Top Xero Alternatives & Competitors For 2024

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Looking for alternatives to Xero? Many users crave user-friendly and feature-rich solutions for tasks like Banking and Cash Management, Tax Management, and Financial Statements and Revenue Management. Leveraging crowdsourced data from over 1,000 real Accounting Software selection projects based on 400+ capabilities, we present a comparison of Xero to leading industry alternatives like Freshbooks, NetSuite Accounting, Wave Accounting, and Bill.com.

NetSuite Accounting Software Tool
Wave Accounting Software Tool
Bill.com Software Tool

Product Basics

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses. It streamlines bookkeeping tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and payroll, all accessible from any device. Xero boasts user-friendly interfaces and automated features, saving time and simplifying financial management. Popular features include online invoicing with reminders, bank feeds for automatic transaction import, and customizable reports for insights into cash flow and profitability. While Xero caters well to various industries, its strengths lie in freelancer/contractor work, startups, and service-based businesses. Pricing scales with business size and complexity, starting at a monthly subscription for basic accounting needs and increasing with additional features and users. Compared to some competitors, Xero offers a robust mobile app, strong integrations with third-party tools, and a focus on user experience. However, it may lack advanced inventory management or complex accounting functions suited for larger enterprises. Ultimately, Xero's value proposition lies in its ease of use, automation, and scalability, making it a popular choice for small businesses seeking a streamlined and efficient accounting solution.

Pros:
  • Cloud-based access anywhere
  • Easy invoicing and expense tracking
  • Automated bank reconciliation
  • User-friendly interface
  • Mobile app for on-the-go use
Cons:
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited inventory management
  • No built-in payroll (separate fee)
  • Higher cost for advanced features
  • Limited phone support
read more...
Freshbooks is a cloud-based accounting software designed for freelancers and small businesses. Its core features include invoicing, expense tracking, online payments, project management, and basic reporting. It's user-friendly and integrates with popular tools like Stripe and PayPal. Freshbooks shines for solopreneurs and small teams seeking a simple, affordable solution to manage basic accounting tasks. Its intuitive interface and mobile app make it accessible even for non-accountants. Users appreciate its automated features like recurring invoices and expense categorization, saving them time and effort. Compared to some competitors, Freshbooks may lack advanced accounting functionalities like inventory management or double-entry bookkeeping. However, its focus on simplicity and ease of use makes it a popular choice for those starting out or needing a lightweight accounting solution. Pricing starts at a reasonable monthly fee and scales based on the number of clients and features needed. This pay-as-you-go model ensures users pay only for what they use, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Mobile app access
  • Automated invoicing
  • Online payments
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Limited features
  • No double-entry
  • Price increases with clients
  • Basic reporting
  • Not for large businesses
read more...
Netsuite Accounting assists financial leaders in designing and modifying operations by pairing bookkeeping with robust compliance management to increase business performance and close proficiency. Immediate access to information offers users full visibility to study all the nooks and crannies and expeditiously fix issues. This visibility enables users to draft thorough statements and disclosures that conform to ASC 606, GAAP, SOX and other compliance requirements.

Its key accessories include tax management, general ledger, accounts receivable and payable and cash management.
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Wave Accounting streamlines financial management for small businesses and freelancers. Its intuitive interface simplifies bookkeeping tasks like expense tracking, invoicing, and receipt scanning. Users praise its ease of use and mobile accessibility, making it ideal for entrepreneurs on the go. Wave offers core accounting features like bank reconciliation and income/expense reports, all for free. Premium plans unlock advanced functionalities like payroll, double-entry bookkeeping, and tax filing for an affordable monthly fee. Compared to similar products, Wave shines in user experience. Reviews highlight its intuitive design, helpful tutorials, and responsive customer support. However, its free plan lacks features crucial for larger businesses, requiring an upgrade for robust accounting needs. Ultimately, Wave excels as a beginner-friendly, cost-effective solution for solopreneurs and small teams seeking hassle-free financial management.

Pros
  • Free core features
  • Easy to use interface
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Excellent customer support
  • Free bank reconciliation
Cons
  • Limited features in free plan
  • No inventory tracking
  • No double-entry accounting
  • Few integrations with other software
  • Limited reporting options
read more...
Bill.com is a cloud-based software solution provider that automates financial processes for small and medium-scale businesses. It streamlines accounts payable and receivable management and uses AI and machine learning to reduce tedious data entry and manual errors. As an end-to-end option, it connects businesses with suppliers and clients to assist them in managing cash inflows and outflows.
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Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
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24/7 Live Support
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Product Ranking

#3

among all
Accounting Software

#2

among all
Accounting Software

#5

among all
Accounting Software

#4

among all
Accounting Software

#42

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Accounting Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

92
87
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Banking and Cash Management
General Ledger and Chart of Accounts
Integration and Extensibility
Journal Entries
Mobile Support
Platform Security
Project Accounting
Tax Management
Financial Statements and Revenue Management
Journal Entries
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Banking and Cash Management
Budget and Expense Management
Deployment Options
Financial Statements and Revenue Management
Accounts Receivable
Mobile Support
Tax Management
Banking and Cash Management
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Banking and Cash Management
Budget and Expense Management
Deployment Options

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Xero
Freshbooks
NetSuite Accounting
Wave Accounting
Bill.com
+ Add Product + Add Product
Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Banking and Cash Management Budget and Expense Management Financial Statements and Revenue Management General Ledger and Chart of Accounts Integration and Extensibility Inventory Management Journal Entries Mobile Support Multi-company Accounting and Asset Management Platform Capabilities Project Accounting Reporting and Analytics Tax Management 93 97 100 89 89 100 100 83 100 100 79 89 100 90 92 94 94 73 86 98 75 88 81 97 97 49 89 100 92 100 78 92 87 57 98 61 58 50 73 90 65 78 56 70 88 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 4652 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 4096 reviews
Good User Sentiment 2235 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2602 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2020 reviews
86%
of users recommend this product

Xero has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 4652 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

Freshbooks has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 4096 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

78%
of users recommend this product

NetSuite Accounting has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 2235 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

88%
of users recommend this product

Wave Accounting has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 2602 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

85%
of users recommend this product

Bill.com has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 2020 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (17)
4.8 (28)
4.9 (19)
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3.9 (312)

Awards

Integration and Extensibility Award
Mobile Support Award
User Favorite Award
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Affordable: Of all the reviews that mentioned price, over 70% felt it was well within their price range and felt satisfied.
Good Customer Service: Over 70% of reviews that mentioned the customer support said they received excellent service, especially from their reps.
Excellent Functionality: In more than 50% of all reviews that mentioned features, users were happy with its capabilities. They especially like the integrations, reconciliation process, invoices and accounting functions.
Simple and intuitive interface: Xero's clean layout and straightforward navigation make it easy for users of all skill levels to manage their finances. In over 80% of reviews that mentioned the UI, users said it was easy to navigate.
Automated tasks: Xero automates repetitive tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, saving users valuable time and reducing errors.
Mobile app for on-the-go access: Manage your finances and stay up-to-date on your business performance anytime, anywhere with Xero's mobile app.
Customizable reports and dashboards: Gain valuable insights into your cash flow, profitability, and other key financial metrics with Xero's customizable reports and dashboards.
Multi-user access and permissions: Collaborate with team members and advisors seamlessly with Xero's secure multi-user access and permission controls.
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Customer Support: Approximately 89% of users that mentioned it in their review said customer support is supportive, helpful and quick to respond to issues.
Appliances: Precisely 58% of users that discussed the system functionalities enjoyed this program's appliances because they can create clean reports, set up repeating invoices, and add and manage credit cards.
Simple and intuitive interface: Freshbooks' clean layout and straightforward navigation make it easy for even non-accountants to manage their finances.
Time-saving features: Automated invoicing, expense categorization, and online payments let users save time and effort on routine accounting tasks.
Mobile app for on-the-go management: Access invoices, track expenses, and manage clients from smartphones or tablets, ensuring flexibility and productivity.
Affordable plans for growing businesses: Choose a plan that scales with your needs and budget, with options starting at an accessible price point.
Seamless integrations with popular tools: Streamline workflows by connecting Freshbooks with tools like Stripe, PayPal, and Google Workspace, centralizing financial data.
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Overall Performance: Of the users who discussed the performance of this solution, 58% said it was outstanding because it has automatic updates, simplifies accounting tasks and provides accurate data.
Customizable: Precisely 68% of users who addressed this program's customization said it is easy to configure to their business needs.
Accessories: Of the users who mentioned this application's accessories, 52% said they are effective, praising specifically the customizable dashboard, search engine that saves searches and customizable accounting reports.
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System Performance: Of the users who mentioned this solution's performance, precisely 65% said it's easy to use, documents all tasks performed and provides accurate information.
Modules: Approximately 57% of users who discussed this program's functionality said it has a variety of capabilities such as an assortment of reports, bank account synching and invoice reminders.
Cost: Of the users who mentioned this application's pricing, approximately 87% of users said they like the free version because it comes with plenty of appliances.
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Automated Workflow: Streamlines invoice processing, approval, and payment, saving time and reducing errors.
Centralized Platform: Manages all accounts payable and accounts receivable functions in one place, providing a comprehensive view of cash flow.
Seamless Integrations: Connects with popular accounting software, banks, and payment gateways, eliminating manual data entry and reconciliation.
Robust Reporting: Provides detailed insights into spending, cash flow, and vendor performance, enabling informed decision-making.
Improved Vendor Relationships: Automates vendor payments, reduces late fees, and strengthens supplier relationships.
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Limited inventory management: Xero lacks advanced inventory tracking features, making it less suitable for businesses with complex inventory needs.
Learning curve for complex features: While basic tasks are easy, some advanced features like multi-currency accounting can be challenging for non-accountants to navigate. Though the system was widely popular after implementation, users said it was old-fashioned and had a steep learning curve in 20% of reviews that mentioned the UI.
Higher cost for advanced features: Access to advanced features like payroll processing and multi-currency comes at a higher price point, potentially exceeding budgets for smaller businesses.
Limited phone support: Xero primarily relies on email and live chat for support, which may not be ideal for users seeking immediate assistance with critical issues.
Integration limitations: While offering many integrations, some key business tools may not have seamless integration with Xero, requiring workarounds or data duplication.
Invoices: While around 60% of users felt that the invoicing system worked well, around 40% said they had trouble making changes to them once they were saved.
Downgrading Issues: Around 20% of reviews that mentioned price said they had issues while trying to go to a lower pricing tier and often ended up paying a month or more at a higher rate.
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Limited features for complex accounting: Freshbooks may not handle advanced accounting needs like inventory management, double-entry bookkeeping, or fixed assets.
Not ideal for large businesses: As businesses grow, Freshbooks' scalability and feature set might become insufficient for complex financial operations.
Price increases with client base: The cost of Freshbooks can rise significantly as you add more clients, potentially exceeding initial budget expectations.
Basic reporting and analytics: Freshbooks' reporting capabilities may be insufficient for businesses requiring in-depth financial analysis and data insights.
Limited customer support for free plans: Free trial and Lite plan users might have limited access to customer support, potentially hindering troubleshooting and issue resolution.
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System Performance: Approximately 41% of the users who mentioned this program's overall performance said it was slow and experienced crashes.
Functionality: Of the users who discussed this solution's functionality, roughly 47% said it was lacking features including budget forecasting, fixed assets and support for .xlsx and .xls files.
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Frustrating reconciliation process: Users often describe matching transactions as difficult and time-consuming, leading to delayed reconciliation and potential errors.
Limited reporting options: Users express a desire for more robust and flexible reporting features, including better sorting, exporting, and preset date options for generating customized reports.
Lack of phone support: Wave relies primarily on email and online resources for support, which can be frustrating for users who prefer immediate assistance or have complex issues to resolve.
Occasional glitches and errors: Users have reported occasional software glitches, such as duplicated transactions or difficulties with bank syncing, which can disrupt workflows and create data inconsistencies.
No inventory management: Wave lacks full-fledged inventory tracking and management capabilities, making it unsuitable for businesses with complex inventory needs or those who sell directly through eCommerce platforms.
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Lack of Customization: Limited flexibility in customizing reports, workflows, and user permissions, making it difficult to adapt to specific business needs.
Limited Integration Options: Fewer pre-built integrations with other business applications compared to competitors, leading to manual data entry and potential errors.
Inconsistent User Interface: The user interface can be inconsistent across different modules, resulting in a steep learning curve and reduced efficiency.
Slow Response Times: Users have reported experiencing slow loading times and delays when processing large volumes of transactions or generating reports.
Limited Functionality for Complex Accounting: May not offer advanced features required for complex accounting needs, such as multi-entity consolidation or specialized industry-specific functions.
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Xero’s users say it’s easy to use and has good accounting and bookkeeping capabilities. Most found the price to be acceptable, with some complaints about issues they ran into while trying to switch to a lower pricing tier. More than 70% loved the customer service and felt their representatives were extremely helpful. It has a range of features including band feeds, invoice creation, integrations and reconciliation processes. The reconciliation was particularly popular with over 80% of reviewers who mentioned it describing positive experiences. One issue with the system came in making updates to invoices after they’d been saved. Some users said they were sent prematurely to clients or claimed to have difficulties changing the data at a later date. Many also felt that the implementation process for the new platform was difficult, but that once they learned where things were they felt comfortable. This may be a good choice for small and medium businesses. Larger companies should consider a system that’s able to handle a higher volume.

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Freshbooks emerges from user reviews as a reliable and user-friendly accounting solution for solopreneurs and small businesses. Its intuitive interface, mobile app access, and automated features like invoicing and online payments are consistently praised for saving time and streamlining workflows. Compared to competitors like QuickBooks, users appreciate Freshbooks' ease of use for non-accountants, while acknowledging its limitations in advanced functionalities like double-entry bookkeeping or inventory management. This makes it ideal for those starting out or needing a lightweight accounting solution, but potentially less suitable for complex financial needs as businesses grow. Another key differentiator for Freshbooks is its affordability, with tiered plans starting at an attractive price point. However, user reviews also highlight a potential drawback: as client bases expand, so does the cost, which can become a concern for some users. Additionally, while basic reporting and analytics are included, users seeking in-depth data analysis may find Freshbooks' capabilities limited compared to more robust competitors. Overall, user reviews paint a picture of Freshbooks as a user-friendly and affordable accounting solution for solopreneurs and small businesses seeking to simplify their financial management. Its strengths lie in ease of use, automation, and mobile access, while its limitations emerge in advanced features and scalability for larger businesses. Ultimately, the decision to choose Freshbooks hinges on individual needs and priorities, with users emphasizing the importance of weighing its strengths against its limitations to ensure a perfect fit.

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Netsuite Accounting is a thorough accounting ERP that superintends all bookkeeping tasks. Users are most fond of its performance with automatic updates, potent workflows and precise data collection as well as its string of features-including, tax management, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, CRM, multicurrency and more-to boost productivity. It's also adjustable, so users may tailor it to meet their company needs. Although some users were disappointed with the system's sluggishness, occasional crashes and lack of budget estimating, fixed assets and support for .xlsx and .xls files, the majority find it an adequate bookkeeping software.

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Wave Accounting users appreciate its simplicity and affordability, making it a popular choice for freelancers and solopreneurs. The free plan covers essential features like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting, catering to those with straightforward accounting needs. Users praise its intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go tracking, highlighting its convenience compared to clunky desktop software. However, Wave's limitations become apparent as businesses grow. Users cite frustrating reconciliation issues, limited reporting options, and the lack of advanced features like inventory management or payroll integrations. Compared to competitors like Quickbooks or Xero, Wave feels less capable of handling complex accounting workflows. While its automatic bank imports save time, the absence of phone support can be a dealbreaker for some users who need immediate help troubleshooting issues. Ultimately, Wave shines for its ease of use and zero-cost entry point, but its lack of scalability and robust features might necessitate switching to more powerful alternatives as businesses evolve. Choosing Wave comes down to prioritizing convenience and affordability over comprehensive functionality and expert support.

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Users highly rate Bill.com's user-friendly interface, time-saving automation features, and excellent customer support. They appreciate the ability to easily track invoices, automate payments, and reconcile bank statements. Compared to other accounting software, Bill.com stands out for its seamless integration with popular business applications and its robust reporting capabilities. These strengths make it a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their financial operations and improve efficiency. While Bill.com excels in many areas, users have also noted some limitations. Some users find the software's pricing structure to be higher than competitors, and the lack of advanced inventory management features may be a drawback for businesses with complex inventory needs. Additionally, the software's reliance on an internet connection can be a concern for businesses that require offline access. Overall, Bill.com is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a user-friendly and efficient accounting solution. Its strengths in automation, integration, and reporting make it a valuable tool for streamlining financial operations. However, businesses with advanced inventory management needs or those requiring offline access may need to consider alternative options.

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