Xero vs Bullhorn
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
Bullhorn
Bullhorn is the leading ATS and CRM platform built specifically for staffing and recruiting agencies. It combines applicant tracking with client relationship management in one purpose-built system.
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
Pros
- ✓Purpose-built for staffing agencies
- ✓Strong CRM and client management
- ✓Excellent pipeline visibility
- ✓Deep integration with job boards
- ✓Good mobile app
Cons
- ✗Not ideal for in-house recruiting teams
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Interface has a learning curve
- ✗Customization requires technical knowledge
Xero vs Bullhorn: Side by Side
| Factor | Xero | Bullhorn |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks | Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Xero Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense claims
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓inventory
- ✓project tracking
- ✓integrations
- ✓mobile app
Bullhorn Features
- ✓Applicant tracking
- ✓CRM for recruiters
- ✓resume parsing
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓reporting and analytics
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Best For
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks
Best For
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform
Also Consider
If neither Xero nor Bullhorn 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 Xero and Bullhorn?
Xero is best for small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks. Bullhorn is best for staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
Which is better, Xero or Bullhorn?
Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks. Choose Bullhorn if staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ats and client crm platform.
How much does Xero cost?
Xero starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Bullhorn cost?
Visit Bullhorn website for current pricing.
Who should use Xero?
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks
Who should use Bullhorn?
Staffing and recruiting agencies needing a combined ATS and client CRM platform