Disclosure
Educational comparison for UK sole traders and small businesses — not financial or tax advice. This page contains affiliate links, which are clearly labelled. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you sign up through them. We do not guarantee tax outcomes, savings, or HMRC acceptance — always verify current pricing and terms on the provider's site.
UK comparison · 2026
Zoho Books vs QuickBooks for UK sole traders
Both Zoho Books and QuickBooks are cloud accounting tools that can keep a UK sole trader compliant with Making Tax Digital. The difference is in price shape and ecosystem: Zoho Books offers a free, MTD-for-Income-Tax-ready tier, while QuickBooks pairs a purpose-built Sole Trader plan with the largest UK accountant network. This page compares them honestly so you can decide which fits your situation.
Pricing and MTD status below reflect the providers' UK sites as of July 2026. Prices change — always confirm current pricing on the provider's own website before signing up.
Side-by-side comparison
| Zoho BooksFree plan, then £12/mo (Standard) | QuickBooks UK£10/mo (Sole Trader, ex VAT) | |
|---|---|---|
| MTD for Income Tax ready | ✓ | ✓ |
| MTD for VAT | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entry paid price (ex VAT) | £12/mo (Standard; £10 billed annually) | £10/mo Sole Trader; £16/mo Simple Start (ex VAT) |
| Free plan | Yes — free plan, marketed MTD-IT ready | — |
| Free trial | 14-day free trial | Free trial or promo discount (verify) |
| Invoicing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bank feeds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Users on entry tier | 1 (Free) / up to 3 (Standard) | 1 (Sole Trader) |
| Support channels | Email, chat, phone | Phone, chat |
| Get started | Visit Zoho Books (affiliate) | QuickBooks UK site |
Links marked (affiliate) are affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no extra cost to you. Other links go to the provider's official site. Always verify current pricing and terms on the provider's own website. Educational comparison only — not financial advice.
Who each one suits
Zoho Books
Best for: Sole traders who want a genuinely free MTD-for-Income-Tax-ready tier and low paid pricing.
Pros
- Free plan is marketed as MTD for Income Tax ready — rare among the big providers.
- Standard tier is inexpensive (verify current price) and includes VAT/MTD tools.
- Part of the wider Zoho suite if you later add CRM, mail, or expenses apps.
Watch-outs
- Fewer UK accountants use it day-to-day than QuickBooks or Xero.
- Free-tier limits (transactions, users) can force an upgrade as you grow.
QuickBooks UK
Best for: Sole traders who value the largest UK accountant network and a purpose-built Sole Trader plan.
Pros
- Dedicated Sole Trader plan built around the MTD for Income Tax workflow.
- Very widely supported by UK accountants and bookkeepers.
- Mature mobile app with mileage tracking and receipt capture.
Watch-outs
- No free plan — only a trial or promotional discount period.
- Prices have risen in recent years; verify the current standard price after any promo.
An honest verdict for a UK sole trader
If keeping costs to the absolute minimum matters most, Zoho Books is hard to beat: its free tier is marketed as MTD for Income Tax ready, and its Standard plan stays cheap as you grow. If you already work with an accountant, or want the software most UK practices know inside out, QuickBooks' Sole Trader plan is a natural fit. Neither is "better" in the abstract — the right choice depends on your budget, whether an accountant is involved, and how many transactions you handle. This is guidance, not a guarantee of any outcome; trial both before committing.
Remember MTD for Income Tax is being phased in: from 6 April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000, from April 2027 over £30,000, and from April 2028 over £20,000. Check your own position on GOV.UK.