Online bookkeeping services help small businesses keep their financial records accurate, reconcile accounts, and prepare financial statements without hiring an in-house bookkeeper. The best service depends on how often you need your books updated, which accounting software you use, and whether you need help with tasks such as payroll, tax preparation, or financial planning.
I compared online bookkeeping services based on bookkeeping quality, technology and integrations, pricing, financial reporting, and client support. Xendoo leads my ratings, while Bookkeeper360 stands out for weekly bookkeeping, Zeni for AI-powered bookkeeping, and Burkland for fractional CFO services. The eight options below cover different business needs, so you can compare their strengths, starting prices, and service models before deciding which one fits your business.
| Xendoo | ||
| Bookkeeper360 | ||
| Acuity | ||
| Zeni | ||
| Burkland | ||
| Decimal | ||
| Bookkeeper.com | ||
| Pilot |
- My methodology
- Why you can trust TechRepublic
- Best online bookkeeping services compared
- Xendoo: Best for ecommerce businesses
- Why I chose Xendoo
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- Bookkeeper360: Best for weekly bookkeeping
- Why I chose Bookkeeper360
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- Acuity: Best for customizable accounting services
- Why I chose Acuity
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- Zeni: Best for AI-powered bookkeeping
- Why I chose Zeni
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- Burkland: Best for fractional CFO services for startups
- Why I chose Burkland
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- Decimal: Best for multi-location businesses
- Why I chose Decimal
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- Bookkeeper.com: Best for bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services
- Why I chose Bookkeeper.com
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- Pilot: Best for startup accounting and investor reporting
- Why I chose Pilot
- Pros and cons
- Pricing and key features
- More about Accounting
- How to choose the best online bookkeeping service for your business
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is an online bookkeeping service?
- How much do online bookkeeping services cost?
- Are online bookkeeping services worth it?
- What’s the difference between online bookkeeping and accounting?
- Can online bookkeeping services handle payroll and taxes?
My methodology
I evaluated each online bookkeeping service against five criteria, weighted according to their importance to small businesses choosing a provider:
- Bookkeeping quality and core services (25%): Accuracy, reconciliations, financial statements, accounts payable and receivable, catch-up bookkeeping, and access to qualified bookkeepers.
- Technology, integrations, and security (30%): Accounting software compatibility, third-party integrations, automation, client portals, and data protection.
- Pricing and value (20%): Pricing transparency, affordability, additional fees, and flexibility of service plans.
- Financial reporting and business support (15%): Timeliness of financial statements, cash flow visibility, dashboards, and access to related services such as tax preparation or CFO support.
- Flexibility, scalability, and client support (10%): Onboarding, document submission, compatibility with existing workflows, support responsiveness, and the ability to adjust service levels as the business grows.
I scored each provider on a 5-point scale, applied the category weights, and calculated an overall rating. I also considered each service’s target customers and distinguishing features to select providers that address different bookkeeping needs.
Why you can trust TechRepublic
I have more than five years of experience researching and reviewing small-business software, including accounting platforms, payment processing tools, POS systems, and workflow technology.
For this guide, I evaluated online bookkeeping services based on bookkeeping quality, technology and integrations, pricing, financial reporting, flexibility, and client support. I also considered each provider’s strengths, limitations, and service model to help small-business owners compare options and find a service that fits their accounting needs and budget.
– Andrea Herrera
Best online bookkeeping services compared
Compare the top online bookkeeping services by rating, bookkeeping frequency, dedicated support, and catch-up bookkeeping availability to find the right fit for your business.
| Xendoo | ||||
| Bookkeeper360 | ||||
| Acuity | ||||
| Zeni | ||||
| Burkland | ||||
| Decimal | ||||
| Bookkeeper.com | ||||
| Pilot |
Xendoo: Best for ecommerce businesses
Overall rating: 4.45/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.35/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 4.65/5
Pricing and value: 4.25/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.55/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 4.30/5
Why I chose Xendoo
Xendoo provides weekly bookkeeping, monthly financial statements, and access to financial data through its Insights XP dashboard, which includes reports and business metrics. Weekly updates give you a more current view of your finances than monthly bookkeeping alone, helping you track business performance and spot potential issues sooner.
It is particularly worth considering for e-commerce businesses that need to reconcile sales, refunds, marketplace fees, and payment processor deposits across multiple platforms. Its integrations help connect these workflows, while catch-up bookkeeping is available if your financial records are months or years behind. Tax preparation and fractional CFO support are also available as separate services, so you can add them if your business needs more than routine bookkeeping.
Pros and cons
Pros
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Pricing and key features
Xendoo offers three standard bookkeeping plans, with prices based on monthly expenses. Monthly billing costs more than annual billing, which saves 10%.
| Essential | $395/month | Weekly bookkeeping, dedicated team, cash-basis accounting, up to four bank or credit card accounts, one integration |
| Growth | $695/month | Essential features, up to six accounts, cash or modified accrual accounting, two integrations, semiannual tax consultation |
| Scale | $995/month | Growth features, up to 12 accounts, custom chart of accounts, biweekly calls, four integrations |
| Catch-up bookkeeping | $295/month | Brings overdue books up to date |
| Business tax services | $1,295/year | Annual federal and state business tax returns and year-round tax support |
| Fractional CFO | $2,500/month | Financial analysis, planning, and strategic guidance |
The standard plans cover up to $50,000, $75,000, and $125,000 in monthly expenses, respectively. Businesses exceeding $125,000 in monthly expenses or requiring full-accrual accounting must request a custom quote. Annual billing reduces the standard plan prices by 10%. Tax preparation, catch-up bookkeeping, and fractional CFO support are separately priced services.
Bookkeeper360: Best for weekly bookkeeping
Overall rating: 4.43/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.80/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 4.50/5
Pricing and value: 3.50/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.55/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 5.00/5
Why I chose Bookkeeper360
Bookkeeper360 offers weekly or monthly bookkeeping, with a dedicated U.S.-based accounting team, cash- or accrual-basis accounting, and financial statements. Its software and mobile app provide access to financial data, while integrations with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Gusto help connect your accounting and payroll workflows.
You can also add tax preparation, payroll administration, bill pay, and fractional CFO services as your business grows. This makes Bookkeeper360 a practical choice if you want more than basic bookkeeping from one provider, though its $400 monthly starting price may be steep for businesses that need only routine monthly updates.
Pros and cons
Pros
| Cons
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Pricing and key features
Bookkeeper360’s bookkeeping starts at $400 per month. Weekly and monthly plans are customized to your business, so you will need a consultation to get a quote.
| Monthly bookkeeping | $400/month | Dedicated accounting team, monthly profit and loss statement and balance sheet, financial insights |
| Weekly bookkeeping | $600/month | Weekly financial insights and reports, plus monthly financial statements |
| Onboarding and cleanup | $1,000/project | Accounting software setup, chart of accounts configuration, catch-up bookkeeping |
| Payroll administration | $200/month | Payroll processing, Gusto setup, and employee or contractor onboarding support |
| Tax services | $1,200/month | Federal & state business returns, individual returns & full compliance, tax planning & year-end strategy |
| Fractional CFO | $1,600/month | Financial reporting, cash flow analysis, and strategic planning |
All plans include access to Bookkeeper360’s software. Month-to-month and annual options are available, and pricing varies with the services and complexity of your business.
Acuity: Best for customizable accounting services
Overall rating: 4.33/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.85/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 4.25/5
Pricing and value: 3.50/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.55/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 4.55/5
Why I chose Acuity
Acuity combines bookkeeping with optional services such as bill pay, invoicing, payroll, collections, and expense reporting. You work with a dedicated bookkeeper, and the service handles transaction categorization, account reconciliation, and monthly financial statements. It supports accounting platforms including QuickBooks Online and Xero.
It is a good fit if your business needs more than routine bookkeeping and you want to add financial oversight as it grows. Its controller and CFO services can help with reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. The main tradeoff is pricing: Acuity builds custom packages around your business, so you need a quote to determine the cost of your specific requirements.
Pros and cons
Pros
| Cons
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Pricing and key features
Acuity organizes its services into three stages: Essentials, Growing, and Established. Pricing depends on your business size, industry, transaction volume, and selected services.
| Essentials | $399 to $1,399/month | Monthly bookkeeping, account reconciliations, financial statements, and basic accounting support |
| Growing | $1,399 to $3,999/month | Bookkeeping plus expanded operational support, such as bill pay, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, and controller services |
| Established | $3,999 to $8,999/month | Comprehensive accounting support, advanced financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, controller oversight, and CFO-level guidance |
These are estimated price ranges, not fixed rates published on Acuity’s current pricing page. Request a quote to confirm the cost and included services for your business.
Zeni: Best for AI-powered bookkeeping
Overall rating: 4.30/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.65/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 4.25/5
Pricing and value: 3.75/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.55/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 4.30/5
Why I chose Zeni
Zeni’s strongest selling point is its focus on startup finances. Its AI-powered bookkeeping helps categorize transactions and reconcile accounts, while the dashboard tracks cash flow, operating expenses, and burn rate. These figures give founders a clearer view of how quickly they’re spending cash and how much runway they have left.
It also offers bill payment, employee reimbursements, and access to a finance team, with tax preparation, payroll, and fractional CFO services available as add-ons. That combination suits startups that want bookkeeping tied closely to day-to-day financial decisions. The tradeoff is the $549 monthly starting price and the requirement to use QuickBooks Online Plus.
Pros and cons
Pros
| Cons
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Pricing and key features
Zeni offers three bookkeeping plans. Pricing depends on the complexity of your books, monthly expenses, and annual revenue. Annual billing reduces the monthly equivalent by 10%.
| Starter | $549/month | AI-powered bookkeeping, dedicated finance team, financial dashboard, bill payments, employee reimbursements; designed for pre-revenue companies |
| Growth | $799/month | Advanced AI bookkeeping and dedicated finance team for revenue-generating businesses |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Bookkeeping and finance support tailored to more complex businesses |
| Tax Starter | $2,499/year | Tax services for pre-revenue companies |
| Tax Growth | $3,899/year | Tax services for businesses generating up to $500,000 in revenue |
| Payroll Manager | $199/month | Employee onboarding and termination support, payroll system management, and compliance assistance |
| Fractional CFO Starter | $1,599/month + $2,000 setup | Annual budgeting, budget-versus-actual analysis, and a 12-month cash flow forecast |
The Starter and Growth bookkeeping plans cost $494 and $719 per month, respectively, when billed annually. Tax, payroll, and fractional CFO services are separate subscriptions.
Burkland: Best for fractional CFO services for startups
Overall rating: 4.27/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.65/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 3.80/5
Pricing and value: 4.25/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.55/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 4.30/5
Why I chose Burkland
Burkland brings accounting and strategic finance expertise together, making it worth considering if your business needs more than accurate books. The company has a history of supporting high-growth startups through fundraising, audits, and exits, and its team includes fractional CFOs. Its current Burkland Business offering focuses on established small and midsize businesses that need more sophisticated financial operations without hiring a full in-house team.
Beyond bookkeeping, Burkland offers custom financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, budgeting, tax planning, payroll, and M&A support. You can start with a bookkeeping package and add services as your needs change. The main limitation is that fractional CFO pricing isn’t published on its current Burkland Business pricing pages, so you’ll need a quote to determine the cost of strategic finance support.
Pros and cons
Pros
| Cons
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Pricing and key features
Burkland offers three bookkeeping packages with fixed starting prices. More advanced reporting and support are included at higher tiers, while services such as payroll, tax planning, budgeting, and cash flow management can be added separately.
| Starter | $495/month | Cash-basis bookkeeping, account reconciliation, standard chart of accounts, monthly financial statements |
| Core | $700/month | Starter features, cash- or accrual-basis accounting, custom chart of accounts, dedicated accounting manager, meetings as needed |
| Advanced | $1,250/month | Core features, monthly finance meetings, custom KPI tracking and reporting, accounting manager or controller |
| Fractional CFO and strategic finance | Custom quote | Strategic financial guidance and support from Burkland's finance team |
| Payroll services | $500/month for 1–10 employees | Payroll processing, onboarding meetings, off-cycle payrolls; pricing increases with employee count |
| Business tax preparation | $2,750/year | Federal and home-state filing; additional states cost $500 each |
Burkland also offers budgeting, budget-versus-actual analysis, cash flow management, tax advisory, and M&A support. These services are priced separately or scoped to your requirements.
Decimal: Best for multi-location businesses
Overall rating: 4.25/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.70/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 4.00/5
Pricing and value: 4.00/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.30/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 4.30/5
Why I chose Decimal
Managing several locations makes it harder to compare performance when each site uses different reporting methods or accounting processes. Decimal addresses this with a standardized monthly close, consolidated financial statements, and location-level profit and loss reports using a consistent chart of accounts. You can compare locations side by side, identify which units are profitable, and see where expenses need attention.
Decimal also handles the accounting work behind multi-location operations, including intercompany transactions, transfers, management fees, bill pay, invoicing, expense management, and payroll support. Its fixed monthly pricing scales with the number of locations, transaction volume, and services you need. The main limitation is that pricing isn’t published, so you’ll need a quote to compare its cost with other providers.
Pros and cons
Pros
| Cons
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Pricing and key features
Decimal uses fixed monthly pricing based on the number of locations, transaction volume, and the services your business needs. It doesn’t publish standard package rates, but it provides a quote before you sign up.
| Bookkeeping | Custom quote | Monthly close, transaction categorization, bank reconciliation, financial statements |
| Multi-entity accounting | Custom quote | Intercompany transactions, transfers, management fees, consolidated books |
| Location-level financial reporting | Custom quote | Comparable location P&Ls, consistent chart of accounts, custom reporting |
| Bill pay | Custom quote | Bill processing, payment scheduling, and vendor payment management |
| Expense management | Custom quote | Expense tracking, categorization, and financial recordkeeping |
| Invoicing | Custom quote | Invoice management and support for collecting payments |
| Payroll support | Custom quote | Payroll-related accounting and administrative support |
| Tax services | Custom quote | Tax-ready financial records, with tax preparation and filing available |
Decimal can also provide custom KPI tracking, budget-versus-actual reporting, and financial analysis to help you evaluate performance across locations. Most clients are usually onboarded within two weeks.
Bookkeeper.com: Best for bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services
Overall rating: 4.24/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.85/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 3.95/5
Pricing and value: 3.75/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.55/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 4.10/5
Why I chose Bookkeeper.com
Bookkeeper.com combines ongoing bookkeeping with payroll, tax preparation, and financial advisory services, making it a practical choice for small businesses that want to coordinate several accounting tasks through one provider. Its bookkeeping service includes a dedicated bookkeeper and account manager, bank and credit card reconciliations, and monthly financial statements. Depending on the plan, businesses can also receive more frequent bookkeeping, bill-pay support, and additional financial guidance.
The main advantage is the breadth of services, particularly for businesses that need more than monthly reconciliations and reports. The tradeoff is cost: plans start at $399 per month, and payroll, tax preparation, and other specialized services may increase the total. Bookkeeper.com is worth considering if you want ongoing bookkeeping with access to related accounting services, but it may be more than a very small business needs.
Pros and cons
Pros
| Cons
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Pricing and key features
Bookkeeper.com offers three standard monthly bookkeeping plans and custom pricing for businesses with more complex needs. Pricing depends partly on transaction volume, annual revenue, and service frequency.
| Small Business | $399/month | Up to $500,000 in annual gross revenue and 100 monthly transactions; monthly bookkeeping, reconciliations, financial statements |
| Small Business Plus | $599/month | Up to $750,000 in annual gross revenue and 200 monthly transactions; semi-monthly service, up to 20 monthly bill payments |
| Small Business Advanced | $799/month | Up to $1 million in annual gross revenue and 300 monthly transactions; weekly bookkeeping, up to 40 monthly bill payments |
| Custom bookkeeping | Custom quote | For businesses exceeding standard plan limits or needing a tailored service scope |
| Tax preparation | $600 | Federal and state tax returns, tax planning, and business tax support |
| Payroll | $165/month | Payroll processing and related tax services |
The listed bookkeeping prices do not include software subscription or banking fees. Confirm which add-ons are included in your quote, especially payroll, tax filing, and catch-up work.
Pilot: Best for startup accounting and investor reporting
Overall rating: 4.18/5
Bookkeeping quality and core services: 4.05/5
Technology, integrations, and security: 4.05/5
Pricing and value: 4.00/5
Reporting and financial visibility: 4.80/5
Flexibility, scalability, and client support: 4.30/5
Why I chose Pilot
Pilot offers online bookkeeping plans for businesses that want clean financial records without managing every transaction themselves. Its Essentials plan uses AI to categorize transactions, reconcile bank and credit card accounts, and close the books monthly. Core adds a dedicated U.S.-based bookkeeper, cash- or accrual-basis accounting, a custom chart of accounts, and monthly reports delivered by the 10th business day. This makes Core a better fit for startups that need financial statements they can use to manage spending and make business decisions.
It also connects bookkeeping with payroll, accounts payable, inventory, and payment-platform data. Businesses can add bill payment, invoice collection, tax preparation, and CFO services, although these aren’t all included in the standard bookkeeping subscription. The main tradeoff is that pricing changes with monthly expenses and service requirements, so the cost can rise as your business grows. Pilot also uses QuickBooks Online for its accounting records.
Pros and cons
Pros
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Pricing and key features
Pilot offers two standard online bookkeeping plans, plus a custom option for businesses with more complex needs. Essentials costs $99 per month for businesses with up to $100,000 in monthly expenses. Core pricing varies with expenses and business needs, with annual billing.
| Essentials | $99/month | Cash-basis bookkeeping, transaction categorization and reconciliation, monthly close, standard chart of accounts, year-end package for tax preparer |
| Core | From $299/month, billed annually | Dedicated U.S.-based bookkeeper, cash- or accrual-basis bookkeeping, custom chart of accounts, monthly reports, support by in-app messaging, email, and phone |
| Custom bookkeeping | Custom quote | Support for complex business structures, custom workflows and reporting, full accounts payable and receivable, earlier reporting |
| Tax preparation | From $1,000/year for single-member LLCs | Federal and state income tax filing, with services varying by business entity |
| CFO services | From $1,750/month, billed annually | Financial modeling, budget-versus-actual analysis, scenario planning, KPI dashboards; higher tiers add runway planning and investor reporting |
| Outsourced operations | From $850/month | Payroll and benefits coordination, invoice collection, and bill payment; purchased with Pilot bookkeeping |
Pilot’s published prices are starting points. Bookkeeping costs are tied to monthly expenses and other factors, including connected financial institutions, transactions, and support requirements. Tax services and CFO support are separate from standard bookkeeping, so request an itemized quote before comparing the total cost with other providers.
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How to choose the best online bookkeeping service for your business
The best online bookkeeping service depends on your transaction volume, budget, accounting needs, and preferred level of support. Compare providers based on these five factors before choosing a plan.
- Services included: Check whether the plan covers transaction categorization, account reconciliation, monthly financial statements, and closing. If you also need payroll, bill pay, tax preparation, or catch-up bookkeeping, confirm whether these services cost extra.
- Accounting software and integrations: Make sure the provider supports your accounting software, such as QuickBooks Online or Xero, and connects with your payment processors, payroll tools, or e-commerce platforms. Incompatible systems can mean extra setup or manual data entry.
- Total cost: Look beyond the advertised starting price. Transaction limits, onboarding, historical cleanup, and add-on services can increase your bill. Ask for a quote based on your actual needs and find out how pricing changes as your business grows.
- Bookkeeper access and support: Some services rely heavily on automation, while others provide a dedicated bookkeeper or accounting team. Choose based on how much help you need with discrepancies, financial reports, and bookkeeping questions.
- Reporting, security, and scalability: Look for accurate financial statements delivered on a schedule that works for your business. Ask how the provider protects financial data and whether it can accommodate higher transaction volumes, additional locations, or more complex reporting as your business grows.
Choose a service that covers your bookkeeping needs, integrates with your existing tools, and provides the right level of support at a predictable cost. The cheapest plan isn’t always the best value if essential services require additional fees.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is an online bookkeeping service?
An online bookkeeping service manages financial records remotely using accounting software and digital tools. Depending on the plan, services may include transaction categorization, account reconciliation, monthly financial statements, and support from a dedicated bookkeeper.
How much do online bookkeeping services cost?
Prices range from under $100 per month for basic, software-assisted bookkeeping to several hundred dollars per month for plans with dedicated bookkeepers. Costs depend on transaction volume, reporting needs, and add-on services such as payroll and tax preparation.
Are online bookkeeping services worth it?
They can save business owners time, improve the consistency of financial records, and provide regular financial reports without hiring an in-house bookkeeper. The value depends on the service’s cost, accuracy, and how much bookkeeping work it takes off your plate.
What’s the difference between online bookkeeping and accounting?
Bookkeeping focuses on recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and maintaining financial records. Accounting uses those records for financial analysis, tax preparation, planning, and compliance. Some online providers offer both services.
Can online bookkeeping services handle payroll and taxes?
Some providers offer payroll administration and tax preparation, but these services may cost extra. Confirm what’s included in the plan and whether the provider handles tax filing or only prepares records for your tax professional.