Best Accounting Software for Self-Employed (2026)

Quick Picks

• Best Overall for Self-Employed: QuickBooks Online
• Best for Simple Invoicing: FreshBooks
• Best for Growing Sole Traders: Xero
• Best Budget Option: Zoho Books

View QuickBooks on Official Site → View FreshBooks on Official Site → View Xero on Official Site → View Zoho Books on Official Site →

How We Choose These Tools

• Ease of use for non-accountants
• Income, expenses, and tax tracking
• Value for solo professionals
• Long-term reliability

How to Choose (Fast)

• Very simple needs: prioritize ease of invoicing.
• Tax preparation: prioritize reporting and categorisation.
• Planning to grow: prioritize scalability.
• Low budget: prioritize core bookkeeping.

1) QuickBooks Online — Best Overall

Best for: self-employed professionals who want full accounting.

• Strong reporting and tax readiness
• Widely supported by accountants
• Scales as your business grows
• Downside: more features than some need

Check QuickBooks pricing →

2) FreshBooks — Best for Simple Invoicing

Best for: self-employed people billing clients.

• Very easy invoicing
• Expense tracking
• Minimal setup
• Downside: limited advanced reporting

Try FreshBooks →

3) Xero — Best for Growth

Best for: sole traders planning to expand.

• Clean dashboards
• Strong bank reconciliation
• Multi-user support
• Downside: steeper learning curve

Try Xero →

4) Zoho Books — Best Budget Option

Best for: self-employed on tight budgets.

• Great value
• Automation features
• Zoho ecosystem
• Downside: setup time

Try Zoho Books →

Related Guides

• Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses
• Best Accounting Software for Freelancers

FAQ

Do self-employed people need accounting software?

Yes. It helps manage income, expenses, and taxes efficiently.

Can I change tools later?

Yes. Many self-employed professionals switch as their business grows.