Accounting · 2026
Wave·vs·Xero
Two solid choices in accounting. Here's how they stack up on pricing, fit, and trade-offs — so you can decide in a minute.
Reviewed by Switchpoint Editors ·
Take on Xero
Xero's UX, bank-feed reliability, and multi-currency story are all clearly ahead of QuickBooks Online. The constraint is the accountant: in AU/NZ/UK they're often Xero-default; in the US they're QBO-default. Pick the software your accountant actually uses, not the better product.
Contender A
Wave
Free accounting for very small businesses.
- Freelancers and microbusinesses.
- Free accounting. Paid Pro from $16/mo.
Best for
Pricing
Pros
- Free core features
- Easy to start
Trade-offs
- Limited reporting
Contender B
Xero
Cloud accounting with a cleaner UI and global reach.
- SMBs outside the US, or anyone fed up with QuickBooks.
- From $20/mo.
Best for
Pricing
Pros
- Modern UI
- Great app ecosystem
Trade-offs
- US payroll less mature
The matrix
Side-by-side
Best for
Wave
Freelancers and microbusinesses.
Xero
SMBs outside the US, or anyone fed up with QuickBooks.
Pricing
Wave
Free accounting. Paid Pro from $16/mo.
Xero
From $20/mo.
Top strength
Wave
Free core features
Xero
Modern UI
Biggest trade-off
Wave
Limited reporting
Xero
US payroll less mature
The verdict
Which should you pick?
Freelancers and microbusinesses.
SMBs outside the US, or anyone fed up with QuickBooks.
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