Tools for Accounting

Xero

What is Xero?

Xero is cloud accounting software for small businesses, covering invoicing, bills, bank reconciliation and reporting. Its AI agent, JAX, is listed separately on this site.

Who it's for

Small businesses and the accountants and bookkeepers who serve them.

Key features

  • Invoices and quotes with online payments
  • Bill entry and tracking
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Performance dashboards (Growing and Established plans)
  • Free standard ACH bill payments on US business plans

Integrations

  • Gusto
  • Stripe
  • Shopify

The Xero App Store lists more than 1,000 apps.

Pricing

US plans: Early $27/mo, Growing $59/mo, Established $97/mo (per Xero's US pricing page). Global USD plans (Starter, Standard, Premium) increase from November 1, 2026. (from the vendor's public pages, October 2026; confirm with the vendor)

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Reviewers praise automated bank reconciliation and invoicing. [7]
  • Real-time reporting and integrations are cited. [8]
  • Unlimited users is noted as a plus. [7]

Cons

  • Support is ticket or email only and can be slow. [8]
  • Advanced and custom reporting is limited. [7]
  • US payroll and multi-entity workflows are weaker, per reviewers. [9]

Summarized from public reviews and reporting; not a hands-on test.

Category
Core Accounting & ERP
Website
www.xero.com

Frequently asked questions

What is Xero?

Xero is cloud accounting software for small businesses, covering invoicing, bills, bank reconciliation and reporting. Its AI agent, JAX, is listed separately on this site.

Who is Xero for?

Xero is for small businesses and the accountants and bookkeepers who serve them.

What does Xero integrate with?

Xero lists integrations with Gusto, Stripe, Shopify, according to its website.

How much does Xero cost?

Xero pricing, per its public pages: US plans: Early $27/mo, Growing $59/mo, Established $97/mo (per Xero's US pricing page). Global USD plans (Starter, Standard, Premium) increase from November 1, 2026.. Confirm current pricing with the vendor.

Sources

  1. https://www.xero.com
  2. https://www.xero.com/us/
  3. https://www.xero.com/us/pricing-plans/
  4. https://www.xero.com/pricing-plans/update/
  5. https://apps.xero.com/us
  6. https://blog.xero.com/news-events/celebrating-1000-apps/
  7. https://www.capterra.com/p/120109/Xero/
  8. https://www.capterra.com/p/120109/Xero/reviews/
  9. https://www.nerdwallet.com/business/software/reviews/xero-accounting

Last checked: 2026-10-16

Alternatives to Xero

  • NetSuite

    Oracle's cloud ERP with general ledger, AR, AP and close, plus the NetSuite Next AI layer.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Annual license based on core platform, optional modules and number of users, plus a one-time implementation fee; no list prices published. AI Units are included with eligible user licenses, and more can be purchased.

  • QuickBooks Online

    Intuit's cloud accounting for small businesses, with Intuit Assist AI built in.

    Core Accounting & ERP · Simple Start $38/mo, Essentials $85/mo, Plus $140/mo, Advanced $340/mo (per Intuit's pricing page); Essentials, Plus and Advanced prices changed for renewals on or after August 1, 2026.

  • Sage Intacct

    Cloud financial management for midsize organizations, with built-in AI agents including Sage Copilot.

    Core Accounting & ERP · US pricing is quote-based and modular, on an annual subscription (per Sage's US pricing page). The UK site lists plans from £1,200 per month.