For most Indian businesses in 2026, the best accounting software is TallyPrime if you want desktop accounting your CA already knows, Zoho Books if you want cloud access and automation, and BUSY if you trade in stock and need GST, e-invoicing and inventory in one package. On official pricing, TallyPrime Silver costs ₹22,500 for a lifetime licence (or ₹750 a month), Zoho Books starts free and paid plans start at ₹749 a month billed annually, and BUSY's subscription editions start at ₹5,000 a year. All prices here are before 18% GST.
Below we compare these three and several other options, explain what the prices actually include, and set out a simple way to choose.
Why the choice matters more in India
In India, accounting software does more than keep a ledger. It has to produce GST-compliant invoices, prepare data for GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, generate e-invoices (IRN) and e-way bills once your turnover crosses the thresholds, and hand your chartered accountant clean data at year end.
That is why so many Indian products combine billing, inventory and accounting. If you only need to raise invoices, a lighter tool from our billing software list may be enough. If you need proper books, balance sheets and audit trails, stay in accounting software.
How to choose accounting software in India
Work through these questions before you look at prices.
1. Desktop or cloud?
- Desktop (TallyPrime, BUSY, Marg): data sits on your own computer, works without internet, and is familiar to most accountants. Remote access usually needs a separate add-on or a hosted server.
- Cloud (Zoho Books, QuickBooks Online, Giddh): you can log in from anywhere, bank feeds and payment links are built in, and there is nothing to install. You need a reliable connection.
2. How many people will use it?
Single-user and multi-user editions are priced very differently. TallyPrime Gold, the multi-user edition, costs three times Silver. Zoho Books includes a set number of users per plan and charges for extra ones.
3. Do you carry stock?
Traders, distributors and manufacturers need batch, godown and stock valuation features. Check the product's inventory software capability, not just its accounting.
4. What does your CA use?
Many CA firms work in Tally and prefer clients who do the same. Some firms now also run cloud practice tools. Ask before you buy. For firm-side tools, see accounting software for CA firms.
5. GST depth
Check for e-invoice and e-way bill generation, GSTR-1 preparation and reconciliation with GSTR-2B. Our GST software category covers dedicated filing tools if your accounting package is weak here.
The best accounting software in India, compared
| Software | Type | Entry price (before GST) | Free option | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TallyPrime | Desktop | ₹750/month or ₹22,500 lifetime (Silver) | No | Traders and firms whose CA works in Tally |
| Zoho Books | Cloud | ₹749/month billed annually (Standard) | Yes, 1 user + 1 accountant | Service businesses, startups, remote teams |
| BUSY | Desktop | ₹5,000/year (Magic START) | Express edition | Inventory-heavy traders and distributors |
| Vyapar | Mobile + desktop | See official pricing page | Free trial | Small shops wanting phone-first billing |
| Marg ERP | Desktop | See official site | No | Pharma, FMCG distribution |
| QuickBooks Online | Cloud | See official site | No | Businesses with overseas operations |
| Odoo Accounting | Cloud / open source | See official site | Community edition | Companies planning a full ERP |
TallyPrime
TallyPrime remains the default accounting package for a large share of Indian businesses. According to the official Tally pricing page, there are two editions:
- Silver (single user): ₹750 for 1 month, ₹2,138 for 3 months, ₹8,100 for 12 months, or ₹22,500 lifetime.
- Gold (multi-user): ₹2,250 for 1 month, ₹6,413 for 3 months, ₹24,300 for 12 months, or ₹67,500 lifetime.
Tally states both editions are fully loaded with all features, prices exclude 18% GST, and rental plans auto-renew until cancelled.
Strengths: fast keyboard-driven entry, strong GST and inventory, works offline, huge pool of trained accountants.
Watch out for: remote access needs a hosted setup such as Tally on Cloud by HostBooks, and the interface is built for accountants rather than owners.
Zoho Books
Zoho Books is a cloud accounting package with a strong India edition. The official Zoho Books India pricing page lists:
- Free: 1 user plus 1 accountant, up to 1,000 invoices or bills a year, GST reports and online payments.
- Standard: ₹749/month billed annually (₹899 monthly), 3 users.
- Professional: ₹1,499/month annually, 5 users, adds multi-currency and project profitability.
- Premium: ₹2,999/month annually, 10 users, adds payroll, budgeting and cash-flow forecasting.
- Elite: ₹4,999/month annually, 15 users, adds advanced inventory and warehouses.
- Ultimate: ₹7,999/month annually, 25 users, adds advanced analytics.
Extra users cost ₹150 a month on annual billing. Prices exclude taxes.
Strengths: accessible anywhere, clean interface, automation, links with the rest of the Zoho suite such as Zoho Inventory.
Watch out for: costs rise with users, and an accountant used to Tally will need some time to adjust.
BUSY Accounting
BUSY is popular with traders and distributors. The official BUSY pricing page lists subscription (BUSY Magic) editions:
- START: ₹5,000/year, with MRP billing, inventory and basic reports.
- SMART: ₹8,000/year, adds a GSTR-1 dashboard, e-invoice and e-way bill creation (up to 10,000) and POS billing.
- POWER: ₹12,000/year, adds multiple GSTINs in one company.
- POWER+: ₹50,000/year, 10 users and 150 companies.
Perpetual editions are also listed: Basic ₹11,000, Standard ₹16,500 and Enterprise ₹22,000. A free Express edition covers basic accounting.
Strengths: deep inventory and GST, affordable perpetual licences, good for multi-godown trading.
Watch out for: desktop-first, so remote access needs extra setup.
Other options worth a look
- Vyapar: a phone-first billing and accounting app for small shops. Plans are listed on Vyapar's pricing page. Check current prices there, because they were not visible in the page's public text when we checked.
- Marg ERP: strong in pharma and FMCG distribution. See accounting software for pharma distribution.
- Giddh and RealBooks: Indian cloud accounting alternatives.
- Odoo Accounting: a good fit if you expect to grow into a full ERP.
- Khatabook: a simple digital ledger for very small businesses, not a replacement for full books.
Price comparison: what you really pay over three years
These figures are worked out from the official prices above and exclude GST.
| Scenario | TallyPrime | Zoho Books | BUSY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 user, 3 years | ₹22,500 (Silver lifetime) or ₹24,300 (3 × annual rental) | ₹0 (Free, within limits) or ₹26,964 (Standard, annual) | ₹15,000 (START) or ₹11,000 (Basic perpetual) |
| 3 users, 3 years | ₹67,500 (Gold lifetime) | ₹26,964 (Standard includes 3 users) | ₹36,000 (POWER) |
Lifetime licences look cheaper over time, but check what future upgrades and support cost. Cloud plans include hosting, backups and updates.
Recommendations by business type
- Retail shop or small trader: BUSY or Vyapar, or TallyPrime Silver if your CA insists. See accounting software for retail stores.
- Startup or service company: Zoho Books. See accounting software for startups.
- Manufacturer: TallyPrime Gold, BUSY Enterprise or an ERP. See accounting software for manufacturing.
- Distributor: Marg ERP or BUSY.
- Business with employees on payroll: Zoho Books Premium includes payroll. You can also compare dedicated tools on our HRMS software pages.
FAQ
Which is the best accounting software in India?
There is no single winner. TallyPrime suits accountant-led desktop setups, Zoho Books suits cloud-first businesses, and BUSY suits inventory-heavy traders. Pick based on your users, stock needs and what your CA uses.
What is the price of TallyPrime in 2026?
According to Tally's official site, TallyPrime Silver costs ₹22,500 lifetime or ₹750 a month, and Gold costs ₹67,500 lifetime or ₹2,250 a month, plus 18% GST.
Is there free accounting software in India?
Yes. Zoho Books has a free plan for 1 user plus an accountant, with up to 1,000 invoices or bills a year, and BUSY offers a free Express edition with basic accounting.
Should I choose cloud or desktop accounting?
Choose cloud if you or your team need access from several places or want automatic backups. Choose desktop if your internet is unreliable or your accountant works mainly offline in Tally or BUSY.
Do these tools support e-invoicing and e-way bills?
TallyPrime, Zoho Books and BUSY's SMART and higher editions support GST e-invoicing and e-way bills. Always confirm the edition you buy includes them.
Can I switch from Tally to Zoho Books later?
Yes, but plan the move at the start of a financial year. Export your masters and opening balances, and ask your CA to check the balances after migration.
