QuickBooks
Small business accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and reporti...
Xero
Cloud accounting software for small businesses with bank reconciliation and invo...
QuickBooks vs Xero: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of QuickBooks and Xero covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
QuickBooks
- Best for: Small businesses, Accountants
- Starting price: $30/mo
- Category: accounting
- Founded: 1983
Xero
- Best for: Small businesses, International companies
- Starting price: $15/mo
- Category: accounting
- Founded: 2006
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between QuickBooks and Xero.
| Feature | Q QuickBooks | X Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ||
| Expense Tracking | ||
| Bank Connections | ||
| Reporting | ||
| Payroll | Add-on | Add-on |
| Inventory | ||
| Multi-currency | ||
| Mobile App |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Xero edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Xero offers better overall user satisfaction. QuickBooks remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize small businesses.
QuickBooks
Best for Small businesses and Accountants. Industry standard.
Try QuickBooksPros & Cons
QuickBooks Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry standard
- Great integrations
- Reliable
- Strong reporting
- Tax features
Cons
- Expensive
- Learning curve
- Add-on costs
- Limited users on lower tiers
Xero Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful interface
- Great bank feeds
- Strong app marketplace
- Multi-currency
- Unlimited users
Cons
- Limited features on starter
- US payroll is add-on
- Invoice limits on lower tier
- Support varies
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
QuickBooks
subscription- Income & expenses
- Invoicing
- Tax deductions
- Bill management
- Time tracking
- 3 users
- Inventory tracking
- Project profitability
- 5 users
- Business analytics
- Dedicated support
- 25 users
Xero
subscription- 20 invoices
- 5 bills
- Bank reconciliation
- Unlimited invoices
- Unlimited bills
- Bulk reconciliation
- Multi-currency
- Expenses
- Projects
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose QuickBooks if you need:
- Small businesses
- Accountants
- US-based companies
- Service businesses
- Industry standard
- Great integrations
Choose Xero if you need:
- Small businesses
- International companies
- Freelancers
- Accountants
- Beautiful interface
- Great bank feeds
QuickBooks vs Xero FAQ
What are the main differences between QuickBooks and Xero?
QuickBooks focuses on small businesses with industry standard, while Xero excels at small businesses with beautiful interface. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is QuickBooks or Xero better for small businesses?
Both tools have paid plans. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Xero's lower starting price of $15/month.
What is the pricing difference between QuickBooks and Xero?
QuickBooks starts at $30/month, while Xero starts at $15/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can QuickBooks integrate with Xero?
While direct integration may vary, both QuickBooks and Xero support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. QuickBooks integrates with PayPal, Shopify, Square, while Xero works with Stripe, PayPal, Square.
Which tool is easier to use, QuickBooks or Xero?
Based on user reviews, Xero generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.4 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. QuickBooks is known for great integrations.
Does QuickBooks or Xero offer better customer support?
Both QuickBooks and Xero provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. QuickBooks offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of QuickBooks compared to Xero?
QuickBooks's main advantages include: Industry standard, Great integrations, Reliable. Compared to Xero, it's particularly strong for small businesses.
What are the cons of QuickBooks compared to Xero?
QuickBooks's potential drawbacks include: Expensive, Learning curve. Xero may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from QuickBooks to Xero or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for accounting in 2026?
In 2026, Xero leads in this comparison with a 4.4 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. QuickBooks excels for small businesses, while Xero is ideal for small businesses.