Xero vs Sage vs QuickBooks: Which Accounting Software Is Best for Your Startup
Money matters. At the core of any startup sits financial management. But without the right tools, it can quickly turn into a horror story.
A study carried out in the UK revealed that there is a very strong correlation between accounting software and quality financial reporting. As the use of accounting software increases, the quality of financial reporting also significantly improves.
Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks are the big three of accounting software programs. But which one fits best in your case?
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This detailed comparison breaks down their features, pricing, and scalability based on what matters most to you.
Below is the comparison table of the key features, pricing, and industry fit for Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks.
Feature | Xero | Sage | QuickBooks |
Key Features | – Expense tracking and reporting- Project management- 1,000+ app integrations- Payroll options- Unlimited users | – Cost tracking- Advanced reporting- Inventory management (higher plans)- Multi-currency handling (higher plans) | – Automated bank reconciliation- Customisable invoices- Tax management- Detailed reporting- Payroll as an add-on |
Pricing | – Simple: £7/month- Ignite: £16/month- Grow: £33/month- Comprehensive: £47/month- Ultimate: £59/month | – Accounting Start: £15/month- Accounting Standard: £30/month- Accounting Plus: £59/month | – Simple Start: £10/month- Essentials: £20/month- Plus: £30/month- Advanced: £47/month |
Pros | – Extensive third-party integrations- Unlimited users on all plans- User-friendly dashboard | – Affordable entry-level plan- Strong reporting tools- Available in desktop and cloud versions | – Excellent tax preparation tools- Highly customisable invoices and reports- Comprehensive support and training |
Cons | – Starter plan has restrictions (e.g., limited invoices)- Payroll and multi-currency only in higher plans | – Fewer third-party integrations- Advanced features require costly upgrades- Less intuitive interface | – Higher starting cost for startups on a budget- Payroll is an expensive add-on |
Best Suited For | – Tech startups or service-oriented businesses needing strong integrations and scalability | – Manufacturing or retail startups needing inventory control and detailed financial reporting | – Service-based startups needing robust tax tools and customisable invoices |
Xero
Table of Contents
Key Features:
Xero is a cloud accounting software that helps in managing finances in a business, and is popular among startups.
The significant capabilities include:
- Expense tracking and reporting: Stay current with financial information and handle taxes with advanced invoice customisation.
- Project Management: Tools to manage small projects and monitor their profitability.
- Third-Party Integration: The app integrates with more than 1,000 apps, such as Stripe, Shopify, and PayPal.
- Select Plans for Payroll Processing: Certain packages include built-in payroll processing for small teams.
- Shareable Access: Allows multiple users to access the account simultaneously, at no additional cost.
Pricing:
Xero has the following three tiers:
- Simple: £7/month
- For sole traders and landlords (non-VAT registered).
- Includes 10 invoices, bank reconciliation, and receipt capture.
- Ignite: £16/month
- For businesses starting.
- Consists of 20 invoices, VAT submission, and basic accounting tools.
- Grow: £33/month
- For self-employed and growing businesses.
- Includes unlimited invoices, VAT submission, and payroll for 1 person.
- Comprehensive: £47/month
- For companies with employees.
- Includes payroll for 5 people, advanced cash flow predictions, and multiple currencies.
- Ultimate: £59/month
- For scaling businesses.
- Includes payroll for 10 people, project tracking, and advanced analytics.
Pros:
- Greatly customisable third-party integrations.
- Comprehensive support and resources
- No limitation on user access on any plan.
- Provides a decent and simple-to-use dashboard even to non-accountants.
Cons:
- The Starter Plan has restrictions (e.g., a maximum of 20 invoices per month).
- Some important functions, such as payroll and multi-currency, can only be found under more expensive plans.
Best Suited to:
Xero is suitable when a tech start-up or a service-oriented business is in need of strong integration abilities and growth.
Sage Overview
Key Features:
Sage is a long-term competitor in accounting solutions, which provides a combination of both cloud-based and desktop products. Traditionally, accountants prefer its services, but lately Sage has updated its products to target startups and small companies. There are major functions such as:
- Simple Cost Tracking: Tracking of receipts, payments, and invoices.
- Advanced Reporting: You can generate forecast flows of cash and trends.
- Inventory Management (Higher Plans): Suited to product-based companies that require stock management.
- Multi-Currency Handling (Higher Plans): Do international operations with ease.
Pricing:
- Accounting Start: £15/month
- For VAT-registered sole traders or micro businesses.
- Includes unlimited invoices, VAT submission, and bank integration.
- Accounting Standard: £30/month
- For small businesses.
- Adds expense tracking, CIS submissions, and advanced reporting.
- Accounting Plus: £59/month
- For growing businesses.
- Includes multi-currency invoicing, inventory management, and budgeting tools.
Pros:
- Very cheap basic plan, less than £10/month.
- Powerful reporting for a comprehensive financial analysis.
- Available in desktop or cloud.
Cons:
- Not as instinctive as the competitors.
- Does not have various integrations (there are fewer third-party apps than in Xero and QuickBooks)
- Often, inventory and advanced features need costly upgrades.
Most Suited to:
Sage is highly applicable to a start-up company in either the manufacturing or retail field that needs inventory control and in-depth financial reporting.
QuickBooks Overview
Key Features:
QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting applications across the world. Comparatively, it comes with a great combination of added features. Notable characteristics are as follows:
- Automated Bank Reconciliation: It is linked to your bank account so that your income and expenses are tracked automatically.
- Invoice Tools: Customise: Add your logo and automate invoice reminders
- FlexibleTax Management: Great for calculating and filing taxes, particularly for startups that lack knowledge of tax terms.
- Detailed Reporting: Contains profit and loss reports, cash flow reports, and others.
- Payroll Options (Offered as an add-on): Payroll services to accommodate expanding teams.
Pricing:
QuickBooks Online prices vary between the following (flexible-margin), and there are hardly any differences.
- Simple Start: £10/month
- For sole traders and small businesses.
- Includes invoicing, expense tracking, and VAT submission.
- Essentials: £20/month
- For small businesses with employees.
- Includes multi-currency support and bill management.
- Plus: £30/month
- For growing businesses.
- Includes project tracking and inventory management.
- Advanced: £47/month
- For larger businesses.
- More manual control over reporting with dedicated support.
Pros:
- Very good tax preparation and automation programs.
- Huge customisation, particularly of invoices and reports.
- State-of-the-art user support and training materials.
- No locked accounts
- Ability to handle bank balances manually.
Cons:
- More expensive costs for start-ups on a strict budget.
- The extra functionalities are a very expensive add-on to payroll.
Best Suited to:
QuickBooks suits startups that are based on services and need an effective taxation tool and the ability to customise invoices.
The comparison of Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks
Suggestions on the Type of Startup
- Technological Startups: Xero offers plug-ins to connect with applications such as Stripe and Shopify, which makes it an apparent preference for technologically advanced startups.
- Small Retail Businesses: Sage is quite bright on its inventory assortment and low-cost entry strategy.
- Service Startup Businesses: QuickBooks stands peerless in terms of its calculation of taxes and the wide possibility of customising invoices.
The Verdict
Strengths and weaknesses characterise all these accounting platforms. The choice must depend on the specific needs of your startup, your budget, and your expansion plans. When seamless integrations and scalability are of prior importance, Xero is a perfect solution.
Sage is the best solution that comes at a very affordable price to startups with cost-saving capabilities, especially in the retail market, and QuickBooks is the best tool to offer tax preparation and advanced reporting.
Ready to take control of your finances? Consult with an accountant and start your free trial with Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks today!
Select the software that best fits your business objectives and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your finances are in safe hands.