Best Xero Alternatives
The best alternatives to Xero, ranked by rating and value.
We compared 4 Xero alternatives. FreshBooks is the top pick at 4.5/5 (from $19/mo). 2 have a free plan. 3 cost less than Xero's $20/mo. 2 rate higher than Xero itself (4.4/5).
Why look for a Xero alternative?
Xero rates 4.4/5 and is genuinely strong at unlimited users — most people switch because of a specific trade-off:
- •Entry plan caps invoices
- •US payroll via partners
Xero alternatives compared
| Tool | Starts at | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero (the original) | $20/mo | 4.4/5 | Small businesses & startups |
| FreshBooks | $19/mo | 4.5/5 | Freelancers & service businesses |
| Zoho Books | Free | 4.5/5 | SMBs & Zoho users |
| QuickBooks Online | $35/mo | 4.4/5 | Small businesses & accountants |
| Wave | Free | 4.3/5 | Micro-businesses & freelancers |
The best Xero alternatives, ranked
Simple accounting built for freelancers
Why switch: Very easy to use. Best for Freelancers & service businesses.
Affordable accounting inside the Zoho suite
Why switch: Excellent value. Best for SMBs & Zoho users.
The market-leading small-business accounting suite
Why switch: Most complete feature set. Best for Small businesses & accountants.
Free accounting & invoicing for tiny businesses
Why switch: Core features free. Best for Micro-businesses & freelancers.
Pick by priority
Best rated → FreshBooks
4.5/5 across 6,200 reviews. Very easy to use.
Free option → Zoho Books
Has a genuine free plan — the cheapest way to test a switch.
Closest fit → FreshBooks
Our top overall pick for people leaving Xero. Suits Freelancers & service businesses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Xero?+
FreshBooks is our top-ranked Xero alternative, rated 4.5/5 and starting at $19/mo. Very easy to use is its standout strength, and it suits Freelancers & service businesses.
Are there free alternatives to Xero?+
Yes — Zoho Books, Wave offer a free plan. Paid tiers unlock more, but the free tier is enough to test the fit.
What is a cheaper alternative to Xero?+
3 of these start below Xero's $20/mo: FreshBooks ($19/mo), Zoho Books (Free), Wave (Free).
Why do people look for Xero alternatives?+
The most common reasons are: entry plan caps invoices, US payroll via partners. Xero still rates 4.4/5, so the right move depends on which trade-off matters to you.
Which Xero alternative is rated highest?+
FreshBooks at 4.5/5, versus 4.4/5 for Xero.