# Puzzle vs Lopifi: AI accounting software or AI bookkeeping

> Puzzle is AI-native accounting software that replaces QuickBooks, with optional bookkeeping services. How it compares with Lopifi, and who each fits.

Source: https://lopifi.com/compare/puzzle
Part of: Lopifi — US GAAP books on autopilot, reviewed by a CPA (https://lopifi.com)

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Puzzle builds AI-native accounting software and sells bookkeeping on top of it. Lopifi is bookkeeping done inside the ledger you already use. Here is what each publishes.

**The short answer.** Puzzle is AI-native accounting software with its own ledger and bookkeeping services on top. Lopifi keeps your existing QuickBooks Online or Xero file closed on US GAAP and has a CPA review it quarterly, for $200 a month.

## Side by side

| Question | Puzzle | Lopifi |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | AI-native accounting software; Puzzle prepares the work and you approve it. ([puzzle.io](https://puzzle.io/), checked 2026-10-17) | AI agents categorize, reconcile and close as transactions happen. Anything that needs judgment waits for your sign-off. |
| Ledger | Puzzle's own ledger, sold as a QuickBooks replacement. ([Puzzle pricing](https://puzzle.io/pricing), checked 2026-10-17) | Your own QuickBooks Online or Xero file, synced both ways. Set up for you if you have none. |
| Basis | Cash and accrual books. ([Puzzle pricing](https://puzzle.io/pricing), checked 2026-10-17) | Accrual, US GAAP, with a lead schedule behind every balance and a monthly close you sign. |
| Price | Software $30–$360/mo billed annually; bookkeeping from $171/mo. ([Puzzle pricing](https://puzzle.io/pricing), checked 2026-10-17) | $200 a month, flat. Planned price; not open yet. |
| Tax returns | From $1,250/yr plus $250 per state. ([Puzzle pricing](https://puzzle.io/pricing), checked 2026-10-17) | Not included. Deadlines are tracked, and a closed year goes to your tax preparer. |

## Software you run, or books kept for you

The first question is whether you want a better tool or fewer hours. Software, however automated, still needs someone to own the close and answer for the numbers.

Lopifi sells the second: agents do the work, you confirm what needs judgment, and a licensed CPA reviews the result every quarter. It does that in QuickBooks Online or Xero, so there is no migration.

## When Puzzle is the better choice

- You need your books kept this month. Lopifi is a waitlist and lets companies in a few at a time.
- You want accounting software you control, with the option to add bookkeeping later.
- You want cash and accrual books in one product.
- You are early and simple enough for the $171 Expert Reviewed plan.

## When Lopifi is the better choice

- You want to stay in the QuickBooks Online or Xero file your CPA and investors already open. Lopifi works inside it and syncs both ways.
- You want the books kept for you and reviewed by a CPA, not a tool to keep them yourself.
- You want one flat price: $200 a month, reviewed by a CPA every quarter.

## What we checked about Puzzle

- Puzzle calls itself AI-native accounting software with a real-time general ledger: Puzzle prepares the work, and you approve it. Source: [puzzle.io](https://puzzle.io/), checked 2026-10-17.
- Puzzle's Core plan is marketed as a QuickBooks replacement, migration is $149 per system moved, and its guarantee requires Puzzle as the primary ledger. Source: [Puzzle pricing](https://puzzle.io/pricing), checked 2026-10-17.
- Software plans run from $30 to $360 a month billed annually. Expert Reviewed bookkeeping is $171 a month for businesses with up to $10K in monthly expenses. Source: [Puzzle pricing](https://puzzle.io/pricing), checked 2026-10-17.
- Puzzle's plans include cash and accrual books, and tax filing from $1,250 a year plus $250 for each state. Source: [Puzzle pricing](https://puzzle.io/pricing), checked 2026-10-17.

## Common questions

### Does Puzzle work inside QuickBooks?

No. Puzzle is its own general ledger and markets itself as a QuickBooks replacement. You migrate into it.

### How much does Puzzle cost?

Software starts at $30 a month billed annually. Expert Reviewed bookkeeping is $171 a month for companies with up to $10K in monthly expenses.

### What is the difference between Puzzle and Lopifi?

Puzzle is software with services on top; you move your ledger to it. Lopifi is a service that works in your existing QuickBooks Online or Xero file, closes on US GAAP as transactions happen and adds a quarterly CPA review.