Xero vs QuickBooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
QuickBooks is our recommended pick for most teams — small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Try QuickBooks →Read our full QuickBooks review →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.
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the world's leading accounting software for small and mid-size businesses. Built by Intuit, it handles bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting in one platform. QuickBooks is used by over 7 million businesses worldwide and is the de facto standard for small business accounting in the US.
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
- ✓Industry standard — most accountants and bookkeepers are familiar with QuickBooks
- ✓Comprehensive feature set covering all accounting needs
- ✓Strong ecosystem of integrations with 750+ apps
- ✓Excellent tax preparation and filing tools
Cons
- ✗Can be expensive as you add features and users
- ✗Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
- ✗Customer support quality has declined according to many users
- ✗Price increases frequently frustrate long-term customers
Xero vs QuickBooks: Side by Side
| Factor | Xero | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | 4.6/5 ★ |
| Category | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | $30/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks | Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software |
| Our Pick | — | 🏆 Recommended |
Xero Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense claims
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓inventory
- ✓project tracking
- ✓integrations
- ✓mobile app
QuickBooks Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓payroll
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓inventory management
- ✓mobile app
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks
PaidStarts at $30/mo
Simple Start: $30/mo · Essentials: $60/mo · Plus: $90/mo · Advanced: $200/mo
See full pricing →Best Use Cases
QuickBooks
- →Small businesses managing invoicing and expenses
- →Self-employed professionals tracking income and taxes
- →Companies wanting accounting software with payroll add-on
Who Should NOT Use These Tools
QuickBooks is NOT ideal for:
- ✗Large enterprises needing multi-entity accounting
- ✗Companies requiring advanced inventory management
- ✗Businesses outside North America
Integrations
QuickBooks
Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Gusto, TSheets, HubSpot, Salesforce, Expensify
Our Take
Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Best For
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks
Best For
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software
How Xero and QuickBooks 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 Xero nor QuickBooks 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 QuickBooks?
Xero is best for small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks. QuickBooks is best for small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
Which is better, Xero or QuickBooks?
Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks. Choose QuickBooks if small to mid-size us businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software.
How much does Xero cost?
Xero starts at $15/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks starts at $30/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Xero?
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks
Who should use QuickBooks?
Small to mid-size US businesses wanting the industry standard accounting software