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
Accounting software for small and medium businesses
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.
Sage
UK accounting software trusted by small businesses and accountants
Sage is one of the UK's most established accounting software providers, offering cloud-based bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and VAT management. Sage 50 is a desktop solution for more complex needs, while Sage Accounting (formerly Sage One) targets small businesses. Well-regarded by UK accountants for compliance with HMRC Making Tax Digital.
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 |
| Sage | £15 | ✗ | paid | 4/5 |
| Wave | Free | ✓ | freemium | 4.4/5 |
How to switch from Xero
- 1. Export your data first
Before cancelling, export everything from Xero — contacts, projects, records, or reports. Most tools offer a CSV export under Settings → Data Export. Download and store it as a backup even if you don't need it immediately.
- 2. Trial the alternative with a real project
Wave offers free plans — sign up and run a live project in parallel before committing. Most paid alternatives also offer 14–30 day trials.
- 3. Import and run both tools briefly
Use the import wizard in your chosen alternative to bring across your exported data. Run both tools in parallel for 2–4 weeks so your team can adapt without losing continuity. Most migrations take less than a day for small teams.
- 4. Cancel before the next billing cycle
Cancel Xero before renewal to avoid being charged for another month or year. Check whether you're on a monthly or annual plan — annual plans often have no mid-cycle refunds. Keep your final data export on file.
Our verdict
If you are switching from Xero, QuickBooks is our top pick — accounting software for small and medium businesses, with a G2 score of 4/5. For a free option, Wave is worth considering. Use the comparison links above to do a side-by-side before committing.
Xero alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Xero?
QuickBooks is our top-ranked alternative. It starts at $17.5/mo and scores 4/5 on G2.
Is there a free alternative to Xero?
Yes — Wave all offer free plans.
What is the cheapest alternative to Xero?
Wave offers the lowest entry point with a free plan. Paid plans start at Free/mo.
Not sure which tool to pick?
See a detailed breakdown of Xero pricing before you decide.
See Xero pricing →