Featured Partners
Special Offer
90% off for 6 months
Unlimited Users On All Plans
Yes
Special Offer
70% off first 3 months, for a limited time
Free Trial
OR experience QuickBooks risk free with a 30-day free trial
Key Features
Expert help, invoicing, maximize tax deductions, track mileage
Cloud Financial Management
Yes
Multi-Entity Financial Visibility
Yes
CRM, Payroll, POS Integrations
Yes
Compare the Best Free Accounting Software of 2026
Best Free Accounting Software of 2026
Akaunting
Best for Open Source
Akaunting
Expert Take
Akaunting is one of the most capable free accounting solutions available. Its free plan is fully open source, which gives small business owners full control of their data and the freedom to customize the platform as they grow. Unlike many “free” tools that limit functionality, Akaunting includes robust core features such as invoicing, unlimited reports, expense tracking, cash-flow management, sales tax calculations and the ability to import bank transitions.
Businesses that work internationally will also benefit from its multi-currency and multi-language features. On top of that, you get client and vendor management, a built-in client portal and an app marketplace to expand your setup as you grow. Like all self-hosting software, however, it requires more technical expertise with manual setup, manual updates and ongoing maintenance. If you are a tech-savvy entrepreneur who wants a powerful accounting software without paying for a cloud subscription, Akaunting is truly hard to beat.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Pros & Cons
- Ability to import bank transactions
- Unlimited reports, customers and vendors
- Translated into more than 50 languages
- Does not include automatic updates or maintenance
- Limited number of invoices
- Support is community forum
Manager
Best for Full-Feature Accounting
Manager
Expert Take
Manager is one of the few free accounting tools that genuinely gives small businesses everything they need to run day-to-day finances. You get the full lineup—double-entry accounting, a true general ledger, invoicing, AP/AR, banking, inventory, fixed assets, payroll and expense claims—without paying a subscription. It is an effective alternative to QuickBooks or FreshBooks that can be used on Windows, Mac or Linux.
What I like most is how straightforward it feels. The interface is clean, and you can toggle modules on or off to see only the features you actually use. The reporting tools are solid too, with all the core financial statements and detailed summaries you’d expect from paid software. Aside from limited integrations, Manager is one of the strongest full-feature free accounting systems available.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Pros & Cons
- Double-entry accounting
- Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- No user limits
- Limited third-party integrations
- Lack of automations or workflows
- Free version for desktop use only
GNU Cash
Best for Linux
GNU Cash
Expert Take
GnuCash is the workhorse on this list. It is the kind of old-school accounting tool that reminds me of why open-source software still has a place in small businesses. It stands out not because it’s flashy (it isn’t) but because it gives you a full, double-entry accounting engine without charging a cent. If you’re on Linux, your options get thin fast, and GnuCash is a great compatible option. It also runs on Windows and Mac. I also like that it handles investments, stocks and commodities, which most free competitors don’t touch.
GnuCash is built for people who don’t mind getting under the hood. The interface is dated, and you won’t get cloud syncing or app-store integrations. But if you’re a sole proprietor or a technically savvy tiny business that wants serious accounting power with no subscription, GnuCash is for you. It demands more effort, but it pays you back in control and flexibility.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Pros & Cons
- Compatible with multiple operating systems
- Translated into more than 55 languages
- Transaction matching
- Has a steeper learning curve
- User interface (UI) isn’t as clean as its competition
- Community support rather than vendor support
ZipBooks
Best for Invoicing
ZipBooks
Expert Take
While some of its competition limits the number of invoices you can send, ZipBooks free accounting software has unlimited invoicing. This makes it a good choice if your business relies heavily on invoicing for revenue. In addition to invoicing, you also get basic reports, unlimited vendor and customer management, and digital payments through Square or PayPal. Paid plans start at $15 per month and include features such as auto-billing, reminders, time tracking and the ability to save invoice line items.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited invoicing
- Accept Square and PayPal payments
- Unlimited vendors and customers
- No chat support
- Need a paid plan to auto-bill customers
- Can only connect one bank account
NCH
Best for Financial Analysis
NCH
Expert Take
If your small business has fewer than five employees, you can use the free version of NCH for your accounting software. The free version lacks some of the bigger features suitable for larger enterprises but still has much to offer. Examples of financial statements you can generate include income statements, balance sheets, profit and loss (P&L) statements and sales analysis by item, customer and salesperson. Whether you run on a Mac or PC, this software is compatible.
NCH operates as a desktop application, so you do not need a constant internet connection, which is a benefit for those who prefer to keep their financial information offline. However, that also means you will not have a mobile app or real-time, multi-user collaboration.
Consumer Sentiment Index
Pros & Cons
- Free for companies with less than five employees
- Easy-to-use software
- Includes more than 20 financial reports
- No bank connection
- Paid users receive priority support
- Limited advanced features
Methodology
Our Forbes Advisor team carefully evaluated more than a dozen free accounting software options commonly used by small businesses. We reviewed each provider using a rubric built around seven categories that reflect what matters most to everyday business owners. After extensive testing, we weighed and tallied the results to create our list of the top performers. Some of the factors we considered include:
Featured Partners
Special Offer
90% off for 6 months
Unlimited Users On All Plans
Yes
Special Offer
70% off first 3 months, for a limited time
Free Trial
OR experience QuickBooks risk free with a 30-day free trial
Key Features
Expert help, invoicing, maximize tax deductions, track mileage
Cloud Financial Management
Yes
Multi-Entity Financial Visibility
Yes
CRM, Payroll, POS Integrations
Yes
How To Choose the Best Free Accounting Software
When selecting free accounting software, it is best to think about how you handle your books each day. If you rely on automation or detailed reports, you should choose a tool that supports those needs. If you prefer a simple setup, you should look for software that keeps your workflow easy and your records accurate. Here are some more features to look for.
Essential Free Accounting Software Features
Free software usually does not come packed with advanced features; however, it is important to look for free accounting software that can help you keep your bookkeeping accurate and up to date. Focus on software that handles everyday tasks reliably so you can track money in and money out and stay organized at tax time. Look for these core features:
- Income and Expense Tracking. Income and expense tracking is the basis of any accounting software. A free plan should let you record sales, bills and operating expenses, categorize transactions and see where your money is going over time.
- Invoicing: Look for basic invoicing tools that let you create professional invoices, track who has paid (and who hasn’t) and store customer details. Automated reminders and simple status tracking help keep cash flow moving without constant manual follow-up.
- Bank Connections: A strong free plan should connect to your bank or at least support easy CSV uploads so you’re not hand-entering every transaction. Built-in reconciliation tools help you match bank activity to your books and catch errors quickly.
- Tax-Ready Data: Accounting software should make tax prep easier, even if it doesn’t file taxes for you. Look for tools that let you tag tax-deductible expenses and export clean data for your accountant or tax software.
- Basic Financial Reporting: The best free plans generate core reports such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow summaries. These reports give you a snapshot of your business health.
Both Akaunting and Manager offer feature-rich software options that include features that are not always found on free plans, such as bank connections, reporting and sales tax calculations.
Value
Value in a free plan really comes down to how well the software supports your day-to-day operations without requiring awkward workarounds or constantly nudging you to upgrade. A strong free plan should handle core bookkeeping tasks like tracking income and expenses, sending invoices and generating basic reports without restrictive limitations. Pay attention to transaction caps, invoice limitations and whether the provider’s paid tiers offer a sensible path if you grow. A free plan can be a smart way to get your books organized now, but you don’t want to hit a wall after a few busy months. Consider how the free version scales with your needs, what you actually gain by upgrading and how those paid options stack up against other providers.
Ease of Use
Small business owners generally have a thousand tasks on their plate at any given time. Spending hours learning a new software program should not be one of them. Strong free platforms offer a guided setup, a sensible default chart of accounts and plain-language menus that make it easy to record your expenses from the start. For example, ZipBooks has clear dashboards and straightforward navigation, while GnuCash leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to a user-friendly interface.
Limits on Usage
Free plans often come with trade-offs like caps on monthly invoices, limited bank connections, restricted storage or missing features like inventory or project tracking. These limitations may be fine for freelancers or very small teams but can quickly become obstacles as your transaction volume grows. When you are searching for the right software for your business, make sure to check the details on transaction limits, user allowances and which features sit behind a paywall.
A plan that only lets you send a few invoices each month or connect with a single bank account can end up costing you more time than it saves. Look for a free tier with limits that fit your current workload and give you some breathing room to grow.
Integrations
The ability to connect your accounting software to the rest of your business tools is the best way to get the most out of all platforms. Ideally, your free plan should sync with payment processors, e-commerce systems, point-of-sale software and time-tracking apps without requiring an upgrade. These connections can automatically bring in sales, fees and payouts, which saves time and helps prevent mistakes.
When comparing options, look at whether the free tier integrates with the platforms you rely on or expect to use as you grow. For example, Akaunting is the winner on this list for integrations. The Akaunting app store has more than 100 apps to use in order to make your business more productive.
Forbes Advisor Staff Writer Jennifer Simonson contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is accounting software?
Accounting software is a way for businesses to track income and expenses, send invoices, track sales tax and create reports. Some accounting software can also help track mileage or offer payroll.
What is the best free accounting software for your business?
The best free accounting software for your business depends on your needs, but Akaunting is our top pick because it’s open-source, scalable and supports unlimited reports, customers and vendors.
Is free accounting software really free?
Free accounting software does not charge any monthly fees. However, some companies may offer paid plans that include additional features, such as invoicing or time tracking.
What features are important in free accounting software?
When looking for free accounting software, you’ll want to consider features that are important for small businesses, such as invoicing, time tracking and expense tracking. You’ll also want to find software that is easy to use and available on multiple platforms.
Do I need accounting software for my small business?
If you want to save time and money, then yes. Accounting software can automate many of the tedious tasks associated with bookkeeping, such as invoicing, tracking payments and preparing reports. This frees up your time so you can focus on running your business. Additionally, software can help keep your books in compliance.
Is accounting software secure?
Today’s leading accounting platforms offer standard security features that include secure credential tokenization, data encryption and more. While human error will always play some role in security breaches, you can be confident in your accounting platform when it comes to keeping your information safe.