# Xero Software Overview 2026 - Features & Pricing > Review of Xero Software: system overview, features, price and cost information. Get free demos and compare to similar programs. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / [Accounting Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/) / Xero Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. Overview [Reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/)[Alternatives](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/alternatives/) # Xero 2026: Benefits, Features & Pricing Updated June 4, 2026 Written by [Eduardo Garcia](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/author/eduardo-garcia/) Content Analyst Edited by [Caroline Rousseau](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/author/caroline-rousseau/) Senior Editor Wondering if Xero is right for your organization? Our Accounting Software selection experts can help you in 15 minutes or less. On this page - Our Summary - User Interface - Popular Alternatives - Pricing and Plans - Features - Integrations - Key Sentiments - User Reviews - Frequently Asked Questions - Popular Comparisons ## Our Summary Xero 4.4 [(3299)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/) FrontRunner 2026 Pros: - Accounting for small businesses - Automation of repetitive tasks Cons: - Pricing structure - Customer support Pricing Starting at $25.00 per month ### What is Xero: Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed especially for small to medium-sized businesses. It allows businesses to connect to accounts from various banks, accept payments from clients, track spending, manage payroll and vendors, maintain inventory, and generate customized reports and insights. ### Why we like Xero: Xero is equipped with features for automating accounting processes and maintaining financial records. It has customizable invoicing solutions and includes payroll management. Xero also integrates with third-party apps, e-commerce platforms, and CRM systems. It offers security through multi-factor authentication and data encryption. ### Who should use Xero: Xero’s accounting design and features make it useful for self-employed professionals, trades, and retail businesses. Almost 70% of businesses that reviewed the product have between 2 and 200 employees. Xero offers a free trial version, but beyond the trial, a subscription must be purchased. The three versions are Starter, Standard, and Premium. Wondering if Xero is right for your organization? Our Accounting Software selection experts can help you in 15 minutes or less. ## Xero User Interface ## Popular Xero Alternatives Main Product Xero 4.4 [(3299)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/) Ratings Breakdown - 4.36Ease of use - 4.25Value for money - 4.04Customer support - 4.29Functionality Pricing Starting at $25.00 per month Get Price Alternative Product [QuickBooks Online](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/393202-QuickBooks-Online/) 4.3 [(8460)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/393202-QuickBooks-Online/reviews/) Ratings Breakdown - 4.24Ease of use - 4.16Value for money - 4.00Customer support - 4.27Functionality Pricing Starting at $38.00 per month Get Price Alternative Product [QuickBooks Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) 4.5 [(20649)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/reviews/) Ratings Breakdown - 4.31Ease of use - 4.30Value for money - 4.14Customer support - 4.40Functionality Pricing Starting at $2210.00 per year Get Price Alternative Product [QuickBooks Desktop](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/quickbooks-pro-profile/) 4.4 [(2560)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/quickbooks-pro-profile/reviews/) Ratings Breakdown - 4.31Ease of use - 4.16Value for money - 3.89Customer support - 4.28Functionality Pricing Starting at $1069.20 per year Get Price Alternative Product [NetSuite](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/) 4.2 [(2045)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/reviews/) Ratings Breakdown - 3.96Ease of use - 3.85Value for money - 3.81Customer support - 4.21Functionality Pricing Available upon request Get Price Alternative Product [Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/) 4.3 [(687)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/reviews/) Ratings Breakdown - 4.20Ease of use - 4.00Value for money - 3.99Customer support - 4.23Functionality Pricing Available upon request Get Price ## Xero Overview Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed to assist small and midsize businesses with financial operations management, financial visibility and business performance optimization and more. The platform helps automate accounting tasks and maintain accurate financial records. It offers expense management tools that enable users to track and manage business expenses. Key features include invoicing, quoting, making and collecting payments, tax payment, employee and workforce management, bank reconciliation, expense management, projects handling, reporting and analytics... and security measures. Users can capture receipts, categorize expenses and submit them for approval. Xero also supports expense claims, allowing employees to submit their expenses for reimbursement. It provides detailed expense reports, helping businesses monitor spending and identify cost-saving opportunities. One of the core features of Xero is its invoicing capability. The solution allows accountants and bookkeepers to create and send professional invoices to clients, track their status and receive payments online. Users can customize invoice templates to align with their brand identity and set up automated reminders for overdue payments. It supports multi-currency invoicing, making it suitable for businesses with international clients. Xero's bank reconciliation feature is designed to streamline the process of matching bank transactions with accounting records. The tool automatically imports bank transactions and suggests matches based on historical data. Users can also create custom bank rules to automate the categorization of recurring transactions. Xero also provides real-time updates on cash flow, helping businesses maintain accurate financial records. Xero includes payroll management functionalities that assist businesses in managing employee payroll and compliance. It allows users to process payroll, calculate taxes and generate payslips. It also supports direct deposit, enabling businesses to pay employees electronically. Additionally, Xero provides tools for managing employee leave and tracking work hours, ensuring accurate payroll processing and compliance with labor regulations. Xero complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, and produces Service Organization Control (SOC 2) reports. It also offers a range of reporting and analytics tools that provide valuable insights into business performance. Users can generate custom financial reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements. Xero's dashboard provides a real-time overview of key financial metrics. The tool supports budgeting and forecasting, enabling businesses to plan for future growth and manage financial risks. Xero integrates with several third-party applications, including CRM systems, eCommerce platforms and payment gateways. Xero’s integrated practice management software includes Xero HQ, Xero Practice Manager, Xero Workpapers and Xero Tax. It connects businesses with their bank, their advisor, accounting tools, payment services and more. These integrations facilitate data synchronization and optimize overall operational. Data is protected by multiple layers of security, including encryption and the platform is subject to strict privacy controls as it uses multi-factor authentication. ## Xero Pricing and Plans Starting price: $25.00 per month Free Trial Free Version Starter $25.00 flat rate, per month Plan includes: - Send Quotes And 20 Invoices - Accept Online Invoice Payments - Enter 5 Bills - Make Online Bill Payments - Reconcile Bank Transactions (Auto-reconcile, Beta) - Capture Bills And Receipts With Hubdoc - View Real-Time Reports - W-9 + 1099 Management - Sales Tax - Forecast Cash Flow (30 Day Forecast) Read More Standard $55.00 flat rate, per month Plan includes: - Send Quotes And Unlimited Invoices - Enter Unlimited Bills - Make Online Bill Payments - Reconcile Bank Transactions (Auto-reconcile, Beta) - Capture Bills And Receipts With Hubdoc - View Real-Time Reports - W-9 + 1099 Management - Sales Tax - Forecast Cash Flow (30 Day Forecast) - Visualize Performance With Graphs Read More Premium $90.00 flat rate, per month Plan includes: - Forecast Cash Flow (180 Day Forecast) Confused about pricing? We've got you covered. Get a personalized pricing breakdown tailored to your specific needs—no guesswork, no generic estimates. ### Our Analysis of Xero's Pricing Plans We've dug deep into Xero's accounting software subscription plans to help you determine which option aligns best with your business needs. We've also outlined the key advantages and considerations for each plan. Xero provides three core subscription options: Early, Growing, and Established. Each plan is tailored to accommodate businesses at different stages and with varying requirements, so understanding the nuances of each is essential for... choosing the right fit for your company. \_\_Early plan\_\_ Xero's Early plan, at $20 per month, is tailored for sole proprietors, freelancers, and businesses just starting out. This plan covers the fundamental accounting needs, providing a solid foundation for financial management. \*\*Pros:\*\* - \*\*Essential features:\*\* Includes core accounting functions to efficiently manage finances. - \*\*Scalable:\*\* Provides a starting point with room to upgrade as the business grows. \*\*Cons:\*\* - \*\*Basic functionality:\*\* Advanced features for complex accounting needs are not included. - \*\*Potential outgrowth:\*\* As the business expands, the plan's capabilities may become insufficient. \_\_Growing plan\_\_ The Growing plan, priced at $47 per month, is designed for small businesses experiencing growth. It offers expanded features and supports collaboration among team members. \*\*Pros:\*\* - \*\*Enhanced features:\*\* Includes additional accounting tools to support business development. - \*\*Collaborative:\*\* Allows multiple users to work together on financial management. \*\*Cons:\*\* - \*\*Potential underutilization:\*\* Some features may not be necessary for all growing businesses. - \*\*Limitations for larger businesses:\*\* May not offer sufficient capabilities for businesses with more complex needs. \_\_Established plan\_\_ At $80 per month, the Established plan caters to businesses with well-established operations and more intricate accounting requirements. It offers a comprehensive feature set to streamline financial processes. \*\*Pros:\*\* - \*\*Scalability:\*\* Supports businesses with larger teams and higher transaction volumes. - \*\*Time-saving:\*\* Automates and simplifies accounting tasks, improving efficiency. \*\*Cons:\*\* - \*\*Higher cost:\*\* The increased monthly expense may be challenging for some businesses to justify. - \*\*Learning curve:\*\* The extensive feature set may require additional training for effective utilization. \_\_Free trial\_\_ Xero offers a 30-day free trial, allowing potential users to explore the software's capabilities before committing to a paid plan. This trial provides an opportunity to assess which plan best aligns with the business's needs and budget. \_\_Conclusion\_\_ After analyzing Xero's pricing structure, it's evident that they offer a range of plans designed to cater to businesses at various stages of growth and with different accounting needs. - \*\*For sole traders and startups:\*\* The Early plan, at just $20 per month, provides an entry point into professional accounting software. While it covers the basics, rapidly growing businesses may soon find themselves needing more advanced features. - \*\*For small businesses on the rise:\*\* The Growing plan, at $47 per month, strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. It offers a broader range of features to support business expansion, making it a good choice for companies outgrowing the Early plan but not yet requiring the full suite of tools. - \*\*For mature and complex businesses:\*\* The Established plan, at $80 per month, is designed to meet the demands of larger, more intricate operations. Though it comes with a higher price tag, the comprehensive feature set can streamline even the most complicated accounting processes, potentially saving time and money in the long run. Ultimately, the choice of plan depends on a careful assessment of a business's current needs, growth trajectory, and budget. By aligning these factors with Xero's pricing tiers, companies can ensure they're getting the right tools at the right price to support their ongoing success. With a 30-day free trial available, businesses can explore Xero's offerings risk-free and make an informed decision about which plan best fits their unique circumstances. ### Compare Pricing Compare pricing across our most frequently recommended Accounting products. Software options Starting price\* User rating [Xledger](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/) $750.00 per month 4.50[(12 reviews)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xledger-profile/reviews/) **233** recommendations [Sage 50 Accounting](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/) $124.42 per month 3.94[(467 reviews)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/reviews/) **219** recommendations [AccountMate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/) $4,000.00 one time 4.28[(25 reviews)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/accountmate-profile/reviews/) **132** recommendations [Yooz](https://www.softwareadvice.com/procure-to-pay/yooz-profile/) $199.00 per month 4.39[(222 reviews)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/procure-to-pay/yooz-profile/reviews/) **116** recommendations [Rydoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xpenditure-profile/) €10.00 per month 4.37[(199 reviews)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xpenditure-profile/reviews/) **116** recommendations \*Defined as the price above any available free plan ## Xero Features Drawn from insights across 3299 verified reviews, we've outlined Xero's best and worst rated features and how they stack up against the average rating. Xero's score Category average Xero's Best Rated Features Multi-Country 4.83 3.87 category average Tax Compliance 4.79 3.81 category average Calendar Management 4.78 3.53 category average Xero's Worst Rated Features Check Writing 3.50 4.26 category average Customizable Templates 3.57 3.93 category average Project Accounting 3.65 3.61 category average - Popular features found in Accounting Billing & Invoicing Budgeting/Forecasting Expense Tracking Fund Accounting Income & Balance Sheet Multi-Currency Payroll Management Project Accounting Purchase Order Management Tax Management - More features of Xero 401(k) Tracking Access Controls/Permissions Accounting Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Accrual Accounting ACH Payment Processing Activity Dashboard Activity Tracking Ad hoc Reporting Alerts/Notifications API Approval Process Control Approval Workflow Asset Accounting Asset Tracking Audit Trail Automated Quoting Automatic Backup Automatic Billing Bank Reconciliation Benefits Management Billing Portal Bookkeeping Services Integration Calendar Management Case Management Cash Flow Management Cash Management Catalog Management Chart of Accounts Check Printing Check Processing Check Writing Client Management Client Portal Compliance Management Consolidation/Roll-Up Construction Breakdowns Contact Database Contact Management Contingency Billing Contract/License Management Cost Tracking CPA Firms Credit Card Processing Cross Ledger Posting Currency Conversion Customer Database Customer History Customer Statements Customizable Branding Customizable Invoices Customizable Reports Customizable Templates Dashboard Data Import/Export Data Security Data Synchronization Data Visualization Delivery Management Direct Deposit Discount Management Document Management Document Storage Document Templates Drag & Drop Due Date Tracking Dunning Management Duplicate Payment Alert Electronic Payments Email Management Encryption Estimating Expense Claims Expense Management Fee Calculation & Posting Financial Analysis Financial Management Financial Reporting Fixed Asset Management For Accountants For AEC Industry For CPA Firms Forecasting For Legal Professionals For Real Estate For Religious Organizations For Schools For Small Businesses Fraud Detection Fund Management General Ledger Hourly Billing Inventory Control Inventory Management Inventory Optimization Inventory Tracking Invoice Creation Invoice History Invoice Management Invoice Processing Job Costing K-1 Reporting Kitting Mobile Access Mobile App Mobile Payments Monitoring Multi-Channel Management Multi-Company Multi-Country Multi-State Online Banking Online Invoicing Online Payments Order Management Order Tracking Overpayment Processing Partial Payments Payment Collection Payment Processing Payroll Reporting Performance Metrics Price/Margin Management Pricing and Cost Calculations Pricing Management Product Identification Profit/Loss Statement Progress Tracking Project Billing Project Management Project Tracking Quotes/Estimates Real-Time Data Real-Time Reporting Receipt Management Receivables Ledger Recurring Invoicing Recurring/Subscription Billing Reimbursement Management Reminders Remote Access/Control Reorder Management Reporting/Analytics Reporting & Statistics Requisition Management Retail Inventory Management Revenue Recognition Sales Reports Sales Tax Management Search/Filter Self Service Portal Shipping Management Sourcing Management Spend Management Staff Management Status Tracking Supplier Management Task Management Tax Calculation Tax Compliance Template Management Third-Party Integrations Time & Expense Tracking Timer Time Tracking Transaction History Transaction Management Trust Accounting Vacation/Leave Tracking Vendor Management W-2 Preparation Wage Garnishment Warehouse Management "What If" Scenarios ## Xero Integrations Based on 3299 verified reviews, we've identified products most frequently integrated withXero. Hubdoc Integration rated 4.3 from 32 reviews Dext Integration rated 4.7 from 26 reviews Gusto Integration rated 4.6 from 18 reviews GoCardless Integration rated 3.6 from 16 reviews ApprovalMax Integration rated 4.8 from 12 reviews Square Payments Integration rated 4.6 from 11 reviews See all 224 integrations ## Xero Key Sentiments We analyzed 3299 verified reviews for Xero to find out what actual users really think. Most Positive Sentiments Ease of use 86% Positive 7% Neutral 7% Negative The interface is designed to be intuitive, helping teams navigate without needing extensive training. Many users say they were able to get started quickly, even without prior experience in accounting software. The layout is clean and organized, making it easy to locate key tools and features. This simplicity supports faster onboarding and smoother daily operations. Accounting 64% Positive 26% Neutral 10% Negative Managing core financial tasks becomes easier with Xero’s cloud-based setup, which allows real-time collaboration between accountants, bookkeepers, and business owners. Users say it supports small businesses with tools for payroll, inventory, tax management, and more. The ability to grant unlimited user access helps teams maintain oversight and streamline accounting workflows. Invoicing 55% Positive 32% Neutral 13% Negative Automated invoice tracking and payment reminders help reduce manual work and improve efficiency. Users appreciate the customizable templates that allow for branding and layout preferences. The platform also supports accounts payable, receivable, and inventory management, making it easier to keep financial records organized and up to date. Least Positive Sentiments Reporting 50% Positive 29% Neutral 21% Negative Financial reporting tools offer a range of templates that can be tailored to specific business needs. Users say these reports help monitor performance and guide decision-making. However, some note that the platform lacks depth for complex or industry-specific reporting, and limited customization options can make it harder to extract detailed insights. Customer support 43% Positive 13% Neutral 44% Negative Help resources, such as tutorials and FAQs, are useful for resolving common issues. Users mention that the invoice portal and online support channels are convenient for day-to-day troubleshooting. However, slow response times and the absence of live phone support often lead to frustration when urgent assistance is needed. Bank feeds 42% Positive 31% Neutral 27% Negative Automated bank feed integration helps simplify transaction tracking by connecting with multiple banks and payment platforms. Users value features like bank rules and external tool linking for broader financial oversight. That said, occasional connection failures and limited compatibility with certain banks can disrupt automation and require manual fixes. ## Xero User Reviews Overall Rating 4.4 Ratings Breakdown 5 60% 4 28% 3 7% 2 2% 1 3% Secondary Ratings Ease of Use 4.4 Value for money 4.2 Customer support 4.0 Functionality 4.3 AM Andrew M. Verified reviewer Computer Software 2-10 employees Used weekly for less than 2 years Review source Reviewed May 2026 Solo business using enterprise accountancy software 5 Previously 4 Ratings Breakdown 4 Ease of use 5 Functionality Pros: Covers all my needs and more for a solo business. Useful as it's one of the gold standards for accountants Cons: Overly complex for a solo business owner and therefore too expensive for what I am using it for, but locked in as everything is in there now. Read More SS Sharelle S. Verified reviewer Construction 11-50 employees Used weekly for more than 2 years Review source Reviewed April 2026 A fresh and vibrant accounting software package 5 For the times i was running a multi-million dollar construction company - to when I branched out into a solo world, Xero was there to hold my hand every step of the way. Faster payments, smoother transactions - hosts of plug-in software to make Xero as unique as your own business. Easy to teach to newbies - fantastic at handling high-level accounting. Ratings Breakdown 5 Ease of use 4 Value for money 4 Customer support 5 Functionality Pros: The sheer beauty of the user experience - it has grown and changed but always maintained a fresh and vibrant look and feel - as easy as apple pie ;-) Cons: The subscription cost for lower end users - they don't really do a 'minimal entry' platform that doesn't hurt your pocket if you're having a rough month. Like all platforms, they have to decide which features that users request will be implemented, and that left some users feeling ignored and out in the cold. It just cant be perfect for everyone, but its damn close! Reasons for choosing Xero MYOB wasn't there yet and felt very strange compared to the instantly familiar interface of Xero. Reasons for switching to Xero At the time (2013) Cloud accounting was just coming online and Reckon was being left for dead. The ability to do the accounts wherever I was rather than having to be at a certain computer was so liberating and delivered many cost savings in the construction business I was running. Read More Rhys B. Verified reviewer Biotechnology 11-50 employees Used daily for less than 2 years Review source Reviewed April 2026 Still a pretty good accounting software for small to medium companies! 4 For our business, Xero works well. It's relatively easy to use, but perhaps lacks some features which could make life a bit easier. Ratings Breakdown 4 Ease of use Previously 3 4 Value for money Previously 5 4 Customer support Previously 5 4 Functionality Pros: Xero is a pretty good invoicing/accounting platform which integrates well into our business. I like the email templates and ability to send quotes/invoices with custom messages, feels personal but is simple to set up. Works well for the amount of invoices we handle (200 a year ish). Cons: There are certain little things which I have found a little difficult. For example, I can't just paste an address in and it auto-fill the City/Street/Zip code, you have to individual paste in each field. Also, once you have send and invoice, you can't then add automatic email reminders. I also thing the overdue invoice page UI could be improved to help our finance department be a bit more organise, e.g. AI features could work well here (flag invoices which are unlikely to be paid based on past experience or due dates). Reasons for switching to Xero So that the company could improve financial planning. Read More SK Sam K. Verified reviewer Food Production 11-50 employees Used daily for more than 2 years Review source Reviewed April 2026 Complete Accounts Package 5 It is a complete accounts package and does everything you could need it to do. It is simple and easily navigable and if there is something you don't know how to do it is often simple to find out how. Ratings Breakdown 5 Ease of use 5 Value for money 5 Customer support 5 Functionality Pros: We have used Xero for several years to do our accounting. We moved over from Sage. What I like about Xero is it is simple. Everything is laid out sensibly and it is easy to navigate. There are access to many different pre-made reports as well as the ability to customise and favourite as well. We have this software linked to our Cybake account and send over invoices from there daily. We also raise invoices within Xero itself. We also use it for bills. I use this everyday and have never encountered an issue. When there is something I don't know how to do i have never needed to contact customer support. I just search online to find the answer quickly. Cons: Some of the pre-made reports have very similar names. Which can be confusing at first until you learn them but that is similar to other software we use or have used in the past. Just means sometimes I click a few different ones before I land on the one I want. Not a big issue. Reasons for switching to Xero We used Sage as a more all in one package and it served it's purpose well but we wanted to move to a more dedicated accounts package. Read More NC Nikki C. Verified reviewer Construction 2-10 employees Used daily for more than 2 years Review source Reviewed April 2026 Simple and Efficient Cloud Accounting 5 My overall experience with Xero has been positive. It’s an easy-to-use platform that simplifies accounting tasks like invoicing, bank reconciliation, and expense tracking with strong automation features. It’s especially helpful for keeping finances organized in one place. However, some advanced reporting and customization features can feel limited, and support isn’t always fast, but overall it’s a reliable and efficient accounting tool. Ratings Breakdown 5 Ease of use 5 Value for money 5 Customer support 5 Functionality Pros: What I like most about Xero is its clean, easy-to-use interface and automation features, especially bank reconciliation and invoicing, which save time and make managing finances much more straightforward. Cons: What I liked least about Xero is that customer support can be slow and limited, and some advanced features like reporting, payroll, and customization feel less flexible or harder to use than expected. Reasons for choosing Xero I chose Xero over alternatives like QuickBooks, Zoho Books, and FreshBooks because it offered a better balance of ease of use, strong automation, and scalability. It also provides cleaner reporting, better integrations, and unlimited user access, which made it more efficient for managing growing business needs and collaborating with teams. Read More Bryce M. Verified reviewer Marketing and Advertising Self-Employed Used weekly for less than 6 months Review source Reviewed February 2026 Xero application fees are a hidden 2.9 - 4.4% fee on when providing a payment gateway for stripe. 2 I feel as if I've been scammed by xero out of 3-4% of my income on top of their monthly fee as a hidden surcharge for doing business using them. I am upset by having to look for an alternative solution in the middle of my work month after stumbling on this and seeing no effort to rectify from xero's side or justification for the fees they're just there without notice, recourse or warning. Ratings Breakdown 3 Ease of use 1 Value for money 4 Customer support 4 Functionality Pros: Payment gateway set up was easy. Initial set up was fairly simple. I like that invoicing customers is simple enough. As a consultant, I found that valuable. The dashboard was complicated though and getting specifically to my customer payments not intuitive. Cons: I feel I was cheated by them. They were charging anywhere from 2.92 - 4.42% in "xero application fees" on top of the stripe fees for stripe's payment processing. I only saw these fees once I went into my stripe portal to process a refund after a month. It's not even a standard rate and the variance isn't based on dollar amount, it doesn't make any sense. This means in order to process a client's payment through xero and stripe, I'm paying anywhere from 6-10% in fees with stripe and xero combined. None of these fees were explained up front from Xero's end though stripe's certainly were. Just googling "xero application fees on stripe" I find I'm not the first or even the first dozen to raise this problem and none of the raised responses on their message boards lead to a resolution. I'm now being forced to research another payment portal provider in the middle of the month because I refuse to send this last month's invoices and pay 10% in fees to xero for it. As I look into other applications like quickbooks, they don't charge fees for payment portal, I've gotten no explanation from xero as to why they do. Furthermore, stripe allows payment processing fees to be passed onto the client, this fee is yours as a xero customer whether you like it or not. Reasons for switching to Xero I only needed a payment portal and monthly invoice system, freshbooks was trying to be an all-in-one solution and not doing it "all" effectively. I switched to xero because my primary client had other consultants who were also on xero and I wanted to ensure I was sending similar invoices that wouldn't be jarring to the client. Read More AM Abdul Rehman M. Verified reviewer Health, Wellness and Fitness 2-10 employees Used daily for less than 12 months Review source Reviewed May 2026 So easy to use but a little outdated looks wise 5 I've been using Xero for six months now and won't be switching at all. The product JUST WORKS and is ideal for UK usage. It has all the correct VAT accounts by default and almost every British accountant has used it so they find it extremely easy to work with for producing business accounts and filing VAT returns. Ratings Breakdown 5 Ease of use 5 Value for money 5 Customer support 5 Functionality Pros: How it just works without any training. I am not an accountant whatsoever, I'm just a software developer actually but it was SO EASY to get familiar with Xero. My accountants were impressed at how perfect my books were on it. They were able to produce my UK VAT returns within minutes. Cons: The UI is very outdated. It looks pretty bad. I use a Chrome extension to make it dark for night time usage. It does feel clunky sometimes going back between pages and seeing old information. Reasons for choosing Xero Xero was used by most of my suppliers and I wanted to try it out myself first Read More AP Alexis P. Verified reviewer Construction 11-50 employees Used daily for less than 2 years Review source Reviewed May 2026 Good Product 5 Very Good. Always helpful. Easy to Use. Glad we use Xero compared to other software options. Payroll user friendly Ratings Breakdown 5 Ease of use 5 Value for money 5 Customer support 5 Functionality Pros: Easy to use Easy to reconcile Easy to connect to HMRC & to do VAT returns. Good Customer Support Good mobile access Cons: Quotes dont turn into invoices easily. invoices would be better if they could show us the whole job price and knock percentages off as we raise different percentages on each job. Reasons for switching to Xero Heard good things about Xero, price was good too. Read More CR Charly R. Verified reviewer Food & Beverages 11-50 employees Used weekly for more than 2 years Review source Reviewed May 2026 Xero , or how to simplify your accounting 5 Overall it has been great , I have tried MYOB before but Xero is way more user friendly , fast , cheap and convenient Ratings Breakdown 5 Ease of use 5 Value for money 5 Customer support 5 Functionality Pros: The conveniency and the user friendly part , I do use Xero since 3 years now over 2 businesses , simple to learn and so much time saved Cons: to be honest , everything is pretty great when using Xero , I couldn't fault anything for now beside of the website being off once in a while Reasons for choosing Xero Xero is more user friendly that MYOB , the switch was great Read More DM Dasha M. Verified reviewer Non-Profit Organization Management 2-10 employees Used weekly for less than 12 months Review source Reviewed April 2026 Highly Recommend for Small Nonprofits 5 I would highly recommend Xero without hesitation. The platform is great and not difficult to learn, and the customer service is excellent. Ratings Breakdown 5 Ease of use 5 Value for money 5 Customer support 5 Functionality Pros: It is very user friendly. We are a small nonprofit without a formal accountant and were able to set up our business and run reports in ways that are simple but useful. Cons: There isn't anything I don't like. There was some confusion for me around setting up our chart of accounts but I was able to meet with someone from Xero and they solved the problem quickly and gave me a wonderful overview of the platform. Reasons for choosing Xero Cost and didn't need all of the features Quickbooks offered. Read More Showing 1 - 10 of 3299 Reviews [See All Reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/reviews/) ## Xero FAQs - Is Xero difficult to use? Xero’s cloud-based software and mobile apps make it relatively easy to access and use. It offers templates and training resources that help non-accountants to learn its features. Most also find its user interface easy to use, with reviewers rating it 4.5 out of 5. - Do I need a bookkeeper if I use Xero? Yes, you may still need a bookkeeper or accountant to take advantage of financial benefits and services. Some examples of reasons for hiring an accountant might be leveraging possible tax breaks, ensuring compliance, interpreting data effectively for business decisions. - Does Xero do payroll? Yes, Xero manages and processes payroll, calculating taxes and producing payslips. There are also features for managing work hours and tracking employee leave or vacation. The payroll feature can also be configured to manage healthcare deductions and retirement plans. - Does Xero automatically pay employees? Yes, Xero allows electronic payments to employees via direct deposit. Additionally, it will subtract taxes and generate payslips. Its features ensure accurate payroll and proper compliance with local labor regulations. - Does Xero have journal entry? Yes, Xero is a double-entry accounting system that allows transactions to be recorded as journal entries. This allows the user to ensure that debits and credits balance each other. Journal entries can be single, compound, and recurring. First, users identify the transaction, classify it as debit or credit, record the details, and then post it to their ledger. ## Xero Popular Comparisons [QuickBooks Online vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/2976-xero/vs/393202-QuickBooks-Online/)[QuickBooks Enterprise vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/vs/xero/)[QuickBooks Desktop vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/quickbooks-pro-profile/vs/xero/)[NetSuite vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/netsuite-financials-accounting-software-profile/vs/xero/)[Sage Intacct vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/xero/)[QuickBooks Online Advanced vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/2976-xero/vs/49805-QuickBooks-Online/)[FreshBooks vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/vs/xero/)[Sage Accounting vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-business-cloud-accounting-profile/vs/xero/)[Wave vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/2976-xero/vs/18767-Wave-Apps/)[Odoo vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/odoo-profile/vs/xero/)[Sage 50 Accounting vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sage-50cloud-profile/vs/xero/)[TallyPrime vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/tally-profile/vs/xero/)[SAP Concur vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-concur-profile/vs/xero/)[SAP Business One vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/sap-business-one-profile/vs/xero/)[Zoho Books vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/vs/zoho-books/)[Multiview ERP vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/multiview-enterprise-profile/vs/xero/)[Acumatica Cloud ERP vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/vs/xero/)[Sage 100 vs Xero](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/sage-100cloud-profile/vs/xero/) [Compare All Alternatives](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/xero-profile/alternatives/) Stuck Between Options? 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