7 Best Online Bookkeeping Services

I like Bookkeeper360 because it goes beyond just bookkeeping — it offers full accounting support, business advisory services, and cloud-based financial solutions that feel just as personalized as working with a local accountant.

What stands out is how flexible their services are. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they tailor their offerings to fit your business needs, making them a great choice for companies that want more than just number crunching.

Their mobile app connects with Xero to deliver real-time business insights, which is a huge plus for anyone who wants to keep a pulse on their finances. While I highly recommend Bookkeeper360 for Xero users, it’s also a solid alternative for QuickBooks Online users who feel limited by QuickBooks Live’s services.

Standout features

• Mobile app: Bookkeeper360’s mobile app connects to your Xero or QuickBooks Online account and provides valuable information, including scorecards and metrics.
• CFO advisory: Available for an additional fee, a dedicated accountant will work with you to analyze your financials and determine a strategy to manage and grow your business.
• Payroll and HR solutions: Full-service payroll is integrated fully with your bookkeeping, starting at $46 per month.
• Accrual-basis accounting: Features include complex accounting like deferred revenue, inventory, and accrued expenses.

Use cases

• Businesses using Xero and QuickBooks Online: We recommend Bookkeeper360 as the best online bookkeeping service for Xero users because of its scalability and seamless integration with Xero accounts. It also provides more service options to QuickBooks Online users than does QuickBooks Live.
• Businesses looking for customizable solutions: It has scalable and customizable solutions and even offers add-on services, such as payroll and HR solutions, tax filing, and CFO advisory.
• Businesses using accrual-based accounting: Accrual accounting is available with Bookkeeper360, which includes deferred revenue, inventory, and accrued expenses.

Bookkeeper360 checks all the boxes in both the personal bookkeeper and bookkeeping services categories, offering a dedicated bookkeeper, payroll support, and customized services. However, its pricing — starting at $399 per month and increasing with higher monthly expenses — can be expensive for some small businesses.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Merritt Bookkeeping is a great alternative, offering a flat $250 monthly rate regardless of your business size, unlike most services that scale pricing based on expenses.

For tax and consulting, Bookkeeper360 earned high marks across the board, including tax return filing, sales tax returns, and CFO advisory. It also received nearly perfect user reviews, making it a strong choice for those who want comprehensive accounting support.

I like Merritt Bookkeeping because it’s one of the highest-rated services among users, earning top marks for ease of use and accessible customer support. Unlike many providers that charge based on business size, Merritt keeps pricing simple with a flat $250 monthly fee — making it an affordable choice for small businesses that don’t want costs to rise as they grow.

The 100% money-back guarantee adds extra peace of mind, showing confidence in their service. Merritt is built for QuickBooks users, providing monthly financial reports to help with tax filing and offering 1099 issuance and e-filing for an extra fee. It may not have the advanced tools of some competitors, but it’s easy to set up and use. Plus, catch-up bookkeeping is available to get you back on track if you’re behind on your books.

Standout features

• Intuitive user interface (UI): An easy-to-access client portal lets you view reports and how your transactions are categorized. If there are any corrections, you can make them through the custom interface.
• Monthly financial reports: In addition to your standard financial statements, you’ll receive 10 detailed reports on the performance of your business each month.
• 1099 filing: Merritt will assist with filing 1099 forms for your contractors for an additional fee of $75 for the report preparation and $8 per form.
• 90-day money-back guarantee: You can test out Merritt Bookkeeping for three months at no risk. If you’re dissatisfied within that period, you’ll receive a full refund.

Use cases

• Businesses on a budget: If you’re looking to save money, Merritt is affordable, and its services are available at one flat rate, regardless of your monthly expenses or transactions.
• Small businesses wanting to track income and expenses for their tax returns: If you don’t plan on using your financial statements for anything other than preparing a tax return, then Merritt’s very basic, affordable service is ideal. You can also use it to process 1099 forms for your contractors.
• Small businesses or freelancers using QuickBooks: If you currently use QuickBooks Online but are tired of the bookkeeping headache, you can transfer your QuickBooks Online account to Merritt and let it take over.
• Businesses behind on their books: Merritt provides catch-up bookkeeping services for an additional fee. The fee is offered at a discounted price compared with the monthly service, and the monthly fee is reduced even more if the month is almost complete.

Merritt Bookkeeping stood out in pricing with its flat $250 monthly fee, making it one of the most affordable options. However, it fell short in the personal bookkeeper category — while I appreciate that it assigns a dedicated bookkeeper, it doesn’t offer video meetings, direct phone support, or a mobile app. If those features matter to you, Bookkeeper360 is a better choice.

Merritt also doesn’t provide tax or consulting services, but it will work directly with your tax accountant to ensure they have everything needed to file your return. If you want an all-in-one bookkeeping and tax solution, Bench is a stronger option.

I like QuickBooks Live because it’s built specifically for QuickBooks Online users, making it the best option for those who need expert assistance with bank feeds, transaction categorization, account reconciliation, and financial reporting. Since QuickBooks Online is my best small business accounting software, having direct access to trained professionals who specialize in it is a huge advantage.

Once you’re matched with a dedicated bookkeeper, you can also get hands-on training in daily bookkeeping tasks — a great option if you’re new to QuickBooks. Your bookkeeper helps set up your chart of accounts, bank connections, and a cleanup plan for any existing data issues, making the transition smoother.

That said, QuickBooks Live doesn’t handle bill payments, invoicing, inventory management, or financial advising. If you need a more comprehensive bookkeeping solution, Bookkeeper360 is a stronger choice, especially since it topped my list in the bookkeeping services category.

Standout features

• Dedicated bookkeeper: You’ll be assigned a dedicated bookkeeper who’s a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
• Real-time access: Your dedicated bookkeeper will directly access your QuickBooks Online account and allow you to view the data in real time.
• Customized setup: Your bookkeeper will assist you with setting up your chart of accounts and connecting your bank and credit card accounts.
• Payroll add-on: For an additional fee, QuickBooks Online offers full-service payroll that integrates with its software.

Use cases

• Existing QuickBooks users: Since QuickBooks Live is built exclusively for QuickBooks Online, it’s the best option for seamless bookkeeping support. Unlike third-party services, you’re getting direct assistance from QuickBooks-trained professionals who know the software inside and out. This ensures maximum compatibility, fewer integration issues, and a bookkeeping experience that works exactly as QuickBooks intends.
• For business owners who want expert-guided bookkeeping: QuickBooks Live gives you direct access to trained QuickBooks professionals who ensure your books are accurate, organized, and up to date. Instead of struggling with financial tasks on your own, you’ll have a dedicated team that actively reviews and reconciles transactions, helping you stay compliant and prepared for tax season.
• New QuickBooks users: You can receive assistance with setting up and learning QuickBooks so that you can complete all your daily tasks easily and perform your ongoing day-to-day bookkeeping yourself.
• DIY bookkeepers: QuickBooks Online requires you to do most of the bookkeeping yourself. Your dedicated bookkeeper will help manage your bank feeds and account reconciliations, but you’ll be expected to do everything else.

QuickBooks Live is a great option for QuickBooks Online users who want expert bookkeeping support, but it does have some limitations.

I like that it provides a dedicated bookkeeper, unlimited meetings, and video calls, making it easy to get one-on-one assistance when I need it. It also ensures my bank and credit card transactions are reconciled every month, and I receive financial statements to stay on top of my business finances. The inclusion of tax return filing and tax advice is another plus for those who want basic tax support.

That said, it’s missing some key features that might be important to other business owners. There’s no direct phone line, just a callback request, and no mobile app for communicating with my bookkeeper. It also doesn’t handle invoicing, bill pay, full-service payroll, or customized service plans. While it includes tax return filing, sales tax returns and CFO advisory services aren’t covered.

If you need a more complete bookkeeping service with bill pay, invoicing, payroll, and tax consulting, Bookkeeper360 is a better fit. But if you’re a QuickBooks Online user looking for straightforward bookkeeping support from QuickBooks-trained professionals, QuickBooks Live is a solid choice.

I like Bench because it offers affordable bookkeeping support, tax assistance, and payroll integration — all at a lower cost than many competitors. Its catch-up bookkeeping services are a lifesaver for businesses that have fallen behind, even by more than two years. While Bench doesn’t handle invoicing, bill pay, or payroll directly, it integrates with platforms like FreshBooks so you can manage those tasks seamlessly.

That said, Bench’s abrupt shutdown in late 2024 left customers locked out of their financial data for days, raising concerns about its long-term reliability under new ownership. While its acquisition by Employer.com promises continuity, I question whether it can truly provide stable and dependable service moving forward.

Standout features

• Dedicated bookkeeper: They will handle all aspects of your account and serve as your point of contact.
• Catch-up bookkeeping: For an additional fee, you can enroll in Bench Retro, a special program for businesses that are more than two years behind in their bookkeeping.
• Tax assistance: With a Premium plan, your federal and state business tax returns — as well as individual returns for sole proprietors — are included.
• Payroll integration: The Gusto integration helps you manage your payroll. It’ll handle your payroll tax filing, manage employee information and benefits, and generate W-2s.
• 1099 reporting: This allows you to track payments to your independent contractors, which includes the transaction date, payee name, the total amount paid to the contractor during the tax year, and the payment method.

Use cases

• Businesses that don’t want to purchase or learn accounting software: With Bench, you’ll be connected to a team of professional bookkeepers who will maintain your books, eliminating the need to purchase your own accounting software.
• Companies and independent contractors seeking annual tax filing: If you sign up for Bench’s Premium plan, an annual business income tax return is included.
• Businesses seeking unlimited bookkeeping support: You’ll have direct, unlimited communication with your in-house research team. You can schedule a call between Monday and Friday during regular business hours or opt to send a message to your bookkeeper, and they will respond within one business day.
• Businesses with complex accounting needs: Bench’s bookkeepers are trained to work with a variety of business types, and those with complex accounting needs that require a high level of expertise and support will find that they can handle tasks like varying partner contributions and handling multiple revenue streams.

Bench nearly aced our pricing evaluation, but I took off points in the personal bookkeeper category because it doesn’t offer video meetings or a direct phone line for support. While scheduling a call through the Bench platform is an option, I prefer having a direct line to a bookkeeper for faster and more convenient assistance.

Bench also lacks a few key bookkeeping features, including full-service payroll and bill pay. While it helps track accounts receivable, it doesn’t support invoicing — mainly because it relies on proprietary software rather than integrating directly with third-party accounting platforms. Additionally, it doesn’t offer customizable service plans, which limits flexibility for businesses with specific needs.

I like that Bench’s Premium plan includes tax return filing and tax advisory services, making it a strong option for those who want bookkeeping and tax support in one place. However, for features Bench lacks — like payroll, bill pay, and a more customizable bookkeeping experience — Bookkeeper360 is a better choice.

I like that Brainy Advisors delivers high-quality bookkeeping services at an affordable rate, especially since all work is handled by CPAs from the Philippines. Their expertise makes them a great option for businesses with complex accounting needs, like consolidating parent and subsidiary corporations. However, they don’t provide US tax services or payroll, which might be a drawback for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

Another thing I like is their flexibility in service customization. Instead of forcing you into a predefined package, they let you pick only the services you need, whether that’s A/R and A/P management or inventory and COGS tracking, at $49 per hour. While they primarily work with QuickBooks and Xero, their CPAs are experienced enough to adapt to whatever bookkeeping software you prefer. Though it’s a smaller company, its depth of accounting knowledge makes it a strong option for businesses that need personalized, expert-level support.

Standout features

• Streamlined organization: Brainy Advisors handles categorizing your transactions, reconciling bank accounts, and creating monthly reports. This saves you time and ensures your finances are well-organized and accurate.
• Catch-up bookkeeping: After a one-on-one assessment call, Brainy Advisors will review your books and provide you with an estimated cost and timeline. It will also communicate with you during the process to ensure that any issues are resolved and will work with you in the future to ensure that you don’t fall behind again.
• Tax season support: Although Brainy Advisors can’t prepare and file your income taxes, it will generate a complete tax package for your tax preparer and collaborate with them regarding any questions. It will also close your year-end books and reconcile them with your tax filings.
• Budgeting and forecasting: Considered an add-on service, Brainy Advisors can assist with preparing a budget and forecasting cash flow. It can also monitor actual financial results against projections and help you set financial goals.

Use cases

• Businesses that have fallen behind on their bookkeeping: If you partner with Brainy Advisors for a minimum plan subscription, it will provide discounted rates for catch-up bookkeeping. It covers any period, from several months to several years, as long as you can provide its team with the essential documents for reconciliation.
• Businesses wanting access to a variety of custom add-on services: If you’re looking for additional services like financial reporting and analysis, you’ll be billed an hourly rate based on the time required. This involves a more personalized approach and a more flexible scope of work.
• New business owners seeking bookkeeping guidance: If you’re a new business owner, you can rely on Brainy Advisors to set up a bookkeeping system that works for you and show you how to track your income and expenses correctly. Its team can also train you on how to use QuickBooks or Xero or handle it entirely for you.
• Business owners who are unfamiliar with accounting software: If you’d like to learn how to use QuickBooks Online or Xero, Brainy Advisors can help. Or, if you’d prefer to be hands-off, Brainy Advisors can handle your bookkeeping for you.

Brainy Advisors provides dedicated bookkeepers, which explains its high mark in our personal bookkeeper criterion. It could’ve aced our evaluation of bookkeeping services if it offered invoicing and bill pay as part of its regular services. However, customized services that offer A/R and A/P management are available.

The provider doesn’t offer tax preparation and filing, so it took a hit in our tax category. It scored fair for pricing, as it starts out with a low price for small businesses but gets a little expensive for larger companies. However, the hourly rate of $49 for add-on services is very affordable. For affordable tax preparation and filing, our top recommendation is Bench.

As a new company, we were unable to find any user reviews for Brainy Advisors, so those were not factored into its score.

Block Advisors, a branch of H&R Block, offers tax, bookkeeping, and payroll support, making it a solid choice for year-round financial management. I like that it provides flexible tax prep options, allowing you to work one-on-one with a tax professional or choose the DIY route with expert assistance available through live chat, phone, and video calls.

Its bookkeeping services come with a free 30-minute consultation, where an account manager reviews your year-to-date books and helps create a quarterly action plan with tailored recommendations. I also like that its plans are customizable and affordable, letting you scale services based on your business’s specific needs.

Standout features

• Bookkeeping services: Both levels of bookkeeping support give you free, on-demand access to Xero. The Full-Service plan gives you access to an accounting pro and financial statements, while the Premium plan provides specialized features like inventory and project accounting.
• 100% Accuracy Guarantee: You can rest assured that your books will be accurate, as Block Advisors guarantees that if it makes an error on your return, you’ll be reimbursed for any resulting penalties and interest.
• Payroll services: Block Advisors can assist with generating payroll, creating and filing quarterly and year-end payroll tax forms, and providing support.
• Small business expertise: Your Block Advisor is equipped to prepare anything from your Schedule C return to your financial statements.

Use cases

• Businesses looking to outsource their taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll: Block Advisors offers a full menu of financial services, and you can customize a package that works for your business. Bookkeeping services include the option of DIY with on-demand support or full-service with a dedicated account manager.
• Businesses wanting the ability to meet with a tax professional in person or virtually: Block Advisors is flexible and will accommodate your meeting preference, whether that’s in person or via phone, video, or live chat.
• Businesses that prefer Xero accounting software: Block Advisors partnered with Xero to provide bookkeeping clients full access to Xero for free. Xero is powerful accounting software that allows unlimited users at no extra cost (read our review of Xero for more information).

Block Advisors only provides a starting price for its bookkeeping plans, with no transparency on how pricing scales for larger businesses. Because of this, I scored it lower in pricing. It also doesn’t offer a mobile app or unlimited meetings, which makes Bench a better option in that regard.

That said, I like that Block Advisors assigns a dedicated bookkeeper, provides video meetings, and offers a direct phone number for support, which adds value for businesses that want direct communication.

It performed well in bookkeeping services, covering account reconciliation and financial statements, but lost points for not including invoicing, bill pay, or customized service plans. For tax and consulting, I like that it files income tax returns, but it doesn’t offer CFO advisory services. If you need invoicing, bill pay, customized services, or CFO support, Bookkeeper360 is a better choice.

Since I wasn’t able to find any user reviews for Block Advisors, I calculated the overall score without factoring in user ratings.

I like Pilot because it’s designed for startups and small businesses that plan to scale, especially those backed by venture capital. While many bookkeeping services cater to new businesses, Pilot focuses on companies with long-term growth in mind, offering accrual-based accounting and CFO advisory services that become even more valuable as a business expands.

As part of its service, Pilot assigns a dedicated bookkeeper who helps integrate your existing processes and software with QuickBooks, ensuring a smooth transition and scalable financial management as your company grows.

Standout features

• Dedicated bookkeeper: Your dedicated bookkeeper will assist you with setting up your account and serve as your point of contact.
• Monthly financial reports: Basic financial reports are sent monthly. The Core plan offers more customized reports as well.
• Accrual-based accounting: Accrual-based accounting is included in all plans.
• Tax management: Pilot Tax is available as a separate package and includes federal-, state-, and city-level income tax prep and 1099 filing.

Use cases

• Rapidly growing businesses, such as high-growth tech startups: As your business grows and potentially takes on funding, it can take advantage of the accrual-basis and advanced bookkeeping features that Pilot offers.
• Businesses looking for CFO and/or tax services: With Pilot CFO and Pilot Tax, you can access its CFO consulting services and file business corporate taxes and 1099-MISC forms.
• Multiple entities: Pilot offers support for multiple entities with its Plus plan, which has custom pricing.

Pilot’s pricing scored very low because it provides only one starting price for all companies and doesn’t disclose how pricing increases as a business grows. It also falls short in customer support, as you can only reach your dedicated bookkeeper via email or the QuickBooks portal — there’s no phone or video support. If you need a lower-cost option with better customer support, QuickBooks Live is a solid alternative.

That said, Pilot earned strong user reviews and nearly aced our evaluation of bookkeeping and tax services. It integrates with ADP for payroll, handles invoicing, pays bills, and generates financial statements. It also offers customized services, files income tax returns, and provides both tax and CFO advice, though it doesn’t file sales tax returns.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive bookkeeping solution that includes invoicing, bill pay, payroll, and tax consulting, Bookkeeper360 is a great alternative.