Xero Review (2026): Pricing, Pros and Cons
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Short answer
Xero ranks #2 of 6 in our accounting tools ranking (86/100). Best for teams that want unlimited users. Paid plans start at $27/mo (Early (20 invoices, 5 bills a month), regular price; Growing $59 unlimited).
What is Xero?
Xero is cloud accounting with no per-user license fees. Early caps you at 20 invoices and 5 bills a month; Growing ($59) removes those caps and adds auto-reconcile; Established ($97) adds multi-currency, projects and expense claims.
Who it's best for
Small businesses with several people in the books, and businesses outside the US, where Xero is widely used.
Why we rank it
Unlimited users on every plan make it the cheapest way to give your whole team and your accountant access.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- No per-user fees on any plan
- Unlimited invoices and bills from Growing
- Payroll via Gusto as an add-on
Watch-outs
- Early's 20-invoice and 5-bill caps are tight
- Multi-currency and projects need Established ($97)
Skip it if: You send more than 20 invoices a month but only want to pay entry-level prices.
Xero pricing
Paid plans start at $27/mo (Early (20 invoices, 5 bills a month), regular price; Growing $59 unlimited). Free plan or trial: Intro discount for new customers.
From Xero's pricing page, checked on the date at the top of this review. See how it compares on price in our accounting tools pricing overview.
How we scored Xero
Accounting score: 86/100
Each criterion is rated 0 to 5 and weighted for the category. See our methodology.
How Xero compares
| # | Tool | Best for | Starting price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online | Best overall for US small businesses | $38/mo | 87/100 |
| 2 | Xero | Teams that want unlimited users | $27/mo | 86/100 |
| 3 | Zoho Books | Best value, with a free plan | $15/mo | 86/100 |
| 4 | Sage Intacct | Mid-sized companies outgrowing QuickBooks | Pricing on request | 81/100 |
| 5 | FreshBooks | Freelancers and service businesses | $23/mo | 79/100 |
| 6 | Wave | Best free option for very small businesses | $19/mo | 75/100 |
Alternatives and comparisons
Xero FAQ
How much does Xero cost?
Paid plans start at $27/mo (Early (20 invoices, 5 bills a month), regular price; Growing $59 unlimited). Free plan or trial: Intro discount for new customers.
Is Xero worth it?
Xero scores 86/100 in our accounting tools ranking, where it is best for teams that want unlimited users. It's a weaker fit if: you send more than 20 invoices a month but only want to pay entry-level prices.
Does Xero have a free plan or trial?
Intro discount for new customers.
What are the best Xero alternatives?
In our accounting tools ranking, the closest alternatives are QuickBooks Online, Zoho Books and Sage Intacct.