Best Accounting Software for Mac (2026): 10 Options Compared

For years, Mac users were told accounting software was a Windows thing, and to run it in a virtual machine or live without. That's mostly history now. Browser-based accounting works the same on a Mac as anywhere else, and a few desktop apps are built for the Mac itself.

Below are ten accounting options for Mac users in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from free desktop programs to cloud accounting you open in Safari or Chrome. Each description comes from the provider's own website, re-checked today. If you're setting up a new machine for your business, my guide to getting a Mac ready for work covers the basics.

Mac-friendly accounting software at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the provider's own site describes a free plan or free software, Trial only means a time-limited free trial, and No means neither is stated. For one open source option, the free version is the self-hosted edition.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Akaunting	Open source accounting	Users wanting free self-hosted accounting	Yes
FreeAgent	Cloud accounting app	UK freelancers and limited companies	Trial only
GnuCash	Desktop accounting app	Mac users wanting free desktop bookkeeping	Yes
Kashoo	Cloud accounting app	Small firms wanting simple online books	Trial only
Manager	Desktop accounting app	Mac users wanting free full accounting	Yes
MoneyWorks	Mac-native accounting	Small firms wanting a native Mac app	Trial only
QuickBooks Online	Cloud accounting app	US small businesses using a browser on Mac	Trial only
Wave	Cloud accounting app	Freelancers wanting free online bookkeeping	Yes
Xero	Cloud accounting app	Growing small firms working in a browser	Trial only
Zoho Books	Cloud accounting app	Solopreneurs wanting free online accounting	Yes

Ten accounting options that work on a Mac

Akaunting

Best for: Freelancers and small businesses happy in a browser who want free open source accounting, with optional hosted cloud plans and apps for extra features.

FreeAgent

Best for: UK freelancers, sole traders and small limited companies wanting browser-based accounting compatible with Making Tax Digital, with nothing to install on a Mac.

GnuCash

Best for: Mac users wanting free, open source double-entry bookkeeping installed on their own computer, with downloads for both Apple silicon and Intel Macs.

Kashoo

Best for: Very small businesses wanting simple browser-based accounting with unlimited free users for accountants and staff, after a 14 day trial.

Manager

Best for: Mac users and small businesses wanting a free-forever accounting program with invoicing, bank accounts and reports, as a Mac download or in the cloud.

MoneyWorks

Best for: Small and mid-size businesses wanting a native Mac accounting program for Apple silicon and Intel, self-hosted or in the cloud, bought outright or by subscription.

QuickBooks Online

Best for: Small businesses wanting cloud accounting that runs in any Mac browser and connects to many apps and accountants, after a 30 day trial.

Wave

Best for: Freelancers and very small businesses wanting free invoicing and bookkeeping records in a browser, with optional upgrades for bank imports and payments.

Xero

Best for: Growing small businesses wanting browser-based accounting with bank feeds and no per-user licences, usable on a Mac without installing software.

Zoho Books

Best for: Solopreneurs and micro businesses wanting free online accounting, with a Mac desktop app and a path to upgraded plans as they add invoicing and bank features.

Apple's Rosetta warning for Intel-only Mac apps

Here's the bit Mac users should check before they install anything. Apple Support's page on using Intel-based apps on a Mac with Apple silicon says Rosetta is available for any Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 27 or earlier. Starting with macOS 28, Rosetta will only work for certain older, unmaintained games that rely on Intel-based frameworks, and Apple advises replacing Intel-based apps with Universal or Apple silicon versions.

For your accounting, that's a clear signal. If you rely on a desktop program that's still Intel-only, it could stop opening after a future macOS update, and your books are the last thing you want locked away. So check whether a desktop app offers an Apple silicon or Universal build before you commit, keep regular exports of your data, or choose a browser-based tool that doesn't depend on what's installed on your Mac.

Browser-based or installed on your Mac

• Browser-based: nothing to install, works on any Mac, and your accountant can log in too.
• Native Mac app: works offline and keeps data on your machine, but check the build supports Apple silicon.
• Open source: free to use, but you're responsible for backups and updates.
• Self-hosted: full control, with the setup and security work that comes with it.

Moving your books onto a Mac, step by step

1. Check which Mac you have: the Apple menu, then About This Mac, shows the chip.
2. If you're choosing a desktop app, confirm it offers an Apple silicon or Universal build.
3. Export your existing data from your old system before you cancel anything.
4. Set up your bank feeds or import a recent statement to test the categories.
5. Create an invoice and send it to yourself to check how it looks.
6. Set a monthly reminder to back up or export your data.

Mac accounting mistakes to avoid

• Assuming every download is native. Check the build before you rely on it.
• No backups. A desktop app is only as safe as your last export.
• Choosing a tool your accountant can't open. Ask what they use first.
• Mixing personal and business money. A separate account makes bookkeeping far simpler.

For the habits that make any software easier, these simple bookkeeping habits are worth five minutes, and this invoicing checklist helps your invoices go out right first time.

Do you make accounting software for Mac users? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice for Mac users choosing accounting software

If you're a freelancer or a tiny business, start with a browser-based tool or a free plan and connect your bank straight away. You'll never have to wonder whether it runs on your Mac, and your accountant can see the same numbers you do.

If you prefer a desktop app, choose one that clearly supports Apple silicon and export your data regularly. And whichever route you take, check with your accountant before you choose; the software they already know will save you both time at year end.

Frequently asked questions

Is there free accounting software for Mac?

Yes. Several options are free, including open source desktop programs and cloud tools with free plans. Upgrades often add features such as bank imports or payments.

Can I run Windows accounting software on a Mac?

Not directly, unless the software has a Mac version or runs in a browser. Browser-based accounting avoids the problem entirely.

What is Rosetta on a Mac?

It lets Macs with Apple silicon run apps built for Intel Macs. Apple Support says that from macOS 28 it'll only work for certain older games, so Intel-only apps need replacing.

Should I choose cloud or desktop accounting on a Mac?

Cloud suits most freelancers and small businesses because it works anywhere and your accountant can log in. Desktop suits people who want their data on their own machine.

How do I know if an accounting app supports Apple silicon?

Check the provider's download page for an Apple silicon or Universal version before you install it.

Do I need accounting software if I'm a freelancer?

Not always, but it makes invoicing and tax time easier. A free plan is a low-risk way to try it.