The 17 Best Accounting Apps for Desktop (Mac/Windows)

Running a small business is hard enough without struggling with complicated accounting software. That's why we've rounded up the 17 best accounting apps for desktop (Mac and Windows) that are designed to streamline your finances. These apps offer a wide range of features to help you track expenses, manage invoices, reconcile bank accounts, and generate reports - all without breaking the bank. Our top three picks include Wave, offering a free plan, BOOKKEEPA™, known for its ease of use, and Lili, a great option for freelancers and solopreneurs.

Top app for small business accounting

1. Wave

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Cost: Starter Plan ($0), Pro Plan ($16/month)

Wave is my go-to accounting app on mobile because it makes managing my small business finances a breeze. Unlike other apps that feel clunky or overwhelming, Wave is super intuitive and easy to use. It's great for tracking expenses, sending invoices, and even getting paid online. I especially love the receipt scanning feature, which automatically captures details from my receipts, saving me tons of time. With over 700,000 downloads and tons of positive reviews, it's clear Wave has helped a lot of people like me get a grip on their finances.

Wave - Professional invoices and estimates, Expense tracking

Key Features:

  • Create and send professional invoices
  • Track business expenses and receipts
  • Manage bank accounts and cash flow

✨ Read more: app to manage subscriptions

2. BOOKKEEPA™

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Cost: BOOKKEEPA™ Basic ($0), BOOKKEEPA™ Plus ($40 per month)

BOOKKEEPA™ is a promising accounting app that offers an easy-to-use interface for managing your business finances. While some users have encountered initial hiccups, the developers are responsive and quick to resolve issues, as evidenced by their prompt support. Although inventory reporting and stock updates are features that users are requesting, the app's intuitive design and potential for streamlining financial management make it a compelling choice for small businesses seeking a mobile accounting solution.

BOOKKEEPA™ - Easy to use, Unlimited users, Up to 5 businesses

Key Features:

  • Track income and expenses easily
  • Generate financial reports for insights
  • Manage invoices and payments efficiently

✨ Read more: app for tracking work hours

3. Lili

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Forget about spreadsheets and complicated software – Lili is the game-changer in the world of accounting apps. It's like having a personal finance guru in your pocket, helping you manage your business finances with ease. Lili's clean interface and intuitive features make keeping track of income and expenses a breeze, and the fact that it integrates with your bank account makes it super easy to stay on top of your cash flow. Plus, Lili offers a ton of helpful features like automatic savings, cashback rewards, and even fee-free overdraft protection – all designed to help your business thrive.

Lili - Business banking, Smart bookkeeping, Tax preparation tools

Key Features:

  • Expense management tools and reports
  • Income & expense insights
  • Track business spending and revenue

✨ Read more: app for tracking mileage

4. TrulySmall Accounting

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TrulySmall Accounting is the best accounting app I've found for keeping my freelance business organized. It's super simple to use, and the companion app lets me categorize my transactions on the go. Plus, I can even snap a picture of my receipts, and the app automatically fills in the details. I've been using it for over a year, and it's saved me tons of time compared to other accounting apps. The app has 4.5 stars on the app store, which proves its value.

TrulySmall Accounting - Quick and simple, OCR receipt capture, Easy transaction editing

Key Features:

  • Track income and expenses easily
  • Generate financial reports effortlessly
  • Manage invoices and payments efficiently

✨ Read more: app for receipts

5. Built Accounting

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Built Accounting is a mobile accounting app designed to simplify financial management for small businesses. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive suite of features, including invoicing, expense tracking, bill management, and reporting, all accessible on your smartphone. Built's offline capabilities ensure you can continue managing your finances even without an internet connection, a crucial benefit for mobile users. While the app has received positive reviews for its intuitive design and robust functionality, some users have noted limitations in its reporting features and customer support. Despite these minor drawbacks, Built remains a strong contender for small businesses seeking a mobile-first accounting solution.

Built Accounting - Create professional invoices, Receive online payments

Key Features:

  • Create and send invoices
  • Receive online payments
  • Track expenses and income

✨ Read more: app for budgeting

Other accounting app

The most important factors when choosing a accounting app

  1. Ease of use: A simple, intuitive interface is crucial for small business owners who may not have accounting expertise.
  2. Affordability: Consider your budget and choose an app with pricing that fits your needs.
  3. Features: Select an app that offers the features you need, including invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and reporting.
  4. Customer support: Good customer support is essential in case you encounter any issues or have questions.