Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

When it comes to managing finances for your small business, choosing the right accounting software is extremely important. Two of the most popular options available today are Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online. In this article, we’ll be comparing the key features, pricing, user interface, integration options, mobile apps, customer support, and security of these two accounting software platforms. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you should have a clear understanding of which platform is the right fit for your business needs.

Introduction to Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online

Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online are two of the most popular cloud-based accounting software platforms on the market today. Both offer a wide range of features designed to make accounting easy for small businesses, from invoicing and billing to financial reporting and bank reconciliation. Zoho Books was launched in 2011 and is part of the wider suite of Zoho products. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, has been around since 2001 and is a product offered by Intuit Inc., a large software company with a wide range of products for small businesses.

One of the key differences between Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online is their pricing models. Zoho Books offers a more affordable pricing structure, with plans starting at just $9 per month. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, has a more complex pricing structure, with plans ranging from $25 to $150 per month depending on the features and number of users required.

Another important factor to consider when choosing between Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online is their user interfaces. Zoho Books has a more modern and intuitive interface, with a clean design and easy-to-use navigation. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, has a more traditional interface that may be more familiar to users who have used desktop accounting software in the past.

Features Comparison: Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

The features offered by Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online are broadly similar, but there are some differences. Zoho Books offers features such as inventory management, project management, and purchase order creation in addition to standard accounting features. QuickBooks Online offers features such as time tracking, 1099 employees and contractors management, and tax return preparation, which might be particularly useful for US-based small businesses.

Both software platforms offer a wide range of integrations and add-ons, and Zoho Books offers a wider range of time-saving automations. QuickBooks Online has a very large ecosystem of third-party integrations, however, which gives it an advantage in terms of flexibility and versatility.

It is important to note that Zoho Books offers a more affordable pricing structure compared to QuickBooks Online, making it a more attractive option for small businesses on a budget. Additionally, Zoho Books offers a mobile app that allows users to manage their finances on-the-go, while QuickBooks Online’s mobile app has limited functionality.

Pricing Comparison: Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

Pricing is a key factor for most small business owners. Zoho Books offers three pricing tiers: Basic, Standard, and Professional. The Basic plan starts at $9 per month for one user, with added users costing an additional $2 per month. The Professional plan costs $29 per month for up to 10 users.

QuickBooks Online offers four plans: Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, and Advanced. The Simple Start plan costs $25 per month and supports one user. The Advanced plan costs $150 per month and supports up to 25 users. However, discounts are often available, and both platforms frequently offer deals and promotions to new customers.

It’s important to note that while pricing is a significant consideration, it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing an accounting software. Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online offer different features and integrations that may be more or less important to your business. For example, Zoho Books integrates with Zoho CRM, while QuickBooks Online integrates with a wide range of third-party apps. It’s essential to evaluate your business needs and priorities before making a decision.

User Interface Comparison: Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

The user interface is another important aspect to consider. Zoho Books has a clean, modern interface that is easy to navigate. The main dashboard displays key financial metrics, and the menu is organized by module: banking, sales, expenses, and reports. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, has been criticized for being somewhat cluttered and unintuitive. That being said, the platform does offer more customization options for reports and invoices than Zoho Books.

Another notable difference between the two platforms is the level of automation in their user interfaces. Zoho Books has a more streamlined approach, with automated workflows for tasks such as invoicing and payment reminders. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, offers more manual control over these processes, which can be beneficial for businesses with more complex invoicing needs. Ultimately, the choice between Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online will depend on the specific needs and preferences of each individual business.

Integration Comparison: Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

Both Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online offer a wide range of integrations and add-ons. Zoho Books integrates with a range of popular payment gateways and supports integrations with over 40 apps. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, integrates with more than 600 third-party apps, including popular tools like Shopify, Square, and PayPal.

It’s important to note that while QuickBooks Online offers a larger number of integrations, Zoho Books offers more customization options for its integrations. Zoho Books allows users to create custom integrations using its API, which can be useful for businesses with unique needs. Additionally, Zoho Books offers built-in integrations with other Zoho apps, such as Zoho CRM and Zoho Inventory, which can streamline workflows and improve efficiency for businesses using multiple Zoho products.

Mobile App Comparison: Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

Mobile apps have become increasingly important for business owners who need to manage their finances on the go. Zoho Books offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that allows you to create invoices, accept payments, and manage expenses from your mobile device. QuickBooks Online also offers a mobile app, which allows you to view customer information, create invoices, and track expenses.

However, there are some differences between the two apps. Zoho Books’ mobile app has a more user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate and use. It also offers more customization options, allowing you to tailor the app to your specific business needs. On the other hand, QuickBooks Online’s mobile app has a more robust feature set, with more advanced reporting and inventory management capabilities.

Another important factor to consider is pricing. Zoho Books offers a more affordable pricing plan for its mobile app, with a starting price of $9 per month. QuickBooks Online’s mobile app is included in its more expensive pricing plans, which start at $25 per month. However, QuickBooks Online does offer a 30-day free trial, allowing you to test out the app before committing to a plan.

Customer Support: Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

Customer support is an important factor to consider when choosing accounting software. Zoho Books offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat. QuickBooks Online offers support via phone, email, and chat as well, and users also have the option to schedule a call back. QuickBooks Online also offers an extensive help center with articles, videos, and webinars.

It is worth noting that Zoho Books offers a 24/7 customer support service, which can be particularly helpful for businesses that operate outside of regular business hours. Additionally, Zoho Books provides a dedicated account manager for their customers, who can assist with any questions or concerns. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, offers a ProAdvisor program, where users can connect with certified QuickBooks experts for personalized support and guidance.

Security and Data Backup: Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

Security is a major concern when it comes to financial data. Zoho Books uses SSL encryption to protect data in transit and data is stored in secure servers with regular security audits. QuickBooks Online uses similar security measures to protect data, including SSL encryption and secure servers. Both platforms offer regular data backups to prevent data loss.

However, Zoho Books takes an extra step in ensuring data security by providing two-factor authentication for all users. This means that in addition to a password, users must also provide a unique code sent to their mobile device or email to access their account. QuickBooks Online does not currently offer two-factor authentication, which may be a concern for some users.

Pros and Cons of Using Zoho Books

Zoho Books is a great option for businesses that need project management and inventory management in addition to accounting features. It is also affordable, with flexible pricing options that cater to small businesses. However, it does have some limitations when it comes to integration options and customization.

One of the major advantages of Zoho Books is its user-friendly interface. The software is easy to navigate and understand, even for those who are not familiar with accounting software. Additionally, Zoho Books offers a mobile app that allows users to manage their finances on-the-go, making it a convenient option for busy business owners.

On the other hand, Zoho Books may not be the best option for businesses that require advanced reporting features. While it does offer basic reporting capabilities, it may not be sufficient for businesses with complex financial needs. Additionally, some users have reported issues with customer support, which can be frustrating for those who need assistance with the software.

Pros and Cons of Using QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online has a very large ecosystem of third-party apps and integrations, which gives it a high level of flexibility and versatility. It also offers more customization options than Zoho Books. However, it can be more expensive than Zoho Books and the user interface can be cluttered and hard to navigate.

Which Accounting Software is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the right accounting software depends on your business needs, budget, and preferences. Zoho Books is a good option for businesses that need project management and comprehensive billing features at an affordable price. QuickBooks Online is a better option for businesses that need more customization options and a wider range of integrations. It is also a great choice for US-based businesses that need specific tax features.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online

Both Zoho Books and QuickBooks Online offer a wide range of features designed to make accounting easy for small businesses. The key differences lie in pricing, integration options, customization, and user interface. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your business needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you should be able to make an informed decision and choose the accounting software that is right for your business.