The AI TillComparisons · Accounting
Comparison
Xero vs QuickBooks
Cloud accounting for invoices, bank feeds, VAT and payroll, with AI-assisted features. Cloud accounting with invoicing, expenses and VAT, plus Intuit Intelligence AI features (some in beta).
| Xero | QuickBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Ignite: £18 a month. Grow: £39. Comprehensive: £55. Ultimate: £70 (all excl. VAT). Intro offers run on the pricing page. Payroll £1.50 per person. | UK plans from £10 a month, with others at £16, £38 and £56 a month; introductory discounts are offered. 30-day free trial. |
| Free plan | No. No free plan; a free trial and introductory discounts are offered. | No. No free plan; 30-day free trial. |
| Best for | Limited companies and VAT-registered businesses that want an accountant-friendly system. | Small businesses wanting invoicing and VAT in one place, with AI help on expenses. |
| Watch out for | Intro prices last six months; budget for the full price. | AI features have limited monthly capacity on some plans. |
| UK notes | UK pricing in pounds; Making Tax Digital compatible. | UK pricing in pounds. |
| Made by | Xero | Intuit |
| Checked | 2026-10-14 | 2026-10-14 |
Our verdict
For most small UK businesses starting out, QuickBooks is the easier first pick because its entry plan costs less. Pick Xero instead if this sounds like you: limited companies and VAT-registered businesses that want an accountant-friendly system.
UK price difference
Cheapest paid plans: Xero £18 (Ignite, per month excl. VAT); QuickBooks £10 (entry plan, per month). QuickBooks is £8 a month cheaper at entry level, though billing terms differ. Check on the provider page whether VAT is included before you buy.
Who should pick which?
- Choose Xero for: limited companies and VAT-registered businesses that want an accountant-friendly system.
- Choose QuickBooks for: small businesses wanting invoicing and VAT in one place, with AI help on expenses.
Neither has a free plan; use the free trials where offered before you commit. Prices change, so check the provider's page before buying.
Other accounting to consider
FreeAgent
UK accounting software for sole traders, partnerships and small companies.
Sage Accounting
UK accounting and payroll software with the Sage Copilot AI assistant included in every plan.
Zoho Books
Accounting software with a free plan for very small businesses and paid UK plans.
Full details
Xero tool page · QuickBooks tool page · How we check prices
Sources
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