Alternatives

Xero alternatives

Xero suits businesses with several people needing access. It is a poor fit for us firms whose accountant insists on quickbooks. These are the products worth looking at instead.

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ProductBest forStarting priceFree planScoreVisit
XeroCloud accounting with unlimited users on every plan
Businesses with several people needing accessFrom $20/moNoNot testedVisit site
QuickBooks OnlineThe default small business accounting platform in the US
US businesses whose accountant already uses itFrom $38/moNoNot testedVisit site
FreshBooksInvoicing-first accounting for service businesses
Freelancers and agencies billing time to clientsFrom $21/moNoNot testedVisit site
Zoho BooksAccounting inside the wider Zoho suite
Small businesses already using other Zoho productsFree under revenue threshold; paid from $20/moYesNot testedVisit site

Xero is shown first for reference, followed by alternatives in the order we would consider them.

Why each one might suit you better

QuickBooks Online

The default small business accounting platform in the US. Best for us businesses whose accountant already uses it.

  • Every US accountant knows it
  • Deep reporting
  • Large app ecosystem

FreshBooks

Invoicing-first accounting for service businesses. Best for freelancers and agencies billing time to clients.

  • Best-in-class invoicing and time tracking
  • Very approachable interface
  • Good proposals feature

Zoho Books

Accounting inside the wider Zoho suite. Best for small businesses already using other zoho products.

  • Free plan for businesses under the revenue limit
  • Excellent value on paid tiers
  • Automation built in