ZipBooks vs QuickBooks: Compare Features & Pricing

One user is delighted that ZipBooks has an intuitive user interface, so they were able to get started with the program quickly. We agree that it’s easy to use, but we hope that the provider considers adding a shortcut button in the dashboard for quicker recording of transactions.

Moreover, some like that ZipBooks’ free plan supports an unlimited number of transactions and customers, while others shared that even the paid plans are more affordable than most other similar software. Businesses that need only one accounting user and have basic accounting needs will appreciate the free plan, but if you require multiple users and advanced features, you should consider upgrading to a paid subscription.

Aligning with our insights above, some reviewers complain that the free plan has many missing basic functionality. Some features missing in the free plan include recurring invoicing and the ability to customize the chart of accounts. Also, one user said that they’re frustrated that there isn’t that much room for invoice customizations. I explored the invoicing feature, and I wasn’t that impressed because I was unable to change the basic layout of the invoice template.

As of this writing, here’s how ZipBooks is rated on major review websites:

• G2.com^[1]: 4.7 out of 5 based on about 90 reviews
• GetApp^[2]: 4.5 out of 5 based on over 100 reviews

Many users commended QuickBooks Online for its simple and intuitive user interface. We are also impressed with the interface and like that the dashboard has shortcut buttons unlike in ZipBooks. Moreover, many reviewers appreciate its extensive accounting feature set and its robust reporting capability.

Based on our in-depth analysis, QuickBooks’ most notable features are banking, A/P and A/R management, and inventory tracking. We also concur that it has excellent reporting features, especially with the Plus and Advanced versions.

Meanwhile, most of the negative feedback we found are attributed to its unresponsive and inefficient customer support. Based on my personal experience, I would say that its customer support can be a hit-or-miss. Sometimes I get the right person, but on other occasions, I get transferred multiple times before getting the assistance I need.

On a tangent, one user complained that it takes too many steps to perform some tasks, like printing a check. This reviewer might be new to the QuickBooks platform. In my perspective, I believe check printing is pretty intuitive, especially if you’ve already done it a couple of times.

Here are the average ratings of QuickBooks Online on top review sites:

• Capterra^[3]: 4.3 out of 5 based on about 6,400 reviews
• G2.com^[4]: 4.0 out of 5 based on around 3,200 reviews

We awarded QuickBooks Online the winner in banking because it allows you to upload your files of transactions manually, which is useful if you don’t want to connect your bank account to your accounting software. Another advantage is that it allows you to print checks, which is great if you’re paying your vendors regularly by checks.

Invoices in QuickBooks Online are more customizable than those in ZipBooks. QuickBooks Online lets you choose from different templates and change invoice colors, which is impossible with ZipBooks.

Also, a standout feature of QuickBooks Online is the ability to calculate the total tax rates automatically to apply to an invoice based on your customer’s address, which is great if you’re collecting taxable payments from different states. This feature makes QuickBooks Online our overall best invoicing software.

QuickBooks Online takes the lead in A/P management because you can upload expense receipts from your mobile device using the mobile app. The program captures the information automatically and attaches it to an existing transaction or lets you create a new one. Additionally, if you often need to issue POs and vendor credits, then QuickBooks Online is preferable.

QuickBooks Online is also better than ZipBooks when it comes to project accounting, as it allows you to track inventory used in your projects. And while both programs allow you to create an estimate, only QuickBooks lets you convert that estimate into an invoice once it’s approved. Another important feature available in QuickBooks Online Advanced is the ability to compare estimated vs actual project costs, which is useful for tracking project profitability.

If your business sells products, you’ll prefer QuickBooks over ZipBooks. ZipBooks allows you to create an inventory item to be added to bills and invoices, but it doesn’t allow you to track inventory. QuickBooks, on the other hand, allows you to monitor the quantity of your products in real time, adjust inventory based on sales and purchases, run inventory reports, and more.

Most importantly, QuickBooks automatically tracks COGS, whereas ZipBooks does not. ZipBooks users with inventory will have to keep track of inventory costs in a spreadsheet or similar tool to comply with the tax rules for deducting inventory costs.

ZipBooks has a free plan, and QuickBooks Online doesn’t. Also, QuickBooks Online is more feature-rich, as it includes inventory accounting and a mobile accounting app.

ZipBooks might be better for freelancers or very small businesses without inventory that are on a tight budget and are primarily concerned with compiling income and expenses for a tax return.

Yes, and the best alternative depends on your needs. If you prefer a desktop-based solution, you should consider QuickBooks Desktop. If you want a free alternative, Wave is a great choice. Find more solutions in our roundup of the best small business accounting software.