Karbon has solidified its spot as a go-to practice management tool for accounting firms, with powerful workflow automation, email integration, and team collaboration features. But for small to medium accounting and bookkeeping firms, it’s not always the right match. The $79/user/month price (with a 3-user minimum) can feel excessive, and the setup might seem overwhelming for leaner teams. If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company—plenty of firms are hunting for Karbon alternatives that better suit their budgets, sizes, or workflows.
In this post, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best alternatives to Karbon in 2025, all designed to help your firm run smoother without the hefty cost or complexity. Let’s jump in!
Why Look for Alternatives to Karbon?
First, let’s break down why you might be exploring other options. Karbon excels for mid-sized firms (5+ team members) needing deep integrations—like Outlook or Google Workspace—and intricate task management. But for smaller firms, it can feel like overkill: too expensive, too feature-packed, or too tough to onboard without robust support. If cost, complexity, or lackluster customer service has you second-guessing, these alternatives could be your answer.
1. Tidyflow
Looking for a Karbon alternative that fits small to medium accounting firms? Tidyflow is built for simplicity and efficiency, offering task tracking, a robust client portal, and top-notch file sharing—without the enterprise-level bloat. It’s not designed for importing emails like Karbon, but it shines for firms that need a straightforward, affordable solution over messy setups. Perfect for teams that value collaboration and client interaction.
- Best For: Small to medium firms (up to 50 users) wanting ease and value.
- Key Features: Task management, client portal, secure file sharing.
- Why It Beats Karbon: Simpler onboarding, cost-effective, no enterprise overreach.
2. TaxDome
TaxDome markets itself as an all-in-one for tax and accounting pros, combining practice management with client portals and document sharing. Its flat pricing (around $50/user/month) and simpler onboarding make it a strong Karbon alternative for cost-conscious firms. It lags in advanced automation, but it’s a reliable pick for basic workflows.
- Best For: Tax-focused firms or solo practitioners.
- Key Features: Client portal, e-signatures, task management.
- Downside: Weaker reporting and automation than Karbon.
3. Canopy
Canopy’s modular design lets you customize with features like workflow management, time tracking, and client portals. It offers flexibility Karbon can’t match, though the price creeps up as you add modules. If you love Karbon’s depth but crave a different vibe, Canopy’s a contender.
- Best For: Firms ready to invest in a tailored solution.
- Key Features: Custom workflows, document management, billing tools.
- Downside: Costs escalate, and the interface can feel clunky.
4. Jetpack Workflow
Jetpack Workflow is a lightweight, budget-friendly Karbon alternative at $36-$45/user/month, focusing on task automation and deadline tracking. It’s perfect for small firms wanting simplicity, though it skips client portals and email integration—meaning growing teams might outpace it.
- Best For: Solo practitioners or tiny teams (1-5 users).
- Key Features: Recurring tasks, deadline management, affordable pricing.
- Downside: Limited collaboration or client-facing tools.
5. Asana (Customized for Accounting)
Not built for accounting, but don’t count it out—Asana can double as a Karbon alternative for firms willing to customize. With workflow templates, task assignments, and due dates, it’s dirt cheap (starting at $10.99/user/month). You’ll need to DIY the setup, and it lacks accounting-specific integrations.
- Best For: Tech-savvy firms okay with DIY workflows.
- Key Features: Task boards, timeline views, third-party integrations.
- Downside: No native accounting or client features.
6. Pixie
Pixie is a rising star for small accounting firms, offering task management, client collaboration, and time tracking in a clean, affordable package (around $40/user/month). It’s less complex than Karbon and shines for firms that want a straightforward, client-friendly tool.
- Best For: Small firms (1-10 users) needing simplicity with client focus.
- Key Features: Task automation, client portal, time tracking.
- Downside: Less robust for larger teams or intricate workflows.
7. Financial Cents
Financial Cents is a practice management tool designed for accountants, blending workflow tracking, client management, and reporting. Priced at $39-$59/user/month, it’s a Karbon alternative for firms wanting a balance of features and affordability, though its email integration isn’t as deep.
- Best For: Small to medium firms needing workflow clarity.
- Key Features: Task tracking, client management, basic reporting.
- Downside: Less email syncing power than Karbon.
8. Monday.com (Adapted for Accounting)
Like Asana, Monday.com isn’t accounting-specific but can be tailored for practice management. Its visual boards and automation features make it a flexible, low-cost option (starting at $9/user/month). You’ll need to build your own system, but it’s a steal for the price.
- Best For: Firms comfortable customizing a general tool.
- Key Features: Visual workflows, automation, team collaboration.
- Downside: Requires setup effort, no accounting integrations.
9. Accelo
Accelo targets professional service firms, including accountants, with a mix of project management, client tracking, and billing. It’s more robust than Karbon in some areas (like CRM), but its complexity and higher cost (starting at $50/user/month) might overwhelm smaller teams.
- Best For: Growing firms needing CRM and project management.
- Key Features: Client tracking, workflows, invoicing.
- Downside: Steeper learning curve and cost.
10. Firm360
Firm360 is a newer player built for small to medium accounting firms, offering task management, document storage, and reporting in one platform. Priced competitively (around $45/user/month), it’s a solid Karbon alternative for firms wanting an all-in-one without the bloat.
- Best For: Small to medium firms seeking balance.
- Key Features: Task tracking, document management, reporting.
- Downside: Still maturing, with fewer integrations.
What to Consider When Choosing a Karbon Alternative
Switching tools is no small feat. Here’s what to weigh:
- Team Size: Small to medium firms (1-50 users) can skip Karbon’s bulk—try Jetpack, Pixie, or Tidyflow.
- Budget: Karbon’s $237/month minimum too much? TaxDome, Asana, or Monday.com keep costs down.
- Ease of Use: Avoid steep learning curves if your team’s time is tight.
- Features: Focus on must-haves—client portals, file sharing, or automation.
Ready to Move Beyond Karbon?
Karbon’s a heavy hitter, but it’s not your only option. Whether you’re chasing affordability, simplicity, or a perfect fit for your small to medium firm, these 10 alternatives bring fresh solutions to the table in 2025. Tidyflow stands out for its ease and client-focused features, but TaxDome, Canopy, and the rest offer plenty to explore.
Tried any of these? Drop your thoughts below—or book a demo with us to see how Tidyflow compares. Your ideal workflow is closer than you think!