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LessAccounting vs Xero

Monday, May 19th

2025 Accounting Software Program Reviews

LessAccounting Review 5 Star Rating

LessAccounting

5 Star Rating
  • $24/month for self-service plan
  • $150-$250/month for full-service plan
  • Full-service plan costs are based on your business expenses
  • Personal accountant handles your data
  • Cloud-based
  • 30-day free trial
  • Mobile app
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

LessAccounting has been offering accounting software since 2011. They focus on providing simplified accounting solutions for freelancers and small businesses. The plans range from a self-service option priced at $24/month to full-service plans where costs depend on your business' expenditures. The standout feature of their full-service plan is the inclusion of a personal Certified Public Accountant to handle your finances. They'll also get you caught up on past years of transactions in just a matter of weeks. LessAccounting earns our highest 5-star rating.

Xero Review 3.5 Star Rating

Xero

3.5 Star Rating
  • 3 plans priced between $15-$78/month
  • Cloud-based
  • Mobile app
  • 30-day free trial
  • Quick customer service

Xero is cloud-based accounting software for small to medium-sized businesses with a subscription model offering three plans priced between $15-$78/month. The software has a broad range of features, including bill payment, inventory management, and the ability to integrate with numerous apps like HubSpot and DocuSign. While Xero has received some criticism for frequent price hikes and has a somewhat inexplicable "F” rating from the Better Business Bureau, it has thousands of glowing reviews and is often recommended as an alternative to competitors, particularly praised for its exceptional customer support. The platform has a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for small business owners without extensive accounting knowledge. Overall, Xero's strengths outweigh its drawbacks.

Where Can You Find the Best Small Business Accounting Software?

Navigating the small business accounting software offerings available today can feel like venturing into a maze - but don't worry, you're about to get a map. Accounting software options serve as the backbone of a small business, helping you manage every cent that comes in or goes out. And yes, we're talking about more than just a glorified calculator or a digital ledger.

From generating, sending, and tracking invoices to managing your payroll and preparing you for tax season, modern accounting software is your financial Swiss Army knife. These platforms often go beyond the basics to offer real-time expense tracking by linking directly to your bank accounts or enabling you to snap pictures of your receipts with a mobile app.

The Best Accounting Software Programs Compare Accounting Software Programs Compare Accounting Software Program Reviews What are the best Accounting Software Programs Best Accounting Software Program Reviews

Accounting Software Program FAQ

Accounting software is a computer program that helps record a company's financial transactions. This includes accounts payable, bookkeeping, payroll, inventory, reconciliations, time sheets, and much more.
No, in fact many account software companies have made their product specifically for small businesses who don't have an in-house accountant and need to be able to manage their finances on the platform without prior knowledge of how it all works. Of course, it is helpful to have an accounting background, but it is not at all necessary.
Most accounting software companies give you the option to pay month-to-month or a lump sum each year. When you pay yearly, you usually end up paying less than you would monthly. You can typically expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 yearly for an accounting software built for small businesses. The number of users, features, and integrations are what make the biggest difference between what different companies charge.
It is highly recommended! Keeping all of your financial information backed up on a software platform that calculates taxes, payroll, does invoicing, monitors sales, and more, is a safe thing to do because it helps eliminate human error that can easily happen when dealing with so many details. Making a mistake with your accounting can be very costly to a business, so using accounting software is becoming the standard.
Nearly all accounting software companies allow you to try their product for 30 days without charge. This is a great way to test out their platform and make sure they have all the features your company needs.
If you're using accounting software that gets a big update, it's usually included in the cost you are already paying. If they add options for additional features, this may come with a separate price, but either way you don't have to worry about doing updates yourself.
It may take a bit of time to get used to all of the functions offered by your accounting software. The companies that create accounting software for small businesses work hard to make sure their platform is intuitive and easy to learn. If you have questions, it is a great idea to contact their customer service team for help.
Yes! Some companies are able to give you customized features and integrations that work for your particular industry. To do this, you'll work directly with the accounting software company to build out a platform that caters to your needs. The cost for this will be determined by the complexity of your software package.
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The best part? You don't need to be an accounting whiz to use them. User-friendly interfaces, complete with dashboards and drag-and-drop features, make these software solutions accessible even for novices. But don't let the simplicity fool you; these platforms are capable of in-depth financial analysis and reporting, arming you with insights into your cashflow, profitability, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).

One of the primary drivers behind the popularity of small business accounting software is its ability to streamline complex financial tasks. Traditionally, small business owners grappled with intricate spreadsheets and manual calculations, leading to errors and inefficiencies. Accounting software automates these processes, reducing the likelihood of errors and saving everyone's time. This efficiency boost is particularly crucial for small businesses, where every minute counts towards keeping and growing the business.

The scalability of accounting software has also played a pivotal role in its popularity. Small businesses are dynamic entities. They can experience dramatic fluctuations in transactions, clients, and revenue streams. Accounting software adapts to these changes seamlessly, accommodating the evolving needs of the business. This scalability ensures that the software remains a valuable asset as the business changes.

Of course, not all small business accounting software is created equal. Some are designed to grow with your business, offering modular features like inventory management or e-commerce integrations that you can add on as needed. For some users, this might end up being overwhelming. If you just need something to track your cashflow, look for a platform with fewer features and an appealing interface. And then there's the question of how well the software plays with others - look for platforms that integrate seamlessly with other business tools, from your CRM to your email marketing software.

Price-wise, there's something for everyone: from free versions with limited capabilities to premium ones that offer the full financial suite. You can even choose between cloud-based platforms that promise remote accessibility and automatic updates, and on-premises solutions for those with specialized needs or higher security requirements.

Here are some things to look for when choosing your small business accounting software solution:

  • Usability. Is the user interface intuitive even for those with limited accounting knowledge? Many modern solutions offer drag-and-drop features, dashboards, and quick-access menus to facilitate easy navigation.
  • Integration. Can the software be integrated with other business software like CRM, e-commerce platforms, or email marketing tools? Integration can create a seamless ecosystem where data flows freely, reducing manual data entry and the possibility of errors.
  • Security. Are there security features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular backups? Given the sensitive nature of financial data, security is a critical aspect.
  • Cost. Prices can vary widely, from free versions with limited features to comprehensive solutions that come at a premium. When comparing costs, look for extra charges for adding more users or for integrating payroll capabilities.

As you sift through the ocean of options, keep these features and considerations in mind. You're not just choosing software; you're choosing a financial partner for your business. Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed the best small business accounting software solutions to help you make this choice.

The Best Reviews of Accounting Software Programs