September 23, 2025 | Mehul Shah, Intelligere
Running a small business in India isn’t easy. Between handling invoices, tracking payments, reconciling bank statements, and staying GST-compliant, accounting often takes more time than growth activities. That’s where the right online accounting software can make a huge difference.
Cloud-based tools today don’t just replace manual bookkeeping; they automate tasks, reduce errors, and give business owners real-time visibility into their finances. But with so many options available, how do you decide which is best for your business?
This guide reviews the best online accounting software for small businesses in India (2025). We’ll look at features, pricing, pros, and cons — and also highlight how each solution fits unique business needs.
Small businesses often operate with lean teams, tight budgets, and limited time. That means your accounting software should be:
Here’s a carefully curated list of popular and reliable accounting software that Indian small businesses can rely on in 2025.
Best for: Businesses looking for automation and effortless GST compliance
Intelligere is an India-first accounting automation platform designed for MSMEs, CA firms, and accounting professionals. It goes beyond traditional bookkeeping with tools that simplify day-to-day accounting tasks:
It saves hours of manual work, reduces compliance risks, and is built specifically for Indian small businesses dealing with GST.
Zoho Books is popular among startups and small businesses for its clean interface and powerful integrations with the Zoho ecosystem. It offers GST compliance, invoicing, inventory tracking, and client portals.
Best for: Businesses already using Zoho apps.
Tally has been a household name for Indian accounting for decades. With TallyPrime, businesses get GST filing, inventory, payroll, and banking integration. It also offers cloud access via partners.
Best for: Businesses comfortable with Tally’s legacy system but needing cloud access.
QuickBooks is widely used globally and offers invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll. However, pricing is higher compared to Indian alternatives.
Best for: Businesses seeking global-standard software with advanced reporting.
Marg ERP is strong in inventory, supply chain, and distribution management. It integrates accounting with retail and wholesale business processes.
Best for: Retailers, wholesalers, and distribution-heavy businesses.
Vyapar is designed for micro and small businesses. It provides GST invoicing, inventory, expense tracking, and offline/online sync.
Best for: Very small businesses or shop owners who need simplicity.
Busy is an affordable accounting software solution offering multi-company support, GST billing, and reporting.
Best for: Small businesses seeking a pocket-friendly solution.
myBillBook provides GST invoicing, inventory, and expense management through an easy-to-use mobile app.
Best for: Businesses that prefer mobile-first operations.
| Software | Pricing (approx.) | GST Compliance | Cloud/Mobile Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligere | Flexible, SMB-friendly | ✅ | ✅ Cloud + DocuVault | MSMEs, CA Firms |
| Zoho Books | ₹899/month | ✅ | ✅ | Startups, service firms |
| TallyPrime | ₹21,000 one-time | ✅ | Limited (via partners) | Traditional users |
| QuickBooks | $25+/month | ✅ | ✅ | Global SMEs |
| Marg ERP | ₹15,000+ | ✅ | Partial | Retail/Wholesale |
| Vyapar | ₹599/year | ✅ | ✅ | Micro businesses |
| Busy | ₹7,200+ | ✅ | Partial | Cost-conscious SMEs |
| myBillBook | ₹1,500/year | ✅ | ✅ | Mobile-centric users |
When evaluating, ask:
If you’re an MSME in India looking for automation and compliance, Intelligere stands out as a strong choice. For those already tied to ecosystems like Zoho or Tally, sticking with them makes sense.
The right accounting software can save hours of manual work, keep you compliant, and give you clarity about your business finances. Whether you’re a shop owner, a freelancer, or managing an MSME, there’s a solution that fits your needs.
If automation and GST compliance are top priorities, Intelligere is purpose-built for Indian small businesses. For others, Zoho Books, Tally, QuickBooks, or Vyapar may be more suitable.
Choose wisely — your accounting software is not just a tool, it’s a growth partner.
Intelligere, Zoho Books, TallyPrime, and Vyapar are among the top choices depending on your budget and needs.
Yes. Most tools offer encryption, backups, and secure logins to protect sensitive data.
Intelligere, Zoho Books, and Busy are highly GST-friendly with automated filing features.
Yes. Tools like Intelligere and Vyapar are user-friendly and require no deep accounting knowledge.
Yes. Most modern platforms, including Intelligere, Zoho Books, and myBillBook, have mobile access for on-the-go management.
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