Accounting Software Pricing: QuickBooks vs Xero

Are you comparing accounting software pricing for your business? Choosing between QuickBooks and Xero can feel overwhelming, especially as subscription models and tiered features often mask true costs. This guide unpacks 2025’s latest pricing details, reveals how each platform matches different business needs, and brings you the newest high-volume searches to help you make a savvy SaaS decision.

QuickBooks vs Xero: Pricing Overview

Understanding the accounting software pricing landscape begins with a clear view of each platform’s tiers and what’s included at every price point.

QuickBooks Pricing (2025)

QuickBooks offers several plans for varying business sizes and needs:

• Simple Start: $30/month
  Features: Invoicing, expense tracking, bank connection
• Essentials: $55/month
  Adds: Bill management, time tracking, greater user access
• Plus: $85/month
  Adds: Inventory tracking, project management, 1099 prep
• Advanced: $200/month
  Adds: Custom user permissions, smart reporting, dedicated support

User Limits:
Simple Start (1 user), Essentials (3 users), Plus (5 users), Advanced (25 users)

Xero Pricing (2025)

Xero's approach is more flexible on both features and user count:

• Early Plan: $13/month
  Best for startups. Limited to 20 invoices & 5 bills per month
• Growing Plan: $37/month
  Unlimited invoices/bills, bank reconciliation
• Established Plan: $70/month
  Adds: Multi-currency, project tracking, advanced analytics

User Limits:
Unlimited users on all plans, a major plus for teams.

30-day free trial is available for all Xero plans.

Feature-by-Feature Pricing Comparison

Here’s how QuickBooks and Xero stack up on value for money:

High-Volume User Search: What’s Trending Now?

Trending in July-August 2025:
Many users are searching “which accounting software offers unlimited users for SMBs?” and “are price increases expected for SaaS accounting tools in 2025?”

Key facts:

• Xero is currently the only leading SaaS accounting platform to offer unlimited users on every plan, making it especially attractive for growing businesses and collaborative teams.
• QuickBooks remains more rigid on user seats, which increases your costs as your business scales.
• Industry buzz: In 2025, price adjustments are a hot topic. Xero's recent, modest price increases still position it as a cost leader at scale compared to QuickBooks, especially for teams with 5+ users.

Tip: For businesses with multiple stakeholders, Xero’s unlimited user access often means significant savings and fewer logistical headaches.

Pricing Considerations: What Affects Your Real Cost?

When considering accounting software pricing, don’t look just at the monthly fee. Here are the hidden and variable costs to keep in mind:

• Number of Users: QuickBooks charges more as your team grows; Xero does not.
• Payroll-related Fees: Both require add-on subscriptions (QuickBooks Payroll, Xero integrates with Gusto).
• Feature Upgrades: Inventory, project tracking, and advanced reporting cost extra on both platforms — make sure to compare tiers based on the features your business will use.
• Third-Party Integrations: Some integrations or advanced analytics may incur extra charges.
• Onboarding and Support: QuickBooks offers live support channels (phone/chat), while Xero relies primarily on online support and community.

Pros and Cons: Quick Overview

QuickBooks Strengths

• Extensive reports and customization
• Wide US market adoption
• Integrated payroll tools
• Live phone/chat support

Xero Strengths

• Unlimited users at no extra cost
• Simpler, more user-friendly interface
• Powerful project and cashflow features (on higher plans)
• Excellent for businesses with distributed teams or frequent collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions

Which platform is more affordable for very small businesses?

• Xero’s Early plan at $13/month is the absolute lowest entry price, though it has strict limits (20 invoices, 5 bills/month). QuickBooks Simple Start is $30/month, but offers more flexibility out of the box.

How does user access impact cost?

• Xero includes unlimited users on all plans. QuickBooks charges per additional user past its tiered limit, making it costlier for collaborative or growing teams.

Can I manage payroll in these apps?

• Both platforms offer integration with payroll, but at extra cost. QuickBooks includes its own payroll option, while Xero integrates with providers like Gusto.

Is there a free trial?

• Yes, both platforms offer a 30-day free trial, allowing you to evaluate features before committing.

Which software is best for scaling businesses?

• Xero is generally recommended for growing teams thanks to unlimited user seats and strong collaborative features, while QuickBooks is best for businesses needing advanced reporting, U.S.-centric integrations, and built-in payroll.

Final Tips

• For solopreneurs and small firms: Start with Xero’s Early or Growing plan to minimize expense.
• For medium to large teams: Xero’s unlimited user policy may result in substantial long-term savings.
• For businesses with complex U.S. reporting, payroll, or where dedicated support is vital, consider QuickBooks’ higher-tier plans.

Staying on top of accounting software pricing trends ensures you’re not just choosing what’s “popular,” but truly optimizing for your business’s workflow and budget in 2025.