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Is QuickBooks Worth It in 2026? Our Honest Verdict
Recommended
QuickBooks: QuickBooks is the safe choice for small business accounting.
Rating★ 4.2/5
Starting price$20/mo (Solopreneur)
Best forUS small businesses wanting the most wid
CategoryAccounting & Finance
Who QuickBooks Is Worth It For
- ✓US small businesses wanting the most widely supported accounting software.
- ✓Most widely supported accounting software — every accountant knows it
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering invoicing through tax prep
- ✓Massive integration ecosystem
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- ✕Not ideal for budget-conscious solopreneurs — wave is free and sufficient for basic needs.
- ✕Pricing has increased significantly over the years
- ✕Interface can feel cluttered and dated
- ✕Per-user limitations on lower tiers are restrictive
Is QuickBooks Pricing Fair?
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | 30-day free trial |
| Starter | $20/mo (Solopreneur) |
| Pro | $75/mo (Essentials) |
| Enterprise | $275/mo (Advanced) |
Pricing verified March 2026.
How QuickBooks Compares
| QuickBooks | Ramp | Stripe | Mercury | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $20/mo (Solopreneur) | Free | 2.9% + $0.30/txn (Standard) | Free |
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.5 |
| Verdict | Recommended | Best Corporate Card | Recommended | Recommended |
AICores Verdict on QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the safe choice for small business accounting. Every accountant knows it, every integration supports it, and the feature set is comprehensive. But the price increases have made it expensive for what it offers. Evaluate Wave (free) and FreshBooks (simpler) before committing.
AICores Editorial Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks worth the money?▼
QuickBooks is the safe choice for small business accounting. Every accountant knows it, every integration supports it, and the feature set is comprehensive. But the price increases have made it expensive for what it offers.
Is there a free version of QuickBooks?▼
Yes, QuickBooks offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $20/mo (Solopreneur) and include additional features and capacity.
What are the best alternatives to QuickBooks?▼
Ramp, Stripe, Mercury are the top alternatives. Ramp is best for startups and mid-market companies wanting modern spend management and has a 4.8 star rating.
Who should NOT use QuickBooks?▼
QuickBooks is not ideal for budget-conscious solopreneurs — wave is free and sufficient for basic needs.. Common drawbacks include: Pricing has increased significantly over the years. Interface can feel cluttered and dated.
Compare QuickBooks head-to-head
See how QuickBooks stacks up against the top alternatives.
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