QuickBooks vs Xero: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
QuickBooks and Xero are both excellent small business accounting tools. QuickBooks dominates the US market; Xero is preferred in UK/Australia. Both handle core accounting well. Your choice often depends on your accountant's preference and regional availability—not software capabilities.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
QuickBooks
Small business accounting software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • QuickBooks is accounting software for small businesses from Intuit
- • It handles invoicing, expenses, payroll, and tax preparation
Xero
Beautiful accounting software
Best for you if:
- • Xero is cloud accounting software for small businesses
- • It provides invoicing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 88/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | QuickBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AccountingInvoicing | AccountingInvoicing |
In-Depth Analysis
QuickBooks
Strengths
- +Market leader in US—most accountants know it
- +Deep ecosystem of integrations
- +Strong payroll integration
- +Robust inventory features
- +More resources, tutorials, support
Weaknesses
- -Interface feels dated compared to Xero
- -Pricing has increased significantly
- -Some features locked to higher tiers
- -Can feel bloated for simple needs
Best For
US-based small businesses, especially those working with external accountants. Businesses needing strong inventory or payroll integration.
QuickBooks wins on ecosystem. More accountants know it, more apps integrate with it, more resources exist. The software itself isn't clearly better than Xero, but the ecosystem advantages are real in the US market.
Xero
Strengths
- +Modern, clean interface
- +Unlimited users on all plans
- +Better for multi-currency
- +Strong project tracking
- +Generally better UX
Weaknesses
- -Less market share in US
- -Fewer US accountants are experts
- -Payroll is third-party
- -Some integrations less developed
Best For
International businesses, companies wanting modern UX, teams in UK/Australia, or those whose accountant recommends it.
Xero is arguably the better software—cleaner, more modern, unlimited users. But the US ecosystem (accountants, integrations) favors QuickBooks. Outside the US, Xero often makes more sense.
Head-to-Head Comparison
User Experience
Xero winsXero's interface is cleaner and more intuitive. QuickBooks has improved but still feels clunkier. For daily use, Xero is more pleasant.
US Market Support
QuickBooks winsQuickBooks dominates US small business accounting. Most accountants know it, most integrations prioritize it. This matters more than it should.
Pricing Structure
Xero winsXero offers unlimited users on all plans. QuickBooks charges per user for many features. For teams, Xero's pricing is often better.
Payroll
QuickBooks winsQuickBooks Payroll is deeply integrated and handles US payroll complexities. Xero partners with third-party payroll (Gusto). For US payroll, QuickBooks is simpler.
Inventory
QuickBooks winsQuickBooks has stronger built-in inventory management. Xero handles basic inventory but serious needs require add-ons.
International
Xero winsXero's multi-currency and international features are better. For businesses operating globally, Xero handles complexity more naturally.
Migration Considerations
Accounting migrations are serious—do them at fiscal year-end if possible. Both platforms have import tools. Bank connections, historical data, and reconciliation require careful handling. Most accountants recommend keeping old system access for 1-2 years for reference.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Xero
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. QuickBooks handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: QuickBooks
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. QuickBooks is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: QuickBooks
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with QuickBooks—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated QuickBooks higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Xero more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What QuickBooks Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Xero If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
In the US, ask your accountant. If they're a QuickBooks expert, use QuickBooks. The ecosystem advantage is real. If you're choosing fresh: Xero is arguably better software, QuickBooks has better US support. Outside the US (UK, Australia), Xero often makes more sense. Neither is a bad choice for basic accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper?
QuickBooks Simple Start is $30/month; Xero Early is $15/month. But compare at your usage level—QuickBooks charges extra for users, Xero includes unlimited users. The 'cheaper' option depends on your team size and feature needs.
Can I switch accountants if I use the 'wrong' software?
Any good accountant can work with either. However, they'll be more efficient with software they know well. If your accountant strongly recommends one, that expertise often outweighs software differences.
Which is better for invoicing?
Both handle invoicing well. Xero's invoice interface is cleaner. QuickBooks has more invoice customization options. Neither will disappoint for standard invoicing needs.
Do I need an accountant at all?
For very simple businesses, both tools can handle bookkeeping yourself with their learning resources. As complexity grows (employees, inventory, taxes), professional accountant advice becomes valuable regardless of software.