TradeTally vs QuickBooks
QuickBooks by Intuit is one of the world's most popular small business accounting platforms. The UK version (QuickBooks Online) offers invoicing, expense tracking, MTD-compatible VAT returns, and bank feeds. Originally US-focused, it has adapted for the UK market but still carries some Americanisms in its interface.
QuickBooks
£12–£32/month
Founded 1983 · Small businesses, freelancers, accountants
TradeTally
£12/mo
Built for UK sole trader tradespeople
Feature comparison
| Feature | QuickBooks | TradeTally |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Included | ✓ |
| Quoting | Included | ✓ |
| Expense tracking | Included | ✓ |
| Receipt scanning | Included | ✓ |
| SA103F export | Not included | ✓ |
| Mobile app | Included | ✓ |
| MTD submission support | Included | Not available |
| Bank reconciliation | Included | ✓ |
| Payroll | Included | ✓ |
| Multi-currency | Included | ✓ |
| Inventory management | Included | ✓ |
| Time tracking | Included | ✓ |
Where QuickBooks wins
- Strong brand recognition and trusted by millions worldwide
- Good bank feed integration with UK banks
- Solid mobile app for invoicing on the go
- MTD-compatible for VAT returns
Where TradeTally wins
- No SA103F-ready export for sole traders
- Not designed specifically for tradespeople or field workers
- No trade-specific expense categories for materials, tools, and fuel
- Receipt scanning quality lags behind dedicated mobile-first apps
- Requires accounting knowledge to navigate chart of accounts
Common questions
Is TradeTally better than QuickBooks for tradespeople?
For sole trader tradespeople, TradeTally is purpose-built for your workflow: invoice from the job site, snap receipts, and export SA103F figures at tax time. QuickBooks is a general accounting tool that requires more setup and accounting knowledge.
How much cheaper is TradeTally than QuickBooks?
TradeTally Professional is £12/month with everything included. QuickBooks Simple Start is £12/month but lacks features like quoting and receipt scanning: you need their £25/month Essentials plan for those. TradeTally gives you it all at one simple price.
Can I switch from QuickBooks to TradeTally?
Yes. Most tradespeople can switch in minutes: just start creating invoices and logging expenses in TradeTally. There is no complex data migration needed for sole traders with straightforward invoicing needs.
Switch from QuickBooks to TradeTally
Built for UK sole trader tradespeople — quotes, invoices, receipts and tax records in one place. Start the 14-day free trial, no card required.