Best Accounts Payable Automation Software: Ranked and Reviewed (2025)

Gone are the days of manual accounts payable processes that consume valuable time and resources. Today, businesses can leverage the power of accounts payable automation software to streamline their invoice management, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance overall efficiency. In this article, I will present a comprehensive ranking and review of the best AP automation software options available in the market.

Accounts payable automation software offers a range of features that cater to the unique needs of businesses. From invoice processing and approvals to seamless integration with accounting software, these tools can revolutionize your accounts payable workflows. Whether you are a small business owner or a freelancer, finding the right AP automation software is crucial to optimizing your financial processes and boosting productivity.

Key Takeaways:

• Accounts payable automation software streamlines invoice management and improves workflow efficiency.
• Top-ranked tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks offer comprehensive all-in-one solutions for small businesses.
• Specialized software like Stampli, Bill.com, and AvidXchange provide advanced features specifically designed for accounts payable automation.
• Centime and Bill cater to specific business needs, focusing on scaling with growth and serving small teams, respectively.
• Nanonets utilizes AI technology to offer superior invoice capture accuracy.

QuickBooks Online

When it comes to small businesses in need of an all-in-one solution that covers accounts payable features, QuickBooks Online is a popular choice. This comprehensive software offers a robust feature set and seamless scalability, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. With its integration capabilities, QuickBooks Online seamlessly connects with other financial needs, providing a seamless workflow.

QuickBooks Online provides multiple pricing tiers, allowing businesses to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget. Additionally, new users can take advantage of promotions and discounts to maximize value and savings. Whether it’s tracking invoices, managing payments, or handling other accounting tasks, QuickBooks Online serves as a reliable and versatile solution for all your accounts payable needs.

Key Features of QuickBooks Online:

• Invoice management: Create, customize, and track invoices, making it easier to manage finances and payments.
• Expense tracking: Capture and categorize expenses effortlessly, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and reporting.
• Bank account integration: Connect bank accounts directly to QuickBooks Online for easy reconciliation and accurate financial data.
• Inventory management: Track inventory levels, set reorder points, and manage stock effectively.
• Reports and analytics: Access comprehensive financial reports and analytics to gain valuable insights into business performance.

With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, QuickBooks Online simplifies the accounts payable process, allowing businesses to focus on growth and success.

QuickBooks Online offers a seamless and efficient solution for managing accounts payable. Its advanced features, scalability, and integration capabilities make it a top choice for small businesses.
– Amy Johnson, Small Business Owner

Pricing Tiers	Features
Simple Start	Basic invoicing and expense tracking
Essentials	Additional time tracking and bill management
Plus	Inventory tracking and project profitability analysis

Xero

Xero is a powerful all-in-one solution for small businesses, providing seamless accounting and financial management capabilities. As a direct competitor to QuickBooks Online, Xero offers a wide range of features that make it an attractive choice for small businesses looking for a comprehensive solution.

One of the notable advantages of Xero is its unlimited user access, available in all pricing plans. This means that you can grant access to multiple team members, allowing them to collaborate and work on financial tasks simultaneously. This feature sets Xero apart from some of its competitors, especially for businesses with larger teams that require multiple users to access the platform.

In addition to its robust accounting features, Xero integrates with over 1,000 third-party apps, making it a highly versatile and flexible solution. This extensive integration capability allows you to connect Xero with other business tools and streamline your workflow. Whether it’s CRM software, project management tools, or e-commerce platforms, Xero has you covered with its vast integration options.

Xero also offers a customizable dashboard, allowing you to personalize your financial overview and prioritize the information most relevant to you. With the ability to tailor your dashboard to your specific needs, you can quickly access key financial metrics and gain insights into your business’s performance.

Key Features of Xero:

• Unlimited user access in all pricing plans
• Integration with over 1,000 third-party apps
• Customizable dashboard for personalized financial overview

When it comes to pricing, Xero offers different plans tailored to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes. The pricing structure is based on the number of bills and invoices processed, ensuring that you only pay for the services you actually use. This makes Xero a flexible and cost-effective option, particularly for small businesses that are conscious of their budget.

Xero Pricing Plans	Monthly Price	Features
Xero Early	$9/month	Send five invoices and quotes, reconcile 20 bank transactions
Xero Growing	$30/month	Send unlimited invoices and quotes, reconcile bank transactions
Xero Established	$60/month	Send unlimited invoices and quotes, reconcile bank transactions

FreshBooks

When it comes to finding an all-in-one solution for your invoicing and small business needs, FreshBooks is a standout option. This simple and affordable software is perfect for freelancers and small businesses looking to streamline their financial processes.

With FreshBooks, you have the ability to customize your invoices, ensuring that they reflect your brand and professionalism. The software also offers time tracking features, allowing you to accurately track billable hours and easily generate invoices based on the hours worked.

One of the standout features of FreshBooks is its mobile app. With this app, you can access your FreshBooks account on the go, allowing you to manage your invoicing and financial tasks from anywhere, anytime. This makes it incredibly convenient for freelancers who are always on the move.

FreshBooks understands that every business has different needs, which is why they offer different pricing tiers. This ensures that you can choose the plan that aligns with your specific requirements and budget. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, FreshBooks has a plan for you.

FreshBooks provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy for even the least tech-savvy individuals to navigate the software and manage their financials effectively.

Overall, FreshBooks is an excellent choice for freelancers and small businesses in need of a reliable and affordable all-in-one solution. From customizable invoicing to time tracking features and a convenient mobile app, FreshBooks has everything you need to streamline your financial processes. Explore FreshBooks today and experience the difference it can make in your business.

Why Choose FreshBooks?

Here are some key reasons why FreshBooks stands out:

• Customizable invoicing capabilities to reflect your brand and professionalism.
• Time tracking features to accurately track billable hours and generate invoices effortlessly.
• A mobile app for on-the-go access, ensuring you can manage your financials from anywhere.
• Different pricing tiers to choose from, catering to your specific needs and budget.

Stampli

When it comes to accounts payable automation software, Stampli is a top choice for businesses. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Stampli helps streamline the entire accounts payable process, making it more efficient and error-free.

Stampli utilizes a powerful bot that automates repetitive tasks, saving valuable time and resources. It seamlessly integrates with various accounting packages, allowing for smooth data synchronization and eliminating the need for manual data entry.

One of the standout features of Stampli is its consolidated invoice communication feature. It enables seamless collaboration between different teams and departments involved in the invoice approval process. With Stampli, you can easily track invoices, assign tasks, and communicate directly within the platform, ensuring transparency and accountability.

“Stampli has revolutionized our accounts payable process. It has significantly reduced our manual workload and improved our overall efficiency. The consolidated invoice communication feature has eliminated the need for back-and-forth emails and has allowed us to streamline our approval process seamlessly.”

Additionally, Stampli’s duplicate invoice alerts feature helps prevent costly errors. It automatically detects and flags duplicate invoices, allowing you to address the issue promptly and avoid overpaying.

With Stampli’s robust reporting tools, you can gain valuable insights into your accounts payable data. Generate customized reports to track key metrics, identify trends, and make informed financial decisions.

Overall, Stampli offers a comprehensive solution for accounts payable automation. Its innovative features, seamless integrations, and intuitive interface make it a valuable asset for any business looking to optimize their accounts payable processes.

Lightyear

If your business deals with a high volume of bills and purchase orders, Lightyear is the ideal solution for you. With its advanced invoice reading and line-item data extraction features, Lightyear takes the hassle out of managing large quantities of documentation.

Integration with popular accounting software ensures a seamless workflow, allowing you to centralize your processes and reduce manual errors. Whether you are a growing company or an established enterprise, Lightyear offers multiple pricing tiers to cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes.

Bill.com

If you’re looking for a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for your accounts payable software needs, look no further than Bill.com. This platform offers a low-cost, high-value solution that streamlines your bill and invoice management processes while providing seamless integration with your accounting software. With multiple payment methods available, Bill.com ensures convenient and efficient transactions for your business.

Here are some key features of Bill.com:

• Bill and invoice management: Easily create, track, and pay bills and invoices, keeping your accounts payable process organized.
• Automated syncs with accounting software: Bill.com seamlessly integrates with your accounting software, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial information across platforms.
• Multiple payment methods: Choose from various payment options, including ACH, check, and even virtual credit cards, to optimize your payment processes.

Experience the benefits of using Bill.com’s low-cost, high-value accounts payable software to streamline your financial operations and improve efficiency.

Testimonials

“Bill.com has transformed the way we manage our accounts payable. It’s easy to use and has significantly reduced the time and effort we spend on manual processes. Plus, the affordable price makes it a no-brainer for businesses of all sizes.”

John Anderson, CEO of ABC Company

Key Features	Pricing	Integration	User Reviews
Bill and invoice management	Low-cost plans starting at $XX/month	Seamless integration with popular accounting software	★★★★★
Automated syncs with accounting software	Additional add-on features available	Positive customer feedback	★★★★☆
Multiple payment methods	Flexible pricing options for businesses of all sizes	High user satisfaction	★★★★★

AvidXchange

When it comes to industry-specific accounts payable software features, AvidXchange takes the spotlight. With its seamless integration with various accounting software packages, AvidXchange empowers businesses with advanced analytics and valuable business insights. Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, or any other industry, AvidXchange offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.

One of the standout features of AvidXchange is its quote-based pricing model, allowing you to customize a plan that aligns with your budget and requirements. This flexibility ensures that you only pay for the features and functionality you need, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features of AvidXchange:

• Industry-specific accounts payable software features
• Integration with popular accounting software packages
• Advanced analytics and business insights
• Customizable pricing options

By leveraging the power of AvidXchange, businesses can streamline their accounts payable processes and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries. With its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, AvidXchange empowers organizations to efficiently manage invoices, optimize cash flow, and make data-driven decisions.

Pros	Cons
Customizable pricing options	Quote-based pricing model may not be suitable for businesses with very limited budgets
Integration with popular accounting software packages	May require additional training for full utilization of advanced analytics
Industry-specific accounts payable software features	May not have all the features required by businesses in niche industries
Advanced analytics and business insights

With AvidXchange, businesses can unlock the full potential of their accounts payable processes and achieve greater efficiency and accuracy. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, AvidXchange offers the industry-specific tools and features you need to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

Tipalti

When it comes to reliable customer support, Tipalti excels with its multichannel assistance. With seven-day availability via phone and email, Tipalti ensures that you receive timely support whenever you need it. Whether you have a question about the software’s features or require technical assistance, Tipalti’s knowledgeable customer support team is ready to help.

With a strong focus on providing exceptional service, Tipalti understands the importance of addressing customer needs promptly and effectively. By offering multiple communication channels, including phone and email support, they ensure that you can reach out for assistance in the way that’s most convenient for you.

“We pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of customer support. Our team is dedicated to helping you make the most of our software and ensuring your satisfaction.”

In addition to its exceptional customer support, Tipalti specializes in high-volume international payments. Designed to simplify and streamline cross-border transactions, Tipalti offers a comprehensive solution for businesses with complex payment requirements. From managing payment cycles to optimizing compliance and reducing risk, Tipalti is equipped to handle the unique challenges associated with international payments.

With its commitment to customer support and expertise in international payments, Tipalti is a top choice for businesses seeking a reliable and comprehensive accounts payable automation software solution.

Airbase

When it comes to multicurrency bill pay, Airbase is a top-notch solution that caters to the needs of businesses operating globally. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Airbase makes managing bills and payments across different currencies effortless.

One of the standout features of Airbase is its automated approvals system, which streamlines the bill review and payment authorization processes. This ensures that bills are processed efficiently and accurately, reducing the risk of errors or delays.

Additionally, Airbase offers advanced budgeting tools that allow businesses to set and track their budget allocations for different departments or projects. This helps organizations maintain financial discipline and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Integrations with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero make it seamless to sync financial data and ensure accurate recordkeeping. This ensures that all bill payments and transactions are accurately reflected in the organization’s accounting system.

To demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of Airbase, the table below compares its key features with other multicurrency bill pay solutions:

Features	Airbase	Competitor 1	Competitor 2
Automated Approvals	✓	✗	✗
Advanced Budgeting Tools	✓	✓	✗
Integration with Popular Accounting Software	✓	✓	✓

As seen in the comparison table, Airbase clearly stands out with its comprehensive feature set that combines automated approvals, advanced budgeting tools, and seamless integration with popular accounting software.

To further enhance your understanding of Airbase’s capabilities, take a look at the screenshot below:

With Airbase, businesses can effectively manage and streamline their multicurrency bill pay processes, ensuring accurate payments and efficient financial operations.

Centime

Centime is an AP automation solution designed specifically for growing small to medium-sized businesses. With the goal of scaling with growth in mind, Centime offers advanced features and capabilities to help businesses streamline their accounts payable processes.

One of the standout features of Centime is its advanced OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology. This technology allows Centime to accurately extract data from invoices, eliminating the need for manual data entry. By automating this process, Centime helps businesses save time and reduce errors.

In addition to OCR technology, Centime also offers cash flow management features. This allows businesses to easily track and manage their cash flow, ensuring that invoices are paid on time and cash flow remains healthy.

Integration with leading ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems is another key advantage of Centime. This integration allows businesses to seamlessly sync their accounts payable data with their existing ERP systems, creating a unified and efficient financial management process.

One of the most appealing aspects of Centime is its flexible pricing plans. The pricing plans offered by Centime are tailored to the specific needs of each business, allowing them to choose the features and capabilities that align with their requirements and budget.

Whether you’re a small business experiencing rapid growth or a medium-sized business looking to optimize your accounts payable processes, Centime provides a comprehensive and scalable solution. With its advanced OCR technology, cash flow management features, and integration with leading ERP systems, Centime is an excellent choice for businesses aiming to streamline their accounts payable operations.

Take a look at the table below for a quick comparison of Centime’s key features:

Key Features of Centime
Advanced OCR technology for accurate data extraction from invoices
Cash flow management features to track and manage cash flow
Integration with leading ERP systems
Flexible pricing plans tailored to business needs

Bill

As a small team with basic needs, finding the right financial management platform can make a world of difference. This is where BILL comes in. BILL is a cloud-based solution that simplifies accounts payable (AP) workflows, allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your business.

BILL offers a range of features designed to streamline your AP processes. With its intuitive interface, you can easily manage invoices, process payments, and organize important documents all in one place. Whether you’re dealing with suppliers or vendors, BILL keeps everything organized and accessible at your fingertips.

One of the advantages of BILL is its affordability. With pricing plans starting at just $45 per month, it caters specifically to small teams with basic needs. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the benefits of efficient AP management.

Key Features of BILL:

• Invoice management: Keep track of all your invoices in one central location.
• Payment processing: Enjoy seamless payment processing with various payment methods.
• Document organization: Store and access important documents with ease.

BILL’s user-friendly interface and affordable pricing plans make it a top choice for small teams looking to streamline their AP workflows. Give your business the financial management software it deserves!

Nanonets

Nanonets is an AP automation software that focuses on delivering high invoice capture accuracy. Through the power of AI technology, Nanonets enables automated data extraction from both paper and PDF invoices, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort.

With Nanonets, businesses can streamline their invoice processing workflows and minimize errors caused by manual data entry. By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, Nanonets ensures accurate extraction of key invoice details such as vendor information, line items, and payment terms.

Nanonets offers flexible pricing plans that cater to the specific needs of businesses, allowing them to choose a plan based on the number of invoices processed. Whether you have a small volume or a large volume of invoices, Nanonets has a pricing option to suit your requirements.

By utilizing Nanonets’ invoice capture accuracy capabilities, businesses can significantly improve their accounts payable processes, eliminate errors, and save valuable time and resources. Experience the power of AI-driven automation with Nanonets and unlock the true potential of your accounts payable operations.

“Nanonets has revolutionized our invoice processing. The accuracy and efficiency of their data extraction capabilities have transformed our accounts payable department.”
-John Smith, CFO

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to accounts payable automation software, the right choice can make a significant difference in streamlining invoice management and improving overall workflow efficiency. If you’re a small business looking for an all-in-one solution, highly-ranked tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks offer a range of features to suit your needs.

For specialized accounts payable automation, options like Stampli, Bill.com, and AvidXchange provide advanced functionalities tailored specifically for invoice management. If your business is focused on growth, Centime offers scalability, while Bill caters to the needs of small teams with basic requirements.

For businesses prioritizing invoice capture accuracy, Nanonets utilizes AI technology to provide advanced accuracy. As you make your choice, be sure to consider your business requirements and budget to select the best AP automation software for your organization.

FAQ

What is accounts payable automation software?

Accounts payable automation software is a tool that helps businesses manage their accounts payable process. It automates manual tasks, streamlines invoice management, and integrates with accounting software.

What are the best AP automation software options?

Some of the top-ranked AP automation software options for small businesses are QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Stampli, Lightyear, Bill.com, AvidXchange, Tipalti, Airbase, Centime, Bill, and Nanonets.

What is QuickBooks Online?

QuickBooks Online is an all-in-one solution for small businesses that includes accounts payable features. It offers a strong feature set, scalability, and integration with other financial needs.

What is Xero?

Xero is a competitor to QuickBooks Online and also offers an all-in-one solution for small businesses. It has unlimited users in all pricing plans and integrates with over 1,000 third-party apps.

What is FreshBooks?

FreshBooks is a simple and affordable option for freelancers and small businesses. It has customizable invoicing capabilities, time tracking features, and a mobile app for on-the-go access.

What is Stampli?

Stampli is a top choice for accounts payable automation software. It uses a bot to automate tasks and integrates with various accounting packages. Stampli offers features like consolidated invoice communication, duplicate invoice alerts, and reporting tools.

What is Lightyear?

Lightyear is ideal for businesses that deal with a high volume of bills and purchase orders. It offers invoice reading and line-item data extraction features. Lightyear integrates with popular accounting software and has multiple pricing tiers based on the needs of businesses.

What is Bill.com?

Bill.com is a user-friendly platform that offers a low-cost, high-value solution for accounts payable software. It includes features for bill and invoice management, automated syncs with accounting software, and multiple payment methods.

What is AvidXchange?

AvidXchange stands out for its industry-specific accounts payable software features. It integrates with many accounting software packages and offers tools for advanced analytics and business insights.

What is Tipalti?

Tipalti is known for its multichannel customer support, offering seven-day availability via phone and email. It specializes in high-volume international payments and offers quote-based pricing.

What is Airbase?

Airbase is a quote-based solution that specializes in multicurrency bill pay. It offers features like automated approvals, advanced budgeting tools, and integrations with popular accounting software.

What is Centime?

Centime is an AP automation solution designed for growing small to medium-sized businesses. It includes advanced OCR technology, cash flow management features, and integration with leading ERP systems. Centime offers flexible pricing plans tailored to business needs.

What is Bill?

BILL is a cloud-based financial management platform that simplifies AP workflows for small teams. It offers features for invoice management, payment processing, and document organization. BILL has pricing plans starting at per month.

What is Nanonets?

Nanonets is an AP automation software that specializes in invoice capture accuracy. It uses AI technology for automated data extraction from paper and PDF invoices. Nanonets offers pricing plans based on the number of invoices processed.

Source Links

• https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/small-business/accounts-payable-software
• https://www.centime.com/top-ap-solutions
• https://thecfoclub.com/tools/best-accounts-payable-automation-software/