Top Desktop Based Accounting Software (Updated 2024 List)

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, choosing the best accounting software crucial for streamlining operations and ensuring compliance with regulations. For 2024, desktop-based accounting software continues to play a significant role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India manage their financial activities efficiently. 

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top desktop-based accounting software options available, including Tally ERP 9, Marg ERP 9+, Busy Accounting Software, Saral Accounting, and Vyapar. We’ll delve into their features, pros and cons, and key considerations for selecting the best software for your business needs. 

Additionally, we’ll highlight the growing popularity of cloud-based accounting solutions and recommend the most suitable option available.

Accounting Software	Starting Price	Ratings	Trial Period	Free version
Tally ERP	₹9000/year	4.4⭐/5	14 days	Yes
Marg ERP 9+	₹8991/year	4.8⭐/5	No	No
Busy	₹3600/year	4.6⭐/5	15 days	Yes
Saral	₹7500/year	4.3⭐/5	No	No
Vyapar	₹3399/year	4.6⭐/5	7 Days	No

1. Tally ERP 9

Tally.ERP 9 is a powerful ERP software for small and medium businesses in India, providing accounting, inventory management, GST compliance, and real-time reporting. It helps streamline operations and supports informed decision-making.

Features:

• Accounting management: Manage financial transactions, track sales, and create purchase vouchers.
• Inventory management: Track stock levels, manage multiple godowns, and generate inventory reports.
• GST compliance: File GST returns and manage transactions, including reverse charge scenarios.
• Real-time reporting: Access financial statements and performance reports instantly.
• Remote access: Securely access business data and update transactions from anywhere.
• Banking transactions support: Reconcile bank statements and manage e-payments.

Pros:

• Widely adopted and trusted by Indian businesses.
• Comprehensive feature set encompassing all aspects of business accounting.
• Reliable support with regular updates.
• Exceptional GST compliance capabilities.

Cons:

• It may be challenging for beginners to learn and navigate.
• Higher costs could be a barrier for small businesses.

User Reviews:

2. Marg ERP 9+

Marg ERP 9+ is a versatile inventory and accounting software for retail, distribution, and manufacturing, offering features like GST invoicing, e-invoicing, and payment reconciliation to boost business efficiency and profitability.

Features:

• Accounting: Financial accounting, ledgers, and financial statements.
• Payment & Reconciliation: Simplify payments and bill-by-bill reconciliation with Marg Pay.
• Free e-Invoicing Software: Generate e-Invoices with zero downtime.
• Inventory Management: Manage stock levels, set reorder points and track expiry dates.
• GST Billing: Create GST invoices and file returns directly from the software.
• Reports: Customizable reports for sales, purchases, inventory, and financials.

Pros:

• Specifically designed for Indian SMEs, addressing their unique needs.
• Highly adaptable to suit various business requirements.
• Multi-language support for diverse user preferences.

Cons:

• The interface may be complex and overwhelming for new users.
• Effective use requires proper training.

User Reviews:

3. Busy Accounting Software

BUSY Accounting Software offers GST compliance, financial accounting, and inventory management for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Available on desktop, cloud, and mobile, it simplifies accounting tasks for efficient business operations.

Features:

• Financial Accounting: Streamline accounting with detailed growth insights.
• Inventory Management: Track serial numbers, batches, expiry dates, sizes, and colors.
• GST Accounting: Manage E-invoices, E-way bills, and GST invoicing comprehensively.
• GSTR Reconciliation: Reconcile GST returns with 100% accuracy.
• Auto E-way Bill Software: Generate unlimited compliant E-Way Bills with one click.

Pros:

• Offers industry-specific solutions tailored to various business types.
• GST-ready with strong compliance features.
• User-friendly and easy to navigate.

Cons:

• Higher initial setup cost compared to some other options.
• Can be expensive for very small businesses or startups.

User Reviews:

4. Saral Accounting 

Saral Accounts by Relyonsoft is an all-in-one accounting software that streamlines voucher entry, billing, inventory management, and tax compliance. It provides user-friendly features and customizable reports for efficient business management.

Features:

• Financial Accounting: Manage general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and financial statements.
• Inventory Management: Track inventory levels and manage stock efficiently.
• Billing: Streamlined your billing top billing software.
• Payroll: Handle employee payroll and compliance.
• GST Compliance: Automated GST invoicing and return filing.
• Reporting: Generate comprehensive financial and management reports.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly and ideal for small businesses.
• Easy-to-learn, user-friendly interface.
• Suitable for basic invoicing and accounting

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features found in more comprehensive software.
• Basic design with limited customization options.

User Reviews:

5. Vyapar: Desktop Based Accounting Software

Vyapar is an invoicing software, offering GST-compliant invoicing, e-invoice creation, and inventory management. It enhances efficiency and accuracy, integrating seamlessly with desktop and mobile devices for comprehensive financial management.

Features:

• Accounting: Automate accounting processes with comprehensive financial reports.
• Invoicing and Billing: Create and customize professional GST-compliant invoices and bills.
• Inventory Management: Track real-time stock levels, and manage product variants, and batches.
• GST Compliance: Easily generate GST reports and file returns.
• Bank Reconciliation: Match and reconcile bank transactions with your accounting records.
• Reports: Generate detailed business reports for better decision-making.
• Multi-User Access: Allow multiple users to access and manage accounts collaboratively.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface suitable for small business owners.
• Cost-effective pricing tailored for SMEs.
• Manage your business finances from anywhere with the mobile app.
• Invoices and reports can be tailored to meet specific business needs.

Cons:

• May lack some advanced features needed by larger enterprises.
• Focuses on small and medium businesses, which might not be ideal for large corporations.

User Reviews:

Key Consideration while Selecting Accounting Software:

• Ease of Use: Choose user-friendly software, especially if you are a small business or new to accounting software.
• Features: Ensure the software meets your business requirements, such as GST compliance, inventory management, payroll, etc.
• Support: Good customer support can help resolve issues quickly.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the software and any additional expenses like training or upgrades.
• Integration: If you use other software or tools, ensure your accounting software can integrate seamlessly.

Why Online Accounting Software Are Better:

• Accessibility: Anytime, Anywhere Access from Any Device 

Cloud-based accounting software allows users to access their financial data from any device with an internet connection, providing flexibility and convenience for managing accounts on the go.

• Real-time Collaboration: Multiple Users Can Work Simultaneously

Multiple users can access and work on cloud-based accounting software simultaneously, promoting real-time collaboration and ensuring that team members can update and review financial information together.

• Automatic Updates: Software Updates Managed by the Provider

The provider manages all software updates automatically, ensuring users always have access to the latest features and security enhancements without any manual intervention or downtime.

• Scalability: Easily Scalable as Your Business Grows

Cloud-based accounting software can easily scale to accommodate growing data volumes, additional users, and more complex transactions, ensuring it remains effective as your business expands.

• Security: Enhanced Data Security with Automatic Backups

Cloud-based solutions offer enhanced data security with encryption and regular automatic backups, protecting sensitive financial information from unauthorized access and data loss.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Lower Upfront Costs and Flexible Pricing Models

Cloud-based accounting software typically has lower upfront costs. It offers flexible pricing models, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes and allowing them to pay only for the features they need.

Bonus tips: After exploring desktop-based and cloud-based accounting software, consider another category, top open source accounting software.

Refrens: Best Online Accounting Software

Refrens is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting software designed to manage all financial aspects of a business, including generating invoicing, accounting, expense tracking, reporting, and analytics. Suitable for businesses of all sizes, Refrens integrates seamlessly with various tools to enhance the accounting experience.

Its user-friendly interface, automated features, and affordability make it a highly suitable and comprehensive solution for your business’s accounting needs.

Features:

• Accounting: Efficiently manage ledgers, create vouchers, journal entries, and financial statements.
• Inventory Management: Effectively manage inventory levels and reorder supplies as needed.
• Reporting: Access a wide range of reports, including P&L statements, GST reports, and payment reports.
• Sales CRM: Manage leads and pipelines effectively with Refrens’ lead management software and contact forms, which automatically capture leads from social media, ads, websites, and other sources.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrate Refrens with various tools to enhance lead capture and drive more sales.
• Quick Sharing Options: Quickly share your documents via WhatsApp and email.
• Mobile Access: Access and operate your Refrens software from anywhere with the Refrens mobile app, allowing you to work remotely without interruption.

Conclusion:

Selecting the right accounting software is crucial for efficient financial management in SMEs. Desktop-based solutions like Tally ERP 9, Marg ERP 9+, Busy Accounting Software, Saral Accounting, and Vyapar offer robust features for GST compliance, inventory management, and reporting. Each has its strengths and limitations, catering to different business needs and budgets.

However, as businesses evolve, cloud-based solutions like Refrens offer greater accessibility, real-time collaboration, and enhanced security. With features like GST billing, e-invoicing, and sales CRM software, Refrens is an excellent choice for modern businesses.

Ultimately, the best software depends on your specific needs. While desktop-based options remain strong, cloud-based solutions can offer additional flexibility and growth potential. Choose wisely to enhance your business’s financial efficiency and compliance.

Recommended Reads:

• Top E-Invoicing Software in India: Detailed Analysis
• Top 10 Inventory Invoice Software
• Best CRM Software with Invoicing
• Top Accounts Receivable Accounting Software
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Invoicing and Client Management Software
• Top Accounting and Inventory Management Software for Businesses: A Comprehensive Guide