Our list of offline accounting software showcases the top products in two categories: perpetual license pricing and QuickBooks Desktop replacements.
The majority of modern accounting systems are cloud-enabled with a month-by-month subscription. Even non-subscription versions of QuickBooks Desktop are being phased out for the subscription model.
We’ve researched secure, low-priced alternatives. Our top picks for security are AccountEdge Pro and DENALI Business+Accounting. For low pricing, we chose MoneyWorks and LedgerLite.
- AccountEdge Pro: Best Overall
- DENALI Business+Accounting: Best Security System
- MoneyWorks: Best Perpetual License Pricing
- GnuCash
- LedgerLite
- Manager.io
- Moneydance
1 AccountEdge Pro - Best Overall
Why We Chose It: AccountEdge earned first place on our list because it’s a small business accounting software for Windows and Mac users. It offers strong security features and tools like sales and expense tracking, payroll, purchase orders, time tracking, and accounts receivable and payable. Additional functions include inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), project management, and more. Another big reason we like AccountEdge: all of these features are accessible offline.
AccountEdge’s audit trail tracking function, a security staple of most accounting software, monitors which users create and edit transactions. You can also establish a lock period, disallowing data entry before a specified date.
Similarly, you can turn on prompts for reminders about creating data backups and running verification checks. These checks determine the integrity of your files and notify you if any corruption has occurred.
Optimal for freelancers and small businesses, AccountEdge Pro starts at $20/month for a single user. It’s your go-to for a simple, streamlined program that provides multiple ways to protect your data.
2 DENALI Business+Accounting - Best Security System
Why We Chose It: Designed by Cougar Mountain Software, DENALI offers complete desktop accounting for Windows. We like that it provides an advanced, multi-tiered security system that allows you to establish user rights by application and function. In addition, with built-in, user-defined protocols for access to payroll and employee records, you can reduce opportunities for theft and errors.
Your startup or small business can utilize tools to manage cash flow, track inventory, set up recurring invoices, adjust sales tax, and monitor profitability through real-time data. DENALI also allows for easy and secure electronic transactions of checks, debit and credit cards, gift cards, and EBTs. Automate direct deposits from the company account to your employees and monitor bank accounts with their bank reconciliation module.
This accounting solution touts an unbreakable audit trail, with transaction documentation for consumers and auditors of financial reports to help identify internal fraud or data breaches. You can even eliminate the cost of reissuing lost or stolen checks through their add-on ACH direct deposit module, lending security to your payroll process.
We also found that DENALI offers high customizability to tailor the program to your particular requirements. Starting at $1,999 for a perpetual license, this fully-integrated ERP software cuts down on accounting tasks for anyone from the self-employed accountant to the small business owner.
3 MoneyWorks - Best Perpetual License Pricing
Why We Chose It: We picked MoneyWorks because it offers flexible, user-friendly bookkeeping solutions for Windows and Mac users. Pricing options include a month-to-month subscription or a perpetual license starting at $274 for MoneyWorks Express. From Cognito Software, this on-premise accounting system is also customizable through scripting to meet your business needs.
Other features include a window designer to streamline workflow, point-and-click bank reconciliations, accounts receivable and payable, manufacturing and inventory management, audit trails, and enhanced security and backups.
If you decide later that you want online access to your data, MoneyWorks also provides this option through MoneyWorks Now.
Versions of MoneyWorks include:
- Cashbook: A single-user cashbook and general ledger
- Express: Cashbook package plus invoices and statements
- Gold: Job costing, inventory management, cost center accounting, and more
- Datacentre: Gold package plus multi-company capabilities
- MoneyWorks Now: Gold package but accessible in the cloud
4 GnuCash
Why We Chose It: We picked GnuCash due to its open-source nature and compatibility across various operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its free availability makes it a cost-effective option for individuals and small businesses. And the open-source aspect ensures continuous improvement by a global community of developers. Designed for offline use, it delivers a secure environment for financial data management, appealing to users concerned about online platforms’ privacy and security risks.
The software equips you with a full set of accounting tools, including a checkbook-style register for transaction recording, account reconciliation, and report generation. While we found GnuCash requires manual data transfer from mobile to desktop, its focus on privacy and security makes it an attractive option for many companies.
5 LedgerLite
Why We Chose It: Described as the world’s simplest bookkeeping software, LedgerLite provides double-entry accounting to Windows users. With a low perpetual license fee starting at $149, LedgerLite offers only the basic accounting features you need to manage your general ledger accounts on a clean user interface. We like that the program is available for you to use as long as you own it, with no ongoing subscription.
Accounting tools include expense tracking, bank reconciliation, fixed asset management, accounts receivable, cashbooks, taxes, and asset registers for multiple users and companies. User-friendly with offline access, LedgerLite will fulfill all of your accounting needs. It’s a solid bookkeeping software for the self-employed, from freelancers to independent consultants.
6 Manager.io
Why We Chose It: Manager.io is completely free accounting software tailored for small businesses. It offers a rich feature set for offline use on desktops and laptops. Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, it ensures wide accessibility and a seamless experience across different operating systems. We especially like the software’s desktop version, which caters to single users without limitations on usage or time.
Beyond basic accounting functionalities, Manager.io offers many features, including investment recording, performance tracking of various asset types, and specialized fund accounting. It also covers essential processes like bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and payroll management. We like that Manager.io is customizable, allowing businesses to tailor it to their needs by activating only the necessary modules. Additionally, Manager.io is characterized by its responsive development approach, continuously evolving through user feedback.
7 Moneydance
Why We Chose It: Moneydance is privacy-centric, offline personal finance software, best for individual accountants and SMBs. We like that the platform ensures all data, including account balances and transactions, are stored locally on the user’s hard drive, enhancing privacy and accessibility. This is useful if you travel frequently or find yourself in areas with unreliable internet service.
Beyond basic financial tracking, Moneydance supports multiple companies or accounts, making it versatile with diverse financial portfolios. It also has a detailed general ledger, cash management functions, and the ability to generate balance sheets and income statements.
Our research shows Moneydance performs best in forecasting, profit/loss tracking, and capital asset planning. Unique features like online bill pay and investment tracking, alongside cryptocurrency support, extend its utility to a global audience. Finally, we like that it has a mobile app, syncing between desktop and mobile platforms.
Why Choose Offline Accounting Software Over Cloud-Based?
Cloud-based systems offer accessibility, automatic upgrades, and rapid deployment, but what advantages can you expect from software intended for desktop only? The top benefits of offline solutions are:
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Security: With no online presence or cloud-based functionality, desktop accounting software protects the integrity of your business’s information. You maintain control over your financial data through a self-hosted server, minimizing the risk of security breaches in the cloud.
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Pricing and Perpetual Licensing: Since online accounting tools like FreshBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books are cloud-based, you can expect to pay on a month-by-month subscription basis. This can lead to a higher total cost of ownership over time. With perpetual licensing, you’re paying a one-time fee for the right to use the software endlessly.
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Other features of standalone accounting software include customizability for your business needs. In addition, you can always access your financial data, even in cases of unreliable internet connection or speeds.
Is QuickBooks Desktop Being Phased Out?
Is QuickBooks Desktop, one of Intuit’s most popular accounting solutions, being phased out? The answer is yes and no: QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Desktop Premiere have transitioned to subscription models rather than one-time purchase licenses.
Official resellers can still provide perpetual licenses for the standalone desktop version, for now. Non-subscription versions of QuickBooks Desktop have limited support for 3-4 years, with Quickbooks Desktop 2020 through May 2023 and QuickBooks Desktop 2021 through May 2024.
If you’re interested in exploring online accounting software, you can convert QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online.
QuickBooks Alternatives
Looking to replace QuickBooks Desktop? You can find perpetual license accounting software for your small to mid-sized business with accounting basics plus inventory control, manufacturing, order entry, job costing, and more.
Our recommendations:
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Connected Accounting and ERP is a business management application for Windows or Mac with a perpetual license price starting at $1,499. Go for the Connected Enterprise configuration for the abovementioned features, plus lot/serial number control, quote management, and more.
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Adagio Accounting is an ERP software for Windows with a perpetual license price starting at $950. Ideal for small to mid-market companies, it provides over 25 accounting modules for bank reconciliation, invoicing, multicurrency, and more.
Further Reading: On-Premise ERP Software vs. Cloud Solutions
