QuickBooks vs Xero
Last updated July 6, 2026
Deciding between QuickBooks and Xero? Here's how they stack up on price, fit and migration effort — so you can pick the right accounting software tool without second-guessing.
Pricing disclaimer: All prices are list prices in USD, shown for general information only as of July 6, 2026, and may have changed since. Plans, tiers and features vary by region and are frequently updated by each vendor. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice — always confirm current pricing and terms on the provider's official website before you buy.
| QuickBooks | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $38/mo (Simple Start) | $25/mo |
| Free tier | — | No |
| Best for | Established users on its plans | Growing teams that need multiple users without paying per seat. |
| Migration effort | — | Moderate |
| Rating | — | 4.4 ★ |
Why teams switch from QuickBooks
- ✕Repeated annual price increases — the entry Simple Start plan now lists at $38/mo, with mid and top tiers at $75, $115 and $275/mo.
- ✕Per-plan user caps: Simple Start allows just one billable user, forcing upgrades as teams grow.
- ✕Aggressive upsells and add-on pricing (payroll, payments) that inflate the real monthly cost.
- ✕A dated, cluttered UI that many non-accountants find hard to learn.
Where Xero wins
- ✓No per-user fees — huge for growing teams
- ✓Clean, modern interface
- ✓Strong ecosystem of add-ons
…and where it doesn't
- ✕Entry plan caps invoices/bills per month
- ✕Phone support is limited
- ✕Payroll requires Gusto integration in the US
The verdict on Xero
Xero is the alternative most former QuickBooks users land on, and for good reason: every plan includes unlimited users, so you're not punished for adding your bookkeeper and business partner. The interface is noticeably cleaner than QuickBooks, bank reconciliation is fast, and the app marketplace is deep. The catch is the entry Early plan limits how many invoices and bills you can enter each month, so very active businesses jump to Growing. Payroll is handled through a Gusto integration rather than natively in the US. Migration is well-trodden — Xero and third-party tools can import QuickBooks data — but budget a weekend to reconcile.
Try XeroWhat real users say: QuickBooks vs Xero
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Frequently asked questions
Is Xero cheaper than QuickBooks?
Xero starts at $25/mo, compared with QuickBooks from $38/mo (Simple Start). Standard price: Early $25/mo, Growing $55/mo, Established $90/mo (US list; a first-3-months intro of $5/$11/$18 is common). 30-day free trial.
Is it hard to migrate from QuickBooks to Xero?
Migration difficulty is rated Moderate. Migration is well-trodden — Xero and third-party tools can import QuickBooks data — but budget a weekend to reconcile.
Who should choose Xero over QuickBooks?
Xero is best for: Growing teams that need multiple users without paying per seat. If that describes your situation, it's a strong QuickBooks alternative.
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