The AI TillComparisons · Accounting
Comparison
QuickBooks vs Sage Accounting
Cloud accounting with invoicing, expenses and VAT, plus Intuit Intelligence AI features (some in beta). UK accounting and payroll software with the Sage Copilot AI assistant included in every plan.
| QuickBooks | Sage Accounting | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | UK plans from £10 a month, with others at £16, £38 and £56 a month; introductory discounts are offered. 30-day free trial. | Start: £20 a month. Standard: £43 a month. All excl. VAT. Offer when checked: 90% off for 6 months. |
| Free plan | No. No free plan; 30-day free trial. | No. No free plan; introductory discount instead. |
| Best for | Small businesses wanting invoicing and VAT in one place, with AI help on expenses. | VAT-registered sole traders and small firms wanting payroll and CIS in one place. |
| Watch out for | AI features have limited monthly capacity on some plans. | Check the price after the introductory offer ends. |
| UK notes | UK pricing in pounds. | UK company, pounds, Making Tax Digital and CIS support. |
| Made by | Intuit | Sage |
| Checked | 2026-10-14 | 2026-10-14 |
Our verdict
For most small UK businesses starting out, QuickBooks is the easier first pick because its entry plan costs less. Pick Sage Accounting instead if this sounds like you: vAT-registered sole traders and small firms wanting payroll and CIS in one place.
UK price difference
Cheapest paid plans: QuickBooks £10 (entry plan, per month); Sage Accounting £20 (Start, per month excl. VAT). QuickBooks is £10 a month cheaper at entry level, though billing terms differ. Check on the provider page whether VAT is included before you buy.
Who should pick which?
- Choose QuickBooks for: small businesses wanting invoicing and VAT in one place, with AI help on expenses.
- Choose Sage Accounting for: vAT-registered sole traders and small firms wanting payroll and CIS in one place.
Neither has a free plan; use the free trials where offered before you commit. Prices change, so check the provider's page before buying.
Other accounting to consider
Xero
Cloud accounting for invoices, bank feeds, VAT and payroll, with AI-assisted features.
FreeAgent
UK accounting software for sole traders, partnerships and small companies.
Zoho Books
Accounting software with a free plan for very small businesses and paid UK plans.
Full details
QuickBooks tool page · Sage Accounting tool page · How we check prices
Sources
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