QuickBooks is another major player in the accounting space and is widely used across the UK. How does it compare to competitors, and which version is right for your business?
Available Versions
- QuickBooks Self-Employed — £8 per month — designed for sole traders, contractors, and freelancers. Tracks income and expenses, calculates tax liabilities, and supports simple invoicing.
- QuickBooks Online Essentials — £14 per month — unlimited invoicing, VAT management, and basic financial reporting.
- QuickBooks Online Plus — £24 per month — adds inventory tracking, project profitability tools, and multi-currency handling.
- QuickBooks Advanced — £42 per month — custom reporting, priority support, and bulk transaction processing.
Standout Features
- Invoicing: Customisable templates, delivery tracking, and online payment acceptance.
- Cash Flow Tools: Real-time visibility of money coming in and going out, with forecasting functions.
- Tax Management: Built-in estimates for what you owe HMRC and Making Tax Digital compliance.
- Receipt Capture: Mobile app scanning that matches receipts to transactions automatically.
- Integrations: Works with most major UK banks, payment processors, and online stores.
Ideal Users
- Self-Employed: The cheapest and most straightforward option for solo workers.
- Small Limited Companies: Essentials or Plus plans offer strong value and functionality.
- Growing Businesses: The Advanced plan includes tools suitable for scaling operations.
Downsides
The interface is functional but can feel cluttered compared to modern alternatives. Key features such as payroll are often sold as separate add-ons.
Final Verdict
QuickBooks is a trusted and affordable solution. For sole traders, the Self-Employed plan offers unbeatable value. For companies, it is a solid alternative to Xero with different pricing tiers to match your budget.
Visit QuickBooks here:
https://quickbooks.intuit.com/uk/