Pilot vs Xero
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
Xero
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular with small businesses and accountants worldwide. It is known for its clean interface, strong bank reconciliation tools, and excellent integration ecosystem. Xero is particularly popular in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, and is considered the main alternative to QuickBooks for cloud-based accounting.
Pros
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
Pros
- ✓Beautiful and intuitive interface — one of the cleanest in accounting software
- ✓Unlimited users on all plans — no per-seat pricing
- ✓Excellent bank reconciliation with smart matching
- ✓Strong ecosystem of 1000+ integrations
Cons
- ✗Payroll requires a separate add-on in most regions
- ✗Inventory management is basic compared to QuickBooks
- ✗Reporting is less comprehensive than QuickBooks on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support is primarily online with no phone support
Pilot vs Xero: Side by Side
| Factor | Pilot | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $15/mo |
| Best For | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software | Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Xero Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense claims
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓inventory
- ✓project tracking
- ✓integrations
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks
How Pilot and Xero Are Similar
- •Both are Accounting Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Pilot nor Xero is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pilot and Xero?
Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Xero is best for small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks.
Which is better, Pilot or Xero?
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
How much does Xero cost?
Xero starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Who should use Xero?
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks