If you’re running a business in 2025, you’ve likely heard of QuickBooks. And if you’re a small business owner trying to stay on top of finances, you’ve probably wondered: Is QuickBooks actually worth the money?
That’s a fair question. Accounting software isn’t cheap. And with options like FreshBooks, Wave, and Xero out there, deciding what’s best can get confusing.
The real concern for many entrepreneurs is simple:
You don’t want to overspend, but you also don’t want to mess up your taxes or chase receipts all year.
In this review, we’ll break down whether QuickBooks is worth it in 2025, especially for Canadian businesses. We’ll cover pricing, features, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against other tools.
What Is QuickBooks and Who Is It For?
QuickBooks is accounting software built by Intuit. It helps businesses manage invoices, expenses, payroll, taxes, and financial reporting, all in one place.
There are two main versions:
- QuickBooks Online (the most popular and cloud-based)
- QuickBooks Desktop (local install, more advanced features but less flexible)
Most small business owners in Canada use QuickBooks Online because it connects directly with Canadian banks, handles GST/HST, and works with CRA filing needs.
QuickBooks is ideal for:
- Freelancers
- Small to mid-sized businesses
- Startup founders
- Non-accountants who want something easy to use
What Are the Key Features of QuickBooks in 2025?
QuickBooks has evolved over the years and in 2025, it continues to lead for a reason. Here’s what you get:
1. Invoicing and Payments
You can create branded invoices, schedule recurring payments, and let clients pay directly online. QuickBooks notifies you when an invoice is viewed or paid.
2. Bank Sync and Expense Tracking
QuickBooks connects with your bank account and credit cards to import transactions automatically. You can categorize expenses with a click and attach receipts to stay organized.
3. GST/HST and Tax Tools
If you’re a Canadian business, QuickBooks handles GST/HST tracking and reports. It helps calculate what you owe (or what you can reclaim), making tax time easier.
4. Payroll Integration
You can run payroll directly in QuickBooks (optional add-on), deduct income tax, EI, and CPP, and prepare T4 slips.
5. Reports and Dashboards
With just a few clicks, you can generate profit and loss reports, balance sheets, and cash flow summaries. These give a clear picture of how your business is doing.
6. Mobile App Access
The mobile app is powerful. You can invoice on the go, snap pictures of receipts, and view reports, all from your phone.
How Much Does QuickBooks Cost in 2025?
QuickBooks pricing is tiered. As of early 2025 (CAD pricing):
| Plan | Monthly Price (CAD) | Best For |
| EasyStart | $28 | Solo users/freelancers |
| Essentials | $65 | Small teams (up to 3 users) |
| Plus | $95 | Growing businesses needing inventory/project tracking |
| Advanced | $190 | Mid-sized firms with complex needs |
| Payroll add-on | +$25–$60 | For employee payment and T4s |
Free trial: QuickBooks offers a 30-day free trial or discounts if you buy immediately.
If you’re just starting, EasyStart might be enough. But most Canadian businesses end up on Essentials or Plus once they grow.
Learn more about QuickBooks pricing.
Pros and Cons of QuickBooks
✅ Pros
- CRA-compatible tools (GST/HST tracking, T4 payroll)
- Easy invoicing and bank sync
- Cloud-based with mobile access
- Lots of integrations (eCommerce, CRMs, payment processors)
- Built-in accountant access
❌ Cons
- Higher pricing as you scale
- Occasional syncing glitches with banks
- Some features require upgrades
- Learning curve if you’re not tech-savvy
Is QuickBooks Good for Small Businesses in Canada?
Yes, especially if you want to stay compliant with Canadian tax rules and CRA expectations.
QuickBooks makes it easy to:
- Track GST/HST across provinces
- Set up payroll deductions for EI, CPP, and income tax
- Export reports your accountant needs
- Keep digital records that match CRA requirements
It also allows accountant access so your bookkeeper or tax advisor can log in and help without sending endless spreadsheets.
What Do Users Say?
QuickBooks has a strong user base in Canada. Here’s what real users say on G2 and Trustpilot:
Positive feedback:
- “Helped me get control of my business finances.”
- “Invoices and bank matching save me hours every week.”
- “Love the Canadian tax tools!”
Negative feedback:
- “Support can be slow during tax season.”
- “Some features are locked behind higher plans.”
- “Took me a few weeks to understand the layout.”
What Are the Best Alternatives to QuickBooks?
If QuickBooks doesn’t feel like the right fit, consider:
| Alternative | Best For | Pricing (CAD) for starter |
| FreshBooks | Freelancers and service pros | From $22/month |
| Wave | Budget-conscious businesses | Free (limited features) |
| Xero | Inventory-heavy businesses | From $29/month |
| Zoho Books | Tech-savvy users | From $20/month |
Each of these has pros and cons, but QuickBooks remains the most complete option for Canadian compliance, especially if you’re scaling.
For startups or freelancers weighing their options, we’ve put together a complete FreshBooks vs QuickBooks guide that breaks down features, pricing, and ease of use.
Should You Choose QuickBooks?
Let’s sum it up.
Choose QuickBooks if you:
- Want an all-in-one solution
- Need reliable GST/HST support
- Have employees or inventory
- Use an accountant or plan to get one
- Prefer cloud access and mobile features
Skip it if:
- You’re just starting with one or two clients and no GST needs
- You’re on a very tight budget and only need invoicing
- You prefer desktop software or a simpler tool
Final Thoughts: Is QuickBooks Worth It in 2025?
If you’re a Canadian small business, QuickBooks is worth it especially once you start growing.
It saves you time, keeps you organized, and helps you stay compliant with CRA expectations. Yes, it comes with a cost, but that cost often beats the time and stress of DIY bookkeeping.
Still unsure? Take advantage of the free trial and see how it feels. Or better yet, talk to a Canadian bookkeeper who works with QuickBooks daily and can show you how to make the most of it.
👇 Want help getting started?
AccTax helps Canadian businesses set up and manage QuickBooks with expert support.
Let us handle your books so you can focus on running your business.
