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Xero vs QuickBooks
By Cathy Riddell · Prices checked 25 Oct 2026 · Last updated 25 Oct 2026
How this page was made: I compared each vendor’s official pricing and feature pages on 25 Oct 2026. Hands-on test notes are added only after I’ve used the product on a real account; until then they’re marked as pending. My review method.
How do Xero and QuickBooks compare?
| Tool | Best for | Price (official page) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero | Growing businesses wanting no per-user fees | US: Early US$27/mo, Growing US$59/mo, Established US$97/mo (official page, checked 25 Oct 2026) | Visit Xero |
| QuickBooks Online | US small businesses whose accountant uses QuickBooks | Check current pricing on the official QuickBooks Online pricing page | Visit QuickBooks Online |
What does Xero cost?
| Plan (US) | Price after intro offer | Notes (official page) |
|---|---|---|
| Early | US$27/mo | Send quotes and 20 invoices; reconcile bank transactions; 60-day cash flow forecast |
| Growing | US$59/mo | Adds automation and performance dashboards |
| Established | US$97/mo | Multi-currency, projects, expense claims, 180-day cash flow forecast |
On 25 Oct 2026 Xero US offered 90% off the first 6 months, ending 2 November 2026. Payroll is an add-on (Xero Payroll powered by Gusto: US$36/mo + US$6 per person). Prices differ in Australia, the UK and other countries, so use your country’s Xero site.
What does QuickBooks cost?
QuickBooks’ pricing page couldn’t be read when I checked, so I’m not quoting a price. Check current QuickBooks pricing.
Which is better in Australia?
Check that your accountant or bookkeeper works with your chosen tool and that it handles your local tax reporting. [Cathy to add: her AU perspective, e.g. what her accountant uses]
Which should you choose?
- Want unlimited users without per-seat fees: Xero says it has no per-user licence fees.
- Your US accountant already works in QuickBooks: stay with QuickBooks.
- Want a cheaper option: see QuickBooks alternatives, including Zoho Books’ free plan.
[Cathy to add: hands-on notes from a real Xero and QuickBooks account: plan tested, date, what was set up, screenshots]
Visit Xero Visit QuickBooks Online
Frequently asked questions
Is Xero cheaper than QuickBooks?
Xero US plans run US$27, US$59 and US$97 a month (official page, 25 Oct 2026). Check QuickBooks’ current page, as it often runs promotions.
Does Xero charge per user?
Xero’s US pricing page says there are no per-user licence fees.
Is Xero or QuickBooks better in Australia?
Both are available. Ask your accountant which they support and compare local plans.
Cathy is an Adelaide-based digital agency founder who sets up and runs small-business software for real clients. She writes every BizStacked guide and keeps the prices on each page dated and sourced. How I review →
Related guides
Sources
- https://www.xero.com/us/pricing-plans/: Xero official pricing page, checked 25 Oct 2026
- https://quickbooks.intuit.com/pricing/: QuickBooks Online official pricing page, could not be read in full on 25 Oct 2026; no price quoted
Prices are in USD unless stated and come only from the official vendor pages above. Vendors change prices and run promotions often, so confirm on the official page before you buy. Star ratings aren’t published until hands-on testing is complete.