stackswitch

Xero

Beautiful accounting software for small business

$15
Starting price
4.3/5
G2 rating
3
Pricing plans
2006
Founded

Quick verdict

Xero is built for growing teams and mid-market companies who need solid finance & accounting capabilities. It holds its own against competitors like QuickBooks. There is no free plan, so you need to be fairly sure it fits before committing.

Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular with small businesses and accountants, particularly outside the US. Known for its clean UI, strong bank feed integrations, and large add-on marketplace.

What we like

  • Clean, modern UI
  • Excellent bank feeds
  • Strong accountant ecosystem
  • Good for non-US businesses

Watch out for

  • Starter plan very restrictive
  • Can be pricey for full features
  • Payroll limited to some countries

Key features

InvoicingBank reconciliationExpense claimsInventoryMulti-currencyPayroll (select regions)150+ integrations

Who should use Xero?

If you are a Solo / freelancer...

At $15/mo, it is a real investment for a solo operator. Consider a free alternative first, then switch when you outgrow it.

If you are a 5-person startup...

For a team of five, expect to pay roughly $75/mo on the Starter plan. That is reasonable for a startup budget.

If you are a 50+ person company...

You will likely need the Standard plan or above. At this scale, check the payroll (select regions) and 150+ integrations capabilities — they matter more as teams grow.

Pricing: the honest take

Starting at $15/mo with no free tier, Xero is positioned for buyers who already know they need this category of tool. The Starter plan is competitively priced for the finance & accounting market.

See full Xero pricing breakdown →
See Xero pricing → See alternatives →

Top Xero alternatives

QuickBooks Accounting software for small and medium businesses
$17.5 Compare →
FreshBooks Invoicing and accounting for freelancers and small businesses
$17 Compare →
Sage UK accounting software trusted by small businesses and accountants
£15 Compare →
See all Xero alternatives →

Our verdict

Xero is a well-regarded finance & accounting tool with 3 pricing plans. Starting at $15/mo, it is priced for growing teams. If the watch-outs above are dealbreakers, see the alternatives below.

Xero: frequently asked questions

Is Xero free?

No — Xero does not have a free plan. Pricing starts at $15/mo.

How much does Xero cost?

Xero has 3 plans. Paid plans start at $15/mo. See full pricing →

What are the best alternatives to Xero?

Top alternatives include QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Sage. See full comparison →