Kashoo vs Zoho Books vs Bench: Which Bookkeeping Solution is Right for You?
Running a small business means juggling multiple responsibilities, and bookkeeping is one of the most critical. Thankfully, modern financial software has made it easier than ever to stay on top of invoicing, expenses, and reporting. Three popular options are Kashoo, Zoho Books, and Bench. Each caters to different types of businesses, and in this article, we’ll break down their features, pricing, and best use cases.
Want the bigger picture? Compare all leading tools side-by-side and check current pricing & fees before you decide.
Ease of Use
Kashoo: Designed for simplicity, Kashoo is perfect for freelancers and very small business owners who need straightforward bookkeeping. It automatically categorizes expenses and offers a clean, no-frills interface.
Zoho Books: While slightly more complex than Kashoo, Zoho Books offers a polished interface with intuitive navigation. It may take a little longer to learn, but the extra features make it worthwhile for growing businesses.
Bench: Unlike Kashoo and Zoho Books, Bench isn’t DIY software. It’s a done-for-you bookkeeping service. You’re paired with a team of bookkeepers who handle everything for you. The platform is easy to use since most of the heavy lifting is done by professionals.
Winner: Depends
If you prefer hands-on control, Kashoo or Zoho Books work best. If you’d rather outsource bookkeeping entirely, Bench is the simplest.
Features
Kashoo:
Automated expense tracking and categorization
Customizable invoices
Bank reconciliation
Simple reporting tools
Multi-currency support
Zoho Books:
Advanced reporting and analytics
Project and time tracking
Inventory management
Workflow automation
40+ native integrations with other Zoho apps (CRM, Projects, Inventory, etc.)
Bench:
Dedicated team of bookkeepers
Monthly income statements and balance sheets
Year-end tax-ready financial packages
Tax filing support (with premium plans)
Expense categorization handled for you
Winner: Tie
If you want automation and integrations, Zoho Books leads. If you prefer hands-off bookkeeping with human support, Bench is the clear winner.
Integrations
Kashoo: Limited integrations. Great for simple businesses, but not ideal for those needing advanced connections.
Zoho Books: Strong integration with over 40+ Zoho apps and third-party tools. Perfect for businesses already using Zoho’s ecosystem.
Bench: Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Gusto, and payment processors. Not as extensive as Zoho, but focused on practical connections that help with bookkeeping.
Winner: Zoho Books
Its extensive integrations give businesses flexibility to scale.
Pricing
Kashoo:
TrulySmall Invoices: $0/month (basic invoicing)
TrulySmall Accounting: $20/month
Kashoo Plan: $30/month
Zoho Books:
Free Plan: $0/month (for businesses under $50k annual revenue)
Standard: $20/month
Professional: $50/month
Premium: $70/month
Bench:
Essential: $249/month
Premium (with tax filing): $399/month
Winner: Depends on budget
Kashoo and Zoho Books are budget-friendly DIY tools. Bench is more expensive but includes full-service bookkeeping.
Which is Best?
Kashoo For:
Freelancers and micro-businesses
Owners who want simple DIY bookkeeping
Businesses with straightforward expenses and invoicing
Zoho Books For:
Small to mid-sized businesses with growing needs
Companies using the Zoho ecosystem (CRM, Projects, Inventory)
Business owners who want automation and advanced reporting
Bench For:
Entrepreneurs who want to outsource bookkeeping completely
Small businesses that need expert tax preparation support
Owners who prefer focusing on growth rather than accounting tasks
Final Verdict
Kashoo is perfect for solo entrepreneurs or very small businesses that just need simple bookkeeping without complexity.
Zoho Books is ideal for growing small to mid-sized businesses that want automation, reporting, and integrations.
Bench is best for businesses that prefer a hands-off, full-service bookkeeping solution handled by professionals.
If you want simplicity, go with Kashoo. If you need scalability and features, choose Zoho Books. If you’d rather not handle bookkeeping at all, Bench is your best bet.
ScaleUp Tip
Choosing financial is about building systems that can grow with you. As your revenue scales, your needs shift from “getting paid on time” to managing cash flow, forecasting, and tax strategy. Think of your bookkeeping tool as the foundation for financial clarity: once it’s in place, you can layer on CFO insights, funding strategies, and advanced analytics to scale smarter, not harder.
