Zoho Books vs Relay: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zoho Books and Relay comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zoho Books
Comprehensive accounting as part of the Zoho ecosystem
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Zoho Books is cloud accounting software for small businesses
- • It provides invoicing, expenses, and bank reconciliation
Relay
Online business banking for clear cash flow, meticulous organization, and financial control.
Best for you if:
- • Provides online business banking with up to 20 checking accounts for cash flow clarity.
- • Offers integrated tools for bills, expenses, invoicing, and accounting integrations.
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 84/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Zoho Books | Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AccountingInvoicing | AccountingExpense Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Zoho Books and Relay solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Zoho Books positions itself as "comprehensive accounting as part of the zoho ecosystem" while Relayfocuses on "online business banking for clear cash flow, meticulous organization, and financial control.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Zoho Books
Zoho Books makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Relay
Relay is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Zoho Books lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Zoho Books
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Zoho Books handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Zoho Books
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Zoho Books
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Zoho Books, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Zoho Books higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Relay more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Zoho Books Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Relay If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Zoho Books (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Zoho Books scores higher in our analysis, but Relay might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoho Books or Relay better?
Based on our analysis, Zoho Books scores higher with 84/100. Zoho Books isfreemium while Relay is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Zoho Books to Relay easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Zoho Books and Relay offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Zoho Books is freemium with a free tier.Relay is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.