Allison Murray/ZDNET
If you're trying to select an accounting platform that will grow with your business while managing costs effectively, both Xero and QuickBooks offer competing products starting at $29 per month. However, they're each good at different things.
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Xero stands out for its user-friendly interface and flexible pricing structure that includes unlimited users across all plans. The platform excels in international business support with multicurrency capabilities and strong third-party integrations. QuickBooks offers more powerful features for US-based businesses, including advanced reporting, job costing, and 24/7 live chat and phone assistance.
Both platforms dominate the small-to-medium business accounting space, but each has distinct advantages that could make or break your financial workflow. It often comes down to whether you prioritize unlimited user access and global features or prefer comprehensive US-focused tools with advanced customization. Let's break that down in more detail.
Specifications
Xero QuickBooks Starting price $29 per month $35 per month Users included Unlimited users on all plans Limited users depending on plan Monthly invoices/bills Limited on lower plans Unlimited on all plans Third-party integrations 1,000+ integrations 750+ integrations Inventory management Basic inventory tracking in all plans Limited functionality depending on plan Time tracking Limited, available as add-on Unlimited time tracking on higher plans Multicurrency support Built-in multicurrency support Limited international features Customer support Email requests and callbacks only 24/7 live chat and scheduled phone support Mobile app iOS and Android iOS and Android Free trial 30 days 30 days Advanced reporting Project tracking and analytics in higher tiers Advanced reporting, job costing, automation in higher plans Accountant collaboration Real-time collaboration with advisors Designed for seamless accountant collaboration Compliance standards International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Sales tax returns Can create sales tax returns Cannot create sales tax returns
You should choose Xero if...
1. You need unlimited team collaboration without paying per user
Xero's unlimited user access across all plans makes it an exceptional choice for businesses with large teams or multiple departments that need accounting system access. Unlike QuickBooks, which restricts user numbers based on subscription tiers, Xero allows you to add accountants, bookkeepers, managers, and staff members without additional fees. This is a priority for growing businesses that don't want to worry about escalating costs as they expand their team.
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