Matrix
An alternative to Zoho Books
If you are looking for an alternative to Zoho Books, Matrix is Australian accounting software that keeps a real double-entry ledger — GST, BAS, invoicing, bills and bank reconciliation — with a CRM and project boards in the same product, priced per business rather than per user.
What changes when you move from Zoho Books
- Unlimited users on every plan. Zoho Books caps users by plan, from 1 to 15.
- Bills, multi-currency, inventory and projects on every plan. Zoho Books includes them from its Professional plan.
- The CRM is part of Matrix, on the same contacts as your books. Zoho's CRM is a separate product.
- Payroll is on Matrix's Business Pro plan, without Single Touch Payroll. Zoho says Zoho Payroll isn't available in Australia.
| Capability | Matrix | Zoho Books |
|---|---|---|
| Users | IncludedUnlimited users on every plan | PartlyCapped by plan, 1 to 15 users |
| Pricing | IncludedPer business, never per user | IncludedPer organisation |
| Bank transactions | PartlyStatement import (CSV, OFX, QIF); live feeds coming | Higher plansStandard and above; Free imports statements |
| Bank reconciliation rules | Included | Included |
| Invoices, quotes and reminders | Included | IncludedYearly invoice limits by plan |
| Bills and supplier payments | Included | Higher plansProfessional and above |
| GST and BAS preparation | IncludedCash or accrual, with BAS workpapers | Included |
| Lodge BAS to the ATO | ComingBusiness Pro | Not offeredLodge on the ATO portal, then mark filed |
| Payroll | Higher plansBusiness Pro: pay runs, leave, timesheets, rosters and awards; no Single Touch Payroll | Not offeredZoho Payroll isn't available in Australia |
| Multi-currency | Included | Higher plansProfessional and above |
| Inventory | Included | Higher plansProfessional and above |
| Projects and job costing | Included | Higher plansProfessional and above |
| Fixed assets and depreciation | Included | Higher plansPremium and above |
| CRM: pipeline, deals and activities | IncludedBuilt in, same contacts as the books | Separate productZoho CRM, which integrates |
| Project boards | IncludedKanban boards for planning work | Separate productZoho Projects, which integrates |
| Public API | ComingBusiness Pro | Included |
Zoho Books's features are from Zoho Corporation's own website, checked on 27 September 2026. Plans and features change, so please check with Zoho Corporation before you decide. Not confirmed means we couldn't confirm it from their published information, so we make no claim either way. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Moving your books to Matrix
1
Bring your chart of accounts
Import it from a CSV file. Matrix matches the columns, skips accounts you already have, and adds the right prefix to codes that need one.
2
Start from your balances
Enter your opening balances, and the invoices and bills still unpaid on the day you move, so nothing owed is lost between the two.
3
Check it agrees
Matrix produces a reconciliation report showing everything agrees before you start, and your whole team signs in at no extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move my books from Zoho Books to Matrix?
Choose a date to switch — the start of a month or quarter is easiest. Import your chart of accounts from a CSV file, then enter your balances and the invoices and bills still open on that date; there's no need to re-enter history. Matrix produces a reconciliation report showing everything agrees before you start.
How does BAS work after moving from Zoho Books?
Much as it does now. Zoho Books prepares the BAS for you to lodge on the ATO's portal; Matrix prepares it with workpapers that trace every figure to its transactions, and lodging straight to the ATO is coming on Business Pro.
Will I still need Zoho CRM?
No. Your pipeline, deals, activities and reminders live inside Matrix itself, on the very contacts you invoice — one product to learn and pay for instead of two.
Sources
- https://www.zoho.com/au/books/pricing/
- https://www.zoho.com/au/books/help/banking/feeds.html
- https://www.zoho.com/au/books/help/australia-tax/bas-report.html
- https://www.zoho.com/au/books/kb/general/payroll.html
Zoho Books is a trade mark of Zoho Corporation. Matrix is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Zoho Corporation.
Looking for a Zoho Books alternative? Try Matrix free
30 days free, no card needed. One price per business, and every user is included.
Charities and not-for-profits get 50% off.