/mo ✓ Verified 2026-05-19 Try it
Bonsai Starter $21/mo ✓ Verified 2026-05-19 Try it
HoneyBook Starter $16/mo ✓ Verified 2026-05-19 Try it
FreeAgent £0 (with Mettle) ✓ Verified 2026-05-19 Try it

Prices verified from vendor websites. Always confirm current pricing before purchasing. Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Not financial advice: This is general information only. Pricing verified 2026-05-19 — verify current pricing directly with vendors before purchasing. Always consult a qualified accountant for advice specific to your situation.