Xero
daniellemackinlay1
About the brand
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed to simplify financial management for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers worldwide. Founded in New Zealand, Xero has grown into a global leader with over 4.2 million subscribers, trusted for its modern approach to managing finances. Packed with features like automated invoicing, real-time bank reconciliations, and seamless integration with over 21,000 financial institutions, Xero helps businesses stay on top of the...ir numbers with ease. Its collaboration tools make it simple to connect with your accountant, while intuitive expense management, payroll powered by Gusto, and automated sales tax calculation streamline everyday tasks. With Xero, you can centralize your finances, gain valuable insights from smart reports, and focus more on growing your business—all from the comfort of your desktop or mobile app. It’s the all-in-one accounting solution for businesses that want to save time and make smarter decisions. Read more
10
Price
10
Ease of use
10
Features
8.0
Service
9.5
Overall
Our Verdict
This platform is a feature-rich and user-friendly accounting solution suitable for businesses of all sizes. Its simple setup process, intuitive interface, and customizable dashboards make it accessible for both experienced accountants and those new to managing finances. With extensive integrations for e-commerce, payment processing, and reporting, it provides the flexibility businesses need to create a system tailored to their operations.
Key features like online invoicing, automated workflows, and bank connections save businesses valuable time and effort on everyday tasks. The mobile app and cloud-based access ensure that users can manage their financial activities anytime, from anywhere.
Customer support is a strong point, offering 24/7 email assistance, a callback option, and a variety of helpful resources such as a detailed help center, active community, blog, and accounting glossary. While the absence of live chat and direct phone support may be a drawback for some, the callback system and comprehensive support materials ensure that users are well-supported.
For businesses seeking a modern and efficient accounting tool that prioritizes ease of use and adaptability, this platform provides an excellent solution. Its combination of powerful features, extensive support, and cost-effective services makes it a reliable choice for managing finances and driving growth.
Pros
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Outstanding context-aware assistance
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Efficient utilization of artificial intelligence
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Delivers vital business insights
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Enhanced client data management
Cons
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Interface layout could be improved
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Lacks inventory assembly features
Products & Pricing
Xero offers three distinct plans to accommodate a variety of needs. Before you commit, you can try their accounting software for free thanks to their 30 day free trial.
Starter
This plan costs $29 per month, and is a budget-friendly option that allows users to send quotes and 20 invoices, enter 5 bills, reconcile bank transactions, and enjoy the features of Hubdoc. This plan targets businesses with fewer transactions, making it suitable for start-ups or sole proprietors. When compared to similar platforms, the inclusion of features like Hubdoc at this price point might be considered competitive.
Standard
Priced at $46 per month, the Growing plan offers more flexibility. This plan includes everything in the Starter but without the restrictions on the number of invoices and bills. It’s likely ideal for growing businesses that require regular financial activities without the constraints of the Early plan. The Growing plan’s offering at a moderate price could be deemed a value for money, especially given the current promotional offer.
Premium
It costs $69 per month and includes all features from the previous tiers and adds functionalities like multi-currency and Analytics Plus. It’s designed for businesses that operate on a global scale or those that need deeper financial insights. The multi-currency feature, in particular, stands out as a significant advantage when compared to some competitors that might offer this only at a higher cost.
In-depth review
Features & Functionality
Xero offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to make managing your business finances simpler, faster, and more efficient. Here’s a look at some of its standout features:
Accept Payments
Xero makes it simple to accept payments directly through your invoices, supporting options like credit card, debit card, and direct debit. By including a “Pay Now” button, customers can quickly and easily settle their bills without extra steps. Xero integrates with secure payment processing services like Stripe and GoCardless, offering a variety of payment methods, including digital wallets and region-specific options. This flexibility helps reduce delays in payments while keeping transactions protected with great security measures.
Online Invoicing
Xero’s online invoicing software simplifies the process of managing billing and payments, offering tools that help businesses save time and stay organized. You can create customized invoices using templates that include your logo, payment terms, and personalized messages, ensuring a professional presentation. The platform also allows you to set up automated payment reminders, which are sent to customers at intervals you choose, helping to reduce late payments.
Digital payment options are integrated into invoices, with a “Pay Now” button that lets customers settle their bills quickly and directly. Xero supports multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and services like Stripe and GoCardless. The software also makes it possible to manage invoices on the go using the mobile app, enabling you to draft, send, and track invoices from your phone or tablet.
Bank Connections and Reconciliation
Easily connect to over 21,000 financial institutions worldwide to import transactions automatically. Automated bank feeds save time by allowing transactions to flow directly into your accounting system on a regular basis, providing an up-to-date financial picture. For banks without automated feeds, there’s the option to upload PDF bank statements from supported institutions, ensuring accurate financial records are maintained.
Reconciliation is straightforward with tools that suggest matches for transactions and allow for the setup of rules to handle recurring entries. Bank data is transmitted via a secure, encrypted connection, protecting sensitive information and ensuring only authorized users can access it. Whether managing multiple accounts or importing historical data, these tools streamline financial management and reduce manual effort.
Expense Management
Track and submit expenses using Xero’s mobile app or web interface. Set user permissions for approvals and generate real-time reports on employee or business spending.
App Integration
Connect Xero to popular apps, integrations, and financial services that suit your business needs, from payment platforms to advanced analytics tools.
Payroll with Gusto
Simplify payroll by integrating Gusto with Xero. Manage employee payments, calculate deductions, and ensure compliance—all within one platform.
Track Projects
Manage project planning, budgets, and costs with Xero’s tracking tools. Record time, send quotes, and invoice clients efficiently.
Inventory Management
Monitor stock levels with ease. Automatically populate invoices and orders with inventory data to keep your sales and purchases in check.
Multi-Currency Accounting
Simplify global transactions with Xero’s multi-currency tools. Pay and receive funds in over 160 currencies, with real-time exchange rate updates.
Sales Tax Automation
Automate tax calculations on invoices and generate detailed reports with Avalara-powered sales tax features. Reduce compliance challenges while saving time.
Data Capture and File Storage
Automatically store documents and key data with Hubdoc. Safely manage and share contracts, bills, and receipts with Xero’s online file storage.
Advanced Reporting and Analytics
Generate accurate financial reports to make data-driven decisions. Track future cash flow, metrics, and financial health with Xero Analytics or Analytics Plus.
Purchase Orders and Quotes
Easily create and send purchase orders or professional quotes directly from Xero. Keep track of orders and delivery statuses seamlessly.
Fixed Asset Management
Track, manage, and update fixed assets with Xero. Collaborate with your accountant to ensure your books stay accurate.
Mobile Accounting App
Stay connected to your business finances with the Xero Accounting app. Manage invoices, track expenses, and reconcile transactions from anywhere.
Ease of Use
Straightforward Setup
Getting started is simple with a cloud-based platform that requires no software installation. Users can sign up and begin managing their finances almost immediately, making it ideal for businesses without dedicated IT support. The setup process is streamlined, reducing the time needed to configure accounts and connect bank feeds.
User-Friendly Interface
The interface is thoughtfully designed to cater to both accounting professionals and those new to financial management. With a clean layout, intuitive navigation menus, and clearly labeled features, users can easily locate the tools they need. Whether it’s creating invoices, reconciling transactions, or generating reports, the platform simplifies complex processes into straightforward steps.
Customizable Dashboards
The dashboard provides a real-time overview of financial health, featuring key metrics like bank balances, cash flow, unpaid invoices, and upcoming bills. Visual elements like charts and graphs make data easy to interpret, and customization options allow users to tailor the dashboard to their specific needs, ensuring the most relevant insights are always accessible.
Accessibility Across Devices
The platform is accessible from desktop and mobile devices, with dedicated apps for both iOS and Android. This ensures that users can manage their finances on the go, whether they’re reconciling transactions or checking cash flow from their smartphone or tablet.
Learning and Onboarding
While intuitive, the platform acknowledges that some users may face a learning curve, especially if they are new to accounting software. To address this, a wealth of learning resources is available, including step-by-step tutorials, webinars, and an extensive help center. For users who prefer more guided assistance, a network of advisors is available for personalized support.
Consistency Across Tools
The design consistency across various features reduces confusion and helps users become familiar with the platform quickly. Whether they’re using bank reconciliation, invoicing, or expense management tools, the seamless experience ensures a smooth transition between tasks.
The platform stands out for its combination of simplicity and functionality, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. From the quick setup to the intuitive interface and support resources, users can efficiently manage their finances without unnecessary complications.
Reporting & Integration
Automation and Connectivity
Integrations like Zapier play a crucial role in connecting the platform to thousands of other apps, enabling automated workflows that save time and reduce manual effort. Whether it’s syncing invoices with CRM tools, managing tasks with project management apps, or automating notifications, this level of connectivity ensures data flows smoothly across your business systems.
Mobile Access
Stay in control of your finances on the go with mobile apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Manage invoices, reconcile transactions, and track expenses directly from your smartphone or tablet, keeping your business operations accessible wherever you are.
E-commerce and Online Retail
For online sellers, Xero connects with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon through trusted third-party integrations such as A2X. These tools automate the transfer of order, payment, and fee data into your accounting system, helping streamline bookkeeping for digital storefronts.
Cloud Connectivity
Xero makes it easy to manage documents and share data across cloud platforms. It integrates with tools like Google Drive, Microsoft 365, and Hubdoc, allowing businesses to pull in receipts, upload invoices, and collaborate on financial data in real time. Files can be securely attached to transactions, and shared access helps ensure everyone is working from the same information.
Customization with App Integrations
With access to over 1,000 apps in the Xero App Store, businesses can tailor their accounting ecosystem to match their specific workflows. Whether it’s payment processing via Stripe or PayPal, inventory tracking, CRM tools, or industry-specific software, Xero’s open integration model allows for a fully customized experience that grows with your business.
Customer Service
Customer support is available 24/7 to assist with any issues or questions you may have. For email assistance, you can contact the support team directly, and they will provide detailed and timely responses to address your concerns.
The platform’s help center is a valuable resource, offering an extensive FAQ section, in-depth support articles, and a blog filled with practical tips and insights. Users can also engage with a thriving community to exchange advice, troubleshoot problems, and share best practices. Additionally, step-by-step guides and an accounting glossary are available to help users navigate financial concepts and make the most of the platform’s features.
If a direct conversation is needed, the support team offers a callback service. Provide your phone number and preferred time, and a representative will contact you to resolve your query. While live chat and general phone support are not available, the callback option ensures you are connected with the most knowledgeable team member for your issue.
All support services—including email, access to the help center, community, guides, accounting glossary, and callback options—are included in your subscription at no extra cost, ensuring users always have the resources they need.
Phone Support
You can submit a query and they will contact you
You can reach Xero's email support through their website
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We make the best effort to present up-to-date information; however, the terms of each offer can be revised according to the service provider’s discretion. The above shall not be considered as an expert or professional advice for any matter.
10
Price
10
Ease of use
10
Features
8.0
Service
9.5
Overall
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