Pixie is popular among small UK accounting firms thanks to its simplicity, workflow automation, CRM features, and client reminders. But as your firm grows or your needs expand—such as requiring deeper automation, client portals, or time tracking—it may be time to explore alternatives.
We've analyzed the current market to present the Top 10 alternatives to Pixie, designed specifically for small to medium accounting firms (1–50 users), to help you choose the best fit.
Why Consider an Alternative to Pixie?
Pixie's primary advantages include ease of use and affordability (starting at $69/month for up to 50 clients). However, its limitations—no time or budget tracking, minimal collaboration tools, and lack of advanced reporting—may prompt growing firms to consider other software.
Here are our top alternatives:
1. Tidyflow (Top Pick) ✅
We built Tidyflow specifically to address Pixie's limitations for small and medium accounting practices. It combines simplicity with powerful features, including robust task management, a user-friendly client portal, secure file sharing, and integrations with QuickBooks Online and Xero—all at an affordable, transparent price ($29 per user/month).
- Best suited for: Small to medium firms wanting efficiency, simplicity, and affordability.
- Pricing: $29/user/month
- Pros: Intuitive, affordable, strong client collaboration.
- Cons: No email import features (coming soon though).
2. Financial Cents
Financial Cents is ideal for firms needing cost-effective workflow automation and time tracking. It's particularly suitable for solo practitioners or smaller teams.
- Best suited for: Entry-level small firms.
- Pricing: $19–$69/month
- Pros: Budget-friendly, simple interface, time tracking.
- Cons: Limited integrations and reporting.
3. Jetpack Workflow
Jetpack Workflow provides straightforward task automation, client management, and time tracking. Good choice for small teams not expecting rapid growth.
- Best suited for: Small firms with stable workflows.
- Pricing: $36–$45/month
- Pros: Affordable, intuitive dashboard, QuickBooks integration.
- Cons: Limited email and client collaboration tools.
4. Canopy
Canopy offers modular pricing and excels in tax resolution and advanced workflow management. Ideal for firms seeking customizable and scalable features.
- Best suited for: Firms prioritizing tax services.
- Pricing: From $40/month per feature
- Pros: Flexible modules, powerful CRM, tax resolution features.
- Cons: Costs increase with add-ons.
5. TaxDome
TaxDome provides broad functionality, ideal for tax-specific practices needing strong client portals and document management.
- Best suited for: Tax-focused accounting firms.
- Pricing: $800–$1,200/year
- Pros: Comprehensive client portal, robust document storage.
- Cons: Limited reporting capabilities.
6. Karbon
Karbon is a comprehensive solution for medium-sized or growing firms needing advanced client collaboration, workflow automation, analytics, and integrations.
- Best suited for: Mid-sized and growing firms.
- Pricing: $59–$99/month per user
- Pros: Advanced analytics, extensive collaboration features.
- Cons: Higher price, longer setup.
7. BrightManager (UK-specific)
BrightManager targets small UK accounting practices, offering workflow automation, email/SMS functionality, and AML compliance.
- Best suited for: UK/Ireland accounting firms.
- Pricing: From £31.20+VAT/month
- Pros: UK-specific features, effective client communication.
- Cons: Limited scalability, UK-only focus.
8. Senta (UK-specific)
Senta is excellent for UK firms seeking affordability alongside features like CRM, client portals, document management, and time tracking.
- Best suited for: Small to mid-sized UK firms.
- Pricing: From $29/month per user
- Pros: Strong UK localization, competitive pricing.
- Cons: Limited user interface, fewer advanced collaboration tools.
9. OfficeTools Cloud
OfficeTools Cloud provides comprehensive tools for project management, invoicing, billing, and calendar integration, suitable for established firms.
- Best suited for: Long-standing firms with stable processes.
- Pricing: From $49/month (annually)
- Pros: Good calendar integration, strong billing tools.
- Cons: Outdated UI, longer implementation.
10. Firm360
Firm360 offers a robust, all-in-one platform with project management, time tracking, billing, and client collaboration features. Ideal for firms that anticipate scaling significantly.
- Best suited for: Firms planning substantial growth.
- Pricing: Custom (contact for details)
- Pros: Extensive feature set, comprehensive reporting.
- Cons: Pricing isn't transparent.
Comparative Analysis: Key Considerations
When choosing your Pixie alternative, consider these crucial factors:
Need | Recommended Tools |
---|---|
Affordability | Tidyflow, Financial Cents, Jetpack Workflow |
Advanced Features | Karbon, Canopy, Firm360 |
UK-specific Needs | BrightManager, Senta |
Time & Billing | Financial Cents, Jetpack Workflow, OfficeTools |
Client Portals | Tidyflow, Karbon, Firm360, TaxDome |
Final Recommendations & Next Steps
While Pixie serves very small UK firms well, alternatives like Tidyflow (simplicity and value), Karbon (advanced collaboration), and Financial Cents (affordability) offer compelling advantages.
Explore demos or trials of the above options to find the best match for your firm’s operational needs and growth plans.
Ready to experience streamlined accounting practice management? Try Tidyflow today.