Comparison
Zoho Books vs QuickBooks Online for US small businesses
By Harikrishnan, Founder & Chief Zoho Consultant, Flowpeak · 10+ years in Zoho · Published · Last updated
QuickBooks Online is the default for many US accountants and has a huge add-on ecosystem. Zoho Books usually costs less, connects natively to Zoho CRM, Inventory and Creator, and suits businesses that want one platform. Payroll stays in a payroll provider such as Gusto for most Zoho Books users. Ask your accountant before switching.
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QuickBooks Online is what most US bookkeepers know. Zoho Books is the challenger many growing companies consider when they add Zoho CRM or want to cut subscription costs. Here is how they compare for a typical US small business.
Side by side
| Zoho Books | QuickBooks Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually lower per organisation | Usually higher, with add-ons on top |
| Sales tax | State rates; Avalara integration available | Automated sales tax built in |
| Payroll | Usually via Gusto or another provider | QuickBooks Payroll available |
| Inventory | Basic in Books; full in Zoho Inventory | Inventory on higher plans |
| CRM link | Native with Zoho CRM | Through integrations |
| Accountant familiarity | Growing | Very high in the US |
| App ecosystem | Zoho apps plus integrations | Very large marketplace |
Check both vendors' official pages for current plans and prices.
Choose Zoho Books when
- You use or plan to use Zoho CRM, Inventory or Creator
- You want lower subscription costs
- You want invoices and payments linked to deals automatically
- Your accountant is comfortable with Zoho Books or cloud tools generally
Stay with QuickBooks when
- Your accountant or bookkeeper works only in QuickBooks
- You rely on QuickBooks Payroll or industry add-ons
- You have years of complex history and no strong reason to change
A middle path
Keep QuickBooks for accounting and connect it to Zoho CRM. Our QuickBooks and Zoho CRM integration starts from USD 380, so quotes and invoices flow without double entry.
Switching cost
A QuickBooks to Zoho Books migration with Flowpeak starts from USD 590 and takes two to four weeks, moving the chart of accounts, contacts, items, opening balances and open invoices and bills. See our QuickBooks to Zoho Books guide.
Want help putting this into practice? Flowpeak works as a Zoho partner for companies in the USA, delivering remotely from Chennai. Book a free call to talk through your setup.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Zoho Books cheaper than QuickBooks Online?
Usually, plan for plan. Compare current prices on both official pages.
Does Zoho Books handle US sales tax?
Yes. You can set state rates and connect Avalara for automated rates.
Can Zoho Books run payroll in the US?
Most US Zoho Books users run payroll through Gusto or another provider and post journals to Zoho Books.
Will my accountant work with Zoho Books?
Many will. Ask early; you can give them a user login.
Can I connect QuickBooks to Zoho CRM instead?
Yes, from USD 380 with Flowpeak.
How much does migrating from QuickBooks cost?
From USD 590 with Flowpeak.
Can Zoho Books take card payments?
Yes, through Stripe, PayPal and other gateways.
Does Zoho Books support 1099 vendors?
Yes. Vendors can be flagged for 1099 reporting.
Related
- Zoho Books vs QuickBooks feature comparison
- QuickBooks to Zoho Books migration
- QuickBooks + Zoho CRM integration
- US sales tax in Zoho Books