Sage vs QuickBooks UK (2026): Honest Comparison

We are an affiliate site for QuickBooks, so we have tried hard to keep this comparison balanced. Where Sage is the better choice, we say so. We do not quote Sage prices as exact numbers because they change often: check Sage's site for current pricing.

Side by side comparison

Pricing approach

QuickBooks uses five tiers that add features and users as you move up. Its headline UK promotion is a deep percentage discount for the first months. On today's deal, Sole Trader Plus costs £1 a month and Essentials £3.80 a month for 6 months. That often makes QuickBooks the cheaper option in year one.

Sage also runs tiered cloud plans with its own promotions. The fair comparison is the full price you will pay after any discount ends, not the headline offer. Full QuickBooks figures are on our QuickBooks pricing UK page.

Making Tax Digital

Both tools are HMRC recognised for MTD for VAT and MTD for Income Tax. QuickBooks has leaned into the sole trader and landlord market with Sole Trader Plus, which includes Self Assessment preparation, CIS and mileage at a low price. Read our QuickBooks Making Tax Digital guide for how the quarterly updates work, and always confirm the current MTD rules on GOV.UK.

VAT

QuickBooks requires Simple Start or higher for VAT returns. Sage includes VAT on its VAT capable plans. If you are a VAT registered sole trader, compare QuickBooks Simple Start against Sage's entry plan on features, not just price.

Payroll add on

QuickBooks Payroll is a separate add on in three tiers, with RTI submissions to HMRC, payslips and pension auto enrolment. Sage sells payroll as its own product with similar HMRC compliance. See our QuickBooks payroll UK guide for what the QuickBooks add on includes.

Ease of use

QuickBooks feels more guided for people new to bookkeeping, and its mobile app is strong for receipt capture and mileage. Sage's layout will feel familiar if you or your bookkeeper learned on Sage desktop software, and many UK practices still run on it. Both are far easier than spreadsheets.

Who should pick QuickBooks

• Sole traders and landlords who want an affordable MTD for Income Tax plan.
• Construction subcontractors who need CIS tracking without a premium plan.
• Owners who want a guided setup and good built in reports.
• Anyone who wants the lowest first year cost thanks to the 90% offer.

Who should pick Sage

• Businesses whose accountant or bookkeeper works exclusively in Sage.
• Owners moving from Sage desktop who want a familiar structure in the cloud.
• Firms already using other Sage products such as Sage Payroll.

Our verdict

For most UK sole traders, landlords and small limited companies, QuickBooks offers better value in year one and a sole trader plan Sage does not match. If your accountant lives in Sage or you are moving from Sage desktop, Sage is a fair pick. Also weighing up Xero? See our Xero vs QuickBooks comparison.

Switching from Sage to QuickBooks: step by step

If the comparison has tipped you towards QuickBooks, here is how the move usually goes for a small UK business leaving Sage.

1. Pick your switch date. The end of a VAT quarter or the end of your financial year is cleanest, especially if you are moving from Sage desktop.
2. Export from Sage: customers and suppliers, your chart of accounts, a trial balance at the switch date, and a list of unpaid invoices and bills.
3. Claim the QuickBooks deal through our link and choose Buy Now on the plan that matches your needs.
4. Import: upload customers and suppliers, then enter opening balances from the trial balance.
5. Reconnect your bank feed from the switch date onwards.
6. Re-authorise HMRC for MTD for VAT or MTD for Income Tax from inside QuickBooks.
7. Keep Sage read only for history, or export the reports you need before cancelling.

Matching Sage users to QuickBooks plans

Sage user allowances vary by plan, so count your team before you choose a QuickBooks tier:

• Just you, not VAT registered: Sole Trader Plus.
• Just you, VAT registered or a limited company: Simple Start.
• Up to 3 people: Essentials.
• Up to 5 people, with stock or projects: Plus.
• Up to 25 people: Advanced.

Your accountant usually has separate access and does not take a user slot.

Year one cost on QuickBooks, by plan

We do not quote Sage's prices, so check Sage's site for current pricing and compare it against these QuickBooks figures, all + VAT:

• Sole Trader Plus: £66 in year one with the deal, then £120 a year at full price.
• Simple Start: £105.60 in year one with the deal, then £192 a year at full price.
• Essentials: £250.80 in year one with the deal, then £456 a year at full price.
• Plus: £369.60 in year one with the deal, then £672 a year at full price.
• Advanced: £811.80 in year one with the deal, then £1476 a year at full price.

The fair way to compare is year one and year two separately, because QuickBooks' promotion is front loaded.

Mistakes when comparing Sage and QuickBooks

Comparing promo price against full price

Line up like with like: both promotional, or both full price. Otherwise one tool looks far cheaper than it is long term.

Assuming your Sage data cannot move

Contacts, accounts and balances all export from Sage. The move is an afternoon of work for most small businesses, not a reason to stay put.

Trialling both and losing the QuickBooks discount

Starting a QuickBooks trial to compare removes your eligibility for the discount. If you want to test, use the first low cost month on the deal instead.