Xero Accounting Software Review
Even the savviest business owners aren’t automatically amazing at balancing the books, with small businesses especially can be held back from their best work when administration takes up more time than it should. Add in the cost-benefit debate of hiring an in-house accountant, and you’ve got potentially more headaches to deal with. Thankfully, Xero may be the answer for you.
The New Zealand-grown accounting software company quickly took off after starting in 2006, growing into a global challenger and named by Forbes as the World’s Most Innovative Growth Company in 2014 and 2015. Today, Xero has over two million subscribers across the globe, but what exactly does it have on offer in Australia, and is it the best fit for your business? Find out more about Xero accounting software with this Canstar Blue guide.
Xero accounting software
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software program which offers multiple plans to help businesses balance the numbers, with plans including the Starter, Standard and Premium. What features you have access to directly correlates to the price and plan you sign up to, with the range of features and prices of Xero’s range explored below.
Xero accounting software plans and features
Xero’s range of accounting software subscription plans includes the Starter, Standard and Premium, with a full breakdown of each detailed below. All Xero subscription plans also include the following features:
- Add anyone (such as team members and accountants) to your platform, choosing what each individual has access to
- iPhone and Android apps, for easy access on the go
- Connect to your bank accounts, so that you can streamline payments as well as see your latest transactions from inside the software
- Create financial performance reports and budgets at any time
- Integration with 800+ other business apps, for functions such as inventory and time tracking
- 24/7 Xero support with regular software updates
- SSL encryption to keep your business information safe
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Good for freelancers, sole traders and new businesses.
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from $29.00/month min. cost $29.00 over 1 month |
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Most Popular Plan – Good for growing small businesses.
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from $59.00/month min. cost $59.00 over 1 month |
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Good for established businesses of all sizes.
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from $76.00/month min. cost $76.00 over 1 month |
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Xero Starter Plan
Priced at $29 per month, the Xero Starter subscription plan allows you to do the following:
- Send quotes and up to 20 invoices
- Enter up to five bills
- Reconcile bank transactions
- Payroll for one person
- Capture bills and receipts with Hubdoc
- Short-term cash flow and business snapshots
Xero Standard Plan
Priced at $59 per month, the Xero Standard plan features everything in the Start plan, along with the following:
- Unlimited quotes and invoices
- Enter an unlimited number of bills
- Payroll for two people
- Bulk reconcile transactions
Xero Premium Plan
The top-of-the-line plan, the Premium is priced at $76 per month, and comes with everything in the Standard plan, along with the following:
- Payroll for up to five people
- Can use multiple currencies
- Automated superannuation
- Short-term cash flow and business snapshot reporting
You can also alter the Premium plan to feature more people on the payroll function, for an additional cost, with a maximum of 200 able to be added. Xero also has the option to add a number of extras on to each plan, including claim expenses, project tracking and analytics, but each comes with additional requirements and costs.
Xero Payroll
Xero’s Payroll Only plan is designed to provide a simple payroll system for one to four employees, with features including single-touch payroll, automated tax, super and leave calculations, employee self-service for payslips and leave request, in addition to access via a standalone app. Xero Payroll cost $10 per month, and can be added on to an accounting software program.
Xero Bookkeeping
For those after something a bit more than a traditional accounting software package, Xero also offers support and programs for bookkeepers and accountants, with programs featuring workflow and job tasks, invoicing, timesheets and compliance programs to help be a one-stop shop for number crunchers in a business environment.
Does Xero have a free trial?
Xero offers a 30-day free trial, with the ability to cancel any time if you’re not sure if it’s the best fit for your needs.
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Should I use Xero accounting software?
Xero has been a mainstay within the accounting software market, offering a wide range of features and plans to help businesses get up to speed on money matters, as well as ensure that cash flows and pay runs go smoothly. However, Xero isn’t the cheaper option on the market either, so if you’re already doing battle with your budget, you may be hesitant to fork out for another expense, although for most people, the price to make sense of the numbers may be a small price to pay.
Regardless of your accounting expertise, it always pays to do your research into the market and its offerings before purchasing, with Australia home to plenty of accounting software brands, meaning you may be able to find a better fit elsewhere. Check out our ratings on accounting software programs to see what else is available.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.