Xero alternatives
2 tools people consider instead of Xero, compared on price, free plans and who each is for.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero (the one you started with) | No | $27 /mo (regular price, Early) | Small businesses that want online accounting that they and their accountant can both use |
| Zoho Books | Yes | $15 /mo (Standard, billed yearly) | Very small businesses that want free accounting and a clear path to bigger plans, especially if they use other Zoho apps |
| QuickBooks | Yes | $38 /mo (Simple Start) | Small businesses that want the accounting tool most accountants already know |
Prices show in your local currency where a company lists them; others stay in USD.
Why people look for a Xero alternative
Based on our review of Xero, these are the limits that most often send buyers looking elsewhere:
- No free plan
- Early limits invoices and bills
- Payment and payroll cost extra
Still a good fit if you want online accounting you can share with an accountant, or you want to connect other business apps. See the full Xero profile for plans and pricing.
Zoho Books instead of Xero
Very small businesses that want free accounting and a clear path to bigger plans, especially if they use other Zoho appsOnline accounting with a free plan and six paid plans that grow with the business.
Pick Zoho Books over Xero if you want free accounting to start. Stay with Xero if you want online accounting you can share with an accountant.
| Xero | Zoho Books | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $27 /mo (regular price, Early) | $15 /mo (Standard, billed yearly) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Not shown | Yes |
Why choose Zoho Books
- A real free plan for very small businesses
- Price is per business, not per user
Keep in mind
- Free plan stops fitting above $50K revenue
- Many plans can be confusing
QuickBooks instead of Xero
Small businesses that want the accounting tool most accountants already knowIntuit's popular accounting software for small businesses.
Pick QuickBooks over Xero if your accountant already uses QuickBooks. Stay with Xero if you want online accounting you can share with an accountant.
| Xero | QuickBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $27 /mo (regular price, Early) | $38 /mo (Simple Start) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Not shown | Yes |
Why choose QuickBooks
- Familiar to most accountants
- Four clear paid plans
Keep in mind
- Higher regular prices than some rivals
- Few users on the lower plans
Xero alternatives FAQ
What is the best alternative to Xero?
It depends on what you need. Zoho Books is best for very small businesses that want free accounting and a clear path to bigger plans, especially if they use other Zoho apps. QuickBooks is best for small businesses that want the accounting tool most accountants already know.
Is there a free alternative to Xero?
Yes. Zoho Books, QuickBooks list a free plan. See each profile for its limits.
Why do people look for a Xero alternative?
Common reasons, based on our review: no free plan; early limits invoices and bills; payment and payroll cost extra.
Alternatives to other tools
Last updated: 16 Oct 2026. How we research · All alternatives