I’ve lost count of how many clients have come to me stuck between Xero vs MYOB. It usually starts with something like, “My friend swears by Xero, but my accountant said MYOB’s better—what do you think?”
And honestly, it’s a fair question.
Both are solid Australian platforms, but they each shine in different ways. So if you’re trying to figure out which one’s right for your business, let’s break it down together—features, pricing, ease of use, support, and all the bits in between.
Xero vs MYOB – Quick Comparison
Xero and MYOB are two of Australia’s leading cloud accounting platforms. Xero is known for its intuitive design and strong integration options, while MYOB excels with payroll features and traditional accounting workflows. The right choice depends on your business size, tech comfort, and reporting needs.
Understanding Your Needs First
With over 2.5 million small businesses in Australia, diversity of needs makes tailored software choices essential. Before diving into features, it’s vital to clarify what you need from your accounting software.
Consider how your business operates, how hands-on you want to be, and whether you have a bookkeeper to help manage the load.
- Do you need seamless payroll integration?
- Are cloud-based features a must?
- How complex are your reporting needs?
- Do you want mobile access for on-the-go updates?
Your ideal software depends on your business goals and daily operations.
Hot tip: I always recommend chatting with your bookkeeper before choosing—what looks perfect on paper might not play well with your real-world workflow.
Good software needs good habits—read my small business bookkeeping tips to stay organised.
Xero: Designed for Simplicity and Growth
More than 60% of Australian businesses close within five years of launching—so ease and adaptability matter. Xero has built its reputation on being user-friendly, making it a favourite for startups and growing businesses.
- Cloud-based with real-time data syncing
- Clean, intuitive dashboard and navigation
- Over 1,000 app integrations (like Stripe, Square, Hubdoc)
- Unlimited users across all plans
- Automatic bank feeds and reconciliation
Xero is ideal if you’re after smart automation, easy collaboration, and mobility.
Hot tip: I use Xero with many clients who value flexibility and quick reporting—especially those on the move.
Digital skills boost software confidence—learn why upskilling matters for small businesses choosing and using cloud accounting tools effectively.
MYOB: Powerful Features for Traditional Workflows
MYOB caters to businesses that need robust payroll and deeper customisation, especially those with more complex local compliance needs.
- Strong payroll and superannuation tools (up to 100 employees)
- On-premise and cloud hybrid options
- Customisable reporting and detailed chart of accounts
- Inventory management and job costing
MYOB suits businesses with established processes and a need for detailed payroll or inventory tools.
Hot tip: If you’re upgrading from older desktop systems or prefer more control, MYOB might feel like a more natural step forward.
Whichever software you choose, account reconciliation is key to accurate, trustworthy business records.
Pricing and Support: What to Expect
Cost and customer support can make or break your experience. Let’s break it down:
- Xero starts from $35/month (Starter), with payroll limited on lower tiers.
- MYOB Business starts at $31.50/month, often with deals for new users.
- Both offer email and phone support, but Xero has a wider online support community.
- MYOB may offer better phone support hours for Australian users.
Xero may be slightly pricier, but its scalability and integrations often justify the spend.
Hot tip: Look for seasonal promos—both companies frequently run offers during end-of-financial-year and other peak times.
Payroll can trip you up—stay compliant with this guide to avoid ATO headaches.
Final Verdict: Tailoring to Your Business
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Xero shines for intuitive use and scalability, while MYOB is great for businesses with more complex needs. It comes down to how your business runs and where you plan to go next.
If you’re still unsure, reach out—I’ve helped many clients transition between platforms and would be happy to chat about your specific needs.
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