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The 5 Best Accounting Software Choices for E-commerce Businesses: Our Top Picks for 2025

Mike Berner
Written by: Mike Berner, Senior AnalystUpdated Oct 30, 2025
Adam Uzialko,Senior Editor
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.
Xero Accounting Software
Best for Growing E-commerce Businesses
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Links to Xero Accounting Software
  • Starts at $20 per month
  • No fees additional users
  • More than 1,000 integrations
Intuit QuickBooks Online
Best for Accountants and Bookkeepers
Quickbooks logo
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Links to Intuit QuickBooks Online
  • User-friendly interface
  • Live accounting help
  • Over 750 integrations
FreshBooks Accounting
Best for Online Invoicing
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  • Easy to create and customize invoices
  • Track time and add it to invoices
  • Ability to set up late payment reminders
Sage 50 Accounting
Best for Custom Solutions
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  • Open API
  • Monthly and yearly plans
  • 24/7 support
ZarMoney
Best for Inventory Management
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  • Inventory management tools
  • Simple pricing plans
  • Superior reporting tools
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business.com’s team of experts regularly test, evaluate and compare business solutions to identify the best software and services across industries. These independent investigations involve extensive research, hands-on testing and head-to-head product comparisons. Every review is checked by a top editor to guarantee quality, fairness and accuracy.

In determining the best accounting software for ecommerce businesses, we looked for platforms that could seamlessly integrate with popular online sales channels, marketplaces and payment processors. We tried a number of systems to gauge their inventory tracking capabilities, multi-channel sales reconciliation and automated order syncing features. We favored vendors that offered real-time financial reporting, robust tax calculation tools for multi-state sales and strong integration ecosystems tailored to online retailers. Learn more about our methodology and editorial process.

Accounting software is indispensable for any small business, especially if it has a large e-commerce presence. Accounting platforms present enormous benefits for e-commerce sellers, including inventory management tools and online invoicing for service-based e-commerce businesses. Accounting software also helps e-commerce sellers comply with tax regulations, which are often complicated when many online businesses sell to customers all around the country and the world.

To assist you in identifying the right accounting software service for your e-commerce business, we examined dozens of options. Our top selections are determined by factors that are important to e-commerce businesses, including third-party integrations, price, invoicing capabilities and inventory management.

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Our Top Picks for 2025
Xero Accounting Software
Intuit QuickBooks Online
FreshBooks Accounting
Sage 50 Accounting
ZarMoney
Rating (Out of 10)9.19.49.18.18.1
Best use case

Growing e-commerce businesses

Accountants and bookkeepers

Online invoicing

Custom solutions

Inventory management

Mobile app

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Starting price

$20 per month

$35 per month

$19 per month ($228 annually)

$668 per year

$15 per month

Third-party integrations

1,000+

750+

100+

140+ and open API

6

Unlimited users

Yes

No

No

No

No

Monthly invoice limit

Yes (20 on entry-level plan)

No

Yes (unlimited up to 5 clients on entry-level plan)

Phone and online community

No

Customer service

Email, live chat and phone call available upon request

Phone and live chat

Phone, email and live chat

Phone, email and live chat

Phone, email and live chat

Review Link
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Our Reviews

Editor's Rating: 9.1/10
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Links to Xero Accounting Software

Growing businesses often need to add more users to their invoice system, and many platforms charge an additional fee. That’s not the case with Xero, which we found especially useful for small businesses with near-term ambitions to scale up their team.

Xero is also user-friendly, with easily navigable tools and simple data visualizations. For example, Xero’s dashboard displays cash flow using charts that can be understood at a glance. We like that Xero eschews confusing accounting terminology, instead opting for simpler language, like “invoices owed” and “bills you need to pay.” This allows business owners to focus on growing their company rather than on learning accounting terms.

Entrepreneurs will also appreciate that Xero integrates with more than 1,000 business apps. The ability to sync with other e-commerce tools is crucial for online businesses.

Xero’s plans are based on business size and range from $20 per month for the Early tier to $80 per month for the Established plan.

PlanCostFeatures
Early$20 per monthSend quotes and up to 20 invoices, enter up to five bills, reconcile bank transactions, capture bills and receipts and get a snapshot of your short-term cash flow
Growing$47 per monthEverything in the Early plan, plus bulk transaction reconciliation.
Established$80 per monthEverything in the Growing plan, plus multiple currencies, track projects, claim expenses and access in-depth analytics
  • Xero doesn’t charge for additional users, making it an ideal choice for businesses that are growing rapidly and adding staff.
  • The software is designed for easy interpretation of financial results and for users who are unfamiliar with accounting concepts.
  • Xero’s entry-level plans impose monthly limits on the number of invoices you can send.
  • There is no customer service phone number. If you prefer talking over the phone, you can request that they call you.
Quickbooks logo
Editor's Rating: 9.4/10
Visit Site
Links to Intuit QuickBooks Online

An e-commerce business with complex accounting needs will likely need a professional accountant or bookkeeper. QuickBooks stands out from the pack as the leading brand name in small business accounting software for over two decades, meaning most accounting professionals are already familiar with the user interface. The widespread adoption rate makes it easier for remote e-commerce teams to communicate easily with outside bookkeepers or accountants.

When you peek under the hood, it’s easy to see why QuickBooks commands a massive market share. The entry-level Simple Start plan includes some features that even higher-priced competitors don’t offer, such as payment acceptance, expense tracking and cash flow management tools. We think online store owners will also appreciate the integrations with over 750 third-party business apps, including Amazon Business, Square, Shopify, PayPal, QuickBooks Time, Gusto and SOS Inventory. We also like that QuickBooks’ industry-leading mobile app can snap pictures of receipts and sync these expenses with your data.

Another advantage of QuickBooks is the variety of subscription plans. The company offers four levels, ranging from $35 per month for the Simple Start plan to $235 per month for the Advanced plan.

  • Most accountants and bookkeepers are already familiar with QuickBooks.
  • QuickBooks can connect you with a live bookkeeper or accountant.
  • The basic Simple Start plan doesn’t allow upgrades.
  • Each plan limits the number of users, with the Advanced plan only allowing 25 users.
Editor's Rating: 9.1/10

We found that FreshBooks outclasses its competitors in its invoicing capabilities. Although e-commerce businesses that sell physical products usually don’t need to send invoices, service-based e-commerce firms will certainly need this feature. We like FreshBooks for invoicing because it allows you to convert quotes and tracked time directly into invoices on your smartphone, which you can then send to customers for on-the-spot payment.

We found it easier and more intuitive to create invoices in FreshBooks than in the competing software we reviewed. FreshBooks provides tools for you to customize the look and feel of your invoice so that every message matches your branding. During our testing, we found FreshBooks’ invoice alerts and customer reminders particularly useful. The software tracks when customers receive and view your invoices and enables them to pay online, thus ensuring you get paid on time.

You can also use FreshBooks to track sales taxes collected and paid for during a specific period, such as quarterly or annually. This streamlines the process of filing sales tax forms and managing payments.

E-commerce business owners will like that FreshBooks integrates with more than 100 third-party business apps. Paid plans range from $19 per month for the entry-level Lite version to $60 per month for the Premium tier. FreshBooks also offers custom plans for large enterprise customers.

  • FreshBooks allows you to customize invoices with your company’s branding.
  • Time tracking and credit cards can be linked to the software to streamline A/R and A/P tasks.
  • FreshBooks offers a powerful mobile app for accounting and invoicing.
  • There is a charge for each additional user, making it costly for multiple users.
  • You can’t track inventory and cost of goods sold with FreshBooks.
  • Doesn’t allow you to record purchase orders or provide a vendor portal.
Editor's Rating: 8.1/10

Many e-commerce businesses find that a cookie-cutter solution just doesn’t cut it. Enter Sage and its open API, which allows software developers to create custom integrations and solutions. During our research, we found Sage’s active developer and user forum to be incredibly helpful for making the most of Sage’s capabilities. We particularly appreciated that Sage allows developers to build apps after they register for a Sage developer account.

Other useful features for e-commerce businesses include Sage’s invoicing capabilities, cash-flow-forecasting tools and Stripe integration for easy invoice payment. Sage also offers 24/7 support, and the software integrates with apps such as AutoEntry, Avalara and Credit Hound.

  • Sage features an open API, allowing developers to build custom integrations.
  • The entry-level plan stands out for its Inventory management and reporting features.
  • You can grant access for up to 40 users with Sage’s highest plan.
  • The only way to accept invoice payments is through integration with Stripe.
  • Sage is pricier than other software.
  • Workflow management is only available on the most expensive plan.
Editor's Rating: 8.1/10

Effective inventory management is one of the most important tasks for an e-commerce business that sells physical products. We found that ZarMoney punches above its weight in terms of inventory features, with the ability to manage products at multiple locations, easily transfer inventory and assign barcodes.

ZarMoney’s accounts receivable analysis for inventory management is also top-notch. Indeed, we found that ZarMoney outdoes competitors such as QuickBooks in report generation. ZarMoney includes 40 pre-made reports, including profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets and general ledger reports. Over 1,000 customization options provide access to virtually unlimited reporting capabilities.

ZarMoney’s pricing is straightforward. It includes three flat-rate plans ranging from $15 per month for the Entrepreneur plan to $350+ per month for the Enterprise plan.

  • ZarMoney offers inventory management features that are typically reserved for enterprise resource planning or dedicated inventory management software.
  • The pricing structure is easy to understand and doesn’t charge separately for features.
  • ZarMoney lacks a mobile app for on-the-go accounting.

Costs of E-commerce Accounting Software

One benefit of commercial accounting software is its affordability. Entry-level plans for our recommended providers on this list range from $10 to $20 per month. At the high end, monthly plans may cost $300 or more per month. Customized pricing is often available for large enterprise customers. Some companies, such as Wave, also provide basic accounting software for free.

TipBottom line
Keep an eye out for introductory discounts, which often reach 50% for the first few months of your subscription.

Some accounting software providers charge for additional users beyond a set limit, which is an important point to keep in mind if many employees need access. A few vendors also offer bundles or add-ons, including timekeeping and payroll, for an additional monthly fee.

Today, most accounting software companies have shifted entirely from desktop-based software to a software-as-a-service model hosted in the cloud, in which users pay monthly on a subscription basis.

Features of E-commerce Accounting Software

Choosing accounting software with the right features for an e-commerce operation will help your business’s finances. Here are some features you should look for in accounting software for e-commerce.

Bank Reconciliation

Bank reconciliation is the process of comparing your business’s books against your bank records. When done manually, this is a tedious and time-consuming process. However, many accounting software providers now provide tools that can quickly and accurately match your bank statements with invoices, bills, purchase orders, expenses and other transactions recorded in your business’s books.

Online Invoicing

Accounting software often includes invoice-creation features. For service-based ecommerce businesses, the ability to email a quote or invoice makes it easier to get paid. Leading providers, such as FreshBooks, also track when customers receive and view your requests for payment. Customization tools can be used to build professional-looking invoices that match your e-commerce business’s brand, which is important for appearing legitimate in the eyes of online consumers.

Did You Know?Did you know
You are more likely to get paid on time when you send a professional-looking invoice.

Recurring Invoices

A subscription-based e-commerce business will appreciate the ability to send invoices at regular intervals. Many accounting software providers include recurring invoices on higher-tier plans.

Financial Reports

The data captured by accounting software can be used to generate a variety of financial accounting reports that provide insight into how your e-commerce business is performing. These include general ledger reports, profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, receivables and inventory analysis, and more.

Inventory Management

E-commerce businesses that sell physical products often keep inventory off-site, which makes proper inventory management especially crucial. A few leading accounting software services also provide tools for tracking inventory, creating purchase orders and more.

Time Tracking

Many accounting software providers provide tools for tracking time spent on projects. These tools, which are offered either as part of their accounting services or as stand-alone products, are useful for service-based e-commerce businesses, allowing them to convert billable hours into an invoice for payment.

FYIDid you know
Time tracking is also useful for creating accurate price quotes for future projects.

Payment Reminders

Service-based e-commerce businesses that send frequent invoices may find that not all customers pay on time. Accounting software allows you to set automated payment reminders so you don’t have to chase down customers.

Bank Feed

Accounting software often integrates with your bank account so that all transactions from your financial institution sync with your general ledger.

Choosing E-commerce Accounting Software

The best accounting software for your e-commerce business depends on the specific features you’re seeking and whether your business is product- or service-based. Here are three basic steps to take when you’re evaluating accounting software.

1. Conduct market research.

Start by exploring the products currently on the market. Online guides (such as this one) can help you analyze and compare various options. Additionally, check user reviews and customer feedback on third-party review platforms and the Better Business Bureau website to get a well-rounded understanding.

2. Contact vendors for demos.

After completing your initial research and narrowing down your options to a select few companies, contact each one to request a product demo. Additionally, sign up for any available free trials to evaluate the software. Make sure the setup process for the accounting software is user-friendly.

3. Evaluate pricing.

Pricing for commercial accounting software is often straightforward. More expensive tiers include more features, so make sure you know what your business needs before you choose. Inquire about any package deals. Companies like Intuit bundle their accounting services with other business software, so taking advantage of these deals could save you some money.

Advantages of Accounting Software for E-commerce

Tracking your e-commerce sales in a spreadsheet doesn’t cut it once you enter the big leagues. Properly managing your business’s finances according to accounting standards is good not only for profits but also for staying in compliance come tax time. Here are some of the major benefits of using accounting software for e-commerce.

  • Reduces errors: Accounting and bookkeeping errors are caused predominantly by human error. Common mistakes, including spreadsheet errors and inaccurate manual entries, are often cited by accounting professionals as a source of financial headache. Accounting software reduces reliance on manual spreadsheet inputs by directly extracting data from third-party business apps and bank records.
  • Improves financial security: Embezzlement still plagues businesses that don’t maintain adequate internal controls. Guidelines and processes set by a company are designed to uphold the integrity of accounting and bookkeeping procedures. Utilizing accounting software enhances the effectiveness of these measures, aiding in the prevention and detection of employee fraud.
  • Stores data safely: One benefit of cloud-based software is that all of your data is stored safely in the cloud, rather than on a physical device or paper ledger that can be stolen or damaged.
  • Helps with tax preparation: E-commerce businesses often sell to customers around the globe. State sales tax, VAT and import duties are just a few of the taxes that e-commerce sellers must pay. Accounting software comes to the rescue in managing this task efficiently. Many software providers offer programs designed to calculate e-commerce sales tax, prepare tax forms and even file taxes automatically.
  • Assists with business decisions: The data collected by accounting software can be leveraged to generate financial reports and reveal insights about your business’s performance, including cash flow forecasting, inventory reports and much more.
  • Frees up your time: Accounting software can automate tedious business chores such as bank reconciliation, freeing you up to focus on growing your e-commerce business.

E-commerce Accounting Software FAQs

Accounting software helps a business’s bookkeepers and accountants record and manage financial data. Oftentimes, accounting software also includes invoicing capabilities.

Remitting sales tax is one of the most complicated aspects of running an e-commerce business. Many e-commerce sellers ship products to different states and countries, all of which require you to pay different taxes. Accounting software can help ensure that you collect and pay the correct amount of sales tax.

The cost of goods sold (COGS) is an important accounting term that refers to the total cost of producing and distributing a product to customers. In e-commerce, this can include manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and fees, such as those assessed by credit card companies.

Cash accounting involves recognizing revenue and expenses when cash is exchanged, while accrual accounting recognizes revenue and expenses as they are incurred. E-commerce sales often fluctuate seasonally, so both cash accounting and accrual accounting can work well. Typically, e-commerce sellers start with the easier cash accounting method and then switch to the accrual method as their business grows in complexity.

Accounting software aids in inventory management by monitoring the available stock, and some systems can even generate purchase orders. Software that’s equipped with advanced inventory management tools can track sales seamlessly, whether they occur in your e-commerce platform or in a brick-and-mortar retail store, thereby providing real-time insights across various business locations.

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Mike Berner
Written by: Mike Berner, Senior Analyst
Mike Berner brings to business.com over half a decade of experience as a finance expert, having previously served as an economic analyst for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His expertise lies in conducting quantitative analysis and research, providing invaluable guidance for navigating the modern financial landscape. Berner, who has a bachelor's degree in economics and a bachelor of business administration in finance, enjoys simplifying complicated financial concepts for entrepreneurs and business owners. From deciphering the intricacies of business loans and accounting to identifying the best payroll systems and credit card processors, he offers comprehensive insights tailored to meet diverse business needs. At business.com, Berner covers business plans, funding solutions, accounting software, the ins and outs of credit card processing and more. Beyond dedicating himself to exploring and evaluating the latest financial solutions, Berner has also become adept at explaining how businesses can take advantage of artificial intelligence tools. His passion for sharing knowledge extends to various platforms, including Substack, TikTok and YouTube, where he imparts tips and strategies on topics like sales tactics, savvy investing and tax saving.