The Best Small Business Software in 2023
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Running a small business in 2023 means engaging with the digital world – whether talking to your team, building a sales pipeline, or just staying on top of your paperwork. So, to help you engage efficiently, we’re looking at the good and bad of essential small business software.
From accounting software and tax programs to web hosting, email, and collaboration tools, check out our list of the best pieces of small business software in 2023
Committing to new small business software is a big deal, so it’s essential to know what to look for before starting your search. We’ve examined software against six key criteria before breaking it down into how it’s used. These critical factors are:
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Price
Is the software at the right price point for your business? Small businesses are generally going to need something affordable without sacrificing features.
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Design
Design is an important part of any product and is something that many people overlook when seeking out software. If the project tracker you have to use every day is clunky and ugly, it can quickly create problems.
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Ease of use
Modern software should be intuitive and easy to use. The how and why of features should be clear with minimal onboarding.
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Scalability
You might be small now, but you won’t be forever. Many SMBs are looking to scale, and you must find software that can grow with you.
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Support
Sometimes, you might need a bit of help to maximize the use of your software. Having support on hand provides peace of mind for troubleshooting and helps you realize the potential of your programs.
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Impact
Exactly how does a piece of software help your business? Does it solve a problem? Bring additional benefits? If there is no business impact, then maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.
Discover More:
Unified Communication for Small Business
Team Collaboration and Project Management Software
Ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding collaborative work can sometimes seem more of a hassle than it’s worth. Managing projects across multiple teams, both in-office and remote, takes organization and planning. Here is a round-up of the top team collaboration software.
Spike
![Spike for Teams](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/030423_Media_Kit_multi_device_01_Channels_Multi_1920x1080-3.png?format=webp)
Sometimes, less is more, and Spike is the perfect team collaboration tool that doesn’t overcomplicate things. Spike has everything you need integrated into a single app on a single screen, providing an incredibly unified workspace. Spike’s powerful digital workspace combines email, chat, file-sharing, collaborative Notes, Tasks/To-Dos, and more. All you need is an email address. Simply put, it’s the ideal tool for team collaboration and will revolutionize the way you work.
Spike is designed as a modern piece of software, meaning simple layouts that are easy to tailor to your business needs. With light and dark modes and options to choose how you see messages, the design is optimized around the user.
The software starts with an email address, any email address, which makes onboarding teams a piece of cake. What’s more, since people can be added to groups and brought into the loop even if they aren’t using Spike, it means no temporary accounts or difficult workflows when communicating with people outside of your organization. Additionally, with macOS, Windows, iOS, Android and web apps, it can be used anywhere, anytime.
For individual users, Spike is free and can be upgraded as your business grows. Its features are as useful to a team of two working in a garage as they are to a multi-office company with sales around the world. Communication is a key factor in any business and Spike consolidates internal and external channels into a single, easy-to-use package.
Price
- Starter plan (up to 3 users with free email) – Free
- Team plan – $4/user/month billed annually
- Business plan – $8/user/month billed annually
Support
- Starter plan – Standard support
- Team plan – Priority support
- Business plan – VIP support
Monday.com
![Monday.com](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/monday-1200x628-1.jpg?format=webp)
In terms of design, Monday.com allows you to choose a template that fits your use case or workflow, customize it to iron out the finer details, invite your team to join through email, and collaborate through a centralized dashboard that takes care of all your conversations, files, briefs, checklists, and sheets.
Monday.com requires members to sign up and be onboarded in order to get your team working together. That said, once everyone is on there, everything is highly visual, and managing your projects once they are up and running is highly intuitive. Monday.com starts with two seats and goes all the way up to enterprise-level, meaning it can also grow with your business.
It is project management at its core, so will be focused on helping this aspect of your business. If integrated with other apps or software, such as communication software, then it can help with the general flow of productivity.
Price
- Individual (Up to 2 accounts) – $0
- Basic (3+ accounts) $8/account/month billed annually
- Standard (3+ accounts) $10/account/month billed annually
- Pro (3+ accounts) $16/ account/month billed annually
- Enterprise – Case by case basis
Support
All plans include:
- An online wiki
- 24/7 customer support (prioritized for paid plans)
- Daily live webinars
Enterprise plans have, in addition:
- Dedicated customer success manager
- 99.9% uptime SLA
Trello
![Trello](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/TrelloTourPage_Boards_2x.jpg?format=webp)
Trello is a project management and organization tool that allows users to create and manage tasks and projects in an interactive, visual way. It is designed to help teams and individuals stay organized, track progress, and collaborate more effectively. Trello allows users to create boards for different projects, and within each board, users can create lists and cards to represent tasks or ideas. Cards can be moved between lists as they progress through different stages of development, and users can add comments, attachments, and due dates to keep everyone on track. Trello is widely used in businesses, schools, and other organizations for a variety of purposes, including task management, event planning, and software development.
Trello is known for its simple and user-friendly interface, which makes it a great tool for managing tasks and projects at a smaller scale. However, as projects, teams, or company structures become more complex, Trello may struggle to keep up. In these cases, it may be more effective to use a tool with more advanced features. That being said, if each team or individual is working independently on their own set of tasks, Trello can still be a useful tool. Additionally, the automations included with Trello’s paid business packages can significantly improve the tool’s ease of use.
Price
- Free (unlimited cards and boards, up to 10 members) – $0
- Business-class (teams up to 100) – $10 account/month billed annually
- Enterprise (100+ accounts) – Custom pricing
Support
- Free – None
- Business-class – Priority email support
- Enterprise – Priority email support
Pros
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Visual organization of tasks and projects
- Collaboration features allow multiple users to work on the same board
- Mobile app allows users to access and update boards on the go
- Integration with other tools and services
- Automation features available with paid business packages
Cons
- Limited customization options
- May not be suitable for large and complex projects
- Limited reporting and analysis capabilities
- Free version has limited features compared to paid versions
- Some users may find the interface too basic or lacking in advanced features
Zoho Projects
![Zoho Projects](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/project-templates.jpg?format=webp)
Zoho Projects is a project management and collaboration tool developed by Zoho Corporation. It is designed to help teams plan, track, and deliver projects on time and within budget. Zoho Projects offers a range of features including task management, project scheduling, time tracking, document management, and resource management. It also includes collaboration tools such as discussion forums, chat, and video conferencing to help teams communicate and work together effectively. Zoho Projects is suitable for a variety of industries and can be used for everything from small, simple projects to large, complex ones. It is available in both free and paid versions, with the paid version offering additional features and support.
Price
- Free (2 projects) – $0
- Premium (up to 50 users) – $5/account/month billed annually + $3/client user/month
- Enterprise (unlimited users) – $10/account/month billed annually + $3/client user/month
Support
- Wiki, webinars, and online information for all accounts. Additionally, there is a contact form and email support service on the website.
Pros
- Comprehensive project management tool with a range of features
- Collaboration tools for effective team communication and work
- Customizable dashboards and reportsv
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Integrations with other Zoho and third-party tools
- Available in free and paid versions
Cons
- Some users may find the interface confusing or cluttered
- May be more suitable for larger teams or organizations
- Some users may find the cost of the paid version too high
- Some features may be limited in the free version
- May require a learning curve to fully utilize all features
Asana
![Asana](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/69d465.jpg?format=webp)
As one of the most well-established team collaboration tools on our list, Asana has won plenty of fans over the years. It’s used by some of the world’s biggest companies, including Uber and Intel, to name a few. It packs plenty of useful features into a relatively intuitive interface and dashboard while also integrating third-party apps such as Google Drive and Microsoft teams.
You can set up projects, add individual tasks assigned to specific team members, manage multiple projects across your calendar, and easily share information with the right people. Additionally, project tracking tools such as custom timeline management, visualized workflows, deadline management, and custom vital metric fields help you and your team monitor your collaborations in new and insightful ways.
Asana can be intimidating at first due to the number of features included in a single interface. That said, small businesses who have experience with any project management software should find everything relatively familiar.
Price
- Basic (limited features up to 15 users) – $0
- Premium (Basic + additional features) $10.99 account/month billed annually
- Business (Premium + additional features) $24.99 account/month billed annually
- Enterprise – custom pricing
Support
- All of the paid plans on Asana have priority support with enterprise also offering the option for serviced accounts.
Pros
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Wide range of project management and collaboration features
- Customizable workflows and templates</span
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Integration with other tools and services
- Available in free and paid versions
Cons
- Some users may find the interface too basic or lacking in advanced features
- May be more suitable for larger teams or organizations
- Some users may find the cost of the paid version too high
- Some features may be limited in the free version
- May require a learning curve to fully utilize all features
OUR PICK: SPIKE
Here are some reasons why Spike is the top team collaboration software for small businesses:
- Email integration: Spike integrates with email, allowing users to access and manage their email within the Spike app. This can help small businesses streamline their communication and reduce the need for multiple apps.
- Task management: Spike includes a task management feature that allows users to create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. This can help small businesses stay organized and on top of their workload.
- File sharing: Spike allows users to share and collaborate on files, including documents, images, and videos. This can help small businesses streamline their workflow and improve collaboration.
Small Business Accounting Software
Gone are the days of running a local Quickbooks server that is nearly impossible for multiple people to use together. On top of just purchasing the software license, small business owners would have to hire IT support to set up and configure the server. It was also cumbersome to access remotely, requiring the use of a VPN connection.
Today, there are countless options for small business accounting software that is easy to set up without hiring a technology integrator to get started.
Quickbooks
![Quickbooks](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/run_business_in_cloud.jpg?format=webp)
Quickbooks offers multiple options for small business accounting that requires no upfront investment and can be accessed from any web portal. Quickbooks now has a modern user interface and is accessible from a variety of devices, bringing this classic SMB software up to date. What’s more, as your team grows, so does your accounting software, with the opportunity to add new users and expand the tools you use. Small business owners and freelancers can manage all of their finances from a single place and send out invoices and collect payments.
Price
- Simple Start (1 user) – $12.50/month for the first 3 months then $25/month
- Essentials (3 users) – $20/month for the first 3 months then $40/month
- Plus (5 users) – $35/month for the first 3 months then $70/month
- Advanced (25 users) – $75/month for the first 3 months then $150/month
Support
- All plans have access to basic support, but only the advanced plan has a dedicated accounts team and on-demand training.
Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy to set up
- Wide range of financial management and accounting features
- Customizable reports and dashboards
- Integration with other tools and services
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Available in different pricing plans to suit different business needs
Cons
- Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming
- May be more suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
- Limited customization options for invoices and other documents
- May require a learning curve to fully utilize all features
- Some users may find the cost of the paid version too high
Freshbooks
![Freshbooks](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/ipad-invoice.jpg?format=webp)
For those familiar with invoicing software, the design will feel very familiar. On the downside, this makes the software feel a little stale. However, it is incredibly easy to use when switching from other software.
What’s more, FreshBooks caters to businesses of all sizes, from freelancers with a handful of clients to unlimited clients, making it a scalable software that grows with your business. It allows SMBs to keep track of invoices as well as expenses and recently has evolved into a fully-fledged accounting solution. It can now track time, build project retainers and expenses.
Price
- Lite (5 billable clients) – $6/month billed annually
- Plus (50 billable clients) – $10/month billed annually
- Premium (Unlimited billable clients) – $20/month billed annually
- Select (Unlimited billable clients + other features) – custom pricing
Support
- FreshBooks offers online support and webinars for all plans as well as email and phone support. Select users are offered a dedicated support number.
Pros
- User-User-friendly interface and easy to set up
- Wide range of financial management and invoicing features
- Customizable invoices and estimates
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Integration with other tools and services
- Available in different pricing plans to suit different business needs
Cons
- Some users may find the interface too basic or lacking in advanced features
- May be more suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
- Limited customization options for reports and other documents
- Some users may find the cost of the paid version too high
Sage
![Sage](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Sage-1.png?format=webp)
Sage is a financial management software designed to help small businesses streamline their accounting and financial operations. It offers a range of features including invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and tax preparation. Sage also includes tools for managing inventory, projects, and customer relationships.
One of the main benefits of Sage for small businesses is its ability to automate many of the tedious and time-consuming tasks involved in financial management. This frees up time and resources for business owners to focus on other important aspects of their business. Sage also offers a variety of reports and dashboards to help small business owners gain insight into their financial performance and make informed decisions.
In addition, Sage offers a range of integrations with other tools and services, making it easy for small businesses to connect their financial data with other systems they use. It also has a user-friendly interface and offers various pricing plans to suit different business needs. Overall, Sage can be a valuable asset for small businesses looking to improve their financial management and grow their business.
Price
- Sage Accounting Start – $10/month
- Sage Accounting – $25/month
Support
- Sage offers a knowledge base, forums, and training for its entire product range.
Pros
- User-friendly interface: Sage Invoicing has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes and levels of technical expertise.
- Customizable templates: Sage Invoicing allows users to customize invoices with their own branding and logos, as well as add additional fields or information as needed.
- Multiple payment options: Sage Invoicing supports a range of payment options, including credit card, bank transfer, and PayPal, making it easy for customers to pay invoices in the way that is most convenient for them.
- Automated reminders: Sage Invoicing can send automatic reminders to customers when invoices are overdue, helping to ensure timely payment and reduce the risk of late fees.
Cons
- Limited customization options: While Sage Invoicing does allow users to customize templates and add additional fields, the customization options may be limited for businesses with specific invoicing needs.
- Limited international support: Sage Invoicing is primarily geared towards businesses in the US and Canada, and may not offer as many features or support for businesses operating in other countries.
- Subscription-based pricing: Sage Invoicing is a subscription-based service, which may not be suitable for businesses with limited budgets or those that do not need ongoing invoicing support.
- Limited integrations: While Sage Invoicing does integrate with other Sage software, it may not offer as many integration options as some other invoicing software.
OUR PICK: Freshbooks
Some reasons why Freshbooks is the best small business accounting software include:
- Invoicing: Freshbooks allows small businesses to create and send professional invoices, track payments, and generate reports on their financial performance.
- Expense tracking: Freshbooks includes tools to help small businesses track their expenses and generate reports, making it easier to manage their finances and stay organized.
- Time tracking: Freshbooks allows users to track their time and create invoices based on their time spent on projects. This can help small businesses accurately bill their clients and improve their profitability.
- Mobile app: Freshbooks has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing small business owners to manage their finances on the go.
- Integration: Freshbooks integrates with a range of tools and services, such as payment processors, CRM systems, and project management tools.
Invoicing Solutions
If you’re looking for small business billing software, below here is a round-up of the most popular invoicing solutions.
Zoho Invoicing
![Zoho Invoice](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/send-professional-invoices@1x.jpg?format=webp)
Zoho Invoice is ideal for anyone who wants to create well-designed invoices for various purposes. Suitable for both freelancers and small businesses, there are plenty of features that allow you to manage invoices, payments, estimates, and expenses, with an additional time tracking feature that’s a big plus for freelancers.
Invoices, estimates, and sales order templates can be customized and branded with your corporate design, while automated workflows help you cut down the amount of time you spend on admin. Sharing invoices with your team is seamless, and real-time invoicing reports keep everyone in the loop when it comes to sales, expenses, and taxes. Zoho Invoice is part of a wider range of software which means that as your business grows, you can add the tools you need, letting your invoicing solution scale with you.
The platform includes integration with a range of third-party apps such as PayPal, Google, DropBox, and OneDrive and seamless connectivity to Zoho CRM. Additionally, multilingual and multi-currency invoices mean you can bill anyone in the world without having to use a separate app.
Price
- Free (invoice up to 5 Customers, 1 User, 5 Automated Workflows) – $0
- Basic (invoice up to 50 Customers, 1 User, 5 Automated Workflows) – $9/organization/month when billed annually
- Standard (invoice up to 500 Customers, 3 User, 10 Automated Workflows) – $19/organization/month when billed annually
- Professional (unlimited Customers, 10 User, 10 Automated Workflows) – $29/organization/month when billed annually
Support
- Wiki, webinars, and online information for all accounts. Additionally, there is a contact form and email support service on the website.
Pros
- User-friendly interface: Zoho Invoicing has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes and levels of technical expertise.
- Customizable templates: Zoho Invoicing allows users to customize invoices with their own branding and logos, as well as add additional fields or information as needed.
- Multiple payment options: Zoho Invoicing supports a range of payment options, including credit card, bank transfer, and PayPal, making it easy for customers to pay invoices in the way that is most convenient for them.
- Automated reminders: Zoho Invoicing can send automatic reminders to customers when invoices are overdue, helping to ensure timely payment and reduce the risk of late fees.
- Integration with other Zoho software: Zoho Invoicing can be easily integrated with other Zoho software, such as Zoho CRM and Zoho Books, allowing users to manage their entire business from a single platform.
Cons
- Limited integrations: While Zoho Invoicing does integrate with other Zoho software, it may not offer as many integration options as some other invoicing software.
- Complicated User Interface: Many customers find Zoho to be “enterprisy” in terms of how it functions
Bonsai
![Bonsai](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/5ee2fb817524af857b56c445_bonsai-dashboard.jpg?format=webp)
Bonsai positions itself as the best invoicing software for freelancers—and it doesn’t disappoint. Not only do you get a wealth of invoicing and payment options, alongside time tracking for single jobs and projects, but there’s also a bunch of useful resources to help you set your freelancing rates, information on tax and self-employment calculators, and an insightful freelancer blog to keep you ahead of the curve.
In addition to this, Bonsai integrates read-receipt notifications into your invoicing, so you always know when they’ve been received and read. Auto-completion of information helps speed up the invoicing process, and multiple currency invoices are also available for freelancers working with clients in other countries.
It’s well designed and easy to use, but at the end of the day it is designed with freelancers in mind so doesn’t really scale well with a business. What it does really well is integrate payment options and automated features in a simple interface that can help freelancers get paid promptly.
Price
- Workflow – $19/month
- Workflow Plus – $29/month
Support
- Workflow Plus offers priority support to users.
Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy to set up
- Wide range of financial management and invoicing features
- Customizable invoices and proposals
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Integration with other tools and services
- Affordable pricing plans for small businesses
Cons
- Some users may find the interface too basic or lacking in advanced features
- Limited customization options for reports and other documents
Square
![Square POS System](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Square-POS-System-scaled-e1623210396131.jpg?format=webp)
Square is very much one for those businesses that also sells products or services out in the real world. Alongside its comprehensive online invoicing, estimate, and job deposit features, Square provides a range of smart tech that allows you and your employees to take all kinds of payments wherever you sell.
Square’s hardware includes:
- Contactless chip & pin readers
- Miniature magstripes
- Full-size payment registers ensure you’re covered for everything from your weekly farmer’s market to a permanent store
Naturally, Square is perfect for small businesses that make most of their sales while out and about; however, the vast range of invoicing options available makes Square supremely flexible. In addition to Square’s hardware and face-to-face payment options, you’ll also find the Square Online Store that hosts a bunch of eCommerce tools alongside payroll features and customer loyalty program options.
Price
Square pricing works on a per-transaction basis, which works out to be:
- 2.6% + 10¢ processing rate
- $0 monthly fee
- $0 hardware fee
Support
- Square offers a support center with online articles, live chat, phone and email support.
Pros
- Wide range of payment processing and point-of-sale features
- User-friendly interface and easy to set up
- Customizable invoices and receipts
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Integration with other tools and services
- Affordable pricing plans for small businesses
Cons
- Some users may find the interface too basic or lacking in advanced features
- Limited customization options for reports and other documents
- May not be suitable for businesses with a high volume of transactions
OUR PICK: Square
Some of the reasons why Square is the best small business invoicing software include:
- User-friendly interface: Square has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for small businesses to create and send invoices, track payments, and manage their finances.
- Customization: Square allows users to customize their invoices with their own branding and logo, as well as to create custom invoice templates.
- Payment processing: Square integrates with a range of payment processors, allowing small businesses to accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and online payment services.
- Mobile app: Square has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing small business owners to create and send invoices on the go.
- Integration: Square integrates with a range of tools and services, such as POS systems, CRM systems, and ecommerce platforms.
Overall, Square is a reliable and user-friendly small business invoicing software that is well-suited for businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of features and tools to help businesses create and send professional invoices, track payments, and manage their finances, and it is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs.
Time Tracking
Time tracking for a small business owner might seem irrelevant, but it can matter when determining which clients are profitable and which ones are not. You don’t need an old-fashioned stopwatch to track time, and you can use apps and services to automate the process and even substantiate your invoices.
Toggl
![Toggl](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/feature-project-dashboard.jpg?format=webp)
Toggl is one of the most popular tools to track your time as a small business owner or freelancer. Toggl works on the web, as a mobile app, or even as a browser extension. Regardless of whether your team is in the office or remote, Toggl will make tracking time a breeze. Toggle can integrate with your calendar to track meetings, monitor which software apps you are using, and integrate with over 100 different applications. If you’re working on a specific project with a retainer, Toggl will keep your team on time and budget.
Toggl’s modern interface is a far cry from your kitchen timer and makes tracking individual tasks, projects, or entire workflows simple. Toggl offers plans for freelancers up to large teams, meaning as time tracking software it can grow with your business. This will help keep individual team members, as well as projects and tasks on track and on deadline.
Price
- Free (up to 5 users) $0
- Starter – $10 account/month billed annually
- Premium – $18 account/month billed annually
- Enterprise – custom pricing
Support
- There is an online knowledge base, but only the enterprise solution has priority support.
Pros
- Wide range of project management and collaboration features
- User-friendly interface and easy to set up
- Customizable workflows and templates
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Integration with other tools and services
- Available in free and paid versions
Cons
- Some users may find the interface too basic or lacking in advanced features
- May be more suitable for smaller teams or projects
Clockify
![Clockify Time Tracker](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/time-tracker-screenshot.jpg?format=webp)
Clockify is a time tracking and project management tool designed to help teams and individuals stay organized and track their time spent on different tasks and projects. It offers a range of features including automatic time tracking, manual time entry, project budgeting, and team collaboration. Clockify is suitable for a variety of industries and can be used for everything from small, simple projects to large, complex ones. It is available in both free and paid versions, with the paid version offering additional features and support. Clockify is available as a web app, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
It is clearly designed with a friendly user interface. However, the similarities it bears to task and project management software could cause some confusion. The free starting point is great for new businesses and makes it a great time tracking software to grow with over time.
Price
- Free – a free forever plan at $0
- Basic – $3.99 account/month billed annually
- Standard – $5.49 account/month billed annually
- Pro – $7.99 account/month billed annually
- Enterprise – $11.99 account/month billed annually
Support
- There is online support for all plans, including free plans, as well as in-depth tutorials, phone support, email support, and live chat.
TrackingTime
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Tracking-Time-e1623211219699.png?format=webp)
TrackingTime is a great web-based solution if you need to manage time for a team of people. It has a robust reporting system for project budgeting, client billing, payroll, productivity analytics, and much more. It’s free for up to three users and $5 per user per month after that.
Bright, block colors and stacked tasks give TrackingTime a modern design that is intuitive for users of any other time tracking or project management software. The integrations can also help as your business scales and you need new tools, and with customizable timesheets, you’ll be able to increase your number of employees without changing software.
Price
- Free (up to 3 users and 3 projects) – $0
- Pro (unlimited) – $5 account/month billed annually
Support
- TrackingTime has an online support center with searchable articles as well as a single, general email contact.
OUR PICK: Toggle
Some reasons why Toggle is the top time tracking software for small businesses include:
- Simplicity: Toggle is designed to be easy to use, with a simple interface and intuitive controls. This can be especially helpful for small businesses that may not have the resources or expertise to set up and manage complex time tracking systems.
- Customization: Toggle allows users to customize their time tracking experience with features such as custom timers, project tags, and time rounding.
- Reporting: Toggle provides a range of reports and analytics to help small businesses track their time and performance, and to identify areas for improvement.
Website Hosting
Hosting a website used to be complicated, but now it’s a turn-key solution for small business owners. Countless companies offer all-in-one packages for hosting, designing, and managing a website.
Squarespace
![Squarespace Web Hosting](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Squarespace-thumbnail-e1609880434461.jpg?format=webp)
Squarespace is a website building and hosting platform that allows users to create and manage their own websites without the need for coding knowledge. It offers a range of templates and design tools to help users create professional-looking websites quickly and easily. Squarespace also includes features such as e-commerce capabilities, blogging tools, and integration with social media platforms. In addition to website building, Squarespace also offers hosting, domain registration, and email services. It is suitable for a variety of uses including personal websites, small businesses, and online stores. Squarespace is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.
Price
- Personal – $12/month
- Business – $18/month
- Basic Commerce – $26/month
- Advanced Commerce – $40/month
Support
- All plans come with 24/7 customer support. There is an online help center with videos, articles, a forum and webinars along with contact details for customers.
Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy to use
- Wide range of templates and design tools
- E-commerce capabilities and integration with social media platforms
- Hosting, domain registration, and email services included
- Affordable pricing plans for small businesses
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to other website builders
- May not be suitable for more complex or advanced websites
- Some users may find the templates too basic or limiting
- May require a learning curve to fully utilize all features
- Some users may experience technical issues or bugs
WordPress.com
![WordPress web hosting](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/WordPress.png?format=webp)
WordPress powers nearly 40% of the websites on the internet, and it can be installed on your server. WordPress.com is a hosted WordPress solution. WordPress.com websites are built using ’blocks to add text, photos, forms, Yelp reviews, testimonials, maps, and more.
WordPress.com is a website building and hosting platform powered by WordPress, an open-source content management system. It allows users to create and manage their own websites without the need for coding knowledge. WordPress.com offers a range of templates and design tools to help users create professional-looking websites quickly and easily. It also includes features such as e-commerce capabilities, blogging tools, and integration with social media platforms. In addition to website building, WordPress.com also offers hosting, domain registration, and email services. It is suitable for a variety of uses including personal websites, small businesses, and online stores. WordPress.com is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.
Pricing
WordPress CMS is free and open-source. These plans are for hosting on WordPress.com
- Free – contains advertisements and no unique domain – $0
- Personal – $4/month, billed yearly
- Premium – $8/month, billed yearly
- Business – $25/month, billed yearly
- eCommerce – $45/month, billed yearly
Support
- Personal – Email support
- Premium – Email and live chat support
- Business – Email and live chat support
- eCommerce – Email and live chat support
Siteground
![SiteGround](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/SiteGround.png?format=webp)
Siteground is a well-designed and modern host for a number of Content Management Systems, including WordPress. The back end of the hosting is very user-friendly and easy to use, with a clear layout making even difficult hosting tasks simple.
Its numerous different packages, depending on usage (number of visitors, etc.), allow you to scale websites when you need to and grow your hosting with your business.
Price
For Managed WordPress Hosting:
- StartUp – $4.99/month, billed yearly, moving to $14.99/month, billed yearly
- GrowBig – $7.99/month, billed yearly, moving to $24.99/month, billed yearly
- GoGeek – $14.99/month, billed yearly, moving to $39.99/month, billed yearly
Support
- 24/7 online support via email ticketing system with priority support for GoGeek customers.
Pros
- Customization options: SiteGround allows users to customize their hosting environment, including the choice of operating system, server type, and control panel. This can be useful for businesses with specific hosting needs or those that want more control over their hosting setup.
- Performance and speed: SiteGround has a reputation for offering fast and reliable hosting, with features like Cloudflare CDN and SuperCacher to help improve website performance.
- Security: SiteGround provides a range of security features, including daily backups, SSL certificates, and malware scanning to help protect websites from threats.
- Customer support: SiteGround offers 24/7 customer support through phone, chat, and email, with knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Cons
- Cost: SiteGround’s hosting plans may be more expensive than some other hosting providers, especially for businesses on a tight budget.
- Limited design options: SiteGround is primarily a hosting provider and does not offer as many design and customization options as some website builders like Squarespace.
- Complexity: SiteGround’s hosting plans may be more suitable for advanced users or those with technical expertise, as the setup and management of a hosting account can be more complex than with some website builders.
Shopify
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Shopify.png?format=webp)
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows users to set up and manage their own online stores. It offers a range of features including a customizable store front, inventory management, payment processing, and shipping options. Shopify also includes tools for managing customer relationships and analyzing sales data. It is suitable for a variety of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. Shopify is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, and it also offers a wide range of integrations with other tools and services. In addition to its online store capabilities, Shopify also offers a range of point-of-sale solutions for retail businesses.
Price
- Basic Shopify – $ 29/month
- Shopify – $79/month
- Advanced Shopify – $299/month
Support
- Shopify offers an online help center, forums and 24/7 support.
Pros
- Wide range of e-commerce features and tools
- Customizable store front and templates
- Inventory management and payment processing
- Integration with other tools and services
- Available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs
- Point-of-sale solutions for retail businesses
Cons
- Some small business may find the cost of the paid plans too high
- Limited customization options for some features
OUR PICK: SquareSpace
Some reasons why Squarespace is the best small business web hosting service include:
- Ease of use: Squarespace is designed to be easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop tools. This can be especially helpful for small businesses that may not have the resources or expertise to set up and manage complex web hosting systems.
- Customization: Squarespace allows users to customize their websites with a range of templates, designs, and features. This can help small businesses create professional-looking websites that reflect their brand and style.
- SEO tools: Squarespace includes a range of SEO tools to help small businesses improve their search engine rankings and attract more visitors.
There are several reasons why businesses may choose to use an email hosting service instead of managing their own email server. These can include:
Cost: Email hosting services can be more cost-effective than setting up and maintaining an in-house email server. Many email hosting providers offer subscription-based pricing plans that can be more affordable, especially for small businesses.
Expertise: Email hosting services provide technical expertise and IT resources to manage and maintain the email system. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that do not have the in-house expertise or resources to manage their own email server.
Security: Email hosting services typically have advanced security measures in place to protect against threats such as hacking, spam, and viruses. This can help businesses keep their email system and data safe, and may provide peace of mind for business owners.
Reliability: Email hosting services are designed to be reliable, with uptime guarantees and technical support available to help resolve any issues. This can help businesses ensure that their email system is always available and functioning properly.
Integration: Many email hosting services offer integration with other tools and services, such as calendar and task management, document collaboration, and customer relationship management. This can help businesses streamline their workflow and increase productivity.
Overall, using an email hosting service can be a practical and cost-effective solution for businesses that want to focus on their core operations and leave the management of their email system to the experts. Here a few of the common options.
Microsoft 365
![outlook Microsoft 365 email for widnows screenshot](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Microsoft-365.png?format=webp)
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that combines a range of Microsoft products and services, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity software, and cloud-based tools for communication and collaboration. It is designed to help individuals and businesses be more productive and collaborate more effectively. Microsoft 365 includes popular applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as cloud-based tools such as OneDrive, OneNote, and Teams. It is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, including plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Microsoft 365 is available as a web-based service, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
Microsoft 365 includes email hosting as one of its features. Microsoft 365 allows users to create and use their own custom domain for email, and it provides tools for managing email accounts and contacts, as well as features such as spam protection and calendar integration. Microsoft 365 also includes web-based versions of Outlook, which is a popular email client that can be used to access email, manage contacts, and schedule appointments. Microsoft 365’s email hosting is suitable for a variety of individuals and businesses, and it is available as part of the Microsoft 365 subscription.
Price
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic – $5/user/month paid annually
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard – $12.50/user/month paid annually
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium – $20/user/month paid annually
Support
- All three of these business plans have access to support on the phone or the web anytime along with a 99.9% financially backed uptime guarantee
Google Workspace
![Google Workspace small business software](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Google-Workspace.png?format=webp)
Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) is a cloud-based productivity and collaboration platform developed by Google. It includes a range of tools and services designed to help individuals and businesses be more productive and collaborate more effectively.
Google Workspace includes popular applications such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, as well as cloud-based tools such as Calendar, Meet, and Hangouts. It is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, including plans for individuals, families, and businesses. Google Workspace is available as a web-based service, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.
Price
- Business Starter – $6/user/month paid annually
- Business Standard – $12/user/month paid annually
- Business Plus – $18/user/month paid annually
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Support
- All accounts have “standard support” with the ability to upgrade to “Enhanced Support”, which enterprise solutions already have.
Zoho Mail
Zoho Mail is a business email hosting service that offers a range of features and tools to help businesses manage their email and stay organized. Some of the main features of Zoho Mail include:
- Custom domain support: Zoho Mail allows businesses to use their own custom domain for email, which can help with branding and professionalism.
- Spam protection: Zoho Mail includes advanced spam filters to help protect businesses from unwanted email.
- Calendar integration: Zoho Mail integrates with the Zoho Calendar, allowing businesses to schedule and manage appointments and meetings.
- Mobile app: Zoho Mail has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing businesses to access their email on the go.
- Other tools and integrations: Zoho Mail also offers integration with other Zoho tools, such as CRM, project management, and file storage.
Zoho Mail is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs. The plans include:
- Free plan: The free plan includes support for up to 25 users and 5GB of storage per user.
- Standard plan: The standard plan starts at $1 per user per month and includes support for up to 25 users, as well as additional features such as email migration, email archiving, and integration with other Zoho tools.
- Professional plan: The professional plan starts at $3 per user per month and includes all the features of the standard plan, as well as additional features such as support for larger attachments, email encryption, and advanced spam protection.
Pros
- Custom domain support
- Advanced spam protection
- Calendar integration
- Mobile app
- Integration with other Zoho tools
- Available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs
Cons
- Complicated setup process
- Lack of advanced filtering features
OUR PICK: Google Workspace
Some reasons why Google Workspace is the best small business email service include:
- User-friendly interface: Google Workspace has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for small businesses to manage their emails, contacts, and calendars.
- Collaboration tools: Google Workspace includes tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides that allow users to collaborate in real-time on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Custom domain: Google Workspace allows small businesses to use their own custom domain for their email addresses, helping to create a professional image.
Business Chat
A business chat solution should enable teams to communicate in ways that are secure, allow for times of disconnection, multi-device access, as well archive conversations for compliance reasons.
Slack
![Best Team Communication Apps For Business](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Slack.png-1.jpg?format=webp)
Slack is a collaboration and communication platform that allows teams to communicate, collaborate, and share information in real-time. It is designed to help teams stay organized and connected, and it is particularly popular among remote teams. Some commonly used features of Slack include:
- Direct messaging: Slack allows users to send direct messages to individuals or small groups, as well as to hold group conversations in channels.
- File sharing: Slack allows users to share files such as documents, images, and videos within channels or as direct messages.
- Integrations: Slack integrates with a wide range of tools and services, such as project management, customer relationship management, and social media. This allows users to access and share information from different tools within Slack.
- Notifications: Slack allows users to customize notifications for different channels and messages, helping them stay informed about important updates and conversations.
- Mobile app: Slack has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access the platform on the go.
- Search: Slack has a powerful search function that allows users to easily find messages, files, and conversations.
Slack is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs, including free and paid plans. It is suitable for a variety of industries and can be used by teams of all sizes.
Price
- Free (limited features) – $0
- Pro – $6.67/user/month paid annually
- Business plus – $12.50/user/month paid annually
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Support
- There are articles and wikis for support, but only Business Plus offers dedicated support with 99.99% guaranteed uptime and 24/7 support with a four-hour response time. Enterprise solutions have a designated account and customer success team.
Pros
- Easy to use and user-friendly interface
- Wide range of collaboration and communication features
- Integration with other tools and services
- Customizable notifications
- Mobile app for access on the go
- Powerful search function
- Available in free and paid versions
Cons
- May not be suitable for businesses with strict security or compliance requirements
- The free version may not include all features or support for large teams</span
- The paid versions may be too expensive for some businesses
Teams
![Instant Messaging Apps for Business](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/MS-Teams.png.jpg?format=webp)
Microsoft Teams is designed to help teams stay connected and collaborate more effectively. Some common features of Microsoft Teams include:
Chat: Microsoft Teams allows users to hold group or individual chat conversations, as well as to share files and collaborate on documents in real-time.
Meetings: Microsoft Teams includes video conferencing and audio calling capabilities, allowing users to hold meetings and presentations online.
File sharing: Microsoft Teams allows users to share files such as documents, images, and videos within channels or as direct messages.
Integrations: Microsoft Teams integrates with a wide range of Microsoft products and services, such as Office 365, SharePoint, and OneDrive. It also integrates with a number of third-party tools and services.
Mobile app: Microsoft Teams has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access the platform on the go.
Customization: Microsoft Teams allows users to customize their experience with features such as themes, notifications, and integrations.
Microsoft Teams is available as part of the Microsoft 365 subscription and is suitable for a variety of industries and team sizes. It is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs.
Price
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic – $5/user/month paid annually
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard – $12.50/user/month paid annually
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium – $20/user/month paid annually
Support
- All three of these business plans have access to support on the phone or the web anytime along with a 99.9% financially-backed uptime guarantee.
Spike
![Spike Groups small business software for business chat](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Spike-Groups-Business-Chat.png?format=webp)
Spike is a business chat service that works as an email client but also includes team chat using Spike Groups. Spike Groups are a collaborative workspace for teams and clients, for both personal and team collaboration. They combine long email threads into an easy-to-use chat-like interface that also includes Document Collaboration, File Sharing, and tasks right along with your existing email.
Price
- Personal plan (Unlimited personal addresses) – Free
- Solo plan (1 Business account) – $12/account/month billed annually
- Team plan (2+ Business accounts – $8/account/month billed annually
- Business plan (20+ business accounts) $16/account/month billed annually
Support
- Personal plan – Basic support
- Solo plan – Priority support
- Team plan – Priority support
- Business plan – Dedicated account manager
Rocket.Chat
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/RocketChat.png?format=webp)
Rocket.Chat is an open-source collaboration and communication platform that allows teams to communicate, collaborate, and share information in real-time. It is designed to be a flexible and customizable platform that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different teams and organizations. Some pros of Rocket.Chat include:
- Open-source: Rocket.Chat is an open-source platform, which means that the source code is available for anyone to view and modify. This can be beneficial for businesses that want to customize the platform to meet their specific needs.
- Customization: Rocket.Chat allows users to customize the platform with features such as themes, integrations, and notifications.
- Integration: Rocket.Chat integrates with a wide range of tools and services, including project management, customer relationship management, and social media.
- Mobile app: Rocket.Chat has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access the platform on the go.
- Community support: Rocket.Chat has a large and active community of users and developers who contribute to the platform and offer support.
However, there are also some potential cons to consider when using Rocket.Chat:
- Complexity: Rocket.Chat is a feature-rich platform, which can make it complex to set up and customize. This may require a learning curve and technical expertise to fully utilize all features.
- Maintenance: As an open-source platform, Rocket.Chat may require more maintenance and support than a proprietary platform. This can be especially challenging for small businesses with limited IT resources.
- Security: While Rocket.Chat offers a number of security features, it is ultimately up to the user to ensure that the platform is secure. This may require additional resources and expertise to manage.
Overall, whether or not Rocket.Chat is a good fit for a business depends on the specific needs and resources of the business. It may be a good choice for businesses that want a customizable and open-source platform, but it may require more maintenance and technical expertise than a proprietary platform.
Price
Self-hosted
- Community (Limited, but good, functionality) – $0
- Pro – $3/user/month billed annually
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Saas
- Bronze – $2 per user/month billed annually
- Silver – $4 per user/month billed annually
- Gold – custom pricing
Support
- Email support is available for all accounts, but self-hosted problems will generally have to be dealt with in-house.
OUR PICK: SPIKE
Spike is the top chat solution for small businesses because it streamlines all business communication into a single digital workspace. It works with your existing email service and also combines all productivity tools into a single digital workspace.
Appointment Scheduling Software for Small Business
Scheduling appointments is a key part of many small businesses day-to-day, but as you start to scale it can become increasingly difficult to stay on top of your schedule, which is where appointment software comes in.
Calendly
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Calendly.png?format=webp)
Calendly is an online scheduling tool that allows individuals and businesses to schedule and manage meetings, appointments, and events. It is designed to help users save time and streamline their scheduling process. Some features of Calendly include:
- Customizable scheduling links: Calendly allows users to create customized scheduling links that can be shared with clients or colleagues. These links allow users to select a time and date for a meeting or appointment from the user’s available slots.
- Automatic email and calendar updates: Calendly integrates with email and calendar systems, such as Google Calendar and Outlook, to automatically update schedules and send notifications when meetings are scheduled or rescheduled.
- Meeting types: Calendly allows users to create different types of meetings, such as one-on-one meetings, group meetings, or events, and to customize the availability and duration of each type.
- Mobile app: Calendly has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to schedule and manage meetings on the go.
- Integrations: Calendly integrates with a range of tools and services, such as CRM systems, payment processors, and video conferencing tools.
Calendly is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs, including free and paid plans. It is suitable for a variety of industries and can be used by individuals and businesses of all sizes.
Price
- Basic (individuals) – $0
- Premium (small teams) – $8/user/month when billed annually
- Pro (teams with additional needs) – $12/user/month when billed annually
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Support
- Basic – Self-service support center and standard email support
- Premium – Self-service support center and 3-hour email support
- Pro – Self-service support center, 3-hour email support, and live chat
- Enterprise – Self-service support center, 3-hour email support, live chat, phone support
Acuity Scheduling by Squarespace
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Acuity-Scheduling-by-Squarespace.png?format=webp)
As a Squarespace company, it’s no surprise that Acuity Scheduling’s design is impeccable with a very clear user interface. Customization helps make it yours while maintaining ease of use for both you and your customers.
While it is great for individuals or very small businesses, you might struggle to scale with this software if your needs grow in complexity.
Price
- Emerging (1 staff/location) – $14/month billed annually
- Growing (6 staff/locations) – $23/month billed annually
- Powerhouse (36 staff/locations) – $45/month billed annually
Support
- There is an online help center with articles on potential issues as well as “live scheduling parties” for webinar-style help.
10 to 8
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/10-to-8.png?format=webp)
10 to 8 is an automated scheduling solution with a less streamlined design than the other product mentioned, but a host of tools and integrations that make it scalable and impactful. This can reduce no-shows which cost small businesses time and money through tools such as automated SMS reminders. What’s more, with a heavier focus on enterprise clients, 10 to 8 is able to provide an incredibly useful service completely free of charge for small businesses.
Price
- Small Business (2 users + 100 appointments) – $0
- Basic (2 users + 100 appointments) – $9.60/month paid annually
- Grow (3 users + 300 appointments) – $20/month paid annually
- Bigger Business (6 users + 600 appointments) – $40/month paid annually
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Support
- Online support is available for all packages, except the Bespoke Package which offers both online and phone support.
Tax Software for Small Business
If there is one thing that it’s important to get right as a small business, it’s tax. As such, having reliable, affordable software can take the stress out of tax season and allow you to focus on actually running your business.
Turbotax
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/TurboTax.png?format=webp)
TurboTax is a popular tax preparation software that helps individuals and businesses file their taxes accurately and efficiently. It is designed to be user-friendly and can be used by people of all skill levels. For small businesses, TurboTax offers a number of benefits:
- Ease of use: TurboTax is designed to be easy to use, with step-by-step guidance and explanations of tax terms and concepts. This can be especially helpful for small business owners who may not have a background in accounting or tax preparation.
- Accuracy: TurboTax uses a range of tools and features to help ensure that tax returns are accurate and complete. This can help small business owners avoid mistakes and penalties, and can save time and money.
- Deduction and credit guidance: TurboTax provides guidance on deductions and credits that may be available to small businesses, helping them to maximize their tax savings.
- Integration with other tools: TurboTax integrates with a range of tools and services, such as QuickBooks and Etsy, to help small businesses import and organize their financial data.
- Mobile app: TurboTax has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, allowing small business owners to file their taxes on the go.
TurboTax is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs, including free and paid plans. It is suitable for a variety of small businesses and can be used to file a range of tax forms, including self-employment tax forms and small business tax forms.
Price
There are numerous different specialized price options for Turbotax, so below is a cross-section showing the range.
DIY
- Free Edition – $0 for federal and state taxes
- Deluxe – $60 + state
- Self-Employed – $120 + state
Live help
- Basic – $80 + state
- Deluxe – $120 + state
- Self-employed – $200 + state
Full service
- Basic – $130 + state
- Deluxe – $200 + state
- Self-employed – $290 + state
Support
- There is online support across the entire platform, and depending on which plan you choose, the level of support you receive will change.
H&R Block
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/HR-Block.png?format=webp)
As part of a wider suite of small business tools, H&R Block offers tax preparation either online with support or through the use of a tax expert. The design is clean and simple with a process that is streamlined for ease of use.
With 100% Accuracy Guarantee, according to the company, it can help small business owners enjoy some peace of mind over their taxes.
Price
- File online with help – from $195.00 + $44.99/state filed
- Pro filing – custom pricing and options
Support
- The online offering includes online documentation while the pro filling has year-round tax support.
TaxAct
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Taxact.png?format=webp)
TaxAct offers a similar, but cheaper, alternative to TurboTax, with a slightly more clunky design, user experience, and layout. It is a good option for small businesses that are watching their bottom line and have cost as a key consideration.
As with other small business tax software, it can be scaled with your business meaning it grows when you do with incremental brackets.
Price
- Free Edition – $0 for federal and state taxes
- Deluxe – $47.95 + state
- Self-Employed – $94.95 + state
Support
- There is an online support center as well as email and phone support.
OUR PICK: TurboTax
TurboTax is the top solution for small business taxes because it contains everything a business owner needs to manage their yearly taxes while maximizing deductions.
Inventory Management Software for Small Businesses
Ordoro
![Ordoro](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Ordoro.png?format=webp)
Ordoro is a cloud-based order and inventory management software that helps small businesses streamline their operations and reduce manual work. It is designed to be user-friendly and can be used by businesses of all sizes. Some ways that Ordoro can help small businesses include:
- Order management: Ordoro allows small businesses to manage orders from multiple sales channels in one place. It can automatically pull in orders from sources such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay, and it allows users to create custom order statuses and rules.
- Inventory management: Ordoro helps small businesses track their inventory levels and reorder products when needed. It also allows users to set up automated inventory alerts and reorder reminders.
- Shipping: Ordoro integrates with a range of shipping carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, and it allows small businesses to compare shipping rates and create shipping labels.
- Reporting: Ordoro provides a range of reports and analytics to help small businesses track their performance and make data-driven decisions.
Ordoro is a useful tool for small businesses looking to streamline their operations and reduce manual work. It is available in a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs.
Price
- Express – starts at $59/month
- Pro – starts at $499/month
- Enterprise – starts at $999/month
Support
- Ordoro offers small businesses support via email or phone.
Zoho Inventory
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Zoho.png?format=webp)
As previously mentioned, Zoho offers a selection of different small business software tools, which makes it a great option for those looking to customize their experience. It enables SMBs to keep track of stock, order fulfillment, and inventory through user-friendly interfaces.
The dashboard is designed like other software, making it familiar enough to be intuitive while still having a distinct look.
Price
- FREE – $0/organization/month
- Standard – $59/organization/month billed annually
- Professional – $99/organization/month billed annually
- Premium – $159/organization/month billed annually
- Elite – $239/organization/month billed annually
Support
- Email and phone support 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday.
InFlow
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/InFlow.png?format=webp)
InFlow is an all-in-one small business software for inventory management, available cross-platform so you can stay on top of business at the office, home and on-the-go. It has a visual, intuitive interface and clean design that anyone familiar with e-commerce will find easy to use.
Online and in-person features make it easy for small businesses to sell however they want. What’s more, the various plans range from 100 sales a month to 10,000+ sales so InFlow can scale alongside your business.
Price
- Light – $71/month billed annually
- Standard – $179/month billed annually
- Plus – $449/month billed annually
Support
- InFlow offers a comprehensive Knowledge Base as well as videos, a blog, webinars, and forums.
OUR PICK: Ordoro
Ordoro is the best solution for inventory management for small businesses because it’s the easiest to use for experts and novice users alike.
Email Marketing Software for Small Businesses
Marketing is an important part of any small business, and email campaigns are still highly effective. As such, it can be important to include easy-to-use email marketing software as part of your suite of products.
Mailchimp
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/MailChmp.png?format=webp)
The most well-known of all email marketing software for small businesses, Mailchimp offers sleek design both behind the scenes and in the email you send. The tools it offers are comprehensive, but this does make for a slightly hard-to-use interface if you’re not familiar with the platform.
Mailchimp is able to handle and organize many tens of thousands of contacts so is a great choice for small businesses looking to scale. Regular emails can help drive sales while automations can onboard customers, recover abandoned carts and more.
Price
- Free (fewer than 2000 contacts) – $0/month
- Essentials (up to 500 contacts) – $9.99/month
- Standard (up to 500 contacts) – $14.99/month
- Premium (up to 10,000 contacts) – $299/month
Support
- Essentials and Standard plans have 24/7 email & chat support, with Premium users also getting phone support.
Mailerlite
![](https://spikesite-17132.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/mailerlite.png?format=webp)
Mailerlite offers a pared-down approach to email marketing for small businesses, with all the tools in a much simpler user interface than competitors. It allows for subscriber management, helping you keep track of customers, as well as automations to drive sales or onboard clients.
The drag & drop editor is well designed and user-friendly, and email campaigns are designed for both a handful of contacts or thousands.
Price
- Up to 1,000 contacts, 12,000 emails/month – $0
- Up to 1,000 contacts, unlimited emails/month – $10/month
- Up to 2,500 contacts, unlimited emails/month – $15/month
- Up to 5,000 contacts, unlimited emails/month – $30/month
- Up to 10,500 contacts, unlimited emails/month – $50/month
Support
- All paid plans have access to a knowledge base, video tutorials as well as 24/7 email and live chat support.
Sendinblue
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Sendinblue is a broader marketing platform with email at its core, offering well-designed, engaging campaigns to build relationships with your customers. They offer various models enabling your business to grow with them rather than swapping solutions and have a simple, easy-to-use editor.
Price
- Free (unlimited contacts, 300 emails/day) – $0
- Lite (10,000+ emails) – from $25/month
- Premium (20,000 + emails) – from $65/month
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Support
- Lite – email support
- Premium – Email and telephone support
- Enterprise – priority email and telephone support
OUR PICK: MailChimp
Here’s why MailChimp is the top email marketing software for small businesses:
- User-friendly interface: MailChimp has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for small businesses to create and send emails, track performance, and manage their email lists.
- Customization: MailChimp allows users to customize their emails with a range of templates, designs, and features, including the ability to add logos and branding elements.
- Reporting: MailChimp provides a range of reports and analytics to help small businesses track the performance of their emails and identify areas for improvement.
- Integration: MailChimp integrates with a range of tools and services, such as ecommerce platforms, CRM systems, and social media platforms.
FAQs for Small Business Software
Even if you’re a freelancer, you need a dedicated system to track invoices and expenses. Relying on invoices from Microsoft Word or Apple Pages might seem easy, but you’ll lack a solution to track accounts payable as well as make filing your year taxes more complicated as you must manually compile all of your data. An accounting solution will make reports easy to compile.
There are two basic requirements to qualify for the home office deduction. You need to use a portion of the home exclusively for conducting your business on a regular basis and the home must be your principal place of business. Deductible expenses for business use of the home normally includes the business portion of real estate taxes, mortgage interest, rent, casualty losses, utilities, insurance, depreciation, maintenance, and repairs.
In general, you can’t deduct expenses for the parts of your home not used for business. These deductions include lawn care or painting a room not used for business.
To claim the home office deduction, you must use part of your home for one of the following:
- Exclusively and regularly as a principal place of business
- Exclusively and regularly as a place where patients, clients or customers meet in the normal business
- A separate structure that’s not attached to a home that is used exclusively and regularly for your business
- Storage of inventory or samples used in a trade or business of selling products at retail or wholesale
- For rental use
- As a daycare facility
To qualify for a deduction, the equipment and services must relate directly to your business and used primarily for it. If you buy a smartphone for your business, you can deduct the purchase price. If you have paid apps you need to run your business. You can also deduct those costs. The deduction also applies to subscriptions: If you’re a freelance podcaster, you can expense your Internet and any audio equipment.