7 Best Accounting Software for Startups (2026)
Don't waste money on the wrong tools. We analyzed the top Accounting Software to help you find the perfect match for startups.
QuickBooks Online
The VC standard. If you plan to raise money, investors expect your books to be in QBO. It scales from pre-revenue to Series B and integrates with every major startup tool (Brex, Gusto, Carta).
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Runner Ups
Pilot
Outsourced BookkeepingSoftware + Service. Pilot provides a dedicated bookkeeping team that uses their software to manage your QBO file. It's the 'peace of mind' option for founders who don't want to touch accounting.
- Specialized in high-growth startups
- R&D tax credit assistance
- Monthly financial reviews
- Expensive for bootstrapped teams
- Service response times vary
Starting at
$599/mo
Xero
Global TeamsThe global startup choice. If your startup has a remote team in Europe or Asia, Xero's multi-currency handling is far superior to QBO's, making consolidation much easier.
- Beautiful, modern API
- Excellent multi-currency
- Unlimited users included
- Less popular with US VCs
- Payroll options limited
Starting at
$13/mo
Brex
Expense ManagementMore than a card. Brex's financial software now offers expense management and basic accounting features that allow early-stage startups to track burn rate without a full ERP.
- Real-time expense tracking
- High credit limits for startups
- Automated receipt matching
- Not a full general ledger
- Strict eligibility criteria
Starting at
Free
Puzzle
Real-Time MetricsThe modern challenger. Built specifically for startups, Puzzle generates real-time financial statements and metrics (Runway, Burn) automatically, using a data model designed for founders, not CPAs.
- Native startup metrics (Burn, Runway)
- Modern, fast UI
- Autonomous categorization
- Newer, less proven
- Fewer integrations than QBO
Starting at
$50/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about choosing the right software.
We analyze dozens of data points including pricing, feature sets, user reviews from trusted platforms (like G2 and Capterra), and real-world performance. Our "Top Pick" balances raw power with value for money.
Yes, software pricing is dynamic. While we update our database regularly (Last update: February 2026), we recommend clicking the "Check Price" button to see the most current live offers.
Yes! We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This supports our research team.