QuickBooks Online vs Xero
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Accounting for small businesses.
The verdict
Both QuickBooks Online and Xero are credible accounting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
QuickBooks Online — Accounting for small businesses.
Choose Xero if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $29/mo) and a higher overall rating (4.3/5). Beautiful accounting software.
QuickBooks Online vs Xero: side by side
| Dimension | QuickBooks Online | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $35/mo | From $29/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Accountants | Smb, International |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5Winner |
QuickBooks Online key facts
- Vendor
- Intuit
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $35/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, Accountants
- Editor rating
- 4.0 / 5
- Founded
- 2004
- Headquarters
- Mountain View, CA, USA
Xero key facts
- Vendor
- Xero Limited
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $29/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, International
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Wellington, New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Is QuickBooks Online better than Xero?
Neither is universally better — Xero edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is QuickBooks Online or Xero cheaper?
Xero is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $29/mo. QuickBooks Online starts at from $35/mo; Xero starts at from $29/mo.
Can QuickBooks Online replace Xero?
Yes for most teams — both are accounting tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.