Whether you're a small business owner, sole trader or just a stickler for savings we've compared online accounting software side-by-side.
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What is cloud accounting?
Like any other form of cloud computing, cloud accounting allows multiple users to access documents and data on a single online server from computers, mobiles and tablets.
Also known as "online accounting", cloud accounting works the same as any other accounting software e.g. MYOB. However, rather than installing and saving on your desktop computer, the program (and your data) is saved on the company's secure servers – allowing you to access your accounts from most Internet-enabled devices.
Why would I want to store my accounting data on the cloud?
There are so many benefits to managing your business or personal accounts online but essentially is comes to down to convenience and accessibility.
Forgetting your hard drive or memory stick (or if you're proper old school, your log book) at home is a thing of the past. When everything is stored on the cloud it can be accessed and retrieved from absolutely anywhere with an internet connection. This also has its benefits for your employees and accountant.
Does your employee need to make a payroll adjustment? They can simply jump online and make the correction, rather than coming in to the office. Does your accountant have some questions for you at tax time? With cloud accounting you can save yourself a trip to the office and collaborate online.
Deals for online accounting software
Online accounting software comparison
| Name | Most popular plan | Contract Type | Free trial? |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $15 per month | Month-to-month | 30-day free trial |
 | $17.50 per month | Month-to-month | 30-day free trial |
 | $15 per month | Month-to-month | 35-day free trial |
 | $25 per month | Month-to-month | 30-day free trial |
 | $29 per month | Month-to-month | 30-day free trial |
| Name | Transactions | Payroll | Online storage | Smartphone/tablet app? | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 a year | Yes. Includes payroll for up to 20 employees | Not specified | iOS | Service support 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday + lots of helpful documentation on website. |
| Unlimited | Yes. Includes payroll for up to 10 employees through a third party app. Additional employees are $4.00 each | Unlimited | iOS, Android and Windows Phone | Support and Live Chat 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Monday - Friday + a designated support contact and direct phone number with signup. |
| Unlimited | Yes. Additional software. Includes payroll for up to 5 employees | 1 GB | iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8 Tablet | Direct support from a Sage One expert via phone from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday |
| 20 transactions per month | Yes. Includes payroll for 1 employee | Unlimited | iOS and Android | 24/7 support + a list of specialist (e.g. book keeping) contact numbers |
| Unlimited | Yes. Includes payroll for user and 1 employee *Payroll add-on available | Not specified. | iOS and Android | Phone and LiveChat support |
| Name | Standout features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
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