RemoteBooksOnline vs Bench: Which Bookkeeping Service Is Right for Your Small Business?
For small business owners seeking dependable, affordable bookkeeping, two names often come up: RemoteBooksOnline and Bench. While both services offer remote bookkeeping tailored to entrepreneurs, they differ significantly in pricing models, technology, and how hands-on their support truly is.
Download Our Free Brochure →This guide breaks down RemoteBooksOnline vs Bench to help you choose the right solution for your business.
Service Offerings
| Feature/Service | RemoteBooksOnline | Pairo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Yes — CPA-reviewed, handled in-house | Depends on freelance partner hired via platform |
| Catch-Up Bookkeeping | Yes — up to 24+ months | Offered by select freelancers only |
| Tax Filing Support | No — tax-ready books provided | Depends on freelancer — not standardized |
| White-Label for CPAs | Yes | No |
| Industry Flexibility | All SMBs — real estate, law, ecommerce, etc. | Varies by available freelancers |
RemoteBooksOnline supports more industries, offers CPA-reviewed reports on both QuickBooks and Xero, and allows white-label services for accounting firms – unlike Bench.
Pricing Comparison
- RemoteBooksOnline offers flat-rate pricing starting at an affordable monthly rate, with no hourly billing. Clients get a free first month to evaluate the service.
- Bench offers tiered monthly plans starting higher, and charges extra for tax filing or catch-up bookkeeping. Plans are bundled with their proprietary software.
Verdict: RBO is more affordable and transparent, especially for small businesses that already use QuickBooks or Xero.
Technology & Integration
- RemoteBooksOnline integrates directly with QuickBooks and Xero, letting clients continue using tools they know.
- Bench uses proprietary software. You must switch platforms, which can create friction during onboarding and tax season.
Verdict: RBO fits into your existing workflow. Bench requires you to adapt to theirs.
Customer Support
- RemoteBooksOnline offers dedicated bookkeepers, a CPA reviewer, and live chat/email support – with no ticket system runaround.
- Bench offers support through its dashboard, but some users report limited access to their bookkeeping team and less personalized service.
Verdict: RBO delivers more direct, personal support and consistent reviewer continuity.
User Reviews & Reputation
- RemoteBooksOnline is praised for affordability, ease of onboarding, and quality CPA-reviewed books, especially among QuickBooks users.
- Bench is popular for its user-friendly interface but receives mixed reviews for limited flexibility and higher costs.
Notable Review Themes:
- RBO: “Simple and accurate,” “Saved us during tax season,” “QuickBooks sync is seamless.”
- Bench: “Great design,” “Expensive add-ons,” “Hard to migrate out.”
Pros and Cons
RemoteBooksOnline – Pros:
- Flat-rate pricing and free month
- CPA-reviewed reports
- Supports QuickBooks and Xero
- White-label option for CPAs
- Fast onboarding and catch-up
Bench – Pros:
- Clean user interface
- Monthly reports included
- Optional tax filing
RBO – Cons:
Download Our Free Brochure →- Doesn’t offer direct tax filing
- No mobile app
Bench – Cons:
- Higher cost tiers
- Doesn’t support QuickBooks or Xero
- Limited industry flexibility
Test Case: Retail Shop in Chicago
Background: A brick-and-mortar retail shop in Chicago fell 10 months behind on its bookkeeping. The owner was using QuickBooks but didn’t have time to reconcile or categorize transactions.
Solution: RemoteBooksOnline completed full catch-up work within 3 weeks, reviewed by a CPA, and restored clean books synced to QuickBooks.
Results:
- Discovered and corrected $7,500 in miscategorized expenses
- Reduced tax prep time by 60%
- Owner gained cash flow clarity and avoided penalties
The client appreciated that they didn’t have to learn new software or leave their current tools.
FAQs
Does RemoteBooksOnline file taxes?
No, but all books are CPA-reviewed and tax-ready for your accountant.
Can I switch from Bench to RBO?
Yes. We can help migrate your financials and restart clean in QuickBooks or Xero.
What if I’m behind on my books?
We offer full catch-up bookkeeping, even if you’re 2+ years behind.
Do I have to use new software with RBO?
No. We integrate with the tools you already use – no retraining needed.
Is there a contract?
No contracts, no hidden fees. Just fixed monthly pricing and a free trial to start.
Conclusion: Which One’s Right for You?
If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable, CPA-reviewed bookkeeping service that works with your existing tools and supports true catch-up and white-label needs, RemoteBooksOnline is the better fit for most small businesses.
Bench may work for newer startups comfortable with its custom software and bundled pricing, but it comes at a higher cost and with less flexibility.
Explore our full range of bookkeeping services designed for small businesses looking for accuracy, simplicity, and CPA-reviewed financials.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
CPA and bookkeeping firms can scale faster with our white-label bookkeeping services fully branded for your clients.
Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Service? Start Here.
