Xero offers cloud-based accounting software for businesses. This guide explains pricing plans, features, and tips to choose the right plan for your needs.
Xero offers cloud-based accounting software to small businesses, growing companies, and established firms. While not a complete enterprise resource planning system, Xero integrates with third-party add-ons to expand its capabilities across more business processes. The software uses a subscription-based pricing model.
Xero automates tasks like bookkeeping, financial reporting, bank reconciliations, and invoice creation. Businesses can set up user roles with permission levels, like Limited, Standard, or Administrator access. Users can also be granted additional access to specific Xero functions. The goal is to provide each employee access to their accounting and financial responsibilities at the company.
Xero’s pricing varies based on the plan selected and the number of users. The basic plan typically starts around $5,000 annually for small businesses. Depending on the number of users and required features, Xero’s pricing can scale up to $20,000 per year or more for larger companies with more extensive accounting needs. Additional costs may apply for advanced reporting tools, premium add-ons, or custom solutions, affecting final pricing. Overall, pricing is flexible and depends on specific business needs.
Xero Pricing Plans Overview
Additional features like expense claiming, project tracking, and analytics are optional add-ons starting from $4 per month.
Here are some tips which will help you to get the best deal on Xero:
Understand Your Needs
Assess your business's size, industry, accounting workflows, and specific pain points. This will help you determine the capabilities you require in accounting software. Don't overpay for more than you need.
Compare Capabilities and Pricing
Dig into details on features, integrations, implementation services, and pricing models across your shortlist. Most accounting software uses monthly/annual subscriptions based on several users and modules. Tier pricing ladders up with more capabilities.
Look for Deals and Negotiate
Many vendors offer free trials, discounts for annual contracts, and reduced nonprofit pricing. Multi-year contracts can cut ~10% off, while large user volumes may allow over 20% off through negotiation. Don't be shy to negotiate.
Prioritize Value Over Cost
Avoid choosing software solely on sticker price. More capable systems bring operational efficiency that boosts productivity and insights - leading to a high ROI long-term. View software as an investment into performance.
Here are the core features of Xero's accounting software:
Invoicing
Send and manage customized invoices, track payments, and automate reminders to clients.
Bank Reconciliation
Automatically reconcile bank transactions by connecting Xero to your bank accounts.
Expense Management
Track and manage expenses with tools to capture receipts and create claims easily.
Multi-Currency Support
Manage transactions in over 160 currencies with automatic exchange rate updates (available in the Premium plan).
Inventory Management
Track stock levels and control orders directly through Xero, which is ideal for businesses managing product inventory.
Bill Payments
Enter and pay bills, keep track of due dates, and manage cash flow.
Project Tracking
Monitor profitability and time spent on individual projects with detailed tracking tools.
Reporting and Analytics
Generate real-time financial reports, including profit and loss, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts.
Collaboration
Collaborate with your accountant or bookkeeper by giving them secure access to your financial data in Xero.
Mobile App
Xero's mobile app lets you manage finances on the go, enabling invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation from your smartphone.
Some of the Xero alternatives which you can consider are as follows:
QuickBooks
Since the advent of digital systems, QuickBooks by Intuit has been a dominant force in the business financial software market. Today, QuickBooks is a popular solution, helping businesses of all sizes manage revenue and expenses, inventory, production costs, and more.
ZarMoney
An increasing substitute for Xero accounting is ZarMoney. ZarMoney provides excellent services to make managing your business's money simple. It is renowned for its easy-to-use UI, robust functionality, and excellent customer service. With ZarMoney, you can easily manage invoicing, keep track of spending, and manage your money.
FreshBooks
FreshBooks provides software solutions to small enterprises, freelancers, solopreneurs, and organizations that depend on contractors. It provides many essential functions, such as QuickBooks, without tier-based restrictions and additional expenses. These features include tools for accounting, invoicing, time-tracking, payroll, and client contact.
Sage Intacct
Sage is a finance platform that includes a wealth of business intelligence features. The company's two leading solutions, Sage Intacct and Sage X3, are analytics-enhanced versions of SMB finance and enterprise ERP, respectively. The package also includes products for payroll, CRM, human resource management, time tracking, and other uses.
Spendflo is a powerful software spend management platform that leverages AI-driven tools and expert services to help optimize procurement and secure the best deals on Xero. Here's how Spendflo can assist you:
By combining expert negotiation strategies with AI-powered analytics, Spendflo helps you get the best value pricing for Xero. Contact Spendflo today for a customized assessment of your savings potential.
How much does Xero cost?
Xero offers several pricing plans, with the basic plan starting at approximately $5k and going up to $20k. Costs may vary depending on the plan selected, the number of users, and any additional features or add-ons required.
What features are included in Xero’s Starter plan?
The Starter plan allows users to send up to 20 invoices/quotes, enter 5 bills, reconcile bank transactions, and integrate with Hubdoc for easy document management.
How does the pricing scale for larger businesses?
Xero pricing can scale up to $20,000 annually or more for larger businesses with complex accounting needs. The cost depends on the number of users, additional features like multi-currency support, and advanced reporting tools.
How can I get the best deal on Xero?
You can secure the best deal by understanding your business needs, comparing Xero’s pricing plans to alternatives, taking advantage of available discounts, and negotiating based on the volume of users and features required.
What’s the difference between Xero’s Standard and Premium plans?
The Standard plan, priced at $46 monthly, includes unlimited invoices/quotes and bills. The Premium plan, priced at $62 per month, adds multi-currency support to the Standard features.