Our staff researched the top Mac-friendly accounting software and compiled 20 data points to home in on our top 10 picks. The data was sorted into five categories including pricing, key features, additional features, user reviews and a deep dive by our experts.
Here are the categories Forbes Advisor used to rank the providers that made the top of the list.
Pricing
With pricing, the starting price of a Mac-friendly accounting software program was the most important factor we looked at. Initial pricing that we considered to be cheap or moderate fared better in our rankings than those we considered to be expensive compared to competitors. From there, we looked at the pricing range between the different plan tiers a provider offered. In addition, we also considered whether a software provider offered a free trial or free version. Pricing accounted for 5% of our weighted scoring.
Features
While our reviews mention a variety of features attractive to small businesses, we focused on specific ones that we considered essential for small businesses to have access to, such as offering double-entry bookkeeping, time tracking and payroll services, access to a customer portal and providing a mobile app for users. Then, we looked at optional or unique features that we thought accountants and bookkeepers might find useful if included as part of any software plan or included as an add-on. The additional features included multicurrency support, document management, invoicing, bill payment and some form of training. Both levels of features combine for 55% of our total score.
Third-party Reviews
Taking a look at popular third-party review websites, we researched reviews from real users to gauge their opinion of each software provider. These sites included Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra and we based our ratings by looking at the number of highly rated reviews―those that were 3.5 or higher of 5―each provider received. These accounted for 5% of the total score.
Expert Analysis
Taking all of the above categories into consideration, our experts then considered additional criteria using customer reviews around factors that included value for the money, ease of use, stand-out features and popularity. This final category made up 35% of the total score.
Featured Partners
Starting price
Reg. Price: $15 per month; Special Offer: 75% off all plans for 3 months until February 13
Unlimited Users On All Plans
Yes
Starting price
$15 per month (for the first 3-months, then $30 per month)
Key Features
Expert help, Invoicing, maximize tax deductions, track mileage
Cloud Financial Management
Yes
Multi-entity financial visibility
Yes
CRM, Payroll, POS Integrations
Yes
FAQs
NerdWallet's picks for best accounting software for Macs
- QuickBooks Online. Best overall accounting software for Macs.
- Xero. Best for unlimited Mac users.
- FreshBooks. Best for Apple Pay-friendly option.
- Zoho Books. Best for low-cost, high-value accounting software.
- Wave. Best for free accounting software.
Apple doesn't offer a built-in bookkeeping app for its computers. However, Mac users can choose from a range of third-party accounting software, such as Xero, Wave, and FreshBooks, to manage their bookkeeping needs.
What is an alternative to QuickBooks for Mac? ›
QuickBooks Desktop for Mac Alternatives
- AccuFund Accounting Suite.
- Deltek Costpoint.
- AvidXchange.
- Jedox.
- Planful.
Windows is the traditional choice for many accountants due to its wide software compatibility and budget-friendly options. However, Mac offers a more secure and aesthetically pleasing experience, along with durable hardware.
Does QuickBooks make a Mac version? ›
Leave your browser behind with the QuickBooks Online Mac app. Download the app to your computer to access all of your online data right from your Applications folder. Access your QuickBooks Online account, right from your desktop. Fast, automatic sign-in on launch.
Why is Mint shutting down? ›
According to its parent company, Intuit, Mint wasn't making enough money, so Intuit began the app's closure in January. On March 23, Mint users will no longer be able to access their account data, which could include over a decade of their spending and financial history.
Can you use Quicken on a Mac? ›
Quicken Starter for Mac helps you organize your essential banking information. See all your income and spending in one convenient dashboard.
Which accounting software is used by Apple company? ›
Apple uses SAP software for their App Store, iTunes, online store, and other online store services. They also use different SAP systems for their finance department and Human resources.
What is the easiest home accounting software to use? ›
Wave Accounting free accounting software is one of the easiest to use, with an interface that's similar to Mint. With Wave, you can track income and expenses, send invoices, track sales tax and create reports.
Does Apple have something like QuickBooks? ›
Free, Mac-friendly alternative to QuickBooks
ZipBooks has every tool you need to streamline your small business. Log in on any OS X or iOS device, including your iMac, Macbook, iPad, or iPhone to run everything in your small business on the go. True Fact: ZipBooks users spend 15% less time on mundane bookkeeping tasks.
QuickBooks for Mac is the popular QuickBooks accounting software that is designed to work on a Mac.
Is MacBook good for accounting work? ›
A1: The Dell XPS 13 and the MacBook Air are often recommended as the best laptops for accounting work, offering a balance of performance, portability, and reliability.
Does Sage accounting run on a Mac? ›
Sage accounting software is compatible with Apple devices such as MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Sage Accounting is a cloud-based solution that works for Mac users, and the iOS mobile app is available in the Apple store under iPhone apps.
Do I need an accountant if I use accounting software? ›
There are various tools out there to help sort out your accounts and keep them organised, but in terms of knowledge and experience, you can't beat hiring an accountant directly. Please consult your own accountant or bookkeeper for advice tailored to your business.
Is there something like QuickBooks for personal use? ›
Xero is a strong QuickBooks alternative for personal finances, with functionalities that simplify banking, expense management, and financial reporting.
What is the best software to keep track of personal expenses? ›
Compare Providers
| Expense Tracker Apps | Why We Picked It | Key Benefit |
|---|
| Everlance | Best for Reimbursem*nt and Mileage | Automatically create an IRS-compliant mileage log and sync accounts to track expenses |
| NerdWallet | Best Free Option | It's completely free and helps you monitor your credit and expenses |
3 more rowsWhile traditionally used for small business accounting, QuickBooks can also be a robust personal finance management tool. It can help you track income and expenses, categorize transactions, create budgets, and generate financial reports.
