# HelloBooks vs Busy

> Last updated: 2026-05-16
> Canonical HTML: https://hellobooks.ai/compare/hellobooks-vs-busy

Busy Accounting is a long-running desktop accounting product popular with Indian SMBs and traders. HelloBooks is the cloud-native, AI-first alternative — multi-device, AI categorization, mobile-first.

## Side-by-side

| Feature | HelloBooks | Busy |
|---------|-----------|------|
| Deployment | Cloud + mobile (browser-first) | Desktop Windows |
| Pricing | Free + Pro ₹449/mo | Perpetual ₹9,999+ + AMC |
| Multi-user | Unlimited on Pro | Per-seat licensing |
| AI features | Categorization, OCR, agent | None |
| GST | GSTR-1 / 3B / 9 + ITC reconciliation | Strong native GST |
| e-Invoicing / e-Way Bill | Native | Native |
| Inventory | Native multi-warehouse | Strong inventory (Busy heritage) |
| Mobile | First-class iOS + Android | Limited |
| Bank feed | SMS-driven (India), Plaid (US) | Manual |
| Updates | Continuous SaaS | Annual AMC |

## Key differences

**Cloud vs desktop.** Busy is fundamentally a desktop product with a hosting add-on. HelloBooks is cloud + mobile from day one.

**AI.** HelloBooks ships AI categorization, bill OCR, conversational analytics. Busy has none.

**Inventory.** Busy's traditional strength is detailed inventory for traders. HelloBooks matches the SMB-trader 80% case with multi-warehouse, batch, FIFO / weighted-avg.

**Cost model.** Busy is perpetual licence + AMC; HelloBooks is SaaS. Over 3 years HelloBooks costs less for any team >2 users.

## Choose HelloBooks if you

- Want cloud-first, mobile-first accounting.
- Have a multi-location business needing real-time consolidated view.
- Want AI categorization and bill OCR built in.
- Want unlimited users at ₹449/mo vs Busy's per-seat pricing.

## Choose Busy if you

- Are a single-shop trader with a perpetual licence already paid.
- Need very deep traditional inventory features (specific Busy modules).
- Have a reseller / implementation partner you trust.

## Migration

Excel / CSV export from Busy → import into HelloBooks. Chart of accounts, customers, vendors, transactions transfer cleanly.

Canonical HTML: https://hellobooks.ai/compare/hellobooks-vs-busy