Link copied to clipboard # QuickBooks Free vs Xero Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/quickbooks-free/xero/export.csv) QuickBooks FreeXero[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **QuickBooks Free** No pricing available **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 Free** $$$$$ **Xero** $$$$$ Average Discount **QuickBooks Free** 11% **Xero** 17%6% more Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **QuickBooks Free** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Xero** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **QuickBooks Free** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Xero** 6 months Based on 100 responses ![QuickBooks Free](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_6b0135578182be9b7a3554a808a64d72/quickbooks-free.png "QuickBooks Free") ![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 Free** Ease of Use (59) Intuitive (19) Expensive (18) Missing Features (13) **Xero** Ease of Use (851) Invoice Management (366) Missing Features (319) Limited Options (173) Integrations **QuickBooks Free** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7f5550e3da48c84ada2be10cc6bc08f5/17hats.png "Product Avatar Image") 17hats ](https://www.g2.com/products/17hats/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_de7b0518c01aad23330b32c4acb323dd/adp-workforce-now.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Workforce Now ](https://www.g2.com/products/adp-workforce-now/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9d866ab672b76c3d43e6b145fbb7fdf0/asi-customer-billing.png "Product Avatar Image") ASI Customer Billing ](https://www.g2.com/products/asi-customer-billing/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_a0262af4936c069f30f6065e864afa37/avalara.png "Product Avatar Image") Avalara ](https://www.g2.com/products/avalara/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-free/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 Free** No screenshot available **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 Free** **8.8** /10 Based on 366 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,397 responses Ease of Use **QuickBooks Free** **8.7** /10 Based on 386 responses **Xero** **8.9** /10 Based on 1,486 responses Ease of Setup **QuickBooks Free** **8.7** /10 Based on 252 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,166 responses Ease of Admin **QuickBooks Free** **8.8** /10 Based on 141 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 460 responses Quality of Support **QuickBooks Free** **7.8** /10 Based on 333 responses **Xero** **8.3** /10 Based on 1,290 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **QuickBooks Free** **8.5** /10 Based on 136 responses **Xero** **8.6** /10 Based on 452 responses Product Direction (% positive) **QuickBooks Free** **7.6** /10 Based on 346 responses **Xero** **8.7** /10 Based on 1,340 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Accounting **8.0** /10 Based on 339 responses **8.3** /10 Based on 1,427 responses Nonprofit Accounting **8.6** /10 Based on 247 responses **8.7** /10 Based on 1,100 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 Invoice Management Not enough data **8.6** /10 Based on 329 responses Inventory Control Not enough data **9.0** /10 Based on 136 responses Billing Not enough data **8.4** /10 Based on 292 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 76.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 2.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 76.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 2.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 72.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 5.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 72.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 21.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 5.6% **Reviewers' Industry** [![QuickBooks Free](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_6b0135578182be9b7a3554a808a64d72/quickbooks-free.png "QuickBooks Free")](https://www.g2.com/products/quickbooks-free/reviews) QuickBooks Free Accounting 21.3% Information Technology and Services 6.1% Construction 5.6% Non-Profit Organization Management 4.9% Computer Software 3.5% Other 58.6% [![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 8.7% Computer Software 6.4% Marketing and Advertising 5.0% Construction 3.4% Other 52.4% Alternatives **QuickBooks Free Alternatives** ![Sage Intacct](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_14f9ce34aa0bb0f679b3f8e617a83f09/sage-intacct.jpg "Sage Intacct") [ Sage Intacct ](/products/sage-intacct/reviews) ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") [ FreshBooks ](/products/freshbooks/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) **Xero Alternatives** ![NetSuite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b02508eaf1eed7c1c991b5f0ce3fab7/oracle-netsuite.svg "NetSuite") [ NetSuite ](/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) ![QuickBooks Online](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b25008554ea0586db2f358c9fa996493/quickbooks-online.svg "QuickBooks Online") [ QuickBooks Online ](/products/quickbooks-online/reviews) ![FreshBooks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/58c5a614d757ea3d7bd5a61ee1fd9c75/freshbooks.svg "FreshBooks") [ FreshBooks ](/products/freshbooks/reviews) ![Sage Intacct](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_14f9ce34aa0bb0f679b3f8e617a83f09/sage-intacct.jpg "Sage Intacct") [ Sage Intacct ](/products/sage-intacct/reviews) ## QuickBooks Free vs Xero FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 16, 2026 ### What is the difference between Xero vs Intuit QuickBooks? Xero and Intuit QuickBooks are both highly rated accounting platforms for small businesses, but Xero stands out for its user interface and automation, while Intuit QuickBooks is praised for its widespread adoption and ease of use. | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | [Intuit QuickBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/intuit-quickbooks/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (1,741 reviews) | 4.4/5 (403 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.7 | 8.7 | | 8.3 | 7.8 | | Simple UI/UX and automation features | Ease of use and widespread adoption | ### How do the pricing models of Xero and Intuit QuickBooks compare? Xero and Intuit QuickBooks are rated at parity for value, with both products scoring closely on price satisfaction. - **Xero:** In recent reviews, several small-business reviewers mention that Xero's pricing can feel high, especially as more features or users are added, but appreciate the automation and time savings it delivers. - **Intuit QuickBooks:** Reviewers frequently cite QuickBooks as expensive, with 17 all-time mentions of cost concerns and 6 mentions of extra costs, but also note its robust features and integrations as justification for the price. - **Switching-reason:** Some reviewers report switching from QuickBooks to Xero for a simpler interface and more efficient workflow, while others cite QuickBooks' widespread acceptance by accountants as a reason to stay. ### What are the best alternatives to Xero and Intuit QuickBooks? The top three alternatives to Xero and Intuit QuickBooks are Sage Intacct, NetSuite, and FreshBooks. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Xero](https://www.g2.com/products/xero/reviews) | 4.4/5 (1,741 reviews) | Small-Business | Pricing can feel high for small businesses | Simple UI/UX and automation features | | [Intuit QuickBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/intuit-quickbooks/reviews) | 4.4/5 (403 reviews) | Small-Business | Frequently cited as expensive, but robust features | Ease of use and widespread adoption | | [Sage Intacct](https://www.g2.com/products/sage-intacct/reviews) | 4.3/5 (4,434 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Advanced financial management capabilities | | [NetSuite](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-netsuite/reviews) | 4.1/5 (4,913 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive ERP and accounting integration | | [FreshBooks](https://www.g2.com/products/freshbooks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (981 reviews) | Small-Business | — | User-friendly invoicing and expense tracking | ### Which Accounting features should I prioritize when comparing Xero and Intuit QuickBooks? Buyers comparing Xero and Intuit QuickBooks should prioritize ease of use, automation, integrations, reporting, and pricing. - **Ease of Use:** Xero scores 8.9, Intuit QuickBooks 8.7. - **Automation:** Xero is frequently praised for automation features in recent reviews; Intuit QuickBooks is also cited for automating bookkeeping and recurring transactions. - **Integrations:** Xero integrates with Shopify (9 all-time mentions); Intuit QuickBooks integrates with Gusto and other tools (12 all-time mentions for integrations). - **Reporting:** Both products are noted for reporting, but reviewers mention Xero's reporting could be more customizable, while QuickBooks has 9 all-time mentions for reporting strengths. - **Pricing:** Both products receive feedback about pricing, with QuickBooks cited as expensive in 17 all-time mentions and Xero described as costly for small businesses in recent reviews. ### What are the pros and cons of Xero vs Intuit QuickBooks? Xero's headline strength is its simple UI and automation, while Intuit QuickBooks is most praised for ease of use and widespread adoption. - **Xero strengths:** Reviewers highlight Xero's clean, intuitive interface, strong automation for bank reconciliation and invoicing, and time-saving features. - **Xero trade-offs:** Reviewers note limited reporting customization, higher pricing for small businesses, and slower or less accessible customer support. - **Intuit QuickBooks strengths:** 54 all-time mentions for ease of use, 19 for intuitive design, 18 for invoice management, and 12 for integrations. Reviewers also cite robust reporting and easy setup. - **Intuit QuickBooks trade-offs:** 17 all-time mentions for being expensive, 6 for extra costs, and 6 for update issues. Reviewers also mention limited reporting customization and occasional support frustrations. ### Is Xero or Intuit QuickBooks better for small businesses? Xero and Intuit QuickBooks are both primarily used by small businesses, but Xero receives more recent praise for its user-friendly interface and automation tailored to small-business needs. - **Xero:** Small-Business is the largest segment, with reviewers consistently citing ease of use, automation, and time savings as key benefits for small teams. - **Intuit QuickBooks:** Small-Business is also the largest segment, with reviewers highlighting its widespread adoption, ease of use, and robust features, but also noting higher costs as a consideration for small businesses. ### Which Accounting platform has better integrations? Xero and Intuit QuickBooks are both recognized for integrations, with Intuit QuickBooks having a higher all-time mention count for integrations. - **Xero:** Shopify integration is cited in 9 all-time reviews, and recent reviewers mention connections with payment platforms and expense management tools. - **Intuit QuickBooks:** Integrations are mentioned in 12 all-time reviews, including Gusto and Stripe, with reviewers appreciating the ability to connect with banks and third-party apps. ### How do Xero and Intuit QuickBooks compare on customer support? Xero scores higher than Intuit QuickBooks on Quality of Support by 0.5 points, indicating a material difference in reviewer satisfaction. - **Xero:** Reviewers describe support as generally helpful but sometimes slow or limited to online channels, with several noting the lack of inbound phone support. - **Intuit QuickBooks:** Reviewers report mixed experiences, with some citing helpful support and others describing it as difficult to reach, slow to resolve issues, or lacking accountability. ### Which is easier to implement, Xero or Intuit QuickBooks? Xero and Intuit QuickBooks are rated at parity for Ease of Setup, both scoring 8.7, with reviewers describing straightforward onboarding for each. - **Xero:** Reviewers consistently mention easy initial setup, clear onboarding instructions, and quick connection to bank accounts, though some note a learning curve for advanced features. - **Intuit QuickBooks:** Reviewers highlight easy installation and onboarding, with many citing the intuitive interface and helpful training resources, though a few mention that setup can be more complex for advanced needs. ### Which product has better Payroll? Payroll is the most frequently mentioned feature across both Xero and Intuit QuickBooks, with reviewers citing strengths and trade-offs for each. - **Xero:** Payroll is mentioned in recent reviews as functional but with limitations, such as less robust US payroll support and some usability issues in date selection and timesheet imports. - **Intuit QuickBooks:** Payroll is frequently cited as a strength, with reviewers praising its ease of use, integration with accounting, and ability to simplify end-of-year taxes, though some note that payroll features may require additional fees.