Best Accounting with Payroll (2026)

Accounting platforms with built-in payroll. Pay employees and manage books in one place.

#1

QuickBooks Online

Smart money management for small businesses

8.4/10
Great

QuickBooks Online by Intuit is the most popular small business accounting software worldwide. Offers invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation, payroll, and over 750 integrations. Known for its accountant-friendly ecosystem.

Simple Start: $30/moEssentials: $60/moPlus: $90/moAdvanced: $200/mo
#2

Xero

Beautiful business and accounting software

8.3/10
Great

Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Offers unlimited users on all plans, strong bank reconciliation, and over 1,000 integrations via its app marketplace.

Starter: $29/moStandard: $46/moPremium: $62/mo
#3

Sage Accounting

Accounting and financial management made easy

7.2/10
Good

Sage Accounting (formerly Sage One / Sage Business Cloud Accounting) is a cloud accounting solution from the established Sage Group. Strong in compliance, VAT management, and suited to UK/international businesses.

Start: $14/moStandard: $30/moPlus: $42/mo
#4

FreeAgent

Accounting software for small businesses and freelancers

7.4/10
Good

FreeAgent is a UK-focused accounting platform popular with freelancers and micro-businesses. Owned by NatWest Group, offering free access to NatWest/RBS customers. Strong on UK tax compliance and Making Tax Digital.

NatWest/RBS Free: FreeFull: $34/mo
#5

Zoho Books

Online accounting software for growing businesses

8/10
Great

Zoho Books is part of the Zoho ecosystem offering comprehensive accounting with invoicing, expense tracking, inventory, and project accounting. Competitive pricing and deep integration with 45+ Zoho apps.

Free: FreeStandard: $15/moProfessional: $40/moPremium: $60/moElite: $120/mo