We earn commissions from the brands featured on this site, which affects the order and presentation of these listings.

Advertising Disclosure

Product Review

Zoho Books

4785 Trustpilot reviews

Exceptional

white-ribbon

9.8

Zoho Books Review: A Feature-Rich Accounting Software for Small Businesses

Overview

Zoho Books is comprehensive accounting software designed to meet the financial management needs of small—to medium-sized businesses. It provides many features that help users manage finances, automate business workflows, and collaborate across departments. The software is part of the larger Zoho ecosystem, which includes over 40 integrated business applications.

 

One of the standout aspects of Zoho Books is its user-friendly interface, which allows even those with limited accounting knowledge to navigate and utilize the platform effectively. The software offers a variety of tools for invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, and banking, making it a robust solution for business owners looking to streamline their financial operations.

Zoho Books is not only user-friendly but also highly flexible and scalable. With a range of pricing plans, including a free option, businesses can select the one that best suits their needs and budget. This adaptability ensures Zoho Books can grow alongside your business, offering more advanced features as your requirements evolve without imposing unnecessary costs or complexities.

Zoho Books Features and Functionality

Zoho Books has features designed to simplify accounting and financial management for businesses. These features encompass all aspects of financial operations, ensuring comprehensive and efficient management.

Accounting Software

Here are some of the key functionalities:

 

  • Invoicing and estimates: Create professional invoices and estimates with customizable templates. Automate recurring invoices and payment reminders to ensure timely payments.
  • Expense tracking: Record and categorize expenses, attach receipts, and track reimbursements. This helps in maintaining accurate financial records.
  • Banking integration: Connect your bank accounts, automatically fetch transactions, and reconcile accounts effortlessly. This feature saves time and reduces errors in financial reporting.
  • Inventory management: Track inventory levels, manage stock, and set reorder points to ensure you always have the right amount of stock.
  • Project management involves Tracking project time and expenses, billing clients accordingly, and managing project budgets. This is particularly useful for service-based businesses.
  • Sales orders and purchase orders: Manage your sales and purchase orders in one place, streamlining your order processing and supplier management.
  • Tax compliance: Automate tax calculations, generate tax reports and ensure compliance with local tax regulations.
  • Financial reporting: Generate comprehensive financial reports, such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements, to gain valuable insights into your business’s economic health.
  • Automation: Set up workflows to automate repetitive tasks, such as sending payment reminders and recording transactions. This enhances efficiency and accuracy.
  • Mobile app: The Zoho Books mobile app is available for iOS, Android, and Windows devices. It allows you to manage your finances on the go.

Zoho Books Pros and Cons

While Zoho Books offers many features, it’s essential to consider its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help potential users decide whether the software is the right fit for their needs. Here is a balanced view based on users’ Zoho Books reviews:

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly interface: The intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and utilize the software without extensive training.
  • Comprehensive feature set: From invoicing to inventory management, Zoho Books covers all essential aspects of business accounting.
  • Integration with Zoho ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Zoho applications enhances functionality and provides a unified business solution.
  • Automation capabilities: Automating repetitive tasks saves time and reduces the likelihood of human error.
  • Affordable pricing plans: Zoho Books offers a variety of plans, including a free plan, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
  • Excellent customer support: Users frequently praise the prompt and helpful support provided by the Zoho team.

Cons

  • Limited payroll features: Zoho Books lacks comprehensive payroll management compared to some competitors, which may be a drawback for some businesses.
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced features: While basic functionalities are easy to use, mastering the more advanced features can take some time.
  • Customization limitations: Some users find the customization options for templates and reports to be limited compared to other accounting software.
  • Mobile app limitations: While functional, the mobile app does not offer all the features on the desktop version, which can be inconvenient for users who need to work on the go.

Pricing Plans for Zoho Books

 

Zoho Books pricing is structured to accommodate various business needs and budgets, with plans ranging from free options to advanced tiers that provide extensive features.

 

The Zoho Books Free plan is a great entry-level option for small businesses with less than $50K annual revenue. This plan includes essential features like creating invoices, tracking expenses and mileage, online payment acceptance, bank reconciliation, tax management, and automated payment reminders. The Free plan supports one user and one accountant, making it ideal for sole proprietors and small businesses.

 

The Standard plan, priced at $10 per organization monthly, builds on the Free plan by adding more advanced capabilities. This includes bank feed connections for easier transaction management, detailed financial reporting, and creating custom views. The Standard plan supports up to 3 users, suitable for slightly larger teams needing more collaboration and detailed financial tracking.

 

The Professional plan, available for $20 per organization per month, is designed for businesses requiring more comprehensive features. It includes everything in the Standard plan, plus additional tools such as managing purchase orders and sales orders, multi-currency handling, and project management functionalities. This plan supports up to 5 users, making it ideal for growing businesses that need to manage more complex financial operations and team collaboration.

 

The Premium plan offers even more advanced tools, costing $30 per organization monthly. This plan includes everything in the Professional plan. It supports up to 10 users, making it suitable for larger teams that require more sophisticated financial management and automation to streamline their operations.

 

 

Zoho Books offers higher-tier plans for businesses that need more advanced features. The Professional plan, priced at $20 each month, bridges basic and advanced needs, covering essential accounting functions and supporting collaborative work for up to 5 users.

 

At $30 per month, the Premium plan provides enhanced customization and automation features, making it suitable for more complex business operations. It supports up to 10 users and includes advanced functionalities like cash flow forecasting, custom domain setup, and self-service vendor portals.

 

The Elite plan, priced at $100 per organization monthly, is designed for businesses requiring full-fledged inventory management and advanced accounting tools. This includes everything in the Premium plan and additional features like warehouse management, batch tracking, and integration with online sales channels like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon. The Elite plan supports up to 10 users, making it ideal for businesses with extensive inventory and sales management needs.

 

Finally, at $200 per organization per month, the Ultimate plan offers the most comprehensive features available in Zoho Books. It includes all the Elite plan’s functionalities and advanced business intelligence capabilities. This plan supports up to 15 users and provides tools for deep data analysis, including pre-built data visualizations, custom dashboards, and advanced KPI tracking. The Ultimate plan is perfect for large businesses that require detailed financial analysis and insights to drive strategic decision-making.

Top Use Cases for Zoho Books

Zoho Books is versatile and can be utilized in various scenarios to streamline business operations. Here are some of the top use cases:

 

  • Small businesses: This software is perfect for companies needing a robust accounting solution without a hefty price tag. It handles all basic accounting needs, including invoicing and expense tracking.
  • Freelancers and consultants: The Zoho Books free plan is ideal for individuals who need to manage their finances independently. It provides essential features at no cost.
  • Service-based businesses: With its project management and time tracking features, Zoho Books is well-suited for service-oriented companies that need to bill clients based on hours worked.
  • Retail businesses: The inventory management feature is particularly beneficial for retail businesses, helping them keep track of stock levels and manage orders efficiently.
  • Nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations can benefit from Zoho Books’s budgeting and reporting capabilities, ensuring transparent and accurate financial management.

Alternative Products For Accounting Software

Logo-Ipsum

50, 500 reviews

Product Name 2

Software solution designed to streamline business operations and maximize efficiency across all departments.

Key Features:

Easily create, assign, and track tasks within your organization.

white-ribbon

9.8

Exceptional

Logo-Ipsum

50, 500 reviews

Product Name 3

Software solution designed to streamline business operations and maximize efficiency across all departments.

Key Features:

Easily create, assign, and track tasks within your organization.

white-ribbon

9.8

Exceptional

(Excellent)

Melio is a groundbreaking fintech company that transforms the B2B payments landscape for small businesses.
  • Provides an intuitive, user-friendly platform that allows businesses to schedule and make payments effortlessly, improving cash flow management.
  • Supports a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers and credit cards, making it highly versatile for business needs.
  • Integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, enhancing financial oversight and simplifying bookkeeping processes.

9.6

Oracle Netsuite is a robust, cloud-based solution that empowers businesses with comprehensive financial management capabilities.
  • Offers real-time visibility into financial data, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Streamlines financial processes such as general ledger, accounts payable, and receivable management, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Accommodates the financial needs of businesses ranging from startups to global enterprises, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic marketplace.

9.3