In the world of accounting, both Xero and QuickBooks are incredibly popular software but they seem to appeal to different kinds of users. Thus, it is not only important to know which of these two excellent accounting solutions is better overall, but which one may work better for you.
This detailed Xero vs. QuickBooks comparison allows you to learn more about them individually and see how they compare to each other in relation to the most important aspects of accounting software.
Side by Side Comparison
| TYPE OF CLIENTS |
| Freelancers |
| Small Businesses |
| Mid-Size Businesses |
| Enterprises |
| SUPPORTED PLATFORMS |
| Web-Based |
| iPhone App |
| Android App |
| SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES |
| Income/Expense Tracking |
| Invoicing |
| Create/Customize Invoices |
| Invoice Management |
| Invoice Processing |
| Payment Reminders |
| Tax Calculations |
| Multi-Currency Billing |
| Multi-Language Invoices |
| Invoice Summary |
| Bill Payment |
| Schedule Payments |
| Bill Status Tracking |
| Customizable Billing |
| Recurring Billing |
| Create Purchase Orders |
| Create Quotes |
| Discount Management |
| Electronic Payments |
| Credit Card Processing |
| Financial Reports |
| Project Management |
| Project Time Tracking |
| Billable Hours |
| Deadline Tracking |
| Collaboration Tools |
| Tracking Miles |
| Inventory Tracking |
| Low Stock Alerts |
| Email Integration |
| Mobile Integration |
| Real Time Updates |
| PLANS & PRICING |
| Subscription Plans |
| Free Version |
| Free Trial |
| CUSTOMER SUPPORT |
| Email Support |
| Phone Support |
| Live Chat |
| Knowledge Base |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| No |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| N/A |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| N/A |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Self-Employed, Simple Start, Essentials, Plus |
| No |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| N/A |
| Yes |
| N/A |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| N/A |
| Yes |
| No |
| N/A |
| Starter, Standard, Premium |
| No |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| No |
| Yes |
| Yes |
Ratings
Here is a quick overview of our comparison process. First, we analyze the two brands of software independently and rate them based on how well they satisfy our 6 major criteria, including ease of use, product quality, features, privacy and security, value for money, and overall experience. Based on the scores they receive on every criterion, we calculate their total scores. The software with the higher final score is the winner of the comparison.
 |  | |
| Ease Of Use | ||
| Product Quality | ||
| Features | ||
| Privacy & Security | ||
| Value For Money | ||
| Read Review QuickBooks Coupons | Read Review Xero Coupons | |
| Final Rating | 9.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
Ease Of Use
Accounting software reviewers all seem to agree that Xero and QuickBooks boast incredible usability. However, users often find Xero to be easier to use than QuickBooks. This may be due to the fact that unlike QuickBooks, Xero is geared toward simplicity, which makes it a bit more suitable for beginners. Still, regardless of your experience, we are certain that with just a little bit of effort, you can quickly discover all the benefits QuickBooks offers. It is important to emphasize that both brands of software provide excellent user experience, so we warmly recommend them to both advanced and first-time users.
Product Quality
Xero and QuickBooks have made it to the top of the market by excelling at what they do and constantly coming up with improvements that their users greatly appreciate. While they somewhat differ in the range of features they offer, they are both impeccably designed and we have absolutely no complaints when it comes to product quality.
Features
Xero offers an impressive set of tools and features, including but not limited to easy invoicing, reporting, inventory, time, and expense tracking, asset and bill management, pay runs, bank connections, and bank reconciliation. QuickBooks covers a similar spectrum of tools, with several unique features, like tracking miles, maximizing tax deductions, and managing independent 1099 contractors and it even allows you to get a financial injection quickly and easily with QuickBooks Capital loans.
Privacy & Security
Regardless of whether you opt for Xero or QuickBooks, you get to enjoy a high level of privacy and safety. Your data is protected with strong encryption and both services employ advanced security measures to prevent intrusions and any misuse of user information. Still, it is important to know that your personal information may be shared with third parties that enable Xero and QuickBooks to provide their services, as well as their affiliates and subsidiaries.
Value For Money
As suggested before, both Xero and QuickBooks offer impressive accounting tools. What is also great is that their subscription plans are reasonably priced. Thus, both brands of software are definitely worth the money.