Bookkeeping spreadsheet or accounting software? Ledgerfern vs QuickBooks and Wave
Do I need accounting software, or is a bookkeeping spreadsheet enough?
For a freelancer or small shop with a few dozen transactions a month and no payroll, a bookkeeping spreadsheet is usually enough: Ledgerfern ($14 once) has a ledger, P&L, invoices, mileage and a tax set-aside in Excel and Google Sheets. QuickBooks Online and Wave earn their fees with bank feeds, payroll and accountant access.
Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook: Simple books for freelancers and small shops
from $14Ledger, monthly P&L and invoices
Secure checkout · 14-day fix-or-refund if it doesn't work as described (terms)How we compared
- One-time or subscription
- Bank feeds and payroll
- Price on each seller's page
Bookkeeping options side by side
| What buyers compare | Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook (CyberMax) | Wave | Aurora Templates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $14 once | Starter $0; Pro $19/month | $10 |
| Bank feeds | No | Yes | No |
| Payroll and inventory | No | Payroll add-on | No |
| Accountant access | Share the file | Yes | Share the file |
Sources: Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook (our live page) · Wave (checked 2026-11-11) · Aurora Templates (checked 2026-11-11).
The options and their published prices
| Option | Published price | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook (CyberMax) | from $14 | Ledger, monthly P&L and invoices; Mileage log and tax set-aside; Excel and Google Sheets | Our page |
| Wave | Starter $0; Pro $19/month | Pick it if you want free invoicing software and accept its limits | Their page |
| Small Business Bookkeeping Template (Aurora Templates, Gumroad) | $10 | Pick it if you prefer that template's layout | Their page |
Rival prices as shown on each seller's own page (Apify Actors: Apify's public pricing API), checked 2026-11-11. Prices change; check the seller's page before buying. Options whose price we could not confirm on that day are left out.
Where QuickBooks, Wave and the template are better
- Wave: Free starter plan with invoicing and bank connections on Pro.
- Small Business Bookkeeping Template (Aurora Templates, Gumroad): A different layout at a lower price.
Which one should you pick?
Choose Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook if
- you are a freelancer or small shop without payroll
- you want one payment
- you are comfortable entering transactions
Choose Wave if
- you want free invoicing software and accept its limits
Choose Aurora Templates if
- you prefer that template's layout
What Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook includes
- Ledger, monthly P&L and invoices
- Mileage log and tax set-aside
- Excel and Google Sheets
- $14 once; free printable preview
Bookkeeping questions
Do I need accounting software, or is a bookkeeping spreadsheet enough?
For a freelancer or small shop with a few dozen transactions a month and no payroll, a bookkeeping spreadsheet is usually enough: Ledgerfern ($14 once) has a ledger, P&L, invoices, mileage and a tax set-aside in Excel and Google Sheets. QuickBooks Online and Wave earn their fees with bank feeds, payroll and accountant access.
Can I do my own bookkeeping in Excel?
Yes, many freelancers do: record every income and expense with a category, then total them monthly for a P&L.
How much should I set aside for taxes?
It depends on your income and location; the template lets you set your own percentage. This is not tax advice.
Does it work in Google Sheets and Excel?
Yes, it comes as a file for Excel and a copy for Google Sheets.
When should I switch to accounting software?
When you need bank feeds, payroll, inventory or an accountant working in the same system.
Ledgerfern Bookkeeping Workbook: Simple books for freelancers and small shops
from $14Simple books for freelancers and small shops
Secure checkout · 14-day fix-or-refund if it doesn't work as described (terms)Free how-tos
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Free: the Small Business Starter Kit
Bookkeeping and profit previews plus free invoice, rent receipt, margin and HACCP/allergen tools, then 5 short emails on margins, invoicing and checklists.