Best bookkeeping software for contractors and trades
Contractors need to know which jobs made money, not just whether the bank balance went up. Here is the one tool we would start with, and the alternatives worth comparing. Updated 2026-10-14.
Our top pick: QuickBooks
Because it tracks income and costs by job, works with most field service apps and is the ledger most accountants already know.
QuickBooks
Accounting software with AI bookkeeping, invoicing, and reports for small businesses.
Price: Simple Start $38/mo ($19/mo for 3 months promo) · Free option: Free plan ($0/mo, 1 user); 30-day trial
Visit QuickBooksAlternatives worth a look
Xero
Cloud accounting software for small businesses.
Price: Early $27/month ($5.40/mo first 3 months promo) · Free option: One month free
Visit XeroFreshBooks
Cloud accounting for small businesses: invoices, time tracking, expenses, payments.
Price: From $23.00 USD/mo ($1/mo first year promo) · Free option: Free trial
Visit FreshBooksBooke AI
AI bookkeeping automation for transaction categorization and reconciliation.
Price: $129 per business/month · Free option: None listed
Visit Booke AISide by side
| Tool | Price | Free option |
|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks (top pick) | Simple Start $38/mo ($19/mo for 3 months promo) | Free plan ($0/mo, 1 user); 30-day trial |
| Xero | Early $27/month ($5.40/mo first 3 months promo) | One month free |
| FreshBooks | From $23.00 USD/mo ($1/mo first year promo) | Free trial |
| Booke AI | $129 per business/month | None listed |
What contractors and trades should check before choosing
- Can you track income and expenses by job or project?
- Does it connect to your field service and payroll tools?
- Does your accountant already use it?
A common mistake
Mixing personal and business spending on one card, which makes job costing nearly impossible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bookkeeping software for contractors and trades?
Our top pick is QuickBooks. Because it tracks income and costs by job, works with most field service apps and is the ledger most accountants already know.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks: Simple Start $38/mo ($19/mo for 3 months promo). Free option: Free plan ($0/mo, 1 user); 30-day trial. Checked 2026-10-13; confirm on the vendor's site.
What should contractors and trades look for in a bookkeeping software?
Can you track income and expenses by job or project? Does it connect to your field service and payroll tools? Does your accountant already use it?
Are these rankings paid?
No. Picks are ranked by fit for the job. Sponsored placements are always labeled "Sponsored" and never change the order of our picks.