Xero vs Zoho Books Comparison
Compare Xero and Zoho Books side-by-side — pricing, features, scores, and which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Xero and Zoho Books are both strong contenders in the accounting space, but they serve different needs. Xero edges ahead with an overall score of 83/100 compared to Zoho Books's 80/100. Both are equally user-friendly (8/10 each). On pricing, Zoho Books offers a free tier while Xero requires a paid plan from $25/mo. Zoho Books rates higher for value for money (9/10 vs 8/10), making it a better pick if budget is a concern.
At a glance
| Xero | Zoho Books | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 83/100 | 80/100 |
| Starting price | $25/mo | $20/mo |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Best for | Beautiful accounting software | Smart accounting for growing businesses |
Pricing comparison
Zoho Books
Pricing verified 2026-03-19
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Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Xero | Zoho Books |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | Yes | Yes |
| Expense tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Bank reconciliation | Yes | Yes |
| Financial reports | Yes | Yes |
advanced
| Feature | Xero | Zoho Books |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | Add-on (Gusto) | Zoho Payroll integration |
| Inventory | Established | Elite+ |
| Multi-currency | Established | Yes |
| Tax filing | Add-on | Yes |
integrations
| Feature | Xero | Zoho Books |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal | Yes | Yes |
| Shopify | Yes | Yes |
| Zapier | Yes | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
Choose Xero if...
- You're ready to invest from $25/mo
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Choose Zoho Books if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is Xero or Zoho Books better?
Xero scores 83/100 compared to Zoho Books's 80/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Xero excels at ease of use (8/10) while Zoho Books scores 8/10.
How much does Xero cost compared to Zoho Books?
Xero starts at $25/mo. Zoho Books starts at $20/mo (free tier available). Zoho Books is the more affordable option.
Does Xero or Zoho Books have a free plan?
Zoho Books offers a free tier. Xero does not — its cheapest plan starts at $25/mo.
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