QuickBooks
Accounting software most trade businesses end up on.
| Best for | Businesses that need proper books and an accountant who already knows the software. |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid (tiered) |
| Free option | Free trial |
| Used for | Bookkeeping & admin, Invoicing & payments |
| Suits | Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, Roofers, Landscapers, Remodelers & carpenters, General contractors |
| Website | quickbooks.intuit.com |
What it does
QuickBooks is where most trade businesses end up because their accountant already uses it. Invoicing, expenses, VAT and reporting all work, and almost every other tool integrates with it. What it lacks is job costing — knowing whether an individual job was profitable usually needs an add-on or a separate system alongside it.
Where the AI actually is
AI-assisted categorisation, receipt capture and cash-flow insights.
Pros
- Every accountant knows it
- Handles invoicing, expenses and reporting in one place
- Huge integration ecosystem
Cons
- Not built for trades specifically — needs job costing add-ons
Who it suits
Built with Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, Roofers, Landscapers, Remodelers & carpenters, General contractors in mind. Businesses that need proper books and an accountant who already knows the software.
Alternatives
FreshBooks
Simple invoicing and accounting for very small businesses.
Xero
Cloud accounting with a large add-on marketplace.
Dext
Receipt and invoice capture that feeds your accounts.
Expensify
Expense reporting with automatic receipt scanning.
Prices shown are indicative as of September 2026 and change often. Always confirm on the vendor's own site.