QuickBooks Online vs Xero
The two accounting apps named most often in the “works with” details across our directory. QuickBooks Online has a free one-user plan; Xero's US plans are all paid.
Updated Oct 23, 2026. Prices are copied from each vendor's pricing page on the date shown. Software reviews only, not financial or accounting advice.
At a glance
| QuickBooks Online | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Widely used small-business accounting software, now with Intuit Intelligence AI features that categorize, reconcile and flag anomalies. | Cloud accounting with bank reconciliation, bills, invoices, Smart Document Capture and optional Xero Payroll powered by Gusto. |
| Published price | Free $0 (1 user). Simple Start $38/month, Essentials $85/month, Plus $140/month, Advanced $340/month (intro discounts often shown).Vendor pricing page, checked | Early $27/month, Growing $59/month, Established $97/month (US).Vendor pricing page, checked |
| Pricing | Free plan | Paid |
| Works with | None listed in our review | Gusto (per the vendor) |
| Our rankings | ||
| Website | quickbooks.intuit.com | xero.com |
| Visit QuickBooks Online | Visit Xero |
QuickBooks Online
- What it does
- Widely used small-business accounting software, now with Intuit Intelligence AI features that categorize, reconcile and flag anomalies.
- Published price
- Free $0 (1 user). Simple Start $38/month, Essentials $85/month, Plus $140/month, Advanced $340/month (intro discounts often shown).Vendor pricing page, checked
- Pricing
- Free plan
- Works with
- None listed in our review
- Our rankings
- Website
- quickbooks.intuit.com
Xero
- What it does
- Cloud accounting with bank reconciliation, bills, invoices, Smart Document Capture and optional Xero Payroll powered by Gusto.
- Published price
- Early $27/month, Growing $59/month, Established $97/month (US).Vendor pricing page, checked
- Pricing
- Paid
- Works with
- Gusto (per the vendor)
- Website
- xero.com
Which one to pick
Our verdict on each, from its review.
QuickBooks Online
Best default for most US small businesses, and the one your bookkeeper probably knows.
Xero
Best QuickBooks alternative, especially if your bookkeeper already works in Xero.
Where they rank
Rankings that include more than one of these tools. Position is in the full ranking.
- Best accounting software for small businessesNo. 1 QuickBooks Online · No. 2 Xero