Xero vs QuickBooks: which is right for you?

FAQs on Xero's QuickBooks alternative

What's a good QuickBooks alternative for small businesses?

Xero is accounting software built for small businesses like yours, and every plan includes the essentials:

• Hubdoc data capture and reports

Unlimited users at no extra cost

• Bank feeds and reconciliation with matching suggestions

• Online invoicing and bill management

• Sales tax, W-9 and 1099 management

• A wide range of third-party apps in the Xero App Store

To see how it measures up, compare Xero with other software.

Xero is accounting software built for small businesses like yours, and every plan includes the essentials:

• Hubdoc data capture and reports

Unlimited users at no extra cost

• Bank feeds and reconciliation with matching suggestions

• Online invoicing and bill management

• Sales tax, W-9 and 1099 management

• A wide range of third-party apps in the Xero App Store

To see how it measures up, compare Xero with other software.

Is Xero cheaper than QuickBooks once you count users?

Every Xero plan includes unlimited users, so you can add people as your team grows at no extra cost. You can choose from three plans: Early, Growing and Established. Compare Xero plans and pricing to find the right fit.

Every Xero plan includes unlimited users, so you can add people as your team grows at no extra cost. You can choose from three plans: Early, Growing and Established. Compare Xero plans and pricing to find the right fit.

How do I move my data from QuickBooks to Xero?

You can move your QuickBooks data to Xero in three steps:

1. Pick a conversion date. It should be the first day of a month, ideally the start of your fiscal year or sales tax period

2. Have a Xero partner bring your QuickBooks data across with Jet Convert, Xero’s migration partner, or import your chart of accounts and contacts yourself and add any unpaid invoices and bills

3. Book personalized 1:1 setup assistance to get up and running.

For the full process, follow the step-by-step conversion guide on Xero Central.

You can move your QuickBooks data to Xero in three steps:

1. Pick a conversion date. It should be the first day of a month, ideally the start of your fiscal year or sales tax period

2. Have a Xero partner bring your QuickBooks data across with Jet Convert, Xero’s migration partner, or import your chart of accounts and contacts yourself and add any unpaid invoices and bills

3. Book personalized 1:1 setup assistance to get up and running.

For the full process, follow the step-by-step conversion guide on Xero Central.

Is Xero a good alternative to QuickBooks Desktop?

Absolutely. Xero runs in the cloud, so you can open your books on any device with an internet connection. When you're on the move, the Xero Accounting app lets you send invoices and reconcile transactions from your phone.

Absolutely. Xero runs in the cloud, so you can open your books on any device with an internet connection. When you're on the move, the Xero Accounting app lets you send invoices and reconcile transactions from your phone.

Does Xero work with payroll like QuickBooks does?

Yes. Xero connects with Gusto, an optional payroll add-on, so you can pay your team and manage deductions with the data flowing into your books. Gusto also handles 1099 contractor reporting. Find out how Xero payroll works with Gusto.

Yes. Xero connects with Gusto, an optional payroll add-on, so you can pay your team and manage deductions with the data flowing into your books. Gusto also handles 1099 contractor reporting. Find out how Xero payroll works with Gusto.

Does Xero handle sales tax and 1099s?

Definitely. Xero helps you add sales tax to your invoices and keep track of what you've collected. W-9 management and a 1099 report are included too, so you can keep all your 1099 contacts in one group. See how Xero makes tax preparation easier.

Definitely. Xero helps you add sales tax to your invoices and keep track of what you've collected. W-9 management and a 1099 report are included too, so you can keep all your 1099 contacts in one group. See how Xero makes tax preparation easier.

Can Xero support my returns to the IRS?

Of course. Xero’s customizable reports, including Profit and Loss, give you and your accountant up-to-date numbers, so you know where your business stands at tax time. For filing requirements and forms, check the IRS guidance for businesses.

Of course. Xero’s customizable reports, including Profit and Loss, give you and your accountant up-to-date numbers, so you know where your business stands at tax time. For filing requirements and forms, check the IRS guidance for businesses.

Can my accountant and team use Xero at no extra cost?

Yes. Every Xero plan includes unlimited users at no extra cost, so you can invite your team and your accountant or bookkeeper. Everyone works from the same up-to-date numbers, so working together is simpler.

Yes. Every Xero plan includes unlimited users at no extra cost, so you can invite your team and your accountant or bookkeeper. Everyone works from the same up-to-date numbers, so working together is simpler.

Is Xero easy to learn if I've used QuickBooks?

Certainly. 91% of customers agree Xero is easy to use (Xero survey, May–June 2024), and personalized 1:1 setup assistance helps you find your way around fast. See why small businesses find Xero easy to use.

Certainly. 91% of customers agree Xero is easy to use (Xero survey, May–June 2024), and personalized 1:1 setup assistance helps you find your way around fast. See why small businesses find Xero easy to use.

What support do I get when I switch to Xero?

Xero gives you personalized 1:1 setup assistance, plus round-the-clock support whenever questions come up. For local help, the Xero Advisor Directory connects you with certified accountants and bookkeepers. Find a certified Xero advisor near you.

Xero gives you personalized 1:1 setup assistance, plus round-the-clock support whenever questions come up. For local help, the Xero Advisor Directory connects you with certified accountants and bookkeepers. Find a certified Xero advisor near you.