Xero: an alternative software solution to Sage

Whether you’re starting up, growing fast, or just switching software, Xero is made for UK businesses like yours. Xero offers beautiful,easy-to-use features that simplify your bookkeeping and business admin. Switching to Xero is easy – especially with our expert support and resources.

A tablet showing the Xero dashboard, so it can be seen as a beautiful Sage alternative.

Why choose Xero

Xero’s intuitive design and collaborative features make it the ideal Sage alternative for your business.

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    Software that works for you, wherever you are

    Xero’s desktop and mobile app are designed for UK small businesses, and allow you to work from anywhere.

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    Beautiful, easy-to-use features that save you time

    Automate repetitive tasks and spend less time in the books (and more time on your business).

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    Switching to Xero is easy

    Upload data and transition from Sage quickly, so you can pick up where you left off.

Sage vs Xero

Considering Xero accounting software vs Sage?

Xero’s Ultimate plan includes accounting, payroll, expenses, projects, advanced analytics and more, for one monthly price. Xero accounting software ticks all the boxes. The table below compares Sage vs Xero. See how the Xero Ultimate plan compares against:

  • Included
    Sage 50 Accounts Professional
  • Included
    Sage 50 Accounts Standard
  • Included
    Sage Business Cloud Plus
See all Xero pricing plans
A table compares the Xero Ultimate plan with three Sage plans for anyone considering Xero as a Sage alternative.

Xero: your accounting, anywhere

Xero is cloud-based accounting software, designed for your convenience. Access Xero anytime, on any device, from anywhere. Say goodbye to being tied to your desktop, and hello to flexibility.

  • Included
    Xero keeps everything in one place for easy bookkeeping and compliance
  • Included
    Your bank transactions flow into Xero automatically, ready for you to reconcile
  • Included
    Collaborate online in real time , to get the job done faster
  • Included
    Customise Xero to your needs. Integrate with tools you’re already using, or add new apps
Accounting software for UK small businesses
The Xero dashboard displays in the Xero Accounting app on a mobile phone.

Xero: a Sage alternative for beautiful accounting

Easy to use with beautiful features, Xero makes managing your financial admin simple. With free tools for data capture, advanced analytics that show you the numbers that matter, and bill payment scheduling – you get complete financial clarity.

Easy bill payment

Pay bills easily from Xero. Never miss a deadline, and pay at the right time for your cash flow.

Online invoicing

Online invoicing helps you get paid faster. Build professional templates and automate payment reminders.

Receipt capture and data extraction with Hubdoc

Capture receipts and upload them to Xero by taking a photo. Hubdoc extracts the transaction information for you, ready to reconcile.

Multi-currency accounting

Easily manage international client and supplier transactions.

Project cost and profitability tracking

Track project costs and profitability with Xero Projects (included in the Ultimate plan).

Payroll software

Pay staff accurately and on time with Xero Payroll, included in the Grow, Comprehensive and Ultimate plans.

App integrations

Tailor Xero to fit your unique business. Choose from over 1000 business apps that integrate with Xero.

Explore all Xero features
A mobile phone showing an invoice sent and received through the Xero Accounting app.

Advanced analytics for your business

Understanding your business performance can help you spot areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. Xero Analytics gives you a clear picture of your finances and better business insights – so you can make smarter decisions.

  • Included
    See what’s up ahead with cash flow tracking and financial projections using live bookkeeping data
  • Included
    See the numbers that matter most, and easily monitor financial health with our customisable reports
  • Included
    Get AI-powered cash flow forecasts for better data insights and smarter financial planning
  • Included
    Complete a VAT impact assessment to see how your cash position will be affected
Prepare for the future with Xero Analytics
A collage showing Xero’s desktop and mobile features for people comparing Xero vs Sage.

Frequently asked questions about Xero

Need to streamline your financial admin and get back to doing what you love? Xero and Sage both make the Forbes ‘best accounting software’ list, and are good options for small businesses. But which one is right for you? Read the Forbes Sage vs Xero comparison to find the best match for your business.

Xero vs Sage (2024 comparison)

Need to streamline your financial admin and get back to doing what you love? Xero and Sage both make the Forbes ‘best accounting software’ list, and are good options for small businesses. But which one is right for you? Read the Forbes Sage vs Xero comparison to find the best match for your business.

Xero vs Sage (2024 comparison)

No. Xero is designed with simplicity in mind, and you don’t need to be an accountant or bookkeeper to use our software. But working with an accountant or bookkeeper has many benefits. They can spot patterns and trends in your business, and see opportunities or risks and help you plan for them.

No. Xero is designed with simplicity in mind, and you don’t need to be an accountant or bookkeeper to use our software. But working with an accountant or bookkeeper has many benefits. They can spot patterns and trends in your business, and see opportunities or risks and help you plan for them.

First, consider the needs of your business. Many advisors specialise in specific industries or business types, and can support your unique requirements.

Choose the right accountant

First, consider the needs of your business. Many advisors specialise in specific industries or business types, and can support your unique requirements.

Choose the right accountant

Accountants and bookkeepers on our partner programme get access to features and tools that streamline their workflows and help them manage their clients. Xero’s features enable accountants and bookkeepers to collaborate with clients, manage accounts receivables, handle payroll, and generate financial reports. Xero integrates with third-party apps to further boost functionality.

See what Xero can do for accountants and bookkeepers

Accountants and bookkeepers on our partner programme get access to features and tools that streamline their workflows and help them manage their clients. Xero’s features enable accountants and bookkeepers to collaborate with clients, manage accounts receivables, handle payroll, and generate financial reports. Xero integrates with third-party apps to further boost functionality.

See what Xero can do for accountants and bookkeepers

Yes! You can connect Xero to the financial tools you’re already using, or find new opportunities to simplify and speed up your admin with apps. The best part is, everything syncs back to Xero – so you always have the right information at your fingertips with our Sage alternative.

Integrate apps with Xero

Yes! You can connect Xero to the financial tools you’re already using, or find new opportunities to simplify and speed up your admin with apps. The best part is, everything syncs back to Xero – so you always have the right information at your fingertips with our Sage alternative.

Integrate apps with Xero

See how Xero works for your small business

Xero is built to fit your business – whether you’re a construction worker quoting on the go, or a freelancer automating invoice reminders. If you need to manage your finances, control your cash flow, or find app integrations that bring everything together, Xero works for your small business.

See how Xero works for different business types
A woman using a laptop to look for accounting software that’s a good Sage alternative.

Xero’s Ultimate plan: transparent pricing, all-inclusive features

If you’re weighing Xero accounting vs Sage, the Xero Ultimate plan has everything you need to manage your business. It combines time-saving features with easy customisation. It includes payroll, expenses, advanced analytics, project tracking, and even a mobile app.

More about the Ultimate plan
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Switching from Sage to Xero is easy

Switching your Sage data to Xero is easy with Movemybooks. Convert up to two years worth of files in minutes. And speak to our experts in the UK for support nationwide.

How to convert your files
A woman using a laptop to look for accounting software that’s a good Sage alternative.

Start using Xero for free

Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.

The Ultimate plan for your business

Xero’s Ultimate plan includes accounting, payroll, advanced analytics and more and is ideal for employing businesses.

Ultimate

Usually £59

Now £5.90

GBP per month

Save £159.30 over 3 months

Xero decreased my weekly accounting tasks by like a hundred percent.

Monique Malcolm, Tiny Action

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See how Xero stacks up against other software

Learn more about Xero and other accounting software providers to make an informed decision for your business.

Xero vs QuickBooks

Compare Xero and QuickBooks.

Xero and QuickBooks

Xero vs FreshBooks

See how Xero stacks up against FreshBooks.

Xero and FreshBooks

Xero vs FreeAgent

How do Xero and FreeAgent compare? Find out here.

Xero and FreeAgent