Xero review
Cloud accounting with unlimited users and an AI assistant
- Xero Limited
- Subscription
- Web, iPhone & iPad, Android
Does it deserve #9?
Is Xero worth it?
For most people, yes. Xero scores 8.1/10 and ranks #9 in Business & Sales. It's best for small businesses and their accountants who want cloud bookkeeping. Skip it if you only send a few invoices a month and want a free tool. Price: US plans start at $27 a month (Early, capped at 20 invoices); first month free.
The verdict
Xero handles the core of small-business bookkeeping in the browser and on your phone: bank reconciliation, invoices, quotes, bills and expenses, with unlimited users. JAX, its AI assistant, answers questions about your numbers and checks the health of your books at no extra cost. US payroll now runs through Gusto inside Xero. The Early plan caps you at 20 invoices, and prices have climbed.
- Bank reconciliation
- Invoices, quotes and bills
- JAX AI assistant
- Payroll powered by Gusto
- Large app marketplace
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What's new
- Oct 2026A Xero app for Google Gemini, powered by its JAX assistant
- Aug 2026Payroll powered by Gusto, built into Xero for US businesses
- Aug 2026Melio expense management and JAX book-health checks announced at Xerocon
Privacy 7.0/10
App Store label lists identifiers used to track you, plus payment info, precise location, IDs and usage linked to you. Xero says data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
What we like
- Unlimited users on every plan
- Bank reconciliation with auto-reconcile
- JAX AI assistant included at no extra cost
What could be better
- Early plan limited to 20 invoices and 5 bills
- No discount for paying annually
- Support leans on AI and online help, not phone
Small businesses and their accountants who want cloud bookkeeping
you only send a few invoices a month and want a free tool
Questions about Xero
Is Xero worth it in 2026?
For most people, yes. Xero scores 8.1/10 and ranks #9 in Business & Sales. It's best for small businesses and their accountants who want cloud bookkeeping. Skip it if you only send a few invoices a month and want a free tool. Price: US plans start at $27 a month (Early, capped at 20 invoices); first month free.
How much does Xero cost in the US?
Plans start at $27 a month for Early, then $59 for Growing and $97 for Established, and new customers get the first month free.
Is the Xero mobile app free?
Yes. The iOS and Android apps are free for anyone with an active Xero subscription.
What are the best alternatives to Xero?
The closest alternatives are QuickBooks, Square and Shopify. See all of them ranked on our Xero alternatives page.
Where does Xero rank?
Xero ranks #9 of 10 in our Business & Sales ranking, with an overall score of 8.1 out of 10.