Getting Paid

Sage vs QuickBooks: Which One Actually Saves You Money in 2026?

Sage and QuickBooks both handle invoicing, VAT, and bank reconciliation, but they differ sharply on payroll, pricing structure, and long-term costs. QuickBooks is cheaper at entry level — £10/mo vs Sage's £18/mo — and offers multi-currency from £33 vs Sage's £59. But Sage pulls ahead on integrated payroll, CIS at a lower tier (£39 vs £47), Sage Copilot AI, UK-native phone support, and pricing stability. QuickBooks has raised prices 12–17% annually since 2023, while Sage has stayed more predictable. A 10-employee business on QuickBooks pays roughly £75/mo (accounting + payroll add-on), while Sage achieves the same for less with tighter integration. QuickBooks wins on budget entry, 750+ integrations, inventory features, and weekend support hours. Choose Sage for payroll depth and compliance. Choose QuickBooks for the cheapest starting price and the broadest app ecosystem.