Xero or QuickBooks?
Pick the platform that fits your property business.
A side-by-side look at pricing, plans and payroll, so you can judge which platform fits your business size and accounting needs.
Unlimited users, free accountant access
Recurring invoices and built-in reporting
Which one should you choose?
Each platform is strongest in a different situation.
Choose Xero
If you want unlimited users on every plan, free accountant access, Making Tax Digital VAT submission and predictable tiered pricing from £18 per month, Xero fits.
Choose QuickBooks
If you want recurring invoices, built-in profit and loss and balance sheet reports, and a marketplace of 750+ integrations, QuickBooks fits, especially for sole traders.
Consider Zeevou
RECOMMENDEDIf you want a free core PMS with 0% commission on direct bookings, plus add-ons that connect your property operations to either accounting platform, consider Zeevou.
Xero vs QuickBooks at a glance
Based on publicly available data as of September 2026.
XeroTiered cloud accounting with unlimited users and MTD VAT support
QuickBooksCloud accounting with recurring invoicing and built-in P&L reporting
See what Zeevou offers
Free core PMS, 0% commission on direct bookings and everything you need to grow from 5 units to 200+.
Book a free consultation“…Easy to board the property and integrate with the OTA’s. I love the monthly chat where we can be updated on features and improvements…”
Tamar Finkelstein“…A game-changer in helping me systemise my business operations while providing a seamless user journey for my guests…”
Jordan Bunton-Williams“…The perfect Channel Manager for our portfolio. ID verification, agreements and security deposits all in one place!…”
Fabian ProsciucA quick feature breakdown
Bookkeeping
| Feature | Xero | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Bank feeds | AI-powered bank feeds | |
| Automatic bank reconciliation | paid add-on on Simple/Ignite plans | |
| Multi-currency | Comprehensive/Ultimate plans only | – |
Invoicing and Payments
| Feature | Xero | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Custom invoices | invoice count limited on entry plans | |
| Recurring invoices | – | |
| Online invoice payments | payment fees apply | |
| Payment reminders |
Expenses
| Feature | Xero | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt capture | ||
| Bills and payables | ||
| Mileage tracking | per-user fee, higher plans only |
Reporting and Tax
| Feature | Xero | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Profit and loss report | – | |
| Balance sheet | – | |
| VAT / sales tax returns | not on Simple/Ledger plans | |
| Making Tax Digital support |
Team and Integrations
| Feature | Xero | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple users | unlimited users on business plans | – |
| Accountant access | dedicated accountant/bookkeeper plans | |
| Payroll | headcount limited by plan, usage fees | – |
| App marketplace / integrations |
Information is based on publicly available data and our independent analysis as of September 2026. Features, pricing and capabilities may change without notice. “–” means the company does not list the feature publicly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xero or QuickBooks cheaper?
Xero's UK plans start at £18 per month for Ignite, rising to £70 per month for Ultimate. QuickBooks' UK pricing shown by third-party sources ranges from around £16 per month for Simple Start up to £47 per month for Plus, though figures vary by source, region and available discounts, so it's worth checking each provider's current pricing page directly.
Which is better for a sole trader?
QuickBooks offers dedicated Solopreneur and Sole Trader Plus plans built around simpler self-employed bookkeeping, plus discounted rates via accountant plans. Xero's entry-level Ignite plan covers basic invoicing and bills but doesn't include VAT return submission, so a growing sole trader needing VAT may need to look at a higher Xero tier.
Can I switch from Xero to QuickBooks, or vice versa?
Both platforms are widely used by accountants and bookkeepers, and both offer dedicated accountant access or discounted partner plans, which typically makes migration between the two more straightforward with professional support. Check with your accountant or bookkeeper about the specific data migration steps for your business.
What's the key difference between Xero and QuickBooks?
Xero gives unlimited users and free accountant access on every business plan, plus multi-currency and project tracking on its higher tiers. QuickBooks includes recurring invoices and built-in profit and loss and balance sheet reporting more consistently across its range, along with a larger stated app marketplace of 750+ integrations.
Do Xero or QuickBooks charge extra fees?
Xero charges payment fees on online invoice payments and on bill or payroll payments beyond your plan's included allowance, for example an extra £0.20 per bank-transfer bill payment on UK plans. QuickBooks' own products page notes that network or processing fees may apply, though specific figures weren't confirmed across all plans.
