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Xero vs QuickBooks Online in 2026
Both handle invoicing, bank feeds and reports well. The real difference is how each one charges as your team grows.
Plans and prices
| Xero | Price | QuickBooks Online | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early (unlimited users; 20 invoices, 5 bills a month) | $27/mo | Simple Start (1 user) | $38/mo |
| Growing (unlimited users) | $59/mo | Essentials (3 users) | $85/mo |
| Established (unlimited users) | $97/mo | Plus (5 users) | $140/mo |
| Advanced (25 users) | $340/mo |
Xero US prices from October 1, 2026. QuickBooks Online US prices from August 1, 2026. List prices; both run first-months discounts.
What you'd pay at common team sizes
| Users | Xero (Growing) | QuickBooks Online | Yearly difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $59 | $38 (Simple Start) or $85 (Essentials, with bills) | Depends on features |
| 3 | $59 | $85 (Essentials) | $312 |
| 5 | $59 | $140 (Plus) | $972 |
| 10 | $59 | $340 (Advanced) | $3,372 |
When QuickBooks is the better pick
If you're a single owner with simple books, Simple Start at $38 is competitive. And if your accountant only works in QuickBooks, staying put can save you time and fees.
When Xero is the better pick
Once two or more people need access, Xero's unlimited users usually make it the cheaper option, often by hundreds of dollars a year. It's also a good fit if you want your bookkeeper and accountant in the file at no extra cost.