For companies looking for strong invoicing features, QuickBooks Online and Zoho Invoice are two accounting platforms with different strategies, cost structures and target markets.
Essential invoicing features like personalized templates, automated payment reminders, expense tracking, and recurring billing automation are provided by Zoho Invoice and QuickBooks Online. On the other hand, QuickBooks Online provides thorough financial reporting and complete accounting functionality.
Zoho Invoice and QuickBooks Online have different prices. While Zoho Invoice offers a free plan that is affordable and paid plans that start at $29/month for Standard and $69/month for Premium, QuickBooks Online offers a premium model with four paid tiers.
While QuickBooks Online provides a more complicated experience with a steeper learning curve, it offers crucial invoicing and expense tracking features. Zoho Invoice is commended for its user-friendly interface and mobile functionality.
Specifically tailored for smaller businesses, Zoho Invoice utilizes its ecosystem advantage for native CRM integration and API connectivity while QuickBooks Online integrates with numerous payment gateways and accounting software platforms, offering scalability across all business sizes.
Numerous online payment gateways are provided by Zoho Invoice and QuickBooks Online, along with comprehensive fee schedules and a wide range of customer support channels.
While QuickBooks Online provides comprehensive financial management for established businesses, Zoho Invoice is a more affordable option for freelancers and startups.
| QuickBooks Online | Zoho Invoice | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| Custom Templates | Yes | Multiple customizable templates available with logo and branding options |
| Send Estimates/Quotations | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring Billing Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Time Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Mileage Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Payment Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Project-Based Billing | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Handling | Yes | Yes |
| User Permissions/Role Management | Yes | Yes |
| File Uploads | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing and Plans | ||
| Free Plan Availability | No | Yes |
| Pricing Range | Simple Start: $11.40/month Essentials: $22.50/month Plus: $34.50/month Advanced: $82.50/month |
Standard: $29/month Premium: $69/month Custom |
| Trial Period | 30-day free trial available | Free plan serves as extended trial |
| User Limits | Simple Start: 1 user Essentials: 3 users Plus: 5 users Advanced: 25 users |
Varies by plan – Free plan supports basic user needs |
| Client Limits | Unlimited clients | Unlimited clients on free plan |
| Storage Limits | No specific limits | Cloud-based storage, data synced across devices |
| Payment Processing Fees | Online Payments: 2.9% + $0.25 per transaction Mobile/Card Reader: 2.4% per swipe, 3.4% + $0.25 per keyed transaction ACH Bank Transfers: 1% (max $10 per transaction) |
Standard payment gateway fees apply |
| Ease of Use | ||
| User Interface | Moderate | Simple – Easy-to-use interface noted by users |
| Onboarding Experience | Comprehensive onboarding resources available | Yes |
| Mobile App Availability | Available for iOS and Android | Available for iOS and Android |
| Mobile App Functionality | Invoice creation, expense tracking, receipt capture, mileage tracking | Full functionality – Can send invoices and reminders from mobile |
| Integration | ||
| Payment Gateways Supported | QuickBooks Payments, Stripe, PayPal, Square | Multiple payment gateways supported for online payments |
| Accounting Software Compatibility | QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, Sage, and FreshBooks | Connects to Zoho Ecosystem and other apps |
| CRM Integration | Native CRM, Third-party CRMs, Contact Management | Native Zoho CRM integration, third-party CRMs via API |
| API Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting & Analytics | ||
| Bank Connections | Yes | No |
| Pre-Built Financial Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Report Creation | Yes | Yes |
| Security & Compliance | ||
| Dashboard Metrics | Yes | Yes |
| Data Encryption | Yes | Yes |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| Backup Options | Automatic – Cloud-based backup system | Automatic – Cloud-based with device sync |
| Customer Support | ||
| Support Channels | Phone, Live Chat, Email, User community forums | Email, Chat, Phone support available |
| Help Center/Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Support | No | Limited |
| Adaptability | ||
| Multi-Currency Support | Yes | Yes |
| Localization | Yes | Yes |
| Industry-Specific Customization | Yes | Yes |
| Scalability | Full scalability across all business sizes | Freelancers to SMBs – Perfect solution for freelancers and small businesses |
| Read QuickBooks Online Review | Read Zoho Invoice Review |
