We're not the cheapest option.
And that's the point.
We're not trying to win on price. We're built for contractors and service businesses that have outgrown commodity bookkeeping and want a real financial partner. Here's how we compare to the three most common alternatives — honestly, including where each of them genuinely wins.
Premium on purpose. Honest about the tradeoffs.
We're not the cheapest option — and that's by design. Here's how we compare to the three most common alternatives contractors consider. Every page lists published competitor pricing, tells you where the other guys are genuinely better, and who each option is actually best for. If a competitor is the right answer for your business, we'll say so — and then point you toward them.
Pick the comparison that fits your situation.
BDB vs. Bench
Proprietary software vs. QuickBooks/Xero. Team-based vs. dedicated. Generic vs. contractor-specialized. And the 2024 shutdown saga.
Compare →BDB vs. QuickBooks Live
The true monthly cost once you add the required QBO subscription. Scope, rotating bookkeepers, and what "Live" actually covers.
Compare →BDB vs. Local CPA
Monthly rhythm vs. tax-season scramble. Live dashboards vs. PDFs in April. When a CPA is still the right answer — and when it isn't.
Compare →All four options at a glance.
Click any comparison above for the full breakdown — pricing, 10+ feature rows, and an honest "where they win" section for each.
| BDB | Bench | QuickBooks Live | Local CPA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting monthly price | Basic $195+ Essentials $495+ Pro $995+ CFO $1,500+ | $299/mo | ~$300/mo + QBO | $400 – $1,500/mo |
| Contractor / job-costing focus | Yes | No | No | Sometimes |
| Dedicated bookkeeper | Yes | Team | Rotating | Yes |
| Monthly strategy call included | Yes | No | No | Hourly billed |
| Software you own (QBO / Xero) | Yes | Proprietary | QBO only | Yes |
| Monthly close cadence | Consistent monthly rhythm | 2 – 4 weeks | 2 – 3 weeks | 30 – 45 days |
| Project Tools software included | Yes — free | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Files your tax return | No (coordinates w/ CPA) | Premium tier | No | Yes |
* Delivered through BDB Project Tools — included free with every package.
We're not trying to win every row — especially the price row.
Bench is cheaper for a solo service business. QuickBooks Live is legitimately cheaper for a side-hustle with 40 transactions a month. Your local CPA already knows your family and your tax return. These are real advantages, and we say so on every page.
What we offer is different, not cheaper: a dedicated trades-literate advisor (not a rotating pool), monthly strategy baked in, Project Tools so your books and your jobs are one system, a consistent monthly close rhythm, and scoped engagements — we only take clients we can serve well. If that's the partnership you're looking for, let's talk. If it isn't, we'll tell you.
Let's spend 30 minutes on it — free.
Bring your questions. We'll tell you straight whether BDB is the right fit — and if we're not, who is.