Xero vs QuickBooks
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
It's close: Xero edges it 8.1 to 8.0, so the right pick depends on what you need. Xero wins on 3 of the 5 scores, QuickBooks on 1, with 1 tied.
Small businesses and their accountants who want cloud bookkeeping
Small businesses that want full-featured accounting their accountant can work in
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Xero | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Business & Sales | Business & Sales |
| Category rank | #9 of 10 | #10 of 10 |
| Developer | Xero Limited | Intuit Inc. |
| Pricing | Subscription | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | No | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | — | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Xero better than QuickBooks?
It's close: Xero edges it 8.1 to 8.0, so the right pick depends on what you need. Xero wins on 3 of the 5 scores, QuickBooks on 1, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, Xero or QuickBooks?
Xero: US plans start at $27 a month (Early, capped at 20 invoices); first month free. QuickBooks: Free plan for 1 user; Simple Start $38/month, often 50% off for 3 months. On value for money, Xero scores higher.
Do Xero and QuickBooks work on the same devices?
Only QuickBooks runs on Windows.
Which is more private, Xero or QuickBooks?
Xero scores higher on 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.
Strengths and weaknesses
Xero
- Unlimited users on every plan
- Bank reconciliation with auto-reconcile
- JAX AI assistant included at no extra cost
- Early plan limited to 20 invoices and 5 bills
- No discount for paying annually
- Support leans on AI and online help, not phone
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.
Full Xero review
QuickBooks
- Widely used and supported by accountants
- Strong bank connections and automation
- Covers invoicing, expenses, payroll and taxes
- Paid plans are pricey, with regular upsells
- Free plan allows 1 user, 1 bank and 2 invoices a month
- Interface can feel cluttered and slow
QuickBooks is the accounting software most accountants know, which makes working with one easy. It connects to your bank, categorizes transactions, sends invoices, tracks expenses and mileage, and handles payroll and sales tax. Intuit's AI can now draft an invoice from a photo and answer questions about your books. A new free plan helps you start, but it is tight, and paid tiers are pricey with frequent upsells.
Full QuickBooks review
