Free or low-cost solutions to track your business expenses

When you are starting your own business, startup expenses do not seem to end. Furthermore, you do have to keep track of them to budget and for tax purposes at the end of the year. However, there are a few great apps that can help you keep track of your expenses. In this article we are going to explore the pros and cons of each of them.

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Wave

Wave is an app that is available on both iOS and Android devices that offers free expense tracking. The app also connects to your bank account so that you can see all of your transactions in one place. Another great thing about Wave is that it offers invoicing and accounting features as well. This means that you can do your entire accounting on the app if you want to. The only disadvantage of Wave at the moment is that it has decided to limit its services to the USA and Canada.

ProCons
  • Free and available worldwide.
  • Mileage tracking feature.
  • Extensive reporting tools.
  • Services limited to the USA and Canada.
  • Limited integrations compared to other platforms.

Akaunting

Akaunting is another great free expense tracking app that is available for both iOS and Android devices. In opposition to wave, Akauting do not limit its services and they are available world wide. Akaunting offers a lot of the same features as Wave does, but it also has a few unique features as well. One of these is the ability to track your mileage. This can be helpful if you have a business that requires you to travel frequently. Akaunting also allows you to create reports so that you can see where your money is going each month.

ProCons
  • Free with no hidden fees.
  • Comprehensive invoicing and accounting features.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Limited support and community resources.
  • Some advanced features may require paid plugins.

Xero

Xero is an app that is also available on both iOS and Android devices. Xero offers similar features to Wave, but it also has a few additional features. For example, Xero allows you to create purchase orders and bills. You can also track inventory with Xero. This app is great for businesses that have a lot of inventory to keep track of. It is an amazing app that allows you to scan your slips instead of carrying them around. It is a great software in all if you have extra money to spend on an accounting software.

ProCons
  • Robust inventory management.
  • Receipt scanning feature.
  • Extensive integrations with other tools.
  • Higher cost compared to free solutions.
  • Can be complex for beginners.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is an app that is available on both iOS and Android devices. QuickBooks is a bit more expensive than Wave and Xero, but it offers a lot of features that those two apps do not. For example, QuickBooks allows you to track time and mileage. You can also create estimates and invoices with QuickBooks. This app is great for businesses that need to track time and mileage for their employees. Like Xero, QuickBooks isn’t free but is user friendly if you have the extra bucks for it

ProCons
  • Robust inventory management.
  • Receipt scanning feature.
  • Extensive integrations with other tools.
  • Higher cost compared to free solutions.
  • Can be complex for beginners.

Wave

Wave is an app that is available on both iOS and Android devices that offers free expense tracking. The app also connects to your bank account so that you can see all of your transactions in one place. Another great thing about Wave is that it offers invoicing and accounting features as well. This means that you can do your entire accounting on the app if you want to. The only disadvantage of Wave at the moment is that it has decided to limit its services to the USA and Canada.

ProCons
  • Free and available worldwide.
  • Mileage tracking feature.
  • Extensive reporting tools.
  • Services limited to the USA and Canada.
  • Limited integrations compared to other platforms.

Akaunting

Akaunting is another great free expense tracking app that is available for both iOS and Android devices. In opposition to wave, Akauting do not limit its services and they are available world wide. Akaunting offers a lot of the same features as Wave does, but it also has a few unique features as well. One of these is the ability to track your mileage. This can be helpful if you have a business that requires you to travel frequently. Akaunting also allows you to create reports so that you can see where your money is going each month.

ProCons
  • Free with no hidden fees.
  • Comprehensive invoicing and accounting features.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Limited support and community resources.
  • Some advanced features may require paid plugins.

Xero

Xero is an app that is also available on both iOS and Android devices. Xero offers similar features to Wave, but it also has a few additional features. For example, Xero allows you to create purchase orders and bills. You can also track inventory with Xero. This app is great for businesses that have a lot of inventory to keep track of. It is an amazing app that allows you to scan your slips instead of carrying them around. It is a great software in all if you have extra money to spend on an accounting software.

ProCons
  • Robust inventory management.
  • Receipt scanning feature.
  • Extensive integrations with other tools.
  • Higher cost compared to free solutions.
  • Can be complex for beginners.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is an app that is available on both iOS and Android devices. QuickBooks is a bit more expensive than Wave and Xero, but it offers a lot of features that those two apps do not. For example, QuickBooks allows you to track time and mileage. You can also create estimates and invoices with QuickBooks. This app is great for businesses that need to track time and mileage for their employees. Like Xero, QuickBooks isn’t free but is user friendly if you have the extra bucks for it

ProCons
  • User Friendly management.
  • Extensive management features
  • Extensive integrations with other tools.
  • Expensive, especially for small businesses.
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced features.

Zoho Books

Zoho Books is a versatile accounting app available on both iOS and Android devices, offering a range of features at an affordable price. It includes expense tracking, invoicing, and time tracking, with the added benefit of automated workflows. Zoho Books integrates seamlessly with other Zoho apps, making it a great option for businesses already using the Zoho ecosystem. While Zoho Books isn’t free, its pricing is more accessible than some competitors, and it offers a comprehensive set of features that can grow with your business.

ProCons
  • Affordable with scalable pricing plans.
  • Seamless integration with other Zoho apps.
  • Automated workflows and extensive features.
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  • Limited third-party integrations outside the Zoho ecosystem.
  • Some features are restricted to higher-tier plans.

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Conclusion

All four of these apps are great for keeping track of expenses. Wave and Akaunting are both free, while Xero and QuickBooks is a bit more expensive. However, all four offer different features that might be beneficial for your business. It is important to decide what features are most important for you and your business before choosing an app.

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