One of the best features small business accounting software has to offer, is the ability to manage a number of different assets, liabilities, and capital gains. This way, it becomes easier for the owner, or the employees of a company to control all assets. In addition, it also helps to have reliable small business accounting software that manages a number of bills, invoices, and statements relating to an entity’s financial and operational activity in a more accurate manner. These days, it isn’t uncommon for Mac users to use small business accounting software in order to be more familiar with their capital flows throughout a given period.
1. QuickBooks
It’s no surprise that the big name in accounting software is available on Mac operating systems. QuickBooks has even had a desktop-only (not cloud-based) option available for Macs since at least the mid-1990s, making the company something of a pioneer for cross-platform functionality. Interested in software with comparable features? These QuickBooks alternatives are a good place to begin.
Now, any of QuickBooks’ cloud-based offerings will work fine on your Apple device, and Intuit even still offers a desktop version for Mac. The desktop version for Mac even has a few features designed specifically for Mac users:
- QuickBooks for Mac 2020 takes advantage of the Mojave OS Dark Mode.
- You can upload text searchable images with the iPhone scanner.
- Documents can be automatically shared through iCloud.
Pros:
- QuickBooks is available on virtually every device, so whether your team has Macs, PCs, or smartphones, you know that everyone can use it together.
- With hundreds of integrations, QuickBooks is highly customizable.
Cons:
- QuickBooks has very attractive entry-level pricing, but it doubles after three months.
- QuickBooks is an enormous company, and some reviewers find that the customer service isn’t as hands-on as they’d like.
What about the iOS app?
The QuickBooks iOS app has a 4.7/5 rating on more than 100,000 reviews. It allows users to create invoices, manage expenses, and view reports.
2. FreshBooks
Designed specifically for small businesses and the self-employed, Toronto-based FreshBooks has been around for more than 15 years. FreshBooks also has Mac users in mind. They say that their easy-to-use accounting software works on any device—desktop, mobile, or tablet—and “plays nicely” with Mac. Want to find software solutions with comparable features? These FreshBooks alternatives are a good place to start.
Pros:
- The QuickBooks iOS app has a 4.7/5 rating on more than 100,000 reviews. It allows users to create invoices, manage expenses, and view reports.
- The QuickBooks iOS app has a 4.7/5 rating on more than 100,000 reviews. It allows users to create invoices, manage expenses, and view reports.
- Even though it’s targeted at smaller companies, FreshBooks has all the important accounting features you would need, so it can handle much more than lemonade stands.
Cons:
- If your company is rapidly growing—for example, if you plan on going public—you may quickly outgrow FreshBooks.
- Freshbooks does a great job of keeping your books clean, but if you love forecasting and crunching numbers, it’s a little skimpy on the reporting side.
What about the iOS app?
The FreshBooks app has a 4.8/5 rating on almost 8,000 reviews. It allows you to run invoices, record expenses, track time, and accept payments, all while you’re away from your computer.
3. Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is one of the youngest tools on this list, having launched out of Toronto in 2010 before being acquired by H&R Block earlier this year. Its biggest differentiator is that it has a completely free version, as long as you don’t need to use it to accept payments or run payroll (those are optional, paid features). If you want to take a look at products with similar features, these Wave Accounting alternatives might be what you are looking for.
So what makes Wave an attractive option specifically for Mac users? As mentioned, it’s free, so it’ll help you save for the next iPhone or MacBook upgrade. It also scores high for ease of use, making it fit in nicely with the intuitive Mac ecosystem.
Pros:
- It’s free without limitations on users or transactions as long as you don’t need to accept payments or run payroll.
- Wave offers above-average reporting features for a free tool.
Cons:
- Wave is missing an audit trail feature, leaving it vulnerable to fraudulent employees.
- The free version offers only email support, and even if you pay for payments or payroll you still only get access to chat support (no phone support).
What about the iOS app?
Invoice by Wave passes the user review test, clocking in at 4.6/5 with almost 2,000 reviews. It doesn’t completely replace the web version of Wave, but it does allow you to keep an eye on your business finances wherever you are. The biggest complaints that users have to seem to be related to customer service, which is not unique to the app.
4. Zoho Books
If you’re looking for the peace of mind of an established, international company offering Mac-friendly accounting software and you’re trying to avoid QuickBooks for whatever reason, Zoho Books might be for you. Zoho has been releasing business software since 1996, and Zoho Books is specifically tailored for Mac users, as it is designed to work with iMessage, Apple Maps, Siri, and 3D Touch. It even has an app for the Apple Watch. Interested in software with comparable features? These Zoho Books alternatives are a good place to begin.
Pros:
- Zoho Books is one of the most user-friendly options out there. In fact, it placed fourth—better than any other option on this list—on our Top 20 Most User-Friendly accounting software report earlier this year.
- Starting at $9 per month, Zoho Books is one of the best values in accounting software this side of Wave, which is free. And unlike Wave, Zoho has almost universally praised customer service.
Cons:
- Zoho Books offers integrated payroll in California and Texas for now, but if you’re in any other state you’ll have to use a separate payroll app.
- Zoho Books is optimized for use with Zoho’s customer relationship management system, Zoho CRM, so if you’re already using a different CRM, it won’t work as efficiently.
What about the iOS app?
As mentioned above, the Zoho Books iOS app takes full advantage of iOS-specific features such as messaging and voice assistant, and users love it, giving it a 4.7/5 rating on almost 150 reviews. While some accounting software apps have minimal features, allowing you to basically just check balances and view transactions, Zoho Books allows you to create and send invoices, manage expenses, track time, view reports, and share numbers with your accountant.
5. FreeAgent
FreeAgent accounting software is based in the U.K. and originally designed for British businesses, but they also have versions customized for U.S. and global businesses, and the software has full multicurrency support. Like any good cloud-based software, FreeAgent works like a breeze on the Mac platform, and its iOS app is a fan favorite. Not convinced? If you are interested in products with comparable features, these FreeAgent alternatives could be what you are looking for.
Pros:
- Users are quite pleased with FreeAgent’s recurring invoice and receipt scanning features, which help take repetitive tasks out of small business accounting.
- Users also have good things to say about FreeAgent’s customer service, which is available by email or phone.
Cons:
- FreeAgent is designed for small businesses, so if you’re growing fast, you could outgrow it relatively quickly.
- FreeAgent is 50% off for your first six months, but after that it’s $24 per month, which is a little high compared to other options on this list.
What about the iOS app?
FreeAgent’s iOS app has an average rating of 4.7/5 on 20 reviews. It allows you to view your accounts, manage expenses by snapping pictures of receipts, create and send invoices, and track time.
6. Kashoo
Once you’ve stopped giggling about the name, you’ll see that Kashoo is a comprehensive accounting tool that is easy to use right from the start on any web-connected device, including Macs. One of Kashoo’s standout features is their customer support: You get free phone and web support with your subscription, which is much easier than standing in line at the Genius Bar. If you are looking for software solutions with similar features, these Kashoo alternatives are a great place to start.
Pros
- The free phone and web support is a real plus for those of us who like to have some expert guidance.
- Kashoo has a flat rate, so you get every feature in the basic plan.
Cons:
- Kashoo integrates with Square for payments and Paychex for payroll in the U.S. (and PaymentEvolution in Canada, where it’s based) but beyond that, it doesn’t have much to offer as far as customization.
- Some users have reported issues syncing multiple bank accounts with Kashoo, so it’s a good thing they have easily accessible customer support.
What about the iOS app?
Kashoo’s iOS app has a 4.3/5 rating on more than 50 reviews. It allows Kashoo users to view reports, manage and send invoices, accept payments, and scan receipts.
7. Sage 50cloud
Sage 50cloud Accounting is a robust small business accounting application with comprehensive financial tools and generous customization options. Its integration with Microsoft 365 makes it a hybrid solution: local, hard drive-based software that can share data with productivity applications via the cloud.
Pros:
- Exceptionally sophisticated feature set
- Great customizability
- In-depth contact and item records
- Noteworthy inventory management tools
- Good support options
- Microsoft 365 integration
Cons:
- Windows only and resource-heavy
- Some elements of UI look dated
- Lacks comprehensive mobile app
8. Xero
Accounting service Xero has very good tools for reconciling accounts, tracking project, and managing sales and purchase transactions. Recent improvements to its setup process and new business overviews solidify it as an excellent choice for small businesses.
Pros:
- Exceptional online support
- Improved security
- Critical business views
- Interactive quotes, Smart Lists
- Good project tracking
Cons:
- Lacks phone and chat help
- User interface could be more intuitive, navigable
Conclusion
As a Mac user, you may have luckily found that most accounting software for small businesses is compatible with Mac computers. However, not all accounting solutions are right for you. The best Mac accounting software should also be cost-effective and offer support to ease your stress.