Build my stack
Best Xero alternatives
We put Xero head to head with the 6 closest rivals we have tested, so you can switch on evidence, not a hunch.
Where Xero can fall short
6 alternatives worth your time
FreshBooks
4.4 out of 54.4Invoicing and accounting designed for freelancers.
FreshBooks is the pick when you want freelancers and service businesses who bill clients, and it leads on ease of use.
- Beautiful, fast invoicing
- Friendly for non accountants
Zoho Books
4.3 out of 54.3Full-featured accounting at a fair price.
Unlike Xero, Zoho Books ships a genuine free tier, so you can start without a card and only pay once it earns it.
- Well established product with an active user base
- Regular updates and clear roadmap
QuickBooks Online
4.2 out of 54.2The accounting standard for small and growing businesses.
QuickBooks Online is the pick when you want small businesses that need full, accountant ready books, and it leads on features.
- Comprehensive, accountant ready features
- Universally supported by bookkeepers
Wave
4.2 out of 54.2Genuinely free accounting and invoicing.
Unlike Xero, Wave ships a genuine free tier, so you can start without a card and only pay once it earns it.
- Well established product with an active user base
- Regular updates and clear roadmap
Harvest
4.2 out of 54.2Time tracking and invoicing in one tidy app.
Unlike Xero, Harvest ships a genuine free tier, so you can start without a card and only pay once it earns it.
- Well established product with an active user base
- Regular updates and clear roadmap
Bonsai
4.1 out of 54.1Invoicing, contracts, and taxes for freelancers.
Bonsai is the pick when you want invoicing, contracts, and taxes for freelancers., and it leads on ease of use.
- Well established product with an active user base
- Regular updates and clear roadmap
Xero vs the alternatives
| Tool | Our score | From | Free tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 | $15/mo | No | Beautiful cloud accounting loved by small businesses. | |
| 4.4 | $19/mo | No | Freelancers and service businesses who bill clients | |
| 4.3 | $15/mo | Yes | Full-featured accounting at a fair price. | |
| 4.2 | $35/mo | No | Small businesses that need full, accountant ready books | |
| 4.2 | Free | Yes | Genuinely free accounting and invoicing. | |
| 4.2 | $11/mo | Yes | Time tracking and invoicing in one tidy app. | |
| 4.1 | $25/mo | No | Invoicing, contracts, and taxes for freelancers. |
Switch to FreshBooks
FreshBooks is the pick when you want freelancers and service businesses who bill clients, and it leads on ease of use. It is the Xero alternative we recommend first for most people.
No catch, just answers
The things readers ask us most about how GoPickStack works and stays independent.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools we have tested, and commissions never change our scores or rankings. We currently track 218+ tools, including 8 across Accounting & Invoicing.