Link copied to clipboard # QuickBooks Desktop Pro vs Xero Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/quickbooks-desktop-pro/xero/export.csv) Desktop ProXero[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** Free Trial **$499.95** · QuickBooks Premier 2017 **$499.95** per year · QuickBooks Premier Plus 2017 **$299.95** · QuickBooks Mac Desktop **$84** per month · QuickBooks Enterprise **$299.95** · QuickBooks Pro Show more **Xero** Free Trial **$25.00** Flat Rate Per Month · Starter **$55.00** Flat Rate Per Month · Standard **$90.00** Flat Rate Per Month · Premium **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** $$$$$ **Xero** $$$$$ Average Discount **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 12% **Xero** 17%5% more Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Xero** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Xero** 6 months Based on 100 responses ![QuickBooks Desktop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1507301994/quickbooks-desktop-pro.png "QuickBooks Desktop Pro") ![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero") G2 offers free advice on this comparison. Chat with an expert How would you like to receive Software Advice? ![](/assets/advisor_router/laptop_form-f1a7012279826105416befde8d882ffc7589b1f9db09c93a1379d601cafe8e0d.svg) FormAnswer questions at your own pace, no call required. ![](/assets/advisor_router/ai_agent-4d78629a3ba354fed449a65c60df3a6f2eda90fb98411b711df4b25d7be52a38.svg) AI AgentChat live and get a recommendation in minutes. ![](/assets/advisor_router/phone_call_picker-c48821ec36f4182d8ee3e54cfbd3937500eec54d7b7e0cfb80dc80a8a733842f.svg) Phone CallTalk it through live with a software advisor. **Pros & Cons** from reviews **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** Ease of Use (19) Accounting Management (10) Limited Features (12) Missing Features (9) **Xero** Ease of Use (851) Invoice Management (366) Missing Features (319) Limited Options (173) Integrations **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4457eea89c5d9d97f352c54a090240b0/apple-mail.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Apple Mail ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-mail/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ab8dd331091a5e1b4dc7e19bd474f7c3/axiscare-home-care-software.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AxisCare Home Care Software ](https://www.g2.com/products/axiscare-home-care-software/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_1f937697815ef71dab90f719557a062f/busybusy.png "Product Avatar Image") BusyBusy ](https://www.g2.com/products/busybusy/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_bb26d5c154eb3fdddc5ebe20294d5888/fingercheck.png "Product Avatar Image") Fingercheck ](https://www.g2.com/products/fingercheck/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/integrations) **Xero** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_d7e41d59db49f52b44cbfbb2aae7c50e/a2x.png "Product Avatar Image") A2X ](https://www.g2.com/products/a2x/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_fbd2153b13fc6c72bbb5b34110ab8e55/accelo%282%29.png "Product Avatar Image") Accelo ](https://www.g2.com/products/accelo/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_24587f96a3fcccbd1a27958aacca893c/actionstep.png "Product Avatar Image") Actionstep ](https://www.g2.com/products/actionstep/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ae2e6a6d44efb6d83bacbabaeab01b84/activecollab.png "Product Avatar Image") ActiveCollab ](https://www.g2.com/products/activecollab/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/integrations) Screenshots **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** ![QuickBooks Desktop Pro screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/8586/QB15_AddInfo.jpg) **Xero** ![Xero screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/112167/invoice-with-cc.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** **8.9** /10 Based on 1,502 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,401 responses Ease of Use **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** **8.6** /10 Based on 1,509 responses **Xero** **8.9** /10 Based on 1,490 responses Ease of Setup **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** **8.3** /10 Based on 645 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,170 responses Ease of Admin **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** **8.6** /10 Based on 626 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 462 responses Quality of Support **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** **7.7** /10 Based on 1,329 responses **Xero** **8.3** /10 Based on 1,294 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** **8.2** /10 Based on 609 responses **Xero** **8.6** /10 Based on 454 responses Product Direction (% positive) **QuickBooks Desktop Pro** **7.5** /10 Based on 1,490 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,344 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Accounting **8.0** /10 Based on 1,144 responses **8.3** /10 Based on 1,430 responses Billing **8.4** /10 Based on 106 responses **8.4** /10 Based on 292 responses Expense Management Not enough data **8.1** /10 Based on 385 responses Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Nonprofit Accounting Not enough data **8.7** /10 Based on 1,100 responses Payroll **8.7** /10 Based on 520 responses Not enough data Invoice Management Not enough data **8.6** /10 Based on 329 responses Inventory Control Not enough data **9.0** /10 Based on 136 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 81.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 15.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 3.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 81.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 15.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 3.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 72.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 5.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 72.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 5.6% **Reviewers' Industry** [![QuickBooks Desktop Pro](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1507301994/quickbooks-desktop-pro.png "QuickBooks Desktop Pro")](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) QuickBooks Desktop Pro Accounting 17.0% Construction 6.9% Non-Profit Organization Management 5.6% Marketing and Advertising 3.4% Information Technology and Services 3.3% Other 63.9% [![Xero](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/808722a7f32bdeac24cfe7c4f9cd544a/xero.svg "Xero")](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) Xero Accounting 24.0% Information Technology and Services 8.8% Computer Software 6.4% Marketing and Advertising 5.0% Construction 3.4% Other 52.4% Alternatives **QuickBooks Desktop Pro Alternatives** ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") [ FreshBooks ](/products/freshbooks/reviews) ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ![Oracle PeopleSoft](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4a5e2bce3268525177e39759aee1107d/oracle-peoplesoft.svg "Oracle PeopleSoft") [ Oracle PeopleSoft ](/products/oracle-peoplesoft/reviews) ![Certinia Financial Management Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0dd6ba751598afe1d4100180c8bc4acf/certinia-financial-management-cloud.svg "Certinia Financial Management Cloud") [ Certinia Financial... ](/products/certinia-financial-management-cloud/reviews) **Xero Alternatives** ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") [ FreshBooks ](/products/freshbooks/reviews) ![Certinia Financial Management Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0dd6ba751598afe1d4100180c8bc4acf/certinia-financial-management-cloud.svg "Certinia Financial Management Cloud") [ Certinia Financial... ](/products/certinia-financial-management-cloud/reviews) ![Acumatica](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/80c9c6ebe4de843e8176a22feb086a21/acumatica.svg "Acumatica") [ Acumatica ](/products/acumatica/reviews) ![SAP Business One](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b5f8f986beca96ab0027c693ee762fb9/sap-business-one.svg "SAP Business One") [ SAP Business One ](/products/sap-business-one/reviews) ## Desktop Pro vs Xero FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Desktop Pro vs Xero? Xero stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction in setup and support, while Desktop Pro is favored for its comprehensive accounting management and offline usability. | [Desktop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (1,768 reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,736 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.3 | 8.7 | | 7.7 | 8.3 | | Accounting Management | Integration APIs | ### How do the pricing models of Desktop Pro and Xero compare? Xero is rated as the stronger value by reviewers, with a higher satisfaction score on price and cost-related dimensions. - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers frequently mention that the pricing is high compared to other programs, and additional costs for payroll and upgrades are a common concern. - **Xero:** In recent reviews, many cite the pricing as a bit high for small businesses, but satisfaction with the value received is higher than for Desktop Pro. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers report switching from QuickBooks to Xero for a more modern interface and better integration capabilities. ### What are the best alternatives to Desktop Pro and Xero? The top three alternatives to Desktop Pro and Xero are NetSuite, FreshBooks, and QuickBooks Online. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Desktop Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-desktop-pro/reviews) | 4.3/5 (1,768 reviews) | Small-Business | Pricing is high compared to other programs; additional costs for payroll and upgrades | Accounting Management | | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,736 reviews) | Small-Business | Pricing is a bit high for small businesses, but higher satisfaction than Desktop Pro | Integration APIs | | [NetSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) | 4.1/5 (4,912 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive ERP capabilities | | [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (981 reviews) | Small-Business | — | User-friendly invoicing and expense tracking | | [QuickBooks Online](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) | 4.0/5 (3,870 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Cloud-based accessibility and integration | ### Which Accounting features should I prioritize when comparing Desktop Pro and Xero? Buyers should prioritize integrations, ease of setup, payroll, reporting, and customization when comparing Desktop Pro and Xero. - **Integrations:** Xero offers Integration APIs and Breadth of Partner Applications, while Desktop Pro is frequently cited for QuickBooks integration (6 all-time mentions). - **Ease of Setup:** Xero scores 8.7, Desktop Pro 8.3. - **Payroll:** Both products are frequently mentioned for payroll, with Desktop Pro receiving multiple recent reviewer mentions for payroll efficiency. - **Reporting:** Desktop Pro has 8 all-time mentions for reporting features; Xero is praised for clear and customizable reports in recent reviews. - **Customization:** Desktop Pro has 7 all-time mentions for customization, while Xero reviewers often request more advanced customization options. ### What are the pros and cons of Desktop Pro vs Xero? Desktop Pro's headline strength is comprehensive accounting management, while Xero excels in integration capabilities and ease of use. - **Desktop Pro strengths:** Ease of use (19 all-time mentions), accounting management (10), comprehensive features (8), reporting features (8), customization (7), invoicing ease (6), reliability (6). - **Desktop Pro trade-offs:** Limited features (12), missing features (9), expensive (6), poor customer support (6), limited customization (5), not intuitive (5), outdated software (5). - **Xero strengths:** In recent reviews, Xero is praised for its clean interface, ease of use, strong integration APIs, and automation of bank reconciliation and invoicing. - **Xero trade-offs:** Reviewers note higher pricing for small businesses, limited advanced reporting customization, and reliance on online support channels. ### Is Desktop Pro or Xero better for small businesses? Xero is the better fit for small businesses, with higher satisfaction scores and strong small-business reviewer sentiment. - **Desktop Pro:** Small-Business segment; reviewers appreciate its offline usability and robust accounting features but cite higher costs and limited integrations as drawbacks. - **Xero:** Small-Business segment; reviewers highlight ease of use, automation, and integration capabilities as key benefits for small businesses. ### Which Accounting platform has better integrations? Xero is favored for integrations, with reviewers highlighting its broader integration capabilities and APIs. - **Desktop Pro:** QuickBooks integration is cited in 6 all-time reviews, but reviewers note limited connectivity with newer tools. - **Xero:** Shopify integration is mentioned in 9 all-time reviews, and recent reviewers consistently praise Xero's integration APIs and app marketplace. ### How do Desktop Pro and Xero compare on customer support? Xero leads on Quality of Support, with a 0.6-point advantage over Desktop Pro (8.3 vs 7.7). - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers mention challenges with customer support, including slow response times and limited assistance, with 6 all-time mentions of poor support. - **Xero:** Reviewers report higher satisfaction with support, noting helpful onboarding and responsive assistance, though some mention reliance on online channels. ### Which is easier to implement, Desktop Pro or Xero? Xero is easier to implement, with a 0.4-point lead in Ease of Setup (8.7 vs 8.3). - **Desktop Pro:** Reviewers describe the setup as straightforward for those with accounting experience, but note a steeper learning curve for beginners and more manual data entry. - **Xero:** Reviewers consistently highlight easy onboarding, clear instructions, and a user-friendly setup process, especially for small businesses. ### Which product has better Payroll? Desktop Pro is more frequently cited for Payroll, with multiple all-time reviewer mentions and strong recent sentiment for payroll efficiency. - **Desktop Pro:** Payroll is a frequently mentioned feature in recent reviews, with users highlighting efficient payroll processing and integration with other accounting tasks. - **Xero:** Payroll is mentioned in recent reviews, but reviewers note limitations in US payroll support and occasional challenges with timesheet imports and payroll date handling.