I'm currently running QuickBooks 2019, and although it's working fine, I'm a bit alarmed by the fact that the only option going forward is going to be an expensive "cloud" subscription, which I'd really rather avoid, both for cost reasons and for wanting to keep my data local. I've been trying to search for alternative apps, but it's not been going well, because all that pop up are "apps" that are really just other cloud accounting services. Are there any decent non-cloud / non-subscription Mac small business accounting apps?
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Quickbooks alternative?
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If you're into 'BTO type' layout, Number app or other open source (excel) type app may fit your needs. But full-featured with links to bank accts etc may be hard to find now in non-subscription/cloud service (very disappointing).
Im looking too. (Until then Ive build my Business Ledger into a Numbers doc —in the past OpenOffice doc)
Im looking too. (Until then Ive build my Business Ledger into a Numbers doc —in the past OpenOffice doc)
Last fall I was searching also. My main requirement was that it not be subscription based software. I settled on Moneydance. They have a very good trial version which allows for 100 transactions. I'm happy with it and my choice.
I'm in the same boat as you! I was looking at Wave but it seems it's cloud based also. In fact, I believe Quickbooks was the last of the installable accounting software for mac. It's a shame, as I'd rather have my accounting info stored locally
This software may not provide the functionality that you require but I have been using it for about 2 years now and it meets my needs and it is not subscription based. If you want to use the associated iOS application then the database is stored on iCloud.
I feel your pain. I have been searching for something for years now and its been a struggle. I used Moneyworks and it is a good piece of software. But in that instance, I started with Moneyworks. If you need to migrate from Quickbooks it becomes problematic.
My problem for me now is the Apple Silicon migration. The version of Quickbooks I use I run in a virtual machine running Windows. This works ok on x86. But, you cannot run an x86 virtual machine on Apple Silicon. So, I have to find an alternative.
I have been looking at the Odoo open source project. I managed to get it running in a docker container on my Apple Silicon mac. It is much more capable than Quickbooks. But, the migration issue is not trivial. Another one I looked at is the Apache Ofbiz project. Quite good as well but much more involved to set up.
My problem for me now is the Apple Silicon migration. The version of Quickbooks I use I run in a virtual machine running Windows. This works ok on x86. But, you cannot run an x86 virtual machine on Apple Silicon. So, I have to find an alternative.
I have been looking at the Odoo open source project. I managed to get it running in a docker container on my Apple Silicon mac. It is much more capable than Quickbooks. But, the migration issue is not trivial. Another one I looked at is the Apache Ofbiz project. Quite good as well but much more involved to set up.
Corona $64 one time purchase, but it won't hand-hold you. You have to know the accounting equation first: [income -> (assets - (liabilities + equity)) -> expenses] so when you do general journal entries, you will know what to debit and what to credit before you post. For account numbers, I'm starting with 1 for assets, 2 for liabilities, 3 for equity, 4 for income, 5 for cost of goods sold, 6 for expenses.
It uses year by year files, so the customer lists don't travel. For the first few months, you'll be re-entering in your regular customer addresses. Best to use Apple's Contacts app, because the address field therein works perfectly with copy paste. On the other hand, one time customers or unused accounts won't clog up your database like QuickBooks. You have to fill out the invoice Mail field with something for every invoice, otherwise the invoice will print with the first invoice address you used that year.
It uses year by year files, so the customer lists don't travel. For the first few months, you'll be re-entering in your regular customer addresses. Best to use Apple's Contacts app, because the address field therein works perfectly with copy paste. On the other hand, one time customers or unused accounts won't clog up your database like QuickBooks. You have to fill out the invoice Mail field with something for every invoice, otherwise the invoice will print with the first invoice address you used that year.
I too am against renting software, but I can not help you here except provide you this link:
Now I'm in the same boat. Does SEE Finance import the QB info? Don't want to have to redo it all. Also, can't find a QB 2022 desktop version for Mac anywhere. I'm about to upgrade to an M1 Studio.... so It would have to be compatible....
@jefferis - See Finance will import QIF and QFX files, which are Quicken files. Have not used QB before. According to their US website it can be downloaded from the URL below, but you will need a licence key.
I already have Quickbooks... trying to migrate perhaps away from it to See Finance or some other program, but recreating all clients and invoicing schedules would be a huge time sink
