QuickBooks vs. Xero: A Side-by-Side Comparison for Growing Businesses
Choosing the right accounting software is a key decision for any growing business. Two of the most popular cloud-based solutions today are QuickBooks vs. Xero. Both platforms offer robust features, automation tools, and integrations that support small and medium-sized enterprises. But while they share many similarities, they also bring unique strengths to the table.
Let’s take a look at how QuickBooks and Xero compare across essential areas like usability, features, pricing.
User Interface and Experience
Both QuickBooks and Xero are designed to make accounting more accessible, even for users without a finance background.
QuickBooks offers a traditional layout familiar to many accountants, with customizable dashboards and straightforward navigation.
Xero provides a more modern, minimal interface that some users find easier to explore from day one.
The right choice here may depend on your team’s preferences and previous experience with accounting platforms.
Features and Capabilities
Both platforms include core accounting functions such as:
Invoicing
Bank reconciliation
Financial reporting
Expense tracking
Inventory management
Multi-currency support (on certain plans)
QuickBooks includes features like built-in payroll and more granular reporting options in higher-tier plans. Xero, on the other hand, focuses on seamless integration with a wide range of third-party applications and emphasizes collaboration tools like shared access for accountants and advisors.
Features and Functionality
| Feature | QuickBooks | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Customizable |
| Bank Reconciliation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Payroll | ✅ (built-in) | ✅ (via add-on) |
| Inventory Tracking | ✅ (on higher-tier plans) | ✅ |
| Project Management | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-Currency | ✅ (on higher-tier plans) | ✅ |
Pricing
Pricing models vary slightly between the two:
QuickBooks Online has several tiers, with more features and user access included in higher plans.
Xero also offers tiered plans, starting with basic functionality and scaling up based on usage and access needs.
The best value depends on the size of your business and which features you prioritize.
Integrations
QuickBooks integrates well with many business apps, particularly those in the Intuit ecosystem.
Xero offers a large app marketplace with over 1,000 integrations, including tools for CRM, e-commerce, inventory, and payroll.
Both platforms are flexible and can be extended to fit your operational tools.
Customer Support
Support approaches differ between the two:
QuickBooks offers phone, chat, and community support, with extensive documentation.
Xero relies on online help articles and email support, with a focus on detailed guides and knowledge base access.
In conclusion; QuickBooks vs. Xero both offer powerful accounting tools tailored for small and mid-sized businesses.
At Skala, we believe the best tools are the ones that integrate seamlessly into your entire operation. Whether you choose QuickBooks, Xero, or another accounting solution, Skala can help you connect your financial data with your production and inventory workflows—ensuring clarity, consistency, and control across all your processes.
