Know exactly what to run your business on.

One pick per category — tested, not just described. Built with Shopify and WooCommerce sellers in mind, but useful for any small business trying to skip the ten-tab comparison and start with the tool that's actually right for their size.

One pick, not ten

Every "best software" list on the internet gives you nine options and no decision. We name the one to use and say plainly who it's wrong for.

Run, not just researched

Recommendations come from actually setting these tools up for a small business — not rewriting the vendor's own feature page.

Updated when pricing moves

Software pricing changes constantly. Every page notes when it was last checked, and gets revisited when a vendor changes their plans.

Current picks

Four decisions, already made for you.

Click into a category for the full reasoning, current pricing, and who should look elsewhere instead.

Entry 01 — Accounting

QuickBooks Online

The default for a reason: it's what most bookkeepers and accountants already expect to open at tax time.

From $38/mo · Simple Start plan

See why →
Entry 02 — Payroll

Gusto

The cleanest way to pay a first employee or contractor without becoming your own tax department.

From $35–49/mo + per-person fee

See why →
Entry 03 — Inventory

Finale Inventory

For businesses that buy and resell finished goods across Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and Etsy at once.

Quote-based · historically from ~$99/mo

See why →
Entry 04 — Inventory (alt.)

Katana Cloud Inventory

For businesses that make or assemble what they sell and need to track raw materials and production.

Free plan · Core from $299/mo

See why →

Not sure where to start?

Almost every business needs accounting software before anything else. Start there.

Start with accounting →