Sage One vs Sage 50: What is the difference?

24 April 2020 | Produced by NILC

This post has been created because we often have people enquiring as to the difference between Sage One and Sage 50.  They are very different accounting packages, and whilst Sage One is cloud-based, Sage 50 is not, even though it has now been re-branded as Sage 50 cloud.  Before we discuss this though, let’s first look at Sage One…

Sage One

Sage One is a cloud-based accounting and invoice management solution for small businesses. It offers core accounting, project accounting, expense management and compliance management.  With this software you can manage all the documentation and processes required in business payments such as price quotes, estimates, statements and invoices. It offers integration with major banks and allows you to import all payment transactions automatically. Information is available in a single dashboard, which makes it easier to stay up to date on cash flow and pending payments.  As well as this Sage One can manage tax and offers cash flow forecasting. 

As an online accounting solution that is designed for micro businesses (up to a maximum of 10 employees), Sage One consists of a very basic cash book and a more detailed Sage One accounts book.  It provides a basic report and offers a 24-hour helpline too (very useful if you encounter any problems or have any queries).  It can be used on an Apple device which is something Sage 50 cannot do.  If you are looking for a simple accounting package that allows you to produce profit/loss and balance sheets as well as smart invoices that can be emailed to clients, then Sage One is what you should look at. 

Rebranding

Sage One is now known as Sage Business Cloud Accounting.

Low monthly subscription

There is a low-cost monthly subscription for Sage One and there are two subscription options available; Accounting Start and Accounting.  (Currently, a 40% discount is running on both options).  Accounting Start is normally £12 per month (currently £3.60) and Accounting is normally £24 per month (currently £7.20).  A free 30-day trial is available for both. Prices correct at time of writing. 

Sage 50

Sage 50 is a much more detailed desktop solution.   It is a powerful accounting software for established businesses and with it you will be able to keep track of sales, expenses and profit, and quickly analyse business performance with a range of reports.  There is the option to use Sage 50 mobile (an iPhone app that allows you to download your accounts). 

Sage 50 offers more reporting options and functionality than Sage One and includes stock control, sales order processing, purchase order processing and project processing (depending on the Sage 50 level that you choose).  It offers in-depth business reports and can be integrated with Microsoft Office 365 for online backup, intelligent reporting, and Outlook contact sharing.

Rebranding

Sage 50 is now known as Sage 50 cloud Accounts and combines the power and productivity of a trusted desktop solution, with secure online access.

Higher monthly subscription

Sage 50 is much more expensive than Sage One and there are three options available; Sage 50 Essential, Standard or Professional.  For the Essential subscription there is no free trial and no free technical support.  Subscription costs £25 per month.  For the Standard subscription there is a 30-day free trial and 3 free support sessions and subscription costs £65 per month.  The Professional subscription also comes with a 30-day free trial and support is unlimited.  However, the subscription is £132 per month.  There is currently no discount available on any of the Sage 50 subscriptions. Prices correct at time of writing.