Expert verified Struggling with invoices, GST returns, and messy spreadsheets? Choosing the best bookkeeping software in India can make things easy.
From free apps for shopkeepers to advanced systems for enterprises, bookkeeping software helps you manage accounts, track expenses, and stay compliant. Discover which software suits your business best.
What is Bookkeeping Software?
Bookkeeping software is a digital solution designed to help businesses and individuals record, organize, and manage their financial transactions in an efficient manner.
Softwares replace manual methods like spreadsheets or paper ledgers with an automated, accurate, and scalable system.
Why Use Bookkeeping Softwares
- GST Compliance Made Easy: Automatically calculates CGST, SGST, IGST; generates GSTR-1, 3B, and 9; reconciles GSTR-2A/2B for ITC; and integrates with the E-Way Bill system.
- Fewer Errors: Avoids manual mistakes, missed entries, and mismatched reconciliations, keeping your records audit-ready.
- Saves Time: Automates tasks like transaction entry, payment reminders, and tax filing prep, so you can focus on growing your business.
- Real-Time Insights: Dashboards and reports provide instant visibility into cash flow, expenses, pending payments, and profits.
- Direct Bank Integration: Syncs with Indian banks to auto-import transactions, categorize expenses, and reconcile accounts quickly.
- Cost-Effective: Ideal for startups, freelancers, and SMEs, offering powerful features without the cost of a full-time accountant.
- Cloud-Based & Secure: Offers encrypted cloud storage, automatic backups, and remote access for peace of mind.
- Easy CA Collaboration: Invite your CA for real-time access, no more emailing spreadsheets or chasing paperwork.
- Scalable: Grows with your business, with support for multi-user access, inventory, payroll, APIs, and more.
10 Best Bookkeeping Softwares in India
Let’s take a look at some of the best and most popular bookkeeping software in India
TallyPrime
This is India’s most trusted desktop-based accounting software for compliance, reliability, and depth. It is a popular choice for accountants, manufacturers, and trading businesses for over two decades.
Best For: Businesses that require complete data control, have offline operations, or deal with complex inventory and manufacturing processes.
- Traders, manufacturers, distributors
- Accountants and professionals
- Medium to large-sized businesses with compliance needs
Key Features:
- Complete GST support: returns, e-invoicing, e-way bills.
- Multi-location inventory, manufacturing (BOM), batch/expiry, godown tracking.
- Payroll, TDS, TCS, and cost centre management.
- Works offline; data stored locally.
- Supports remote access via Tally.Net (optional)
Limitations:
- Not very beginner-friendly
- No native mobile app
- Remote access is limited unless configured
Pricing (2025):
- Single-user (Silver): ₹8,100 per year, or ₹22,500 one-time (+ GST)
- Multi-user (Gold): ₹24,300 per year, or ₹67,500 one-time (+ GST)
- Monthly options: Starting at ₹750 for Silver, ₹2,250 for Gold
- Cloud version: ₹15,000–₹30,000 per year (varies by provider)
- GST (18%) extra on all plan
- All plans include updates and support
Zoho Books
This is a modern, cloud-first accounting solution that is part of the Zoho ecosystem. Ideal for businesses that prefer automation, collaboration, and working in the cloud.
Best For: Suited for service providers, online businesses, and tech-savvy entrepreneurs who value ease of use, real-time access, and automation.
- Startups, freelancers, and small businesses
- Businesses using other Zoho apps
- Companies needing real-time collaboration
Key Features:
- End-to-end GST return filing, including e-invoicing
- Bank feeds, payment gateways, automated workflows
- Seamless integration with Zoho apps (CRM, Inventory, etc.)
- iOS & Android apps for mobile bookkeeping
- Accountant collaboration with audit trail
Limitations:
- Inventory not suited for complex scenarios
- Free plan limited to basic features
Pricing (2025):
- Free Plan: ₹0/year (For businesses under specific annual turnover limits)
- Standard: ₹899/month or ₹7,999/year
- Professional: ₹1,799/month or ₹14,999/year
- Premium: ₹3,599/month or ₹29,999/year
- Add-ons: Payroll, advanced analytics, API access
- Free Trials available for all plans
Marg ERP 9+
It’s a powerful desktop ERP solution tailored for Indian traders, retailers, and distributors with fast billing and deep inventory needs.
Best For: Businesses that depend on quick POS billing, batch/expiry tracking, and wholesale pricing schemes.
- Wholesalers, distributors, and retail chains
- Pharmacy businesses
- Traders with fast-moving, high-volume SKUs
- FMCG sectors
Key Features:
- Industry-specific modules (Pharma, Garments, FMCG, etc.)
- POS billing, barcode integration, return management
- Batch-wise, godown-wise inventory
- GST billing, e-way bills, credit notes
- Loyalty programs, SMS alerts, user controls
Limitations:
- Slightly outdated UI
- Needs installation, manual backups if cloud not enabled
Pricing (2025):
- Nano: ₹5400 + GST/year
- Basic: ₹9,999 + GST/year
- Silver: ₹13,500 + GST/year
- Gold: ₹25,200 + GST/year
- Add-ons: Cloud backup, mobile access, CRM, etc.
Busy Accounting Software
A feature-rich desktop solution (also available in cloud version), Busy handles everything from accounting to multi-branch inventory, TDS, and production.
Best For: Businesses with multi-branch operations, semi-complex manufacturing, or custom invoicing needs. Also good for those upgrading from manual bookkeeping.
- Trading and manufacturing SMEs
- Businesses with multiple locations
- Enterprises wanting offline + cloud flexibility
Key Features:
- Financial accounting, GST returns, e-invoicing
- TDS, payroll, service tax
- Multi-currency, multi-branch data sync
- User-defined fields, role-based access
- Cloud and offline access options
Limitations:
- UI feels dated
- Steeper learning curve than Zoho or Vyapar
Pricing (2025):
- Express: FREE with Limited Features
- Basic Edition: ₹9,000 + GST/year (Single User)
- Standard Edition: ₹12,600 + GST/year
- Enterprise Edition: ₹18,000 + GST/year
- Cloud Hosting: ₹2,500–₹3,000/month (optional)
Vyapar App
India’s most popular mobile-first GST billing and accounting app for small businesses and shopkeepers, Vyapar is simple, fast, and cheap.
Best For: Kirana stores, freelancers, and micro-entrepreneurs who need easy billing, basic accounting, and payment reminders.
- Small shops, mobile vendors, tailors, home businesses
- First-time software users
- Low-budget operations
Key Features:
- GST-compliant invoicing
- Expense tracking, daily sales reports
- WhatsApp sharing, inventory alerts
- Works offline; auto syncs online
- Barcode scanning, delivery challans
- Multi-user access in desktop app
Limitations:
- Not built for complex or multi-branch operations
- Limited integrations with third-party apps
Pricing (2025):
- Free Basic Usage: Limited features, no cloud backup
- Silver Plan: ₹699/year (Mobile only)
- Silver Plan- Mobile + Desktop: ₹3,999/year
- Gold Plan- Mobile + Desktop: ₹4,299/year (Multi-user, inventory, cloud backup)
Wave Accounting
A completely free cloud-based accounting tool designed for freelancers and micro-businesses. While Wave is popular globally, it lacks essential Indian tax features.
Best For: Great for simple service-based businesses
- Freelancers working with international clients
- Indian sole proprietors without GST registration
Key Features:
- Free invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning
- Bank feed imports and basic financial reports
- Cloud-based with mobile access
- Beginner-friendly Easy interface for non-accountants
Limitations:
- No GST support, e-invoicing, or GSTR filing
- Limited Support
Pricing (2025):
- Free forever (core features)
- Paid features like payment processing (optional; not India-specific)
ProfitBooks
A cloud-based, Indian-made bookkeeping solution Known for simplicity and strong GST compliance.
Best For: SMEs.
- looking for a cost-effective and local solution
- Service providers and retailers with basic inventory
Key Features:
- GST-compliant billing & reports
- Sales, purchases, expense, and inventory tracking
- Basic payroll support
- Simple UI tailored for non-accountants
- Role-based multi-user access
- E-way bill generation
Limitations:
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Not as robust in automation as Zoho or Tally
Pricing (2025):
- Free Plan: Limited features
- Professional: ₹5,999/year
- Enterprise: ₹9,999/year (multi-user & advanced inventory)
FreshBooks
A premium cloud-based accounting tool, Freshooks is ideal for service-based professionals.
Best For: Freelancers and consultants who need billing + project management.
- Freelancers, designers, consultants, lawyers
- Agencies billing clients internationally
Key Features:
- Recurring & branded invoicing
- Time tracking linked to projects
- Expense tracking and client collaboration
- Bank feed sync, mileage tracking
- Mobile apps and desktop access
- Best-in-class for time-based billing
- Very intuitive interface
- Multi-Currency Support
Limitations:
- No native Indian GST reporting (only basic GST on invoices)
- Expensive compared to Indian alternatives
Pricing (2025):
- Lite: ₹1,000–₹1,200/month (~$12–15/month)
- Plus: ₹1,800/month
- Premium: ₹2,800/month
- Free 30-day trial available
Sage Accounting (Sage 50cloud)
Sage is a globally trusted desktop/cloud hybrid accounting software that offers powerful core accounting and payroll.
Best For: SMEs to mid-sized Indian businesses.
- Manufacturing and retail businesses needing stable, proven desktop software
- Businesses migrating from Tally or Excel
Key Features:
- Multi-user access with audit trail
- Payroll, bank reconciliation, budgeting
- GST, TDS, and Indian tax support
- Inventory and customer management
- Hybrid desktop + cloud access
- Strong in financial control and reporting
- Multi-location support
Limitations:
- Less intuitive UI than modern cloud platforms
- Limited third-party app ecosystem
Pricing (2025):
- Starts around ₹13,000–₹20,000/year depending on user count and features
- Enterprise pricing available for larger teams
SAP Business One
Lastly, SAP business one is a complete ERP system with accounting at its core.
Best For: Growing businesses needing integration across all departments.
- Large manufacturers, wholesalers, and fast-scaling startups
- Businesses with 50+ employees and multiple departments
Key Features:
- Fully integrated accounting, CRM, inventory, and sales
- Manufacturing & supply chain modules
- GST-ready with e-invoice & audit trail
- Powerful reporting, BI dashboards, and analytics
- Mobile and desktop access
- Strong partner network in India for support
Limitations:
- Expensive (setup + licenses + customization)
- Requires trained staff or consultants to implement and manage
Pricing (2025):
- Licensing starts at ₹1.5–2.5 lakh/user (one-time)
- Annual maintenance & hosting extra
- Implementation cost can range from ₹5–20 lakh depending on scale
Best Free Bookkeeping Softwares in India
Let’s take a quick view of the best free bookkeeping softwares in India:
| Software | Key Strength | Best For |
| Vyapar | Free offline desktop with full GST | Small retailers needing GST + offline support |
| Zoho Books | Free plan for businesses < ₹25L turnover | Modern, non-GST startups & micro-businesses |
| ProfitBooks | Free GST invoicing (25/month) | Low-volume small businesses with GST needs |
| Wave | 100% free, global-ready (no GST) | Freelancers with international clients |
| Akaunting | Open-source, customizable cloud option | Tech-savvy users wanting flexibility |
Best Bookkeeping Software in India By Business Type
| Business Type | Top 3 Softwares | Reason to Choose |
| Large Enterprises | 1. SAP Business One 2. Oracle NetSuite 3. Marg 9+ | Full ERP solutions with advanced integration, customizability, and scalability across departments |
| SMEs | 1. TallyPrime 2. Zoho Books 3. Busy Accounting Software | Balanced features and cost, GST-ready, strong inventory and reporting for mid-sized businesses |
| Small Businesses / Startups | 1. Zoho Books 2. ProfitBooks 3. Vyapar | Affordable, user-friendly, automation of GST, invoicing, and banking — ideal for growing businesses |
| Manufacturing Businesses | 1. TallyPrime 2. Marg ERP 9+ 3. Busy Accounting Software | Strong inventory control, BOM, production tracking, and multi-godown support |
| Service-Based Businesses | 1. FreshBooks 2. Zoho Books 3. Sage | Project-based billing, time tracking, professional invoicing, and payment gateway integration |
| E-commerce Businesses | 1. Tally Prime 2. Zoho Books 3. Vyapar (for smaller online sellers) | Integrations with platforms like Amazon, Shopify, Flipkart; automated order syncing and inventory updates |
| Professional Services | 1. FreshBooks 2. Zoho Books 3. Busy Accounting Software | Time & expense tracking, client portals, and invoicing tailored to consultants, lawyers, and agencies |
Best For Your Business: Cloud-Based vs Offline Bookkeeping Software
The choice between cloud-based and offline bookkeeping software depends on several key factors.
Here’s how they fare against each other:
| Feature | Cloud-Based Software | Offline Software |
| Accessibility | Access from anywhere via internet | Limited to local machine |
| Internet Dependency | Required | Not required |
| Cost Structure | Subscription (monthly/yearly) | One-time license fee |
| Compliance & Updates | Automatic, always up-to-date (e.g., GST rules) | Manual updates |
| Data Security | Vendor-handled, encrypted, auto-backup | User-handled, manual backup |
| Multi-User Collaboration | Real-time, remote access | Local access only, complex setup |
| Integrations & Automation | Strong (payment gateways, CRMs, etc.) | Limited, often clunky |
| Disaster Recovery | Built-in cloud backup | User must back up manually |
| Performance | Depends on internet speed | Fast, especially with large data |
| User Growth | Add more users easily | Needs more setup or licenses |
| Feature Expansion | Add modules like payroll, CRM, POS | May need different software |
Choose Cloud-Based Bookkeeping Software If You:
- Need access to your books from multiple locations or devices
- Collaborate with accountants, partners, or remote teams
- Want hassle-free, automated GST compliance
- Prefer a low upfront cost and predictable monthly billing
- Use or want to integrate with online tools like Razorpay, Shopify, or CRM
- Want a solution that can scale as your business grows
BEST FOR: Startups, Service-based businesses, E-commerce sellers, MSMEs in metro areas, and Businesses with remote or hybrid teams
Choose Offline Bookkeeping Software If You:
- Operate in areas with poor or no internet access
- Prefer to store all data locally for privacy or control reasons
- Want a one-time cost instead of ongoing subscription fees
- Handle large inventory or transaction volumes that need high-speed local processing
- Have internal IT support for managing backups, updates, and software maintenance
BEST FOR: Manufacturers, Large trading or wholesale businesses, Rural and semi-urban businesses with limited connectivity and Organizations with sensitive data concerns
Some modern solutions offer hybrid models, allowing local installation with optional cloud sync or backups. This combines the best of both worlds.
Key Features to Look For in the Best Bookkeeping Software
When choosing the best bookkeeping software, here are the essential features you should evaluate:
1. GST Compliance & Automation: Compliance with India’s GST system is crucial. The software must:
- Auto-calculate CGST, SGST, IGST, and cess.
- Generate GST-compliant invoices with HSN/SAC codes and tax breakdowns.
- Assist with GSTR filings (GSTR-1, 2B, 3B, 9) and offer direct API integration with GSTN.
- Reconcile Input Tax Credit (ITC) with supplier data.
- Handle e-way bill generation and Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM).
- TDS/TCS features for wider tax compliance.
2. Invoicing & Online Payments: Cash flow is impacted by smart invoicing. Look for:
- Customizable templates with logos and branding.
- Recurring invoices for retainers/subscriptions.
- Automatic payment reminders.
- Integration with Indian (Razorpay, Paytm) and global (Stripe, PayPal) gateways.
3. Bank Reconciliation with Auto-Categorization: Error-free reconciliation saves time and reduces financial discrepancies:
- Direct bank feeds from Indian banks.
- Auto-categorize transactions based on past behavior.
- One-click reconciliation to quickly match and close entries.
4. Real-Time Inventory Management: For businesses with stock, integrated inventory avoids over/under-stocking:
- Track stock across multiple warehouses in real-time.
- Use various valuation methods (FIFO, LIFO, weighted average).
- Get low-stock alerts and connect inventory with purchase/sales entries.
5. Financial Reporting & Real-Time Insights: Smart decisions need smart reports:
- Standard reports: P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, Trial Balance.
- GST and audit-ready reports.
- Custom reports filtered by region, product, period, etc.
- Real-time dashboards for faster decision-making.
6. Mobile Accessibility: Owners need control from anywhere:
- Full-featured mobile apps (iOS/Android) to send invoices, check reports, and log expenses.
- Real-time alerts for payments, dues, and anomalies.
- Offline mode and cross-device sync improve usability.
7. Multi-User Access with Role-Based Controls: Collaborate without compromising data security:
- Set user permissions by function (billing, reporting, admin).
- Give your accountant or CA real-time access.
- Maintain activity logs for accountability and transparency.
8. Integration with Indian Business Ecosystem: Seamless integration reduces manual work:
- Link with Indian banks, CRMs, payroll systems, GSTN, and e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Shopify).
- Import/export data in Excel, CSV, or Tally formats.
- Centralize your workflows across departments.
- Regional language options for non-English users.
- Support for Indian Financial Year (April–March).
- Auto currency conversion for INR and international transactions.
| 5 Points to Consider Before finalizing a Bookkeeping Software |
| 1. Take advantage of FREE trials (usually 7 to 30 days) to test features like GST compliance, invoicing, and reporting. |
| 2. Evaluate customer support responsiveness during the trial period. |
| 3. Compare integration options based on your existing tools and workflows. |
| 4. Verify support for NEFT, RTGS, and UPI imports to ensure seamless reconciliation with Indian banks. |
| 5. Check for local support in Indian time zones and regional languages to boost user adoption. |
FAQs on Best Bookkeeping Software in India
The best bookkeeping software in India depends on your business size. TallyPrime and Zoho Books are top picks, while Vyapar is great for small shops and freelancers.
Yes, Vyapar App, Zoho Books (free plan), and Wave Accounting offer free versions. These are perfect for small businesses and freelancers starting out.
TallyPrime is powerful for inventory-heavy businesses, while Zoho Books is easier for digital startups. Both are among the best bookkeeping software in India.
Bookkeeping software automates invoices, GST, and expenses, but you will still need an accountant for audits or advanced tax planning. It reduces workload but doesn’t fully replace professionals.
Vyapar App and Zoho Books are the easiest options. They have clean interfaces, mobile apps, and simple invoicing features.
