Best Xero Alternatives (2026)
Xero is beautiful accounting software for small business, starting at $15/mo. Here are the best alternatives — whether you need something cheaper, simpler, or with different features.
Why people switch from Xero
- →Starter plan very restrictive
- →Can be pricey for full features
- →Payroll limited to some countries
QuickBooks
Accounting software for small and medium businesses
QuickBooks by Intuit is the most widely used accounting software for small businesses. It handles invoicing, expenses, payroll, tax filing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting — available in desktop and cloud versions.
FreshBooks
Invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small businesses
FreshBooks is cloud accounting software built specifically for self-employed professionals and small service businesses. It makes invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and client management simple — without needing an accounting background.
Wave
Free accounting and invoicing for small businesses
Wave is a free accounting, invoicing, and payments platform for freelancers and small businesses. It offers unlimited invoicing, expense tracking, and double-entry accounting at no cost — making it a popular alternative to QuickBooks for budget-conscious business owners.
Xero vs alternatives: quick comparison
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Pricing model | G2 score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xero (current) | $15 | ✗ | paid | 4.3/5 |
| QuickBooks | $17.5 | ✗ | paid | 4/5 |
| FreshBooks | $17 | ✗ | paid | 4.5/5 |
| Wave | Free | ✓ | freemium | 4.4/5 |
Not sure which tool to pick?
See a detailed breakdown of Xero pricing before you decide.
See Xero pricing →