Bookkeeping spreadsheet or accounting software? Prices compared
Do I need accounting software, or is a bookkeeping spreadsheet enough?
For a freelancer or a small shop with a few dozen transactions a month and no payroll, a bookkeeping spreadsheet (income, expenses, invoices, a monthly P&L and a tax set-aside) is usually enough and costs one payment. Accounting software earns its monthly fee when you need bank feeds, payroll, inventory or an accountant working in the same system.
How we compared
- One-time or subscription
- Bank feeds and payroll
- Price as published
The options
| Option | Published price | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook (CyberMax) | from $14 | Ledger, P&L, invoices, mileage and tax set-aside; Excel and Google Sheets, one payment; Free printable preview | Store page |
| Wave | Starter $0; Pro $19/month | Pick it if you want free invoicing software and accept its limits | Their page |
| Small Business Bookkeeping Template (Aurora Templates, Gumroad) | $10 | Pick it if you prefer that template's layout | Their page |
Rival prices as shown on each seller's own page, checked 2026-10-17. Prices change; check the seller's page before buying. Options whose price we could not confirm on that day are left out.
What Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook includes
- Ledger, P&L, invoices, mileage and tax set-aside
- Excel and Google Sheets, one payment
- Free printable preview
- In the Small Business Bundle with the seller profit tracker
Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook: Simple books for freelancers and small shops
from $14Simple books for freelancers and small shops
Secure checkout · 14-day fix-or-refund if it doesn't work as described (terms)Free how-tos
Free: the Small Business Starter Kit
Bookkeeping and profit previews plus free invoice, rent receipt, margin and HACCP/allergen tools, then 5 short emails on margins, invoicing and checklists.