What is a chart of accounts?

A comprehensive list of all financial accounts in a company's general ledger, organized into categories such as assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses. It provides a complete picture of a company's financial transactions.

Who uses one?

Small business owners and bookkeepers choosing accounting software (QuickBooks alternatives)

What does it cost?

Pricing varies. The cheapest provider in our Top 11 starts around $249/mo. See the cheapest providers ranked.

How do I pick one?

Read the full methodology for our 9.4-point scoring framework, then look at the canonical QuickBooks vs Xero vs FreshBooks: 11 Best Small Business Accounting Software 2026. If you want a slice of the ranking by price, fit, or compliance, jump to: cheapest · highest-rated · fastest onboarding.

Source: Top 11 QuickBooks vs Xero vs FreshBooks: 11 Best Small Business Accounting Software 2026, verified June 4, 2026.