Buyer's Guide
Accounting Software
Xero

Xero Buyer's Guide

This guide has been created using Cledara’s data to help software buyers make an informed decision on whether

Xero

is the right solution for their business.

Pricing per year
From
$
682
to
$
1702
similar to
Popularity
32
%
 of Cledara customers use
Xero
Security + compliance
SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
 compliant

Xero Buyer's Guide

Xero is cloud-based accounting software that connects business owners with their financial data, advisors, customers and more.

Pricing per year
From
$
1203
to
$
1702
similar to
category/app team
Finance
Other
reviewed by
Nikesh Ashar
Popularity
32
%
 of Cledara customers use
to
Xero
Security + compliance
SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
 compliant

What is Xero?

Xero is a cloud-based accounting solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses, offering comprehensive tools for invoicing, payroll, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting, facilitating easy and accurate financial management.

Overview

Xero
HQ
Wellington, New Zealand
Founded
2006
Country availability
Global
Finance
Other

Cledara’s Take

A lot of users really appreciate Xero for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, which includes comprehensive reporting and easy data entry. It's particularly noted for its effective integration with banks and its invoicing capabilities, which many find streamline the process of managing payments and cash flow.

However, some users have expressed concerns about the platform's pricing, which can be a bit steep compared to other options in the market. There have also been mentions about the lack of flexibility in terms of user permissions, which could be a deal-breaker for businesses needing more granular control over access to sensitive financial information.

Another point to consider is customer support. While some users report positive interactions and quick resolutions, others find it frustrating to navigate the initial layers of self-help resources before reaching a person.

If you’re looking for an accounting solution that integrates well with various banking systems and offers robust invoicing capabilities, Xero could be a great fit. Also remember that there is no such thing as a perfect tool, but if you find one that adapts to your needs, it can make all the difference.

Brad van Leeuwen
Cledara's Take author
Founder & COO at Cledara

How much does Xero cost?

Xero's pricing structure is designed to accommodate businesses of various sizes, offering plans that range from essential features to comprehensive financial management tools.

Plans and pricing

Company size
Lower price
Median price
Upper price
0-50 Staff
Lower Price
Median Price
Upper Price
0-50 Staff
$
682
$
811
$
1203
50-100 Staff
Lower Price
Median Price
Upper Price
50-100 Staff
$
765
$
910
$
1604
100-150 Staff
Lower Price
Median Price
Upper Price
100-150 Staff
$
983
$
1493
$
1702

Open Pricing Index

What is Xero used for?

Xero facilitates a range of accounting activities, making it indispensable for SMBs looking to streamline their financial operations, from daily transactions to year-end reporting.

Use cases

Streamlined accounting

Simplifies tasks like invoicing, payroll, and bank reconciliation.

Real-time financial insights

Provides up-to-date financial data to inform business decisions.

Efficient third-party integrations

Connects with numerous apps for extended functionality.

Xero main features

  • Bill payment tracking
    Manages and pays bills on time to ensure good cash flow.
  • Expense claim management
    Simplifies the submission and reimbursement of expense claims.
  • Bank connections
    Automates data import from financial institutions.
  • Payment acceptance from invoices
    Facilitates faster payment collection.

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What do people think of Xero?

Enhanced efficiency and productivity through automation and user-friendly interfaces are key themes in user feedback for Xero.

View on G2 View on Capterra

Xero highlights

  • Enhanced efficiency and productivity through automation
    Features like automatic bank feeds, recurring invoices, and the ability to sync with a variety of third-party apps significantly reduce manual data entry. This automation not only speeds up the accounting process but also reduces the likelihood of errors, making financial management both faster and more reliable.
  • User-friendly interface and accessible financial insights
    Xero’s dashboard provides a clear overview of a company’s financial health at a glance, including outstanding invoices, overall cash flow, and upcoming bills. This accessibility makes it easier for business owners to make informed decisions without having to delve deep into complex financial reports.
  • Strong support and community engagement
    This community support, coupled with Xero’s commitment to engaging with users through regular updates and responses to feedback, fosters a strong sense of user engagement and loyalty. Despite some criticisms about the initial difficulty in reaching human support, the continuous presence and responsiveness online are generally viewed positively.

Xero concerns

  • Some users desire more advanced reporting features
    Advanced users, such as professional accountants or businesses with specialized needs, sometimes find the available reports too basic. They express a desire for more customizable options that can handle more detailed and specific financial scrutiny, which is crucial for strategic planning and performance evaluation.
  • Occasional challenges with specific integrations
    These issues can range from syncing data between services to functionalities being limited or not as seamless as expected. For businesses that rely heavily on these integrations to streamline their operations, such as e-commerce platforms or specialized payroll systems, these glitches can lead to frustration and inefficiencies.
  • Pricing concerns for advanced functionalities
    As businesses grow and require more sophisticated tools, the cost can escalate, leading some to feel that the value does not always justify the price. Additionally, frequent price increases and the additional charges for certain integrations or add-ons have also been highlighted as concerns, making budgeting for small to medium-sized enterprises more challenging.

Xero security and compliance

Xero

is compliant with:

SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR

What are the alternatives to Xero?

Software payments
Control your spend with payments built for software
Spend MANAGEMENT
Brex, Ramp, Payhawk
NEGOTIATION SERVICES
Tropic, Vendr, Sastrify
SAAS MANAGEMENT
Torii, Zylo, Bettercloud
Cledara
Software payments
Control your spend with payments built for software
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%
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Cledara Marketshare
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Xero
32
%
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10.1
%
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0.3
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SMBs and startups looking for a comprehensive finance solution
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Straightforward financial management needs

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