18 years helping South African businesses
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About ZipBooks

Modern accounting software for small businesses and accountants including time tracking, invoicing, & digital payments.

Learn more about ZipBooks

Pros:

In some instances, the support staff have not had the expertise to offer guidance or solve elementary problems. The ZipBooks team is impressively swift and knowledgeable.

Cons:

It may be that I'm misremembering and it's just not possible to export without paying, which would also be a problem.

ZipBooks ratings

Average score

Ease of Use
4.6
Customer Service
4.5
Features
4.2
Value for Money
4.5

Likelihood to recommend

8.0/ 10

ZipBooks has an overall rating of 4.5 out 5 stars based on 104 user reviews on Capterra.

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Filter reviews (104)

Caitlin
Caitlin
Digital Marketing Specialist in New Zealand
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

I'm a ZipBooks Fangirl! I've tried several accounting options & they provide the best value!

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: I've been able to spend less time on my accounting. I don't have to create reports, ZipBooks does it all based on my chart of accounts and other information. The customer service is super fantastic and supportive. The help files are well written, concise and easy to understand. The cost is low and the tiered pricing system is really fair. I can connect multiple accounts and add staff to my account. I can use time tracking, set up automatic invoices, pre-set items and tasks, add documents, just to name a few! My personal account is turned into a profile which is hosted on their system. My clients can leave reviews and potential clients can find and contact me.

Pros:

Beside the cost (I'm on the pro version and it's still cheaper than the basic version of Xero and others), it automatically creates all the reports I need and shows them in a way that means I don't need an accounting degree! So my general ledger, my profit and loss statements - it's all there for me! Everything is so simple to use that I spent the first couple of weeks overthinking the whole thing - because it can't be that simple right?! The layout is so easy to navigate, the chart of accounts is simple to understand, and when I need a hand (I've managed to mess things up in my ignorance of double entry accounting) the customer support team are right there and get my problem sorted so quickly!

Cons:

My biggest con is that it's really USA-centric. I'm not in the States so I can't connect my bank account to the system so I have to manually import my statements. For me, it's well worth the effort because the system saves me time and stress in so many other ways. Also I'm a sole trader so I don't have many accounts to sort out. I can imagine it would be different for someone with a bigger company or more regular turnover.

CJ
CJ
Owner/Photographer in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Photography
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Not perfect, but constantly improving and Customer Support is the best with super fast replys!

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

I run a photography+subcontractor business. I've been with Zipbooks since before they started charging a fee (switched from freshbooks) and let me tell you, there were definitely some major growing pains. The good new is that they listened to the customers and would always solve problems quickly. The gap between Zipbooks and Quickbooks/Freshbooks/etc.. used to be cavernous, but that gap is almost unnoticeable now. The interface is ridiculously easy to understand and flows really well. It's the best user interface experience I've had for accounting software. Costumer service has been nothing short of impressive. I'm an accounting/bookkeeping newb and the customer support has basically trained me how to do my own accounting. They have this great chat button that's always in the bottom right corner so you can easily ask questions and get answers like if you were chatting with a friend on facebook messenger. The company has a long way to go to being the best, but they certainly have the chops for it! I would high

Cons:

The fact that I can't mark an invoice as paid from the list view. I don't like the extra step of clicking through to the individual invoice. But, it's a minor inconvenience.

MICHAEL
Owner in US
Retail, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Was GREAT, Recently VERY DISAPPOINTED

1.0 8 years ago

Comments: Easy to use, you just cant get your money

Pros:

Easy to use, no frills, perfect for small business. Makes the daily chore of bookkeeping fairly easy.

Cons:

CAN"T GET YOUR PAYMENTS!!! this is the second time that my payments are not posting to my account. Customer service is responsive, but point the finger at their processor. that does not get me paid. My customers orders have been delayed because of a ZIPBOOKS issue. I have been waiting for my payments to be released for now in 12 days. This is completely unacceptable. They used to be completely free now they want you to upgrade and pay a monthly fee to use the advanced services, but suddenly can't process payments in a timely manner, or in my case at all. Just something to think about before you start using this service. If you NEED to get paid, might want to find another service.

Jack
Jack
Co-Founder, Account Director in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

A great invoicing and accounting solution for small agencies and freelancers

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: A highly functional and easy-to-use platform for client invoicing and accounting.

Pros:

Zipbooks is a phenomenal tool for invoicing and billing clients. As a digital agency, our team does all of our estimating, invoicing, billing, time tracking and accounting through Zipbooks, and it's been a great experience. The platform has seen continuous improvement throughout 2017 and 2018, so I have a lot of confidence that we'll continue to run our business through Zipbooks.

Cons:

The slick interface comes to be a burden when reconciling transactions - if you're not an accountant by trade, it can be easy to make a mistake and have difficulty correcting it due to the streamlined presentation. After struggling with this, I've been able to refine my reporting process to work well with Zipbooks. The project management tool/time tracking was a bit weak but it is getting better and I'm happy to see the service improve. I would also like to see support for signing contracts/agreements for related invoices.

Mike
Mike
Owner/Architect/Engineer in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Great software with outstanding technical support

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

The software itself is fairly straightforward and easy to use, although for someone who doesn't know accounting that well it sometimes can be slightly confusing. What is really great though is that their support team is very knowledgeable and can not only help solve technical issues but can also help explain what their software means to you from an accounting standpoint. Invoicing is simple and easy to use, integration to bank and credit card accounts continues to improve, and they continue to enhance the set of reports available to help you understand how your business is doing.

Cons:

It's fairly minor stuff - the graph on the main page of the application assumes you are using accrual basis accounting, and that ends up misrepresenting the numbers you see if you are using cash basis accounting. I also don't like that I can define that my business uses cash basis but the reports always default to accrual. It would be nice to understand how the business health score is calculated, as mine continues to decrease despite the fact that I thought my business was continuing to improve.

Robin
Robin
Owner in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Zipbooks makes it easy for me to manage accounting for my consulting business.

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

The user interface is intuitive and easy! I like that I don't have to be an accounting pro to get set up and start invoicing clients. My clients love how easy it is to pay me. They click a couple of buttons and they are done, which means faster payments and more efficient accounting for me!

Cons:

Because I don't understand accounting, I had some trouble reconciling some of the charges/credits and couldn't "undo" what I'd done very easily. It's not the most forgiving, however, their customer service was top notch in helping me solve the issue for no additional charges. I thought I'd have to hire someone to fix it, and they gave me free advice to help me fix it myself.

Leigh
Leigh
Officiant/Civil Celebrant - Wedding in KC in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Great Customer Service

4.0 7 years ago

Comments: For small business, it's perfect.

Pros:

The software is user friendly. Easy to re-set up our company. Like the on-line look from the customer's point of view. It's easy to complete.

Cons:

I do find it a bit frustrating that I cannot find out WHEN my deposits are estimated to hit my bank. It's either that it doesn't exist in the software, or that it's difficult, even for a daily user, to find it in the menu system.

Tracy
Tracy
Voice-Over Talent in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

I love this user-friendly service!

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: It makes it easy and fast to get paid--don't we all want that?

Pros:

It's easy-to-use and I don't have to read endless tutorials to figure it out. A close second is that it accepts PayPal and credit card payments--my clients love it!

Cons:

I think some of the expenses categories are confusing/unnecessary. I would also like to see some customization of expense categories, though this is perhaps something that is offered and I have yet to learn how to do.

Paul
Paul
Realtor in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Real Estate, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Best DIY accounting software

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

Zipbooks is the best and easiest accounting software available out there. I know this because I free tried them all. They differentiate themselves bye the ease of use and the app that is above and beyond user-friendly. I have access to all the features that I need even though I'm on the free plan so with the upgrade you can get access to the most powerful features available. I recommend the software strongly to everyone. Paul

Cons:

I'm waiting for the Android phone app to be released soon. They are expecting to be released in the beginning of the second quarter of 2018

Corey
Corey
Creative Director / UX Designer in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Music
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Zipbooks is a MUST for anyone who is a freelance graphic designer!

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: Simply, organization for my business and invoicing needs. Excited to demo the time tracking functionality soon too!

Pros:

Excellent user interface design and dashboard. Super easy to navigate with a strong attention to the information architecture. Intuitive invoicing software. Amazing customer service!

Cons:

5 day waiting period for payments was frustrating at first. Eventually, I was able to learn how to drop this down to a 2 days. Also, some functionality took me a bit to figure out. But customer service was able to answer my questions within a matter of minutes!

Andrea
Consultant
Marketing & Advertising, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source
Source: SoftwareAdvice

Simple bookkeeping for businesses

4.0 7 years ago

Comments: I've been using this for about the last year and started when it was free to use. For what it was then and for as simple as it is, it serves my needs at the moment but it's a little difficult to use with my workflow so I feel like I'll probably outgrow it at some point. I do primarily project based work, tracking time and billing hourly. I don't sell anything through an inventory but will add expenses to an invoice. This software works great for that though it would probably work for something with a light inventory or commonly used services as well. Overall, it's a good value and worth testing out but it may not work as well for every business model.

Pros:

Add expenses, track time, create projects, create tasks within projects, print out accounting reports, send invoices and receive payments in app, recurring invoicing available, ability to set up reminders automatically

Cons:

Visually clean but not as streamlined to use. Projects can't be created on the fly in the time tracking app, but have to be created ahead of time. Still quick to do but it's an extra step. Same for tasks within projects. They must be created ahead of time too, though each project automatically creates a General task. Invoice design is simple and clean but there's not much that can be customized beyond the logo.

Derek
Creative Director in South Africa
Marketing & Advertising, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Simply Amazing

5.0 8 years ago

Comments: ZipBooks is the perfect bookkeeping solution for my small business! It allows me to add client details, business expenses and payments received from clients. There is also a great quotation feature built into the app that includes project management and time tracking. Generating an invoice from an existing project or quote only takes a click of a button (how awesome is this?!) and manual invoices can be added too. My favorite feature is the recurring invoices which get sent automatically and even allows me to set payment reminders for those that have not been marked as paid. Believe it or not, these reminders do work! ZipBooks also has great reporting features which shows you your total revenue for the past 12 months, an expense report, income per client, outstanding payments, tax and more. Oh, I forgot to mention, all of this is free! You can also accept payments via the internet but this isn't supported in my country yet. ZipBooks saves me loads hours every month and lots of paper (everything is backed up securely in the cloud), the app and its development/support team definitely add value to my life. Oh yeah, there's also an iPhone app for when I'm on the move or need to generate a quote for a client immediately :-) If you're looking for great bookkeeping software, this is it.

Pros:

Recurring invoices, payment reminders, great support, iPhone app, quotation system, easy to use report features, integration with Slack.

Cons:

Can only accept internet payments with American banks.

Brian
Brian
Financial Analyst in US
Accounting, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: Not provided
Reviewer Source

This wasn't anything special - just an ordinary accounting software.

3.0 7 years ago

Pros:

What I liked best is that the customer service was excellent and always very responsive. That goes a long way when you try to do a conversion.

Cons:

It's relatively ordinary which is why we didn't go with it but that doesn't make it a bad software. It's best for small business.

David
Owner in US
Construction, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

This program locked me out of my account and there is no way to gain access to my account

1.0 5 years ago

Pros:

Doesn't matter what I liked because the bugs in this system outweigh the good now I am loosing money

Cons:

The bugs it is really buggy and things happen that cannot be explained

John
John
Founder and Creative Director in US
Marketing & Advertising, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

The perfect set of tools for my tiny agency

5.0 8 years ago

Comments: I switched to Zipbooks from another accounting platform and was amazed at how simple and well-thought-out it is. And for free! I was able to get set up in less than an hour, and it lacks nothing I need for estimating and invoicing for projects. It's also nice to have the time-tracking and project-tracking functions for the future. Great job, guys!

Pros:

Easy to set up and easy to use. Great mobile app. Free!

Nawahl
Owner/manager in South Africa
Used the Software for: Not provided
Reviewer Source

Simple, Neat and easy to use! Perfect for a small business

5.0 9 years ago

Comments: It took me all of 5 minutes to figure everything out. At first I was a bit disappointed that the date format could not be set to South African standard, but when I noticed that the date very clearly appeared, printed in full on the finished documents that can get sent/printed out, I think its completely ok. I love that I could easily use my own logo. I love how everything automatically gets tracked. I love that its free! Its been really useful in my small and growing business, to keep track of all my income and expenses without me having to know much about accounting and without having to hire an accountant, on top of keeping all the receipts, written invoices and other transaction docs. It just simplifies life. I guess a complete accounting system is probably necessary when a business gets bigger, but for a small growing business and a newbie entrepreneur, who just needs a simple income statement, Zipbooks is the perfect tool to get one in the game, staying organized, tracking expenditure and income and having automated outputs that allow one to assess where to improve and streamline the business. The messaging system is pretty nice too. The response to queries from the Zipbooks team is quick and clear and quite personalized, which I'm very impressed by. Zipbooks is perfect.

Debbie
Program Manager in US
Health, Wellness & Fitness, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

ZipBooks provided simple software and it grew with me - from free to inexpensive.

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: I started with accounting but now I use it for invoicing and time tracking. I can share with other users as well. Reports are easy to see and simple to use.

Pros:

You don't need to be certified to use it! Unlike other accounting options :). It was easy to use, the reports were great and it helped for invoicing, time tracking and accounting.

Cons:

They are still growing their integrations to work with other software and solutions so you can't connect with very many apps outside paypal, stripe, and wepay.

Blake
Blake
CMO in US
Marketing & Advertising, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Amazing Free Accounting Software

5.0 8 years ago

Pros:

As a small business owner, Zipbooks helped me organize my finances and keep track of what was going on in my business. I even used Zipbooks to produce all the financials to sell my business.

Cons:

When I started, it didn't offer all of the things that Quickbooks had, but it seems like they are adding features regularly. For a free software I really don't have any complaints at all.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Great way to keep your accountancy

4.0 7 years ago

Pros:

Really good tool to help you with the accounting books of startup, you can create online invoices, track time, bills, etc

Cons:

It is a very complete software and easy to use, I have no complaints about this software, really it works very good

Kathleen
Owner in US
Retail, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

No other way to go than ZipBooks - 100% Satisfied!

5.0 7 years ago

Comments: Bookkeeping service available to me via chat. Wonderful Bookkeepers such as Karin to help me along. Categorization help, ability to have a business report readily available any day. I love this program.

Pros:

Extremely easy to use interface. Live chat option with a bookkeeper, preset categorization, help every step of the way, ability to track EVERYTHING about my business.

Cons:

No inventory tracking feature. I would love more freedom in setting up my invoices. I need more options because my products vary. Also no intergration with eBay. But I still love the software.

Richard
Russia
Information Technology & Services, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Poor poor technical support.

3.0 9 years ago

Comments: The customer support is atrocious. I had two issues; resetting my user data and a screwed up connection to Stripe. The first was still outstanding 3 weeks later, the second 4 days later. No feedback from "Brad from ZipBooks" until I chased them up with followup messages. Eventually we agreed to delete my account and I'd start from scratched. That was 2 days ago and I honestly don't expect it to happen. I'll be staying with Xero. A much more professional product.

Pros:

Free. Connects with PayPal, Stripe and WePay. Clean simple web interface.

Diego
President in US
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

ZipBooks has helped me get organized and look professional. The support is excellent

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

ZipBooks is extremely simple to use. It helps with organization of contacts, invoices, drafts, estimates, Billing and it even creates reports. For no cost you can use ZipBooks to get organized and start invoicing clients, even accepting electronic payments and linking bank accounts. The mobile interface is also simple to use and effective, so creating invoices on the go is not a problem.

Matthew
President in US
Used the Software for: Not provided
Reviewer Source

Excellent Alternative to QuickBooks

5.0 9 years ago

Comments: After using QB for my business for the last 8 years, I finally had enough of Intuit. I wanted a modern web based solution that didn't cost an arm and a leg for basic quoting, invoicing, and accept payments online. ZipBooks does this and more. I had list of my existing clients and I found out via the in app chat (a way awesome support feature) that while there was not a feature ready for realase for an import of my contacts they would do it for me. This is a small token, but shows how customer service focused this company is, unlike others who would have go check the forums, they are right there to chat with.

Pascual
Owner/Psychologist in US
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Free and great alternative to QuickBooks

4.0 8 years ago

Pros:

Free, easy to use, professional and helpful customer support. It allows you to sync your bank account information into the system to save time.

Cons:

Sometimes the sync does not work properly and you have to re-link your bank account to ZipBooks or refresh several times.

Chai
Freelance Graphic & Web Designer in US
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

I love ZipBooks! Switched from QuickBooks and never looking back.

5.0 7 years ago

Pros:

It has a free level without ridiculous limits, as well as a more robust premium version. It is beautifully designed, easy to use, and allows for people to keep detailed records easily.

Cons:

The little upgrade messages can get in the way sometimes - if you click the wrong area, you might lose your invoice when it asks you to upgrade. Just a small bug, but pretty unpleasant.