7 Best QuickBooks Alternatives in Saudi Arabia for 2026

QuickBooks remains a widely used accounting platform, but it is not the right fit for every business. As companies grow, they may need different pricing, more users, deeper inventory or ERP functionality, stronger industry workflows, or accounting software designed specifically for Saudi Arabia.

For Saudi businesses, there is another factor to consider: e-invoicing. ZATCA's Phase Two Integration Phase continues to roll out by taxpayer wave, so businesses that issue Saudi tax invoices need to understand how their accounting or invoicing system will support the requirements that apply to them. ZATCA's current Phase Two rollout

This guide compares seven current QuickBooks alternatives in 2026, from cloud accounting tools such as Xero and FreshBooks to Saudi-focused accounting and ERP platforms such as HAL. We compare the use case, current features, pricing where publicly available, and the type of business each option is best suited for.

ZATCA confirms that Phase Two is still being implemented gradually in waves and that affected taxpayers are notified at least six months before their integration date.

Key Takeaways

• HAL is particularly relevant for Saudi SMEs that want accounting connected with wider ERP workflows, local integrations and a dedicated ZATCA e-invoicing solution. Explore HAL Accounting
• Zoho Books now has a strong Saudi-specific offering, including SAR pricing and ZATCA Phase Two e-invoicing in its Standard plan and above.
• Xero remains a strong cloud-accounting alternative, particularly for businesses that value unlimited users and a large ecosystem of connected applications.
• FreshBooks has expanded beyond basic invoicing. Its current accounting capabilities include bank reconciliation, double-entry reports and, on appropriate plans, accounts payable.
• Do not choose based on price alone. For Saudi businesses, evaluate the required accounting functionality, user count, integrations and the e-invoicing approach that applies to your ZATCA taxpayer wave.

Why You Should Consider a QuickBooks Alternative

QuickBooks Online remains an active cloud-accounting platform for small and growing businesses. QuickBooks Desktop also still exists, but availability has changed: Intuit no longer sells new US subscriptions to Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Mac Plus, while existing subscribers can continue renewing and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise remains available. See Intuit's current Desktop subscription guidance

The main reason to consider an alternative is therefore not that QuickBooks is obsolete. It is whether another platform better fits your company's accounting complexity, local requirements, integrations, industry workflows, or growth plans. Here’s why you might want to explore alternatives:

1. Automation Challenges and Workflow Configuration

QuickBooks has automation features, but many businesses struggle to fully utilize them, especially when managing multiple users or departments. Setting up automated workflows across teams or configuring specific accounting processes for different business functions can be tricky.

2. Limitations in Features

QuickBooks is packed with features, but for some businesses, that can actually be a drawback. If your accounting needs are basic—think simple invoicing, expense tracking, or budget management—the sheer number of features can feel overwhelming. Plus, the troubleshooting process can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you're not well-versed in accounting.

3. Need for Different Industry or Local Workflows

QuickBooks supports a broad range of small-business accounting needs, and its higher-tier products include additional workflows for certain industries. However, some businesses need functionality beyond core accounting—for example, deeper manufacturing, contracting, retail, procurement, inventory, or multi-department ERP processes.

Saudi businesses may also prioritize local integrations and e-invoicing workflows that are not the central focus of a global accounting product. In those cases, a Saudi-focused ERP or a platform with documented Saudi localization may be a better fit.

4. Complicated Setup and Interface

For many small business owners, QuickBooks’ setup and interface can be intimidating—especially if you don’t have a background in accounting. If you’re looking for a simpler, more intuitive solution, switching to a more user-friendly platform could help your team work more efficiently and avoid unnecessary frustration.

If any of these concerns sound familiar, it may be time to consider a QuickBooks alternative. Let’s dive into the top QuickBooks alternatives for your business in 2024 and beyond.

7 Best QuickBooks Alternatives in Saudi Arabia for 2026

The products below serve different levels of complexity. FreshBooks and Xero focus primarily on accounting for smaller businesses, while HAL, Odoo, and NetSuite can extend into broader ERP processes. Zoho Books sits between those categories with substantial accounting automation and Saudi localization.

The best option depends on whether you need simple accounting, Saudi e-invoicing support, connected operational modules, or enterprise-level financial management.

1. HAL Accounting

Best For: Saudi SMEs and growing businesses that want accounting connected with broader ERP workflows and local integrations.

Pricing: From SAR 1,999 per user/year for HAL's current Gold plan. Check current HAL pricing

HAL Accounting is a cloud-based accounting platform built within the wider HAL ERP environment. It supports automated journal entries, bank reconciliation, receivables and payables, financial reporting, dashboards, access controls, and connected workflows across other business functions.

For businesses that need Saudi e-invoicing integration, HAL VAT CARE is HAL's dedicated product for Phase One and Phase Two e-invoicing workflows. Businesses should still confirm their applicable ZATCA taxpayer wave and configure their process accordingly.

Strengths:

• Accounting and broader ERP modules can operate in one environment
• Built around Saudi business requirements
• Arabic and English use cases
• Automated journal entries and bank reconciliation
• WhatsApp-based approvals, reminders, reports, claims, and other ERP interactions through HAL Conversational ERP
• Local and regional integrations including Salla, Zid, Foodics, Pos Bytz, Total Pay, Tabby, and Tamara, alongside Shopify and other international platforms
• Public entry pricing for SMEs

Limitations:

• Its strongest differentiation is Saudi and regional fit, so businesses primarily operating outside HAL's supported markets should compare international products and implementation support
• As with any ERP, required modules and configuration should be confirmed before purchase

Best fit: A Saudi business that wants more than standalone bookkeeping and prefers accounting, procurement, sales, inventory, and other operational workflows within a connected ERP.

2. Xero

Best For: Small and growing businesses that want mature cloud accounting, unlimited users, and a large integration ecosystem.

Pricing: Xero pricing varies by region. Its global USD plans are currently listed at $29/month for Starter, $50/month for Standard, and $75/month for Premium. Check current Xero pricing for your region

Xero is a cloud-accounting platform covering invoicing, bills, bank reconciliation, reports, cash-flow tools, multi-currency functionality on higher plans, and a large marketplace of connected applications.

A major advantage is that Xero does not charge per-user license fees on its standard accounting plans. Its App Store currently lists more than 1,000 applications across areas such as payroll, inventory, e-commerce, CRM, payments, and reporting.

Strengths:

• Cloud-based accounting and reporting
• Unlimited users on its business plans
• Bank reconciliation and bill management
• Multi-currency on the appropriate plan
• More than 1,000 connected apps
• Strong ecosystem for accountants and bookkeepers

Limitations:

• Pricing and functionality vary by country
• Businesses in Saudi Arabia that require ZATCA Phase Two e-invoicing should verify the required local integration or invoicing workflow before adopting it
• Some operational functions require additional connected applications rather than being native ERP modules

Best fit: Businesses that prioritize cloud accounting, collaboration, and a large third-party ecosystem over an all-in-one Saudi ERP.

3. FreshBooks

Best For: Freelancers, consultants, and service-based small businesses that prioritize invoicing, time tracking, expenses, and simple accounting.

Pricing: Current regular pricing is listed at $23/month for Lite, $43/month for Plus, and $70/month for Premium, with Select priced by quote. FreshBooks frequently runs introductory promotions, so check the current rate before purchase. See FreshBooks pricing

FreshBooks remains particularly strong for service businesses that need invoicing, payments, time tracking, expenses, proposals, and client-facing workflows. Its accounting functionality has also expanded beyond the basic invoicing product it was once known for.

Strengths:

• Customizable and recurring invoicing
• Time tracking and project profitability tools
• Expense management and receipt capture
• Double-entry accounting reports on appropriate plans
• Bank reconciliation on Plus, Premium, and Select
• Accounts payable/bill management on Premium
• Client portal and accountant access

Limitations:

• Lite is restricted to five billable clients and Plus to 50
• Additional team members carry an extra per-user cost on standard plans
• Businesses with complex inventory, manufacturing, multi-entity, or broad ERP requirements will likely need a more comprehensive platform
• Saudi companies should separately verify how their invoicing workflow will meet applicable ZATCA requirements

Best fit: Freelancers and service businesses that value client billing and time tracking more than deep ERP functionality.

4. Zoho Books

Best For: Saudi small and medium-sized businesses looking for cloud accounting with local pricing and documented Saudi e-invoicing functionality.

Pricing: Zoho publishes dedicated Saudi pricing. When billed annually, current plans range from SAR 60/month for Standard to SAR 660/month for Ultimate, with a free plan available for qualifying small businesses. See Zoho Books Saudi pricing

Zoho Books Saudi Arabia provides invoicing, expenses, bank reconciliation, VAT reporting, customer and vendor management, recurring transactions, reporting, and workflow automation.

Its Standard plan currently includes Phase Two e-invoicing, while Professional adds features including multi-currency transactions, inventory, project profitability, sales and purchase approvals, and customizable business workflows.

Strengths:

• Dedicated Saudi edition and SAR pricing
• ZATCA Phase Two e-invoicing functionality documented on the current Saudi plan
• Free entry-level plan for qualifying micro businesses
• Bank reconciliation and VAT reporting
• Customer portal and payment reminders
• Inventory, project accounting, approval workflows, and multi-currency on higher plans
• Strong integration with the broader Zoho ecosystem

Limitations:

• User allowances and transaction limits vary significantly by plan
• Advanced inventory, analytics, and customization require higher tiers
• Businesses already standardized on a different ERP ecosystem should compare integration and migration effort

Best fit: Saudi SMEs wanting localized cloud accounting without necessarily adopting a full-scale ERP.

5. Sage 50

Best For: Small and established businesses that need deeper inventory, job costing, reporting, and a choice between cloud and desktop accounting.

Pricing: Sage 50 Cloud currently starts at $128.67/month for Pro Accounting, with Premium and Quantum priced higher. Sage also offers a separately priced Desktop edition. See current Sage 50 pricing

Sage 50 has evolved beyond a desktop-only product. Sage now offers a cloud version with remote access, automatic updates and backups, while retaining a traditional Desktop option for businesses that prefer locally installed accounting.

Strengths:

• Bank reconciliation, invoicing, bills, expenses, and reporting
• Inventory management from the Pro tier
• Job management and job costing
• Advanced budgeting, serialized inventory and audit trails on Premium
• Up to 40 users and workflow/project-management functionality on Quantum
• Cloud and desktop options

Limitations:

• Current US pricing is significantly higher than lightweight accounting products such as FreshBooks
• Many of its payroll and tax features are designed around the markets in which that edition is sold
• Saudi companies should verify local VAT and ZATCA requirements separately rather than assuming US Sage functionality provides Saudi localization

Best fit: Businesses prioritizing detailed inventory, job costing and traditional accounting depth.

6. Oracle NetSuite

Best For: Large businesses needing an all-in-one cloud-based ERP solution.

Rating: 4.2 /5

Pricing: Contact for a custom quote based on the modules and users you need.

Most of the QuickBooks alternatives mentioned here are great for startups and micro businesses. But what if your company is outgrowing QuickBooks? If you're expanding into new regions or countries, you might want to consider a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution like NetSuite.

Unlike QuickBooks, which offers a more standardized package, NetSuite is highly customizable, with pricing and software packages tailored to your business’s needs. In addition to accounting, NetSuite includes modules for global business management, supply chain management, marketing, and HR. This makes it a powerful tool for larger companies that require a more comprehensive solution.

Strengths:

• Can scale to accommodate larger businesses.
• Offers a range of software products like CRM, HR, supply chain management, and commerce software
• Industry-specific solutions for various sectors, including nonprofits, digital marketing, retail, and more

Limitations:

• NetSuite does not publish simple self-service list pricing for ERP configurations, so businesses generally need a tailored quote
• It is a substantially broader ERP platform than QuickBooks, which can make it excessive for a small business that only needs bookkeeping and invoicing
• Implementation cost and timeline depend on modules, integrations, data migration, customization, entities, and project scope

7. Odoo Accounting 

Best For: Businesses that want customizable accounting inside a broad modular ERP and are comfortable with a more configurable implementation.

Pricing: Odoo currently offers One App Free for one application with unlimited users. Its Standard and Custom subscriptions provide access to all Odoo apps, with pricing shown per user. Check current Odoo pricing

Odoo Accounting combines accounting with Odoo's larger suite of CRM, sales, inventory, purchasing, e-commerce, manufacturing, HR, projects, and other business applications.

For Saudi businesses, Odoo now has a documented fiscal localization. Its current Saudi modules include accounting, accounting reports, withholding tax, Point of Sale localization, and a dedicated e-invoicing module that enables ZATCA Phase Two API integration. Review Odoo's Saudi Arabia localization documentation

Strengths:

• Broad modular ERP suite
• Accounting, reconciliation, reporting and asset functionality
• Saudi fiscal localization
• Documented ZATCA Phase Two API integration
• Free one-app option
• Cloud and, on the Custom plan, Odoo.sh or on-premise deployment options
• Extensive customization potential

Limitations:

• Implementation and customization can become more involved as requirements expand
• Custom development and Odoo.sh hosting can add costs beyond the base subscription
• Businesses using extensive custom modules should plan carefully for maintenance and upgrades

Best fit: Companies that want a flexible modular ERP and have the implementation resources to configure it around their processes.

Pricing note: International software vendors may bill Saudi customers in USD or another foreign currency, while local editions may publish prices directly in SAR. Prices may also exclude applicable taxes. Check the vendor's current Saudi billing terms and your business's VAT treatment before comparing total cost.  

With so many options available, it can be tough to know which QuickBooks alternative is the best fit for your business. After all, every business is unique—and so are its accounting needs. Let’s take a look at some key factors to help you decide.

How to Choose the Right QuickBooks Alternative for Your Business?

To help you decide, here are three key questions to guide your decision:

i) What Accounting Functions Does Your Business Need?

The features you need depend on your business’s size and nature. Some key accounting functions include:

• Invoicing: Creating and sending invoices to clients for payment.
• Bills: Tracking and paying your business expenses.
• Assets: Managing business equipment or leased assets.
• Projects: Monitoring income and expenses for specific jobs or projects.
• VAT and E-Invoicing: Calculate and record VAT correctly and, where the software issues Saudi tax invoices, confirm how the solution supports the ZATCA e-invoicing requirements applicable to your business.
• Payroll: Managing payroll, including taxes, deductions, and benefits.

Understanding these needs will help narrow down software options that offer exactly what your business requires.

ii) How Often Will You Use Your Software for Business Decisions?

Accounting software isn’t just for bookkeeping; it’s a tool to support decision-making. Consider how frequently you’ll use reports to guide your business. Key uses include:

• Budgeting: Planning income and expenses for better financial management.
• Forecasting: Predicting future financial outcomes based on past trends.
• Analysis: Comparing actual performance against budgets or forecasts to spot opportunities or challenges.

If you rely on visual dashboards or external apps for insights, choose software that integrates seamlessly with those tools.

iii) What Does the Future of Your Business Look Like?

Your accounting software should align with your growth plans and goals. Consider factors such as:

• Growth: Scaling to new markets, customers, or products.
• Funding: Raising money through investors or loans.
• Compliance: Meeting legal and regulatory standards for your industry (ZATCA regulations in Saudi Arabia)

Also, decide whether you plan to keep accounting in-house or outsource it to professionals like accountants or bookkeepers. This will affect your choice of software.

Take your time to assess your needs and select a solution that streamlines your accounting and supports your long-term goals. Let’s look at some additional tips to help you make an informed decision.

Few Tips for Choosing the Right Accounting Software

Here are some tips to guide your decision:

1. Review Current Customer Evidence: Look at recent customer stories, independent software reviews, implementation examples, and the vendor's current product documentation. Give more weight to reviews from businesses similar to yours in size, industry, and country than to one headline rating.

For HAL specifically, you can review its current customer testimonials alongside the live product pages to understand both reported customer experience and documented capabilities.

1. Try free trials and demos: Make use of free trials or demos to explore the platform's features and decide if they align with your business needs. Hands-on experience is invaluable in finding the right fit.
2. Plan for future growth: Choose software that scales with your business. Ensure the platform allows easy upgrades to accommodate your growing needs without adding excessive costs.

With the insights collected so far, let’s break it down based on the size and industry of your business.

Recommendations Based on Business Size and Requirements

The best alternative depends less on company size alone and more on the accounting and operational complexity you need to manage.

• For Saudi SMEs that want accounting inside a broader local ERP: HAL Accounting is particularly relevant because of its Saudi focus, local integrations, connected ERP modules, and dedicated e-invoicing offering.
• For Saudi SMEs wanting standalone cloud accounting: Zoho Books Saudi Arabia offers local SAR pricing and documented Phase Two e-invoicing functionality.
• For cloud accounting with a large integration ecosystem: Xero is a strong option, especially where unlimited users and third-party apps matter more than native ERP breadth.
• For freelancers and service businesses: FreshBooks is well suited to invoicing, expenses, time tracking, client billing, and project profitability.
• For businesses needing detailed inventory and job costing: Sage 50 may fit businesses operating in markets where its accounting and payroll editions match local requirements.
• For customizable modular ERP: Odoo is relevant for companies willing to invest in configuration and implementation.
• For larger or multi-entity businesses with enterprise ERP requirements: NetSuite deserves consideration when the business has genuinely outgrown small-business accounting software.

This makes the recommendations useful without pretending one product wins every category.

Final Thoughts

The best QuickBooks alternative depends on why you are considering a switch in the first place. A freelancer may value simple invoicing and time tracking, while a growing retailer may need inventory integrations, and a multi-entity company may require a full ERP.

Before changing systems, compare your current requirements with what you expect to need over the next few years. Pay particular attention to migration, user access, reporting, integrations, inventory or project requirements, and the tax and e-invoicing processes relevant to your country.

For businesses operating in Saudi Arabia, HAL Accounting is worth considering when accounting needs to connect with broader ERP workflows and regional integrations. Its current offering includes automated journal entries, reconciliation, reporting, access controls, connected business modules, and a separate VAT CARE product for Saudi e-invoicing workflows.

HAL will not be the right choice for every QuickBooks user. Freelancers may prefer FreshBooks, businesses built around a large global app ecosystem may favor Xero, and companies needing highly customizable or enterprise-scale ERP may consider Odoo or NetSuite. The right choice is the platform whose verified capabilities best fit your actual operating model.

Book a HAL demo

FAQs

Q: What is the best QuickBooks alternative for a Saudi business?

A: There is no single best option for every company. HAL is particularly relevant when a Saudi business wants accounting connected with broader ERP workflows and local integrations, while Zoho Books offers a strong localized cloud-accounting option. The right choice depends on users, inventory, reporting, integrations, industry requirements, and e-invoicing needs.

Q: Does QuickBooks support Saudi ZATCA Phase Two e-invoicing?

A: QuickBooks provides general VAT and invoicing functionality, but businesses should not assume that those features automatically satisfy Saudi Phase Two requirements. Intuit's older Saudi support guidance directed users toward third-party solutions for Saudi-specific e-invoicing, so a company considering QuickBooks in 2026 should confirm the current integration route before relying on it for Fatoora connectivity. ZATCA's Phase Two rollout remains wave-based.

Q: Which QuickBooks alternatives support Saudi ZATCA e-invoicing?

A: HAL offers HAL VAT CARE for Saudi e-invoicing workflows. Zoho Books' Saudi Standard plan currently lists Phase Two e-invoicing, and Odoo 19 documents a Saudi e-invoicing module with ZATCA Phase Two API integration. Businesses should still validate configuration and their own taxpayer requirements before implementation.

Q: Is Xero cheaper than QuickBooks?

A: Not necessarily. Pricing depends on country, plan, promotion and required features. Xero's global pricing and QuickBooks' international pricing have both changed since this article was originally published, so compare current regular prices rather than relying on an old headline figure.

Q: Is FreshBooks a full accounting alternative to QuickBooks?

A: FreshBooks now supports more accounting functionality than older comparisons suggest, including bank reconciliation and double-entry reports on appropriate plans and accounts payable on Premium. It remains most attractive to freelancers and service-oriented small businesses rather than companies needing deep inventory or ERP functionality.

Q: Is Odoo suitable for accounting in Saudi Arabia?

A: Yes, Odoo now documents a dedicated Saudi fiscal localization covering accounting, tax reporting and e-invoicing. Its current Saudi e-invoicing module supports Phase Two API integration with ZATCA. Review Odoo's Saudi localization

Q: What is the latest ZATCA Phase Two wave in 2026?

A: ZATCA announced Wave 25 on July 24, 2026. It covers targeted taxpayers whose VAT-taxable revenue exceeded SAR 187,500 during 2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025, with integration required by February 1, 2027 for businesses notified in that wave. Read ZATCA's Wave 25 announcement

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