US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting - PPC Market Share Analysis May 2026

Leveraging Adthena’s Whole Market View, this analysis explores recent trends in Google Ads for the US Payroll / Accounting category from the last month. Our Data Analyst, Ask Arlo provides commentary on key findings.

Payroll / Accounting – US

Google AI Overview visibility for Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting US

See how often AIOs appear and how search intent is distributed across buying signals.

AIO Frequency

How often a Google AI overview appears on search terms relevant to this category.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 33.7803510097
66.2196489903
33%

Complex Query Frequency

A complex query is a longer, more detailed search that often contains multiple keywords, specific conditions, or multi-part questions.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 39
61
39%

Search Intent Distribution

Breakdown of search queries by their underlying goal.

Intent Distribution
Investigational 14%
Transactional 7%
Navigational 10%
Seasonal 0%
Local 0%
Problem Solving 14%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Market Exposure

Share of Clicks for top 10 US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting brands

Here are the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Clicks for the last month.

Share of Clicks - Last month
Share of Clicks - Last month
Domain Share of clicks
turbotax.intuit.com 51.54
quickbooks.intuit.com 22.44
adp.com 2.81
paycom.com 2.6
xero.com 1.71
freshbooks.com 1.66
gusto.com 1.54
sage.com 1.1
netsuite.com 0.95
taxact.com 0.87
others 12.78
  • turbotax.intuit.com - 51.54%
  • quickbooks.intuit.com - 22.44%
  • adp.com - 2.81%
  • paycom.com - 2.6%
  • xero.com - 1.71%
  • freshbooks.com - 1.66%
  • gusto.com - 1.54%
  • sage.com - 1.1%
  • netsuite.com - 0.95%
  • taxact.com - 0.87%
  • others - 12.78%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the PPC landscape, TurboTax dominates with 51.54% click share, followed by QuickBooks at 22.44%. Others collectively hold 12.78%, showcasing diverse competition.

Market Exposure

Share of Spend for the top 10 US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting brands

Curious about your market position? Here you can see the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Spend for the last month. 

Share of Spend - Last Month
Share of Spend - Last Month
Date quickbooks.intuit.com netsuite.com freshbooks.com xero.com sage.com adp.com turbotax.intuit.com gusto.com top-accountingsoftware.com surepayroll.com
2026/05/01 9.71% 7.17% 4.26% 11.07% 5.03% 9.09% 6.6% 5.07% 3.53% 1.72%
2026/05/02 8.38% 7.59% 3.5% 13.85% 3.7% 10.79% 6.33% 6.22% 1.38% 2.55%
2026/05/03 8.46% 5.62% 6.4% 9.58% 3.9% 12.29% 4.75% 5.5% 1.61% 2.73%
2026/05/04 10.42% 5.94% 7.69% 9.93% 3.34% 8.35% 5.39% 4.32% 2.77% 1.76%
2026/05/05 9.81% 8.71% 6.8% 10.7% 11.08% 10.42% 4.58% 4.78% 1.65% 1.27%
2026/05/06 8.4% 8.5% 7.9% 6.57% 10.69% 10.84% 5.57% 5.34% 2.89% 1.5%
2026/05/07 11.37% 9.16% 5.21% 6.65% 11.15% 9.5% 5.77% 5.37% 1.74% 1.49%
2026/05/08 10.39% 8.92% 6.4% 5.96% 7.68% 8.7% 5.98% 5.21% 2.3% 1.49%
2026/05/09 7.53% 8.41% 5.41% 8.78% 4.43% 10.73% 5.89% 4.29% 1.69% 2.17%
2026/05/10 8.61% 8.73% 7.63% 9.15% 3.25% 9.45% 5.83% 4.38% 1.54% 2.02%
2026/05/11 9.25% 8.49% 10.07% 7.74% 5.26% 7.96% 4.25% 3.36% 3.27% 1.22%
2026/05/12 9.64% 8% 9.25% 8.5% 7.69% 6.27% 4.52% 3.26% 3.69% 1.62%
2026/05/13 9.43% 8.33% 6.99% 5.36% 8.38% 9.74% 5.87% 5.87% 2.73% 1.99%
2026/05/14 11.33% 8.33% 8.17% 4.05% 12.21% 7.86% 4.61% 3.57% 4.23% 1.87%
2026/05/15 10.37% 8.91% 6.39% 5.96% 7.67% 8.69% 5.98% 5.21% 2.3% 1.49%
2026/05/16 10.41% 7.45% 7.4% 15.06% 4.32% 8.98% 4.35% 3.41% 3.01% 2.96%
2026/05/17 11.06% 7.98% 4.78% 18.85% 2.25% 8.98% 4.62% 3.15% 1.53% 1.93%
2026/05/18 8.3% 9.9% 2.99% 13.64% 8.55% 9.55% 4.71% 3.44% 2.19% 2.12%
2026/05/19 11.8% 7.52% 3.61% 12.23% 5.81% 7.88% 5.73% 6.89% 2.45% 2.22%
2026/05/20 16.03% 9.02% 6.29% 5.14% 8.88% 7.3% 4.11% 4.77% 3.15% 1.49%
2026/05/21 19.44% 10.01% 6.75% 5.09% 4.87% 8.07% 3.49% 4.45% 2.36% 1.01%
2026/05/22 18.59% 8.49% 4.16% 6.03% 4.85% 8.03% 4.45% 4.46% 2.12% 1.91%
2026/05/23 20.92% 4.53% 4.42% 7.67% 3.81% 6.4% 4.66% 3.59% 3.85% 2.05%
2026/05/24 21.55% 5.91% 3.73% 9.47% 3.86% 6.97% 4.02% 4.34% 2.06% 2.27%
2026/05/25 18.72% 5.3% 2.9% 5.63% 5.38% 5.38% 3.81% 3.65% 2.72% 1.52%
2026/05/26 19.94% 7.76% 7.98% 4.44% 6.31% 5.55% 3.13% 4.23% 3.41% 1.24%
2026/05/27 20.99% 6.1% 8.48% 2.45% 5.91% 8.17% 3.35% 3.78% 2.38% 1.23%
2026/05/28 22.74% 6.12% 6.9% 2.03% 6.06% 8.61% 4.17% 4.92% 3.33% 1.21%
2026/05/29 19.27% 7.94% 6.69% 2.63% 7.33% 7.36% 4.65% 4.83% 1.78% 1.66%
2026/05/30 20.01% 8.3% 8.62% 4.89% 4.63% 5.56% 3.71% 3.93% 3.16% 1.61%
2026/05/31 19.82% 7.82% 6.97% 6.13% 5.36% 5.22% 5.13% 4.36% 1.56% 1.41%
  • quickbooks.intuit.com
  • netsuite.com
  • freshbooks.com
  • xero.com
  • sage.com
  • adp.com
  • turbotax.intuit.com
  • gusto.com
  • top-accountingsoftware.com
  • surepayroll.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In May 2026, QuickBooks saw a significant rise in PPC spend share, peaking at 22.74% on May 28. Meanwhile, Xero’s share fluctuated, starting strong but declining mid-month. FreshBooks and Sage experienced moderate fluctuations, while ADP maintained a steady presence. The month concluded with QuickBooks leading the pack.

Market Exposure

Competitor Count for US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting

Ever wondered how many competitors you’re up against in your industry? Well look no further, here we can see the number of advertisers bidding over the last month. 

Competitor Count - Last month
Competitor Count - Last month
Date Competitor Count
2026/05/01 572
2026/05/02 558
2026/05/03 561
2026/05/04 578
2026/05/05 574
2026/05/06 567
2026/05/07 573
2026/05/08 584
2026/05/09 560
2026/05/10 570
2026/05/11 606
2026/05/12 618
2026/05/13 588
2026/05/14 607
2026/05/15 584
2026/05/16 609
2026/05/17 611
2026/05/18 615
2026/05/19 594
2026/05/20 583
2026/05/21 591
2026/05/22 599
2026/05/23 601
2026/05/24 600
2026/05/25 721
2026/05/26 725
2026/05/27 703
2026/05/28 682
2026/05/29 682
2026/05/30 675
2026/05/31 682

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

May saw a dynamic shift in advertisers, starting at 572 and peaking at 725. The month concluded with a stable 682, reflecting a vibrant advertising landscape.

Campaign Efficiency

Market Loss & Market Gains for US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting

Here we’re looking at the Top 10 biggest industry movers by market share gains and losses for the last 30 days.

Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Name Market Trend
quickbooks.intuit.com 4.1%
paycor.com 0.52%
paypal.com 0.44%
intuit.com 0.22%
quicken.com 0.19%
ramp.com -0.13%
sage.com -0.15%
certinia.com -0.32%
xero.com -0.51%
turbotax.intuit.com -5.94%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

QuickBooks surged with a 4.10% click share increase, while TurboTax dropped by 5.94%. Paycor and PayPal saw modest gains, contrasting with declines for Xero and Certinia.

Campaign Efficiency

US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting Share of Impressions

Take a look at the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Impressions over the last month.

Date turbotax.intuit.com quickbooks.intuit.com freshbooks.com xero.com netsuite.com gusto.com adp.com freetaxusa.com sage.com forbes.com
2026/05/01 28.19% 11.61% 6.16% 6.08% 3.63% 2.67% 3.79% 3.84% 1.66% 1.07%
2026/05/02 26.73% 9.66% 5.41% 8.61% 3.83% 3.84% 4.92% 3.46% 1.61% 0.92%
2026/05/03 20.11% 10.15% 5.37% 7.52% 3.24% 4.11% 8.66% 2.28% 1.42% 0.53%
2026/05/04 23% 11.68% 6.51% 6.09% 3.58% 2.33% 4.42% 2.81% 1.18% 1.15%
2026/05/05 21.31% 12.18% 6.38% 6.92% 5.24% 2.87% 7.52% 3.76% 4.4% 1.96%
2026/05/06 23.65% 10.51% 7.22% 5.22% 4.47% 3.86% 7.14% 5.14% 3.46% 1.67%
2026/05/07 25.28% 15.04% 5.63% 5.65% 4.5% 2.93% 5.96% 2.08% 3.83% 0.93%
2026/05/08 25.62% 13.34% 7.06% 3.85% 3.48% 2.87% 4.53% 2.68% 3.2% 2.17%
2026/05/09 22.24% 10.58% 5.96% 5.6% 3.39% 2.57% 6.29% 6.55% 2.23% 1.45%
2026/05/10 21.18% 10.4% 6.23% 5.79% 3.42% 3.34% 6.15% 5.71% 1.54% 1.87%
2026/05/11 18.91% 11.62% 8% 4.58% 3.45% 2.82% 6.39% 3.74% 2.15% 1.04%
2026/05/12 19.16% 11.29% 7.41% 4.71% 3.85% 2.76% 4.19% 6.25% 2.72% 1.72%
2026/05/13 24.1% 11.49% 5.38% 3.08% 3.2% 4.97% 7.37% 5.34% 2.77% 2.59%
2026/05/14 21.05% 12.91% 6.38% 2.48% 3.5% 3.26% 5.14% 4.41% 5.24% 1.61%
2026/05/15 25.62% 13.34% 7.06% 3.85% 3.48% 2.87% 4.53% 2.68% 3.2% 2.17%
2026/05/16 18.37% 11.89% 5.33% 9.83% 2.93% 2.23% 6.56% 4.21% 2.29% 2.24%
2026/05/17 20.63% 11.86% 3.7% 11.4% 3.12% 2.56% 6.02% 3.47% 1.2% 2.98%
2026/05/18 21.07% 10.12% 3.17% 9.32% 3.89% 3.07% 6.04% 5.58% 3.13% 1.51%
2026/05/19 23.94% 12.57% 3.77% 8.64% 3% 4.25% 5.25% 2.63% 1.85% 1.47%
2026/05/20 18.97% 15.03% 5.89% 3.17% 3.7% 3.89% 5.48% 2.67% 2.8% 1.71%
2026/05/21 16.17% 14.17% 6.5% 3.18% 4.01% 4.45% 5.68% 2.49% 1.75% 2.39%
2026/05/22 20.42% 14.6% 4.2% 4.42% 3.01% 2.99% 6.13% 4% 1.85% 2.13%
2026/05/23 18.54% 15.84% 4.3% 6.26% 1.75% 2.29% 3.94% 5.28% 1.41% 3.05%
2026/05/24 16.78% 15.07% 4.36% 6.61% 2.07% 3.54% 5.24% 3.34% 1.81% 1.81%
2026/05/25 16% 14.63% 3.53% 3.52% 1.99% 3.24% 3.4% 4.33% 1.98% 1.73%
2026/05/26 14.37% 14.11% 7.87% 3.25% 2.95% 3.02% 4.63% 2.22% 3.01% 2.39%
2026/05/27 15.05% 16.15% 8.56% 2.27% 2.28% 2.82% 6.03% 2.06% 2.12% 2.76%
2026/05/28 17.9% 18.32% 7.31% 1.99% 2.48% 3.45% 6.4% 4.58% 2.21% 2.16%
2026/05/29 18.75% 16.51% 6.48% 1.4% 4.98% 3.2% 5.7% 2.42% 2.87% 2.41%
2026/05/30 16.63% 17.07% 7.34% 3.2% 5.54% 2.2% 4.47% 2.19% 2.24% 1.79%
2026/05/31 20.52% 14.57% 6.35% 4.87% 4.57% 3.73% 3.51% 3.13% 1.86% 1.66%
  • turbotax.intuit.com
  • quickbooks.intuit.com
  • freshbooks.com
  • xero.com
  • netsuite.com
  • gusto.com
  • adp.com
  • freetaxusa.com
  • sage.com
  • forbes.com

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In May 2026, TurboTax led with fluctuating impressions, peaking early and stabilizing mid-month. QuickBooks showed consistent growth, while FreshBooks and Xero experienced volatility. By month’s end, TurboTax maintained dominance, with QuickBooks gaining momentum.

Campaign Efficiency

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting

Ever wondered how your rivals’ ads are doing? Here we can see the top-performing ads in the industry over the last month.

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for US Software & Technology Payroll / Accounting - Last month
  1. 1
    FreshBooks: For Small Business - Plans as Low as $2.10/Month https://www.freshbooks.com

    You Don’t Need an Accounting Degree to Keep Your Books Organized. FreshBooks Makes It Easy

  2. 2
    Online Accounting Software - All-In-One Solution https://www.netsuite.com › accounting › online

    Transform your general ledger, optimize AR, & automate AP with NetSuite. Get your product tour today! Types: Accounting Software, Financial Management, Inventory Management.

  3. 3
    QuickBooks® Online https://quickbooks.intuit.com › quickbooks › online

    QuickBooks® With Confidence — Accounting Agent Automates And Categorizes Transactions And Preps Your Books For Tax Time.

  4. 4
    TurboTax® Official Site https://turbotax.intuit.com › official-site

    File Your Taxes Online — File Your Taxes Online w/ America's Leader In Taxes. File And Get Your Tax Refund.

  5. 5
    Accounting for Small Business | Ditch Quick, Try Xero https://www.xero.com

    Manage your business' financial tasks with Our easy-to-use accounting software. Xero accounting...

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the competitive landscape of accounting software, FreshBooks stands out with affordability, offering plans from $2.10/month. NetSuite emphasizes comprehensive solutions, while QuickBooks and TurboTax focus on automation and tax preparation. Xero invites users to switch with user-friendly features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Success Stories

Get the full picture

See this data specific to your brand performance

The data on this page is just a sample of the billions of data points we hold at Adthena. The insights generated by Ask Arlo, leverage real-time GenAI to answer questions about your search data.

Our search consultants can introduce you to Whole Market View data that is specific to your organization, based on the size of the relevant search term and competitor universe, and the locations that you need monitoring.

Related reports