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Xero is cheaper and includes unlimited users on every plan. QuickBooks Online has more features, more US accountants who know it, and stronger payroll options.
| QuickBooks Online | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Value | 3.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Features | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Output quality | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Category | Accounting & invoicing | Accounting & invoicing |
| Free plan | No: 30-day free trial | No: intro discount for new customers |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $38/mo | $27/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | - | - |
| Top plan | Advanced: $340/mo | Established: $97/mo |
| Seats | Users included per plan | Unlimited users on all plans |
| Trial / refund | 30-day free trial (or a 3-month discount) | Intro discount (often 80% off for 3 months) |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Best for | US small businesses that want the accounting software their accountant already uses | Small businesses that want unlimited users and clean, modern accounting |
| QuickBooks Online | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Simple Start $38 (1 user) | Early $27 (20 invoices) |
| Mid | Essentials $85 (3 users) | Growing $59 |
| Upper | Plus $140 (5 users) | Established $97 |
| Users | Limited by plan | Unlimited |
Both run frequent intro discounts: compare regular prices.
You have several people in the books or want lower ongoing cost.
Your accountant uses it, you need inventory or projects, or you want Intuit’s payroll.
Yes, at each comparable tier, and users are unlimited.
Many do, but QuickBooks is more common in the US.
Still deciding between these two? Ask a question and we will answer it here.
QuickBooks Online
Xero