Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software, meaning it is primarily accessed and used over the internet, not installed and used locally on-premises. The platform is designed for accountants, professionals, and small business owners to streamline workflow. Apart from cloud-based solutions, Zoho Books also has dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, offering portability and on-the-go usage.

Managing business operations can be a tough job, especially for small and medium-sized business owners. Especially the accounting part, which requires expertise, this is where Zoho Books comes in - a perfect cloud-based accounting software for all business types. From handling accounting tasks, taxes, tracking expenses, billing, inventory management, and monitoring profits, Zoho Books is one of the best accounting platforms. Zoho Books offers a comprehensive platform for end-to-end business management fundamentals.

If you want to keep your books clean, updated, accurate, and keep cash flow going, Zoho accounting software gives you all the tools you need to manage your finances. However, there are three editions of Zoho Books to consider, i.e, Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. The standard version offers core accounting features, while the other two offer advanced and feature-loaded options.

In this article, we will learn about Zoho Books, Zoho Books pricing, features, Zoho Books vs QuickBooks, pros, cons, and everything you should know. Let us get into the topic in detail.

Zoho Books

What are Zoho Books?

Zoho Books is an accounting software company founded in 1996. It has its headquarters in California and Texas, and now also operates globally. The accounting software was primarily designed for small, medium, and large enterprises to streamline their financial and accounting mandates. Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software that allows you to access it from anywhere, at any time. It also supports iOS and Android applications for seamless access, with a 24/7 live support option for users.

Zoho Books has become a popular choice among businesses and professionals due to its smooth and online-based software solution. Zoho Accounting can be used to create invoices, bills, generate reports, statements, and more. In short, Zoho Books is used for daily accounting tasks and managing the overall financial aspects of businesses, which reduces time and errors. With Zoho Accounting, you can integrate applications and third-party add-ons for boosting productivity. For example, you can use Zoho CRM, Zoho Inventory, PayPal, Stripe, G Suite, and Microsoft integration into the Zoho ecosystem.

Main Features and Benefits of Zoho Books

  • 1. Inventory Management

    Zoho Books is a good platform for managing inventories. You get tools to track inventory sales, automate stock, get real-time stock updates, manage purchase orders, and get alerts on any inventory-related updates on the go.

  • 2. Expense Tracking

    Another key feature of Zoho Books is that businesses and professionals can track, record, and categorize expenses on the go. Moreover, you get the option to manage vendor bills, get financial reports, attach receipts, and keep track of each expense and financial parameter. You can also monitor cash flow and budgeting.

  • 3. Invoice/Payment Management

    Managing invoices and payments in Zoho Books is easy, simple, and smooth. Users have the option to create customized quotes, billings, and invoices, and receive reminders for due payments. You also benefit from third-party integration with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, ensuring seamless payments and enhanced cash flow management.

  • 4. Seamless Project Management

    Zoho Books enables businesses to manage projects, track time, create estimates and reports, bill clients, and complete tasks, among other functions. It helps manage, track, and monitor project completion, progress, and any bottlenecks. This overall helps in project profitability and resource allocation.

  • 5. Generating Reports & Analysis

    Zoho users can create customized reports of financial statements, profits/losses, balance sheets, cash flow, and more. You also get to analyze financial data and gain insights to make informed planning & decisions.

Zoho Books Pricing Plans

Zoho Books pricing is based on the three subscription models. Those are standard, professional and premium. Here is the complete table compression of zoho books pricing.

Standard PlanProfessional PlanPremium Plan
The standard plan starts at a discounted $15 per month for three users. ($20 actual cost)The professional plan starts at a discounted $40 per month for up to five users. ($50 actual cost)The Premium plan starts at a discounted $60 per month for 10 users. ($70 actual cost)
Note: There is a free version available for all with limited features.
Check complete pricing here.

Zoho Books Features at a Glance

Bank reconciliationInventory managementSales order management
Purchase order managementBillingtaxation
Project managementOnline payment optionsExpense management
Report generationAutomating tasksDocument management
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Pros & Cons of Zoho Books

ProsCons
Zoho has robust automation for financial tasks on its accounting platform.Advanced features, such as inventory and project accounting, are available in higher-priced versions.
You receive multiple support options through live chat, phone calls, and email.There is a limit on the number of monthly transactions you can make.
You can also code a few functions to customize your workflow.Coding is not suitable for most users.

Advantages of Zoho Books

  • It is a cloud-based accounting platform that allows you to access it from anywhere, at any time; there is no need for on-premise installations or limitations.
  • User-friendly UI. The platform is simple, modern, and easy to navigate.
  • With Zoho Books, you gain excellent automation features that further enhance your workflow.
  • It enables seamless integration with over 40 Zoho apps and other third-party applications, including Stripe payments.
  • You get both iOS and Android mobile applications for on-the-go usage.
  • Zoho offers an affordable pricing plan, but the advanced version is slightly more expensive.

Zoho Books vs QuickBooks: A Comparison

FeaturesZoho BooksQuickbooks
Pricing PlanYou get a free plan with one user and one accountant

The standard plan starts at a discounted $15 per month for three users. ($20 actual cost)

The professional plan starts at a discounted $40 per month for up to five users. ($50 actual cost)

The Premium plan starts at a discounted $60 per month for 10 users. ($70 actual cost)
The simple plan starts at $38 per month for one user

The essential plan starts at $75 per month for three users.

The Plus plan starts at $115 per month for five users.

The Advanced plan starts at $275 per month for up to 25 users.
SupportLive support through call, live chat, and emailLive support through call, live chat, and email
General Accounting FeaturesTaxation limit in the free versionAvailable
Accounts ReceivableAvailableAvailable
Bank ReconcializationsAvailableAvailable
Accounts PayableAvailableAvailable
Financial PlanningNot AvailableAvailable with the Advanced version
Inventory ManagementRequires an advanced planRequires an plus plan
Project ManagementRequires a professional planRequires a plus plan
Payroll and time trackingNot AvailableAvailable
Live BookkeepingNot AvailableAvailable
Live Taxation AssistNot AvailableAvailable
Banking & CapitalNot AvailableAvailable
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Zoho Books vs Xero Accounting: A Comparison

FeaturesZoho BooksXero
PricingStarts at $15 per monthStarts at $20 per month
Free TrialAllows 14 days of free trial usageAllows 30 days of free trial usage
Best ForSales and inventory management

High export/import of data

Time tracking tools

Advanced transaction documentation

Strong automation features
Core accounting with financial needs

Over 1000 integrations available to choose from

client portal for better service needs

advanced fixed asset tracking features
Payroll ServicesNot AvailableAvailable
Phone SupportAvailableNot Available
Office 365 SupportAvailableAvailable

Who Should Use Zoho Books Cloud Software?

  • If you are a small business owner, Zoho Books could be the perfect accounting software for you, offering all the necessary features.
  • Freelancers, seasoned workers, and consultants could also make the most out of Zoho’s accounting platform.
  • The best part of Zoho Books is that it can scale as your business grows. It is also designed for growing businesses and firms.
  • CPAs, bookkeepers, and accountants can use the software as they work with multiple clients and have a team. Since Zoho Books is cloud-based, you can collaborate and work from anywhere, any time, without interruptions.
  • Companies that require effective inventory management can also benefit from using Zoho Books, as it provides a robust inventory management tool.

Why Choose Zoho Books?

If you are a small business owner, you know you have to handle a lot of jobs at once. To simplify this, Zoho Books makes task and job management easier. Even if you don't have trained accountants, you can create invoices, send payment reminders, make payments, and track expenses or projects on the go. One significant advantage of Zoho Books is its automation features. Compared to other accounting software, it stands out because it can automate repetitive accounting tasks.

You can also schedule email alerts, send automatic invoice reminders, update fields, and receive in-app notifications so you never miss important tasks. With powerful automation, Zoho Books integrations, and user-friendly tools, it is one of the best accounting software choices for small businesses. If you are a business owner, you can explore Zoho Books' sign-in options and review their pricing to find a plan that suits your needs.

How to Sign in to Zoho Books: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step. 1: Visit the official Zoho Books website. (Click here)

Step. 2: In the top right corner, click on the Sign Up Now button.

Step. 3: While signing up for Zoho Books, you will have to enter your details. Here are these details handy.

Email addressPhone numberCompany name
PasswordCountry nameState where you are operating your business.
Zoho Sign Up

Step. 4: Once you fill in all these details, you will be asked to agree to the terms & conditions. Click on agree and proceed.

Step. 5: In the final step, click on "Create My Account." Once you click this, you have successfully signed up with Zoho Books.

Zoho Sign Up

Concluding Words

From the above, it is clear that Zoho Books is one of the most powerful accounting software loaded with enhanced financial features and integration options. Since Zoho is cloud-based, you can access the application from anywhere, any time, without any hassle. It offers affordable pricing plans with a free trial option. With this platform, you gain access to one of the best automation features, making day-to-day tasks easier and more automated.

Moreover, you also receive the Zoho suite of applications, which can enhance the productivity of your workflow. If you are a business owner, freelancer, consultant, or a growing business, Zoho Books could be the right choice. Additionally, we have provided a detailed comparison of Zoho vs. QuickBooks and Zoho vs. Xero accounting, allowing you to make an informed decision.

FAQs

Is Zoho Books free?

Yes, Zoho Books is free to use, but it has a cap of $ 50,000 in annual gross revenue. With the free version, you get one user and one accountant's accessibility.

How much is Zoho Books?

Zoho Books starts at a nominal price of $15 per month for a single user.

How to create a proforma invoice in Zoho Books?

Follow the steps to create a proforma invoice in Zoho Books:

Step. 1: Go to Sales and click "New Quote."

Step. 2: Now, you need to make it official by customizing the template. Go to settings.

Step. 3: Then go to PDF templates and then Quotes. Now, select a template and change the document title to 'Proforma Invoice' in the document details section.

How to do bank reconciliation in Zoho Books?

Follow the steps to bank reconciliation in Zoho Books:

Step. 1: Go to the banking modules

Step. 2: Now, select the correct account details and click on the Gear Icon to choose Reconcile Account.

Step. 3: Now, enter your start and end dates, as well as the closing balance, to initiate the reconciliation process.

How to enter a purchase entry in Zoho Books?

To enter a purchase entry in Zoho Books, go to the Purchases or Expenses module on the application, click the New button, and select the purchase order or bill. Now, you can also choose your vendor, fill in the details, and save the document.

How to reconcile in Zoho Books?

Follow the steps to bank reconciliation in Zoho Books:

Step. 1: Go to the banking modules

Step. 2: Now, select the correct account details and click on the Gear Icon to choose Reconcile Account.

Step. 3: Now, enter your start and end dates, as well as the closing balance, to initiate the reconciliation process.

How much does Zoho Books cost?

Zoho Books starts at $15 per month for a single user.

How to create an invoice in Zoho Books?

To add or select a customer and enter the invoice details, follow these steps: Go to the Sales module, click on the Invoices option, and then click the New button.

How does FreshBooks compare to Zoho Books?

FreshBooks is a user-friendly tool mainly used for invoicing, payment, and time tracking. At the same time, Zoho Books is a full-suite accounting tool with robust financial features, including budgeting tools, inventory management, and project management. FreshBooks is service-focused and straightforward, while Zoho Books is comprehensive for all business types.

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