Xero vs QuickBooks 2026: Which Accounting Software is Better?

Xero and QuickBooks are the two most popular cloud accounting platforms. Here’s how they compare.

Quick Answer:

  • Choose Xero for unlimited users and cleaner interface
  • Choose QuickBooks for more features and US-specific needs

At a Glance

FeatureXeroQuickBooks
Starting Price$13/mo$30/mo
UsersUnlimited1-25
Ease of Use⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best ForGrowing teamsFeature needs

Pricing Comparison

Xero

PlanPriceInvoicesBillsUsers
Early$13/mo205Unlimited
Growing$37/moUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
Established$70/moUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited

QuickBooks Online

PlanPriceUsers
Simple Start$30/mo1
Essentials$60/mo3
Plus$90/mo5
Advanced$200/mo25

Winner: Xero for unlimited users; QuickBooks for more features.

Key Differences

Xero Advantages

  • ✅ Unlimited users (all plans)
  • ✅ Clean, modern interface
  • ✅ Better for international
  • ✅ Strong bank reconciliation
  • ✅ Good app marketplace

QuickBooks Advantages

  • ✅ More comprehensive features
  • ✅ Better reporting
  • ✅ US tax integration
  • ✅ Time tracking built-in
  • ✅ Industry-specific options

Feature Comparison

FeatureXeroQuickBooks
Invoicing✅✅
Expenses✅✅
Bank feeds✅✅
PayrollAdd-onAdd-on
InventoryBasic✅ Better
Projects✅✅
Multi-currency✅Paid
ReportingGood✅ Better

Who Should Use What?

Choose Xero If:

  • You need unlimited users
  • You’re outside the US
  • You want clean design
  • Budget is a priority
  • Multi-currency matters

Choose QuickBooks If:

  • You’re US-based
  • You need advanced reporting
  • Inventory management matters
  • You want industry versions
  • More features needed

Our Verdict

NeedWinner
Team accessXero
FeaturesQuickBooks
ValueXero
US taxesQuickBooks
InternationalXero
ReportingQuickBooks

Both are excellent. Xero wins on value, QuickBooks wins on features.

Last updated: January 2026