Xero
Accounting software made for small businesses and sole traders
Overview
Xero is a global cloud accounting platform designed to streamline financial administration for small business owners, freelancers, accountants, and bookkeepers. The software centralizes critical bookkeeping tasks, including sending quotes and invoices, automating bill entry, creating purchase orders, and tracking cash flow in real time. With automatic bank feeds and reconciliation tools, Xero syncs financial transactions directly from major financial institutions to keep accounting records accurate. The platform includes JAX, an AI finance partner built to handle routine administrative duties, generate quick financial insights, and assist with document delivery across email, SMS, and WhatsApp messaging. Designed for growth, Xero connects with an ecosystem of over 1,000 third-party applications. It supports multi-currency accounting, customized financial reporting, and collaborative practice management for accountants and bookkeepers worldwide.
Best for: Small businesses, sole traders, freelancers, and accounting practices looking for an all-in-one cloud financial platform.
Pros and cons
What works well
- Automates bank feeds and transaction reconciliations to maintain accurate financial records.
- Includes JAX AI assistant to help streamline administrative tasks and retrieve financial insights.
- Integrates with over 1,000 third-party business applications.
Where it falls short
- The entry-level Starter plan strictly caps invoicing to 20 invoices and 5 bills per month.
- Does not offer inbound customer support phone lines.
- Project tracking and detailed expense tracking require optional paid add-ons.
Pricing
Starter
$5.80/mo for first 3 months, then $29/mo
Good for sole traders, new businesses, and the self-employed.
Standard
$10/mo for first 3 months, then $50/mo
Accounting tools for the self-employed and growing businesses.
Premium
$15/mo for first 3 months, then $75/mo
Good for established businesses of all sizes.
User reviews
Frequently asked questions
Does Xero offer a free trial?
Yes, Xero provides a 30-day free trial that includes full feature access without requiring a credit card.
What customer support options does Xero provide?
Xero offers 24/7 unlimited online support via Xero Central and can arrange outbound phone calls, though inbound phone support is not offered.
Can Xero connect directly to my bank?
Yes, Xero connects directly with major bank feeds to automatically import transactions into your accounting system.
What is JAX in Xero?
JAX is Xero's AI finance partner that automates administrative work, provides financial insights, and handles invoicing and quote messaging.