Accounting tools in India are evolving fast. In 2025, SMEs mostly choose between Tally Prime and Zoho Books. One is offline-first and CA-friendly, the other is cloud-first with GST and e-invoicing built-in. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
India Snapshot
- Tally Prime (2025):
- Desktop-first, works offline.
- GST billing, e-invoicing (via add-ons).
- One-time license: ~₹18,000 + annual renewal ~₹3,600.
- Strong ecosystem with CAs/auditors.
- Zoho Books (2025):
- 100% cloud-based, auto-updates with GST law.
- Direct NIC e-invoicing + GST filing integration.
- Pricing: ₹899–₹4,999/month, depending on users.
- Integrates with Zoho Payroll, CRM, UPI payments.
- Support & Invoices:
- Tally: Partner-driven, phone support during business hours.
- Zoho: 24×5 online support, GST invoices provided.
Try GST-ready accounting tools today:
Zoho Books | Tally Solutions
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Tally Prime | Zoho Books |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop-first | Cloud-first (web + app) |
| GST Billing | Yes (manual updates) | Yes (auto-updates, NIC integration) |
| E-Invoicing | Add-ons required | Native integration |
| Collaboration | Limited | Multi-user, remote-friendly |
| Pricing | ~₹18,000 + AMC | ₹899–₹4,999/month |
| Best For | Traditional SMEs | Startups, digital SMEs |
Pros and Cons
Tally Prime
Trusted by CAs & auditors
One-time cost model
Works offline (good for low-internet areas)
Limited collaboration
Manual GST updates
Zoho Books
GST auto-filing, e-invoicing built-in
Cloud-based with mobile app
Integrates with banking & payments
Monthly subscription adds up
Needs stable internet
Smart Tips for SMEs (2025)
- If your CA firm is Tally-centric, stick with Tally Prime.
- If you’re digital-first, choose Zoho Books for e-invoicing and GST sync.
- Use Zoho Payroll alongside Zoho Books for PF/ESI compliance.
- Always buy from official partners for GST invoices.
- Reassess tools annually—compliance rules change.
Pick the right accounting tool for your SME:
Zoho Books | Tally Solutions
In 2025, the choice between Tally and Zoho Books depends on how your SME operates. Tally is trusted, offline-friendly, and CA-approved. Zoho Books is GST-native, e-invoicing ready, and perfect for startups and digital-first SMEs. Both work—pick based on your compliance and collaboration needs.
