Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team Xero and QuickBooks Online are both full accounting platforms. They differ in how they limit plans and how they price them. This guide compares the US plans as shown on each company’s pricing page.
Prices are in US dollars and were checked on 19 September 2026. Xero’s site said its introductory discount runs until 30 September 2026 for new US customers, so check whether it is still available.
Quick comparison
| Xero | QuickBooks Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Early: $25/month (intro $2.50/month for 6 months) | Simple Start: $38/month (50% off for 3 months) |
| Invoice limits | Early: 20 invoices and quotes, 5 bills a month | No invoice cap listed on Simple Start |
| Next plan up | Growing: $55/month, unlimited invoices and bills | Essentials: $85/month, 3 users |
| Users | Payroll is a paid add-on | Simple Start: 1 user plus 2 accountants |
| Standout features | Bank reconciliation, 30-day cash flow forecast, W-9/1099 management on Early | Automated bookkeeping, bill pay with free ACH, general reports |
Xero
Xero has three US plans: Early ($25 a month regular price), Growing ($55) and Established ($90). Early includes bank reconciliation, a 30-day cash flow forecast, sales tax and W-9/1099 management, but caps you at 20 invoices and quotes and 5 bills a month. Growing removes those caps and adds auto-reconciliation of bank transactions.
Pros
- Bank reconciliation on the entry plan
- Unlimited invoices and bills on Growing
- Includes W-9 and 1099 management
Cons
- Early is capped at 20 invoices and 5 bills a month
- The intro offer was due to end 30 September 2026
- Payroll costs extra
QuickBooks Online
Simple Start is $38 a month regular price and includes basic invoicing, expense tracking, automated bookkeeping, bill pay with free ACH and general business reports for one user plus two accountants. Essentials ($85), Plus ($140) and Advanced ($340) add users, reporting and project features.
Pros
- 30-day free trial
- Includes access for two accountants
- Higher plans add reporting and projects
Cons
- Higher regular price than Xero Early
- The discount lasts three months
- Advanced features cost significantly more
Visit QuickBooks Online30-day free trial
How to choose
If you send only a handful of invoices a month: Xero’s Early plan may be enough.
If you send many invoices: you will need Xero Growing or a QuickBooks plan, so compare those prices.
If you work with an accountant: both allow accountant access; check which your accountant prefers.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper for a freelancer?
Xero Early has the lower regular price ($25 against $38 a month), but it has invoice and bill limits.
Is there a free trial?
QuickBooks lists a 30-day free trial. Check Xero’s site for its current trial terms.
Are the discounts permanent?
No. Xero’s was advertised until 30 September 2026, and QuickBooks’ lasts three months.
Related reading: FreshBooks vs QuickBooks for Freelancers (2026) · Best Accounting Software for Freelancers in the US (2026)
This article is general information, not tax or financial advice. Prices were checked on 19 September 2026.