QuickBooks vs Xero: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
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Short answer
In our accounting ranking, QuickBooks Online scores 87/100 and Xero scores 86/100. Xero is cheaper at every tier and has no per-user fees; QuickBooks is widely used by US accountants and puts inventory and projects together on Plus.
Pick QuickBooks if…
- Your accountant or bookkeeper works in QuickBooks
- You need inventory, project profitability and bill approvals on one plan
- You're a US business that wants a large app and advisor ecosystem
Pick Xero if…
- Several people need access and you don't want per-user fees
- You want lower regular prices
- You're outside the US or work with an accountant who uses Xero
What it costs
Regular monthly prices × 12, before introductory discounts and taxes.
| Need | QuickBooks plan | QuickBooks per year | Xero plan | Xero per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Simple Start ($38), 1 user | $456 | Early ($27), 20 invoices and 5 bills a month | $324 |
| Unlimited invoicing and more users | Essentials ($85), 3 users | $1,020 | Growing ($59), no per-user fees | $708 |
| Projects and growth features | Plus ($140), 5 users, inventory and projects | $1,680 | Established ($97), projects and multi-currency | $1,164 |
Both vendors advertise steep introductory discounts for new customers; these are the prices after the promotions end. Prices from QuickBooks and Xero pricing pages, checked Oct 26, 2026. Vendors change plans often; confirm before you buy.
Plans and features side by side
| Feature | QuickBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Users | 1 (Simple Start), 3 (Essentials), 5 (Plus), 25 (Advanced) | No per-user license fees on any plan |
| Invoice and bill limits | Not capped on the pricing page | Early: 20 invoices and 5 bills a month; unlimited from Growing |
| Inventory | Listed from Plus | Inventory Plus add-on on Growing and Established |
| Project tracking | Listed from Plus | Listed from Established |
| Multi-currency | Not compared here | Listed from Established |
| Payroll | Not compared here | Xero Payroll powered by Gusto, $36/mo + $6 per person |
| Free trial | 30-day trial | Introductory offer for new customers |
| G2 user rating | 4.0/5 (3,894 reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,844 reviews) |
| Vettlo score | 87/100 | 86/100 |
"Listed from" means the feature first appears on that plan on the vendor's public pricing page.
Where QuickBooks is stronger
- Ecosystem. It is widely used by US accountants and bookkeepers and has a large app ecosystem.
- Inventory and projects together. Plus combines inventory tracking and project profitability for up to 5 users.
- Room to grow. Advanced supports up to 25 users with approval workflows.
Where Xero is stronger
- Lower prices. Each Xero tier costs less than the comparable QuickBooks plan at regular prices.
- No per-user fees. You can give your whole team and your accountant access without paying per seat.
- Higher user rating. Xero is rated 4.4/5 on G2 versus 4.0/5 for QuickBooks Online.
How to decide
- Ask your accountant which they prefer; it saves time at every month end.
- Count invoices and bills per month to see whether Xero Early's caps fit.
- Count users who need access and compare the plan that covers them.
- Check that your bank feed connects in both before migrating.
QuickBooks vs Xero FAQ
Is Xero cheaper than QuickBooks?
Yes, at regular prices: Xero Early is $27 a month versus $38 for QuickBooks Simple Start, and Xero Growing is $59 versus $85 for QuickBooks Essentials.
Which is better for a team with several users?
Xero has no per-user fees on any plan, while QuickBooks limits users by plan (1, 3, 5 or 25).
Which do accountants prefer?
It depends on the accountant. QuickBooks is widely used in the US and Xero is widely used internationally, so ask yours before you choose.
Can I try both?
QuickBooks offers a 30-day trial, and Xero runs introductory offers for new customers.
Other options
If neither fits, see our full ranking of 6 accounting tools, with who each one is for and what it costs. Or see our guide to the QuickBooks alternatives.