Xero review
Growing small businesses that want a modern ledger with unlimited users.
Overview
Xero is the cloud accounting platform that set the template for the category: clean bank reconciliation, jargon-free design and an ecosystem of more than a thousand connected apps. Every plan includes unlimited users, which makes it unusually good value for teams, and its UK payroll add-on is tight enough for most small employers. It is the product accountants recommend most often to growing clients — and the one its rivals are measured against.
Strengths and weaknesses
What we like
- Unlimited users on every plan — rare in this category
- Best-in-class bank feeds and reconciliation flow
- 1,000+ integrations covering payments, POS, e-commerce and expenses
- Interface that non-accountants can genuinely navigate
- Multi-currency handled properly on the top tier
What to watch
- No inbound phone support — callback and online only
- Entry plan caps invoices and bills at low volumes
- Steady price rises over recent years
- Advanced reporting lags QuickBooks Plus/Advanced
Key features at a glance
| Bank feeds & reconciliation | Excellent — the category benchmark |
| Invoicing | Strong, customisable, with online payments |
| Payroll | Paid add-on (UK, AU, NZ) |
| Users | Unlimited on all plans |
| Multi-currency | Established plan and above |
| Integrations | 1,000+ apps |
Pricing
Early from ~£16/mo, Growing ~£33/mo, Established ~£65/mo; payroll from ~£7/mo extra. Indicative UK list prices — check current offers.
Who Xero is for — and who should skip it
Best for
Limited companies and growing SMBs, especially teams wanting unlimited seats, businesses billing in several currencies, and anyone whose accountant already lives in Xero.
Probably not for
Sole traders on the strictest budgets (the Early plan caps will chafe) and anyone who insists on phone support.
Our verdict — 9.0/10
Xero is our top pick for most growing small businesses: the fewest compromises, the broadest ecosystem, and pricing that stays fair as your team grows.
Xero, head to head
Xero vs QuickBooks Online
Both are excellent — Xero wins on scalability and ecosystem, QuickBooks on reporting and entry price.
Xero vs Sage Accounting
Xero on product merit; Sage on payroll depth and incumbent accountant relationships.
How we review: scores reflect our editorial assessment using vendor documentation, published pricing, independent research and hands-on evaluation where noted — read our full methodology. Pricing is indicative — always confirm current plans with the vendor. We may earn commission from links on this page; it never affects our scores.