How we select the best online bookkeeping services
To make our list, online bookkeeping services had to check a majority of the following boxes:
- Handlesbasic bookkeeping tasks. Our picks can categorize your transactions, reconcile your accounts and generate financial reports (e.g., profit and loss statement, balance sheet).
- Integrates with QuickBooks and/or Xero.This makes it easier to switch bookkeeping services down the road. Other business software programs (e.g. for inventory, payroll, point-of-sale) often integrate with these popular accounting solutions too. That ensures transactions flow seamlessly between them.
- Supports cash and accrual bookkeeping. Cash basis bookkeeping can be sufficient for very small businesses. But you’ll want the option to implement accrual bookkeeping down the road should your business grow.
- Offers add-on features. These include tax support, payroll, inventory tracking and catch-up bookkeeping services.
- Has multiple support channels. We look for solutions that offer some combo of phone, chat and email support. The option to schedule video calls with your bookkeeper is a plus.
All of our picks also have transparent monthly subscription pricing. This lets you quickly determine whether the service is within your budget. Monthly pricing also ensures bookkeepers complete all necessary tasks each month, regardless of the time commitment. This pricing structure is much more predictable than hourly pricing.
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Does your business need an online bookkeeping service?
Most businesses should consider some form of bookkeeping assistance. That could be an online bookkeeping service, a freelance bookkeeper or a bookkeeping firm in your local area.
Bookkeeping may sound like a small commitment you can take on yourself. That typically doesn’t pan out, though. I made that mistake when my husband opened his brewery and I volunteered to take on bookkeeping tasks. I’m already certified in QuickBooks, so I thought it would be a breeze. But categorizing transactions, figuring cost of goods sold and adjusting inventory are time consuming. We eventually decided to outsource that job.
To complete bookkeeping tasksdo it correctly, you often need background knowledge on tax strategy and industry-specific accounting methods too. That’s where professionals come in.
Online bookkeeping services can be convenient for small businesses in popular industries, like retail and professional services. If your business is more specialized, however, we recommend asking fellow business owners for recommendations. This can help ensure your bookkeeper has experience in your specific industry.
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What features do the best online bookkeeping services have?
Use the table below to find out which capabilities each product has. You can also filter by feature.
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Pros and cons of online bookkeeping services
Online bookkeeping services can help give you back some of your time. But they aren’t for every business. If you’re looking for a more personalized approach, for example, you might vet bookkeepers in your local area.
Here are the main pros and cons to subscribing to an online bookkeeping service:
Pros
It’s a convenient way to hand off bookkeeping tasks.
Fixed monthly subscriptions (as opposed to an hourly rate) make it easy to predict costs.
You can often bundle tax prep services with your bookkeeping subscription.
Bookkeeping teams may not have ample experience in your industry.
It can be difficult to build trust with your bookkeeper when you can’t meet them in person.
Proprietary bookkeeping software could make it difficult to share records or collaborate with your accountant.
How to choose the best online bookkeeping service
Follow these steps to select the right online bookkeeping service for your business.
1. Confirm it fits within your budget
Online bookkeeping services usually start at around $200 per month. If you need add-on services for tax preparation or payroll management, expect to pay more. The same goes for if you require accrual bookkeeping as opposed to cash-basis.
2. Make sure it integrates with your accounting software
Most small businesses should choose a bookkeeping service that works within their existing accounting software. This makes it easier to keep all of your financial records in one place. The most popular accounting software integrations are QuickBooks Online and Xero.
If you use a different accounting software product, check its website. You’ll often find a list of bookkeeping partners and/or certified advisors.
3. Determine whether you require add-on services
Not all bookkeeping services offer the same add-on features. Some business owners, for example, might want their bookkeeper to handle payroll, HR or other back-office jobs. Those could include invoicing, bill pay or inventory management.
Or, if it isn’t already included, you may be looking for tax support. These services can help you claim the correctsmall-business tax deductions, prepare your returns and file them.
Even if a bookkeeping service has all the add-ons you need, they can be expensive. So be sure you understand the total cost before moving forward.
4. Ask your accountant for a second opinion
Bookkeeping services are expensive — they often cost more than your accounting software. That’s why it’s important to seek out feedback before committing.
Your accountant likely works with multiple other small businesses that use some sort of bookkeeping service. Ask them how those products are working for their clients. See if they have any experience with the options you’re considering.
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Last updated on July 2, 2026
