Sage vs QuickBooks: Is Sage Accounting or QuickBooks Better?

Like most business owners, you eventually realize choosing the right accounting software isn’t as straightforward as you might have thought. And this isn’t because of a lack of options, but rather due to so many good ones out there. 

But don’t worry, in this Sage vs QuickBooks comparison, we’ll pit these two heavyweights against each other. Read on to find out which accounting software comes out on top as the most suitable one for your business needs!

What is the difference between Sage and QuickBooks?

The main difference between QuickBooks and Sage is the size of businesses they are suited to meet. While Sage serves larger businesses and even boasts its ability to cater to an unlimited user base, intuitive QuickBooks is better suited for small to mid-sized businesses.

Sage Business Cloud Accounting is cloud-based accounting software that helps small business owners handle cash flow across multiple currencies, track inventory, and manage invoicing. It also provides other accounting solutions to various accounting needs for small businesses. 

For small firms and independent contractors looking for a platform to manage their finances, this accounting software is one you will certainly enjoy. We cannot go into an in-depth description of Sage Accounting in this comparison, but we've got a more detailed Sage review to intimate you with more information on this accounting software. 

Quickbooks has a strong reputation for being recognized as one of the best bookkeeping apps available in 2023, Some even consider it the best accounting software available for businesses of every size. 

Quickbooks helps with the whole business management process, providing services such as budgeting, expense tracking, forecasting, inventory management, automation, and other accounting solutions for your business needs. 

While we have been able to list some of its accounting features, we have a more robust QuickBooks Online review that can give you more information on this bookkeeping software. 

We will be putting these two bookkeeping favorites head to head, comparing some of their notable features, and by the end of this post, you should be able to make a more informed pick of which these accounting solutions best fit your business size and type. 

Sage vs QuickBooks comparison chart

First off is a quick overview via the table below as we match both accounting software against each other in several categories. We give our unfiltered thoughts after due investigation on which accounting software takes the crown under each category. 

Sage accounting vs QuickBooks pricing

When picking software to make your business processes easier, be it a CRM, accounting software, manufacturing software, or any similar product, pricing is essential. In this Sage 50 vs QuickBooks comparison, both accounting software have competing prices for their target audiences, but which one comes out on top?

Sage has a couple of packages that govern its pricing system. First is the Sage Accounting Start, which goes for $10 per month, then comes the second package, Sage Accounting Standard, which goes for $25 per month; then there is the Sage 50 cloud Pro Accounting at $56.08 per month. 

There’s also the Sage 50cloud Premium Accounting which goes for $92 a Month, Sage 50cloud Quantum Accounting priced at $155.92 per month, and finally Sage Intacct, a custom plan for users. 

The multiple packages give users the element of choice, it also provides them with pricing plans that fit their pocket and their current accounting needs. Moreover, Sage accounting currently runs a 70% discount option for small businesses for the first 6 months.

QuickBooks has 5 available packages for users, there is the Simple Start which costs $30 but since QuickBooks has a 50% discount on all its packages, it costs $15 for the first 3 months. 

There’s Essentials, at $55, but for $27.50 for the first 3 months, then there is Plus, at $85 but costs $42.50 due to the 3-month discount. There is the advanced package which costs $200 but goes for $100 for the first 3 months, and finally, there is the Self-employed for freelancers which costs $15 per month but goes for $7.5 for the first 3 months.

When looking at this QuickBooks vs Sage 50 pricing comparison it’s easy to see that they both offer various pricing options, but these prices can vary depending on the add-ons used too.

Winner: 

Sage wins this category with ease. First Sage offers a more affordable pricing range and more options available for users too.
 

QuickBooks vs Sage free versions

Having free versions of some software can serve as an entry-level experience for users who eventually upgrade their packages to access more features their providers offer. Unfortunately, both Intuit QuickBooks and Sage business cloud accounting do not offer free versions. 

Their entry-level packages are competitive, but Quickbooks deserves some applause as it provides massive discounts for nonprofits. QuickBooks online plus goes for $75 for a year and the QuickBooks Advanced plan costs $160 per year. These plans are available for Nonprofits via Techsoup, a nonprofit marketplace.

Although they both do not have free versions, they offer a free 30-day trial. Sage business cloud accounting goes a step further in this regard, as it offers a 3 months free trial via the National small business chambers.

Winner: 

This is a tie since both accounting software don’t have free versions. However, it’s worth of note that Quickbooks has huge discounts for nonprofits.
 

Customer support

The customer support system of any online software can determine the ease of use for users who have minor or major difficulties using the services offered.

Sage offers a range of customer support options for its various packages including phone support from 9 am to 8 pm, online drop-in questions and answers, timely responses, and email support all for Sage business cloud accounting users. 

This is similar to Sage 50 cloud users' customer service, but this package also includes online chat support with a support analyst and access to a dedicated customer success representative good for up to 50 uses. With Sage Intacct, you can get access to 24-hour support, Monday to Friday, and if you upgrade to a gold package, you can get access to the 24 hours support, 7 days a week. 

QuickBooks provides online chat support that responds quickly, and there is also a chatbot option available 24/7. You can also connect to a human rep via the chatbot option, you just need to enter "Chat to a human," and you will be connected with the support team. This is not instantaneous though, but it is worth the wait.

Winner:

Sage wins this category without much difficulty as it pulls ahead of other erp accounting options with its 24/7 support option on its Intacct package.
 

Knowledgebase & learning

Not all accounting software providers provide user-friendly ways to get the hang of their tools, the knowledge base provided can either improve the ease of use or increase the complicated nature of the software. Fortunately, both Sage and QuickBooks have a sufficient knowledge base and learning resources to help users navigate their tools.

Sage has pre-recorded webinars, an active and growing community of users known as Sage City, this community can help new users dive right into the needed tools when using Sage. There are also video guides and certified course options for those interested in a bookkeeping certificate.

QuickBooks also has helpful resources, including relevant help articles that you can get through the chatbot, On-demand video tutorials, a thriving blog, setup guides, troubleshooting tips, and a community forum.

Winner: 

Our winner for this category is QuickBooks, as it has some of the categories for learning in Sage, and a little bit more.

QuickBooks vs Sage features & functionality

When it comes to making a choice, the pricing plans available and the availability of customer support are all very useful, but some accounting features could be the deciding factor for making a purchase. 

Features such as invoicing services, automation, expense tracking, and time tracking, amongst others, tend to sway the choices of freelancers, small business owners, medium-sized businesses, and large enterprises when it comes to making these decisions.
 

Sage or QuickBooks for ease of use?

When it comes to ease of use, both Sage and QuickBooks are primarily traditional accounting software made to serve different company sizes. As a result of these, their ease of use does not come as easy as a much more intuitive bookkeeping software.

Sage has a clean, standard interface, and while there is a slight learning curve, the major issue with its ease of use is that its interface is not as modern as other bookkeeping accounts and ERP platforms. Its dashboard is easy to navigate, and the necessary details are displayed on the dashboard. 

Quickbooks also has a professional outlay, but much more than Sage, Quickbooks is user-friendly and easier to get a grasp of. It is a bit more user-friendly than Sage although a basic knowledge of accounting is needed to fully maximize its potential.

Winner: 

QuickBooks, while both Sage and Quickbooks have a sort of learning curve, the slightly out-of-date Sage loses this category by a fraction.
 

Sage vs QuickBooks online versions

A lot of accounting software have multiple platforms that you can access their services from, but there are some that have just desktop software without an online counterpart. Let us look at Sage accounting vs QuickBooks online comparison to see if either’s online version takes the win.

Sage Online has a pretty functional system, with its cloud-based storage, you can pick up your devices, be it Android ios, or a laptop, and connect to your Sage account online. If you are switching from the desktop version to the online version, this can be done with relative ease and your data will remain secure. 

Quickbooks online version is one of the most popular online accounting versions out there. QuickBooks online is simply the desktop version but with cloud-based storage and accessibility from anywhere across the globe and on any device.

Winner: 

It's a tie in this category.
 

QuickBooks vs Sage desktop versions

Having looked at both online versions, does this end the comparison between Sage 50 vs QuickBooks online? Well, let's take a look at their desktop versions.

Sage has a desktop version that can be downloaded and installed from Sage’s website. Its desktop has all its popular and known features once you have paid the required price for its access.

QuickBooks desktop is exactly like its online version just that it is restricted as software for your desktop. Although the desktop plans seem to be on the more expensive side, they offer users a lot more customization. 

Winner: 

A tie once again.
 

Mobile apps

Both Sage and QuickBooks have mobile apps that work on both iOS and Android devices. With this app, users can easily login into their dashboards with their login details.

Winner: 

It's a tie.
 

Sage accounting software vs QuickBooks integrations

Integrations are an integral part of most accounting, CRM, and ERP software as it expands the functionality and capabilities of the software. 

Sage accounting enables easy interaction with third-party apps, allowing for more efficient business operations. You can interface with programs like Gusto for payroll processing, Korona, and Zapier for more extensive integrations.

You may link third-party applications to QuickBooks to improve the efficiency of your business. In addition to QuickBooks add-ons, QuickBooks interfaces with over 650 major business software. Stripe, Paypal, Amazon Business Purchases, Square, Method: CRM, and Gusto are among the most common connections.

Winner: 

QuickBooks wins this category due to its large number of integrations available and its native add-on. 

A note on Sage QuickBooks integration

Is it possible to have a QuickBooks Sage integration? Yes, Sage Payment Solutions' QuickBooks connection allows you to take payments at any time and from any location while having your transactions instantly reported back into your QuickBooks accounting software. 
 

Product limitations

No product is perfect, and certain limitations might impair users' experience. 

QuickBooks’s major limitation is its no free plan, and its starter plan has a limited number of users. Another major limitation is its steep pricing. Some commercial and industrial functions, such as barcode scanning, eCommerce, and lot tracking, are unavailable.

 For Sage accounting, its not-so-modern interface might be a turn-off for users looking for something more modern in nature. The learning curve attached could also be an issue for learners   

Winner: 

It is a tie.
 

Time Tracking 

Time-tracking is an important accounting feature and it serves most service-based businesses, not all accounting software have a robust time tracking feature though.

Sage accounting did not have a time tracking feature in the past, but it now has Project timesheets that allow tracking of the hours spent on projects and tasks but not pay per the time spent.

QuickBooks has a well-known time tracking feature available for certain plans, including Essentials, Plus, and Advanced plans. You may manually add hours or grant staff protected access so they can do so at their convenience. You can tack on billable hours to customer bills to receive payment for your services. 

Winner: 

QuickBooks wins this category particularly because Sage’s Project timesheet is no yet a reliable alternative. 
 

Automation 

QuickBooks allows user to automate their workflow alongside batch invoicing and advanced analytics. 

For Sage accounting, the software leverages the advantage of AI to make automation seamless and remove the tedious nature of repeated tasks.

Winner: 

Sage wins this category due to the AI advantage.
 

Sales Tax 

Managing sales tax is quick and straightforward using QuickBooks. You may enter your unique sales tax information into the system and utilize it in your invoices.

Sage Sales Tax checks addresses accurately across over 12,000 tax jurisdictions in the United States. This guarantees that tax is administered more correctly than when using ZIP codes and reduces the possibility of incorrect delivery.

Winner: 

Sage takes this category, due to its extensive reach accuracy. 
 

QuickBooks or Sage for Project Management

Not every accounting software has project management capabilities, some are strictly accounting apps without features that cross over to other management roles.

QuickBooks falls under the ‘by the books accounting software’ providing top-notch bookkeeping services but restricting some of its abilities as a CRM.

Sage on the other hand is built for medium-sized to larger companies, and it has an increased range of services that allow it project management functionality.

Winner: 

Sage takes the crown here. 
 

Industry-specific

Are there some specific industries that benefit more from using either Quickbooks or Sage accounting software?

Quickbooks is a general accounting software and financial management tool, it is best for freelancers, self-employed entrepreneurs, and small businesses, especially those in service-oriented fields. 

Sage seems to have its reach for medium-sized and large businesses, is more easily used by businesses in the manufacturing sphere, and serves the purpose of an ERP in this industry. It is also effective for nonprofits, and ranks as a quite good wholesale distribution software. 

Winner: 

Sage wins this category as its industry reach is wider than that of Quickbooks.

Is Sage better than QuickBooks? Our conclusion

As a business owner, handling your finances doesn’t have to be so complicated. When it comes to picking the accounting software that fits your needs the most, the key features above are enough guidance to make this choice. 

The bottom line? Pick a bookkeeping app that best meets your needs.

For some, the unlimited users feature that Sage possesses could just be the deciding factor for their team. 

For others, especially fresh startups, freelancers, and solopreneurs, the additional cost that QuickBooks includes for new members is one they can bear since they often work alone or manage really small teams. Hence, to conclude that one is way better than the other would not be the best of decisions.