Sage vs QuickBooks
QuickBooks starts at £10 a month against £20 for Sage, a wide gap at the bottom of the range and a narrow one at the top. QuickBooks includes CIS from its entry plan; Sage gives you unlimited users. Which matters depends on whether you are adding people or adding features.
Prices checked 10 September 2026 · List prices excluding VAT
Price, side by side #
| Sage plan | A month | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting Start | £20.00 | One user, invoicing, VAT returns and MTD |
| Accounting Standard | £43.00 | Unlimited users, quotes, cash flow forecasting |
| Accounting Plus | £59.00 | Adds multi-currency and stock |
| QuickBooks plan | A month | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Trader | £10.00 | Handles CIS on invoicing |
| Essentials | £38.00 | 3 users, VAT, CIS and payroll |
| Plus | £56.00 | 5 users, projects and stock |
A note on sourcing. Neither vendor publishes prices in a form that can be read automatically: QuickBooks loads its prices through JavaScript and Sage's pricing page blocks automated requests. Both sets of figures come from secondary reporting and should be confirmed on QuickBooks and Sage before you rely on them.
They charge for different things #
| You pay more when you add | Sage | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| People who log in | No, unlimited from Standard | Yes, 3 on Essentials, 5 on Plus |
| Invoices you send | No | No |
| CIS handling | Varies by plan and version | Included from the cheapest plan |
| Payroll | Priced separately | Included from Essentials |
| Stock and projects | Yes, Plus only | Yes, Plus only |
The crossover is the user count. Up to five people QuickBooks is usually cheaper; above that Sage's unlimited users close the gap fast, because QuickBooks has no plan that adds a sixth user without moving you to a larger product.
If you work in construction #
This is where the two genuinely separate. QuickBooks includes CIS on invoicing from its cheapest plan, so a subcontractor on £10.00 a month gets deduction handling built in. Sage's CIS support depends on which plan and which product you are on.
Whichever you pick, the CIS calculator is a useful check on what the software produces, because a deduction taken on the wrong figure is still wrong after the software has done it.
Which to pick #
- Sole trader or small construction business: QuickBooks, on price and on CIS
- Six or more people needing access: Sage, where users stop costing extra
- Payroll for a few staff: QuickBooks bundles it; Sage prices it separately, so compare the combined figure rather than the headline
- Stock or multi-currency: both put it in the top plan, so compare £59.00 against £56.00 directly
- Your accountant prefers one: that usually outweighs the price difference
Also worth a look #
Neither is the cheapest way to start. The sole trader comparison covers the lighter end, including FreeAgent free with certain bank accounts, and Sage vs Xero completes the three-way picture.
If all you need is to raise invoices, the invoicing software comparison covers the free options and the invoice generator needs no subscription.
Common questions #
Is Sage or QuickBooks cheaper?
QuickBooks starts much lower, at £10 a month for its Sole Trader plan against £20 for Sage Accounting Start. At the top of each range they are closer: £56 against £59.
What is the difference between Sage and QuickBooks?
QuickBooks prices by number of users and includes CIS handling from its cheapest plan. Sage gives unlimited users from its middle plan but prices payroll separately. QuickBooks is the stronger fit for construction; Sage for a larger team.
Which handles CIS better, Sage or QuickBooks?
QuickBooks. It includes Construction Industry Scheme handling on invoicing from the Sole Trader plan upward, at £10 a month. Sage's CIS support varies by plan and version, which makes QuickBooks the simpler answer for a construction business.
Which is better for a sole trader?
QuickBooks Sole Trader at £10 a month is the cheapest entry point of the two by a wide margin. Check FreeAgent as well, which is free with a NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank or Mettle business account.
Does Sage include unlimited users?
From Accounting Standard upward, yes. QuickBooks caps users by plan: three on Essentials, five on Plus. If you need six or more people in the system, Sage becomes the cheaper option quickly.
Are both MTD compatible?
Yes. Both are recognised by HMRC for Making Tax Digital for VAT and file returns directly. Treat that as a baseline rather than a reason to choose either.
Can I switch from Sage to QuickBooks?
Yes, and both offer migration help. The real constraint is usually your accountant, since most practices standardise on one platform and charge more for working outside it.