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Accounting & Payroll

Books, payroll, tax-time handoff.

01

QuickBooks Online

Featured

The default SMB books software

Bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll integrations, tax prep handoff. Almost every accountant supports it.

Mainline take

You will use this whether you want to or not — your accountant requires it. Get the Plus tier; the Essentials tier is missing critical reports.

02

Xero

QuickBooks alternative, cleaner interface

Same job as QBO, with a more modern UI and stronger bank-feed reliability. Big in AU/UK, growing in US.

Mainline take

Worth it if you genuinely hate the QBO interface. Otherwise QBO's integration ecosystem is broader.

From $20/mo
Visit Xero
03

Gusto

Payroll + benefits in one

Full-service payroll, contractor 1099s, health insurance, 401k. The clearest UI in the category.

Mainline take

The right answer for any team with W-2 employees. Skip if you're 100% contractors — overkill.

From $40/mo + $6/employee
Visit Gusto

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