QuickBooks vs Zoho Books in 2026: Which Accounting Software Is Better for Growing Businesses?
About four years ago, we released a session comparing QuickBooks vs Zoho Books, and it quickly became one of our most successful videos with over 30,000 views.
Now in 2026, we’re revisiting the conversation — because a lot has changed.
Accounting software is no longer just about bookkeeping. Business owners now expect automation, real-time reporting, integrations with CRM and HR, and systems that scale as they grow.
In this updated session, Leo Isaac, Founder of Amazing Business Results, sits down with Simon Federovski, CEO & Co-Founder of Sphere Consulting, to break down eight critical factors that determine whether QuickBooks or Zoho Books is the better fit for your business today.
Why We’re Revisiting QuickBooks vs Zoho Books in 2026
Software has evolved
Pricing has changed
Expectations from business owners are higher
Automation is no longer optional
Business Owners vs Accountants — Why the Disconnect Exists
Key points:
QuickBooks = accountant comfort
Zoho Books = business owner control
Change resistance
Education gap
Once accountants use Zoho Books, perception changes
Reporting & Profitability by Business Line
Include example:
Web Design
SEO
Google Ads
Explain:
Segmented P&L
Cost centers
Tags
Budgeting by service line
Why this changes decision-making
Pricing Comparison — Zoho Books vs QuickBooks
Zoho Books
Included with Zoho One
~$40/month standalone
Multiple legal entities
QuickBooks
Advanced plan needed
$120–$220/month
Fewer advanced features
👉 Conclusion: Not comparable on value
User Management for Growing Teams
Cover:
Role-based permissions
Module-level controls
Communication restrictions
Why this matters as teams grow
Payroll, HR & Expense Management
Explain:
Zoho Payroll + Zoho People + Zoho Expense
Native ecosystem
PTO, approvals, reimbursements
Payroll automation
Compare to:
QuickBooks standalone payroll
External tools
Per-user costs
Automation & Workflow Capabilities
Highlight:
Approval workflows
Custom scripts
Notifications
Finance-driven automation
Position:
Zoho Books = platform
QuickBooks = tool
Integrations with CRM & Finance Tools
Zoho:
Native integrations
One-click setup
No middleware
Fewer sync failures
QuickBooks:
Third-party tools
Expensive
Fragile integrations
Where QuickBooks and Zoho Books Are Headed Beyond 2026
QuickBooks Direction
Simpler
UI-focused
Not enterprise-focused
Zoho Books Direction
Fixed assets
Advanced inventory
Enterprise-level logic
Ecosystem expansion
Final Verdict — Which Accounting Software Should You Choose?
Choose QuickBooks if:
Simple business
Minimal automation
Accountant-led workflow
Choose Zoho Books if:
Growing business
Multiple services or entities
Automation + visibility matter
You want control as an owner
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoho Books better than QuickBooks in 2026?
For growing businesses that need automation, reporting, and integrations — yes. Zoho Books offers significantly more flexibility and value.
Can I migrate from QuickBooks to Zoho Books?
Yes. With proper planning and implementation, businesses can migrate without losing data or disrupting operations.
Does Zoho Books include payroll and HR?
Zoho Books integrates natively with Zoho Payroll, Zoho People (HR), and Zoho Expense, creating a unified system.
Can I migrate from QuickBooks to Zoho Books?
Yes. With proper planning and implementation, businesses can migrate without losing data or disrupting operations.
Is Zoho Books good for scaling businesses?
Absolutely. It’s designed to grow with your business, unlike many entry-level accounting tools.
Thinking about switching from QuickBooks to Zoho Books?
Amazing Business Results is a Zoho Premium Partner helping businesses migrate, automate, and scale since 2013.