Currently, Sage Accounting has 41 apps you can add to the software through the Sage Marketplace. These include everything from data integration to point-of-sale programs. Popular options include apps such as Zapier, Gusto, 9Spokes, CollBox and Zynk Workflow. Being a cloud-based service Xero naturally works just as long as you are connected to the internet and use any one of the popular web browsers out there. You’ll find that Xero is similarly sprightly if you choose to use its app-based editions, which are available for both iOS and Android devices. In fact, the Xero experience on a tablet or smartphone seems to be generally good, especially considering its depth of data entry points.

We encourage you to research and compare multiple accounting software products before choosing one. In the Early plan, the least expensive subscription, you can send up to 20 invoices and schedule up to five bill payments only. That can be limiting, even for freelancers and sole proprietors.

With Xero, you can add an unlimited number of users to your account at each subscription level. This is a notable feature for accounting software; often, lower-tier plans allow fewer users while only higher-tier plans allow unlimited users. Xero is a great option for large teams and small- to medium-sized businesses that need high-level accounting systems.

Components of Bookkeeping

This helps you see when all your bills are due and schedule batch payments accordingly. Xero does a fine job of mixing an enjoyable and modern-looking user interface with a huge collection of accounting features and functions. Things start out at the Dashboard, which is just that; the area that lets you move into the other sections of the site and from which you can manage the overall way it inventory shrinkage in retail ticks. The layout is, on the face of it, pretty simple with a user-experience that delivers quick and easy access to core features. These are found via a top menu that houses not only the Dashboard, but Business, Accounting and Contacts options too. Xero certainly doesn’t skimp when it comes to features and even more seem to come out of nowhere as you delve deeper into its hidden depths.

In addition to the features on the Early plan, the Growing plan also includes bulk transaction reconciliation to speed things up. Xero is a cloud-based, double-entry accounting software tool that is designed with small businesses in mind. More than 3.5 million users all over the globe use Xero to manage their billing and invoicing each month. In this Xero accounting software review, we’ll break down the pros and cons to help you figure out whether Xero is the right accounting tool for your needs.

Free software and more

This is more integrations than all its main competitors, including QuickBooks and FreshBooks. However, Sage is more for freelancers, while Xero is better for small businesses. To see how they stack up with other software, check out our list of the best cloud accounting programs. Payroll is just one of the many other products Sage offers as well. For example, if you’re also looking for an HR management solution, Sage HR integrates seamlessly so you can manage your workforce. There’s also a separate time-tracking software—Sage Timeslips—and even a customer management tool called Sage CRM.

Xero accounting software review

It also partners with Stripe so you can take card payments with ease. Sage is cheaper all around, and we definitely think it’s the better option for the base tier, especially for self-employed entrepreneurs and very small businesses. If you’re a bigger business, you might benefit from Xero’s higher tiers, which include more robust accounting features. Get access to all of Xero including add-ons like Xero Projects and Xero Expenses. Use the demo company to try things out, or enter your own business details and data to try it out for real.

Is Sage similar to Xero?

Xero excels at the fundamentals, such as invoicing, cash flow forecasting, and vendor management. It’s easy to generate a report that has all the fields and formatting you need. We’ve suggested Xero to a few clients and even forced them to switch from their current accounting software because of how much superior it is than its competitors.

Xero at a Glance

If you’re not an accountant, Xero is still simple and straightforward to use. Daily operations are based on the straightforward processes of making payments to suppliers and receiving money. It’s simple and straightforward to use this accounting software to keep track of your company’s money.

Don’t forget about the multi-currency support, which lets you accept payments from international clients. Xero’s invoicing capabilities allow you to create and customize an invoice for clients and then accept credit card, debit card or bank transfer payments within the invoice itself. Xero processes payment through a payment gateway like Stripe, GoCardless and others. Keep in mind that these services charge a fee to process payments (usually around 2.9% plus 25 cents per transaction, though this varies by the payment processor). Xero includes extensive features that make it suitable to handle complex accounting processes for small- and medium-sized businesses as well as larger ones. The software makes it easy to pay bills, claim expenses, accept payments, track projects, manage contracts, store files and more.

It’s also a good fit if you want to integrate Gusto Payroll to your accounting platform. It allows three users for its Essentials plan ($55 per month) and 25 users for its top plan, the Advanced ($200 per month). This can be helpful if your company is growing fast, or you simply want the reassurance that there’s no limit to how many people can be part of the team. Xero and Sage are two excellent accounting options for small businesses looking to get their finances in order. Both made our list of the best accounting software because of their invoicing capabilities and bank transaction reconciliation.