QuickBooks vs Xero
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Xero (4.5/5)
We tested QuickBooks and Xero side-by-side. Xero comes out ahead overall, but QuickBooks may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | QuickBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | QuickBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | Yes | No |
| Payroll | Yes | No |
| Tax Preparation | Yes | No |
| Reports | Yes | No |
| Inventory | Yes | No |
| Bank Feeds | No | Yes |
| Multi-Currency | No | Yes |
| Reporting | No | Yes |
| Unlimited Users | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
QuickBooks: From $30/mo
Xero: From $15/mo
QuickBooks Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most widely used (accountants know it)
- Excellent integration ecosystem (750+ apps)
- Full-service payroll available
Cons
- Gets expensive with add-ons
- Learning curve for newcomers
Xero Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited users on all plans
- Beautiful, intuitive interface
- 21,000+ bank feed integrations
- 1,000+ app marketplace integrations
- Strong multi-currency support
- Popular with accountants globally
Cons
- Limited inventory management
- No built-in payroll in all regions
- Starter plan limited to 20 invoices/month
- US market share smaller than QuickBooks
- Phone support not available on all plans
Key Specifications
| Spec | QuickBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing | From $30/mo | From $15/mo |
| Year Founded | 1983 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, CA | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Employees | Part of Intuit (15,000+) | 4,500+ |
| Payroll | Yes (add-on) | N/A |
| Best For Region | United States | Global |
| Multi-Currency | N/A | Yes (160+) |
| Users Included | N/A | Unlimited |
Our Verdict
Xero wins overall. Choose QuickBooks if you value US small businesses needing full accounting. Choose Xero if you prioritize Small businesses with multiple team members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuickBooks better than Xero?
Based on our testing, Xero scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to QuickBooks's 4.4/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between QuickBooks and Xero?
QuickBooks is known for: The #1 small business accounting software for invoicing, expenses, and taxes.. Xero is known for: Cloud accounting software with beautiful design and multi-currency support..
Which is cheaper, QuickBooks or Xero?
QuickBooks pricing: From $30/mo. Xero pricing: From $15/mo.
Can I use QuickBooks and Xero together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Accounting Software category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of QuickBooks?
Most widely used (accountants know it). Excellent integration ecosystem (750+ apps). Full-service payroll available
What are the pros of Xero?
Unlimited users on all plans. Beautiful, intuitive interface. 21,000+ bank feed integrations
Which accounting software should I choose?
Choose QuickBooks if you value US small businesses needing full accounting. Choose Xero if you prioritize Small businesses with multiple team members.