QuickBooks Online vs Xero Comparison
Compare QuickBooks Online and Xero side-by-side — pricing, features, scores, and which one is right for you.
The bottom line
QuickBooks Online and Xero are both strong contenders in the accounting space, but they serve different needs. QuickBooks Online edges ahead with an overall score of 84/100 compared to Xero's 83/100. Both are equally user-friendly (8/10 each). On pricing, neither offers a free tier — QuickBooks Online starts at $20/mo and Xero at $25/mo. Xero rates higher for value for money (8/10 vs 7/10), making it a better pick if budget is a concern.
At a glance
| QuickBooks Online | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 84/100 | 83/100 |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| Free tier | No | No |
| Best for | The small business accounting standard | Beautiful accounting software |
Pricing comparison
QuickBooks Online
Pricing verified 2026-03-19
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Feature comparison
core
| Feature | QuickBooks Online | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Expense tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Bank reconciliation | Yes | Yes |
| Financial reports | Yes | Yes |
advanced
| Feature | QuickBooks Online | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | Add-on | Add-on (Gusto) |
| Inventory | Plus+ | Established |
| Multi-currency | Essentials+ | Established |
| Tax filing | Add-on | Add-on |
integrations
| Feature | QuickBooks Online | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| Shopify | Yes | Yes |
| Zapier | Yes | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
Choose QuickBooks Online if...
- You're ready to invest from $20/mo
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Choose Xero if...
- You're ready to invest from $25/mo
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is QuickBooks Online or Xero better?
QuickBooks Online scores 84/100 compared to Xero's 83/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — QuickBooks Online excels at ease of use (8/10) while Xero scores 8/10.
How much does QuickBooks Online cost compared to Xero?
QuickBooks Online starts at $20/mo. Xero starts at $25/mo. QuickBooks Online is the more affordable option.
Does QuickBooks Online or Xero have a free plan?
Neither QuickBooks Online nor Xero offers a free tier. QuickBooks Online starts at $20/mo and Xero at $25/mo.
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