Xero is a leading cloud-based accounting software provider that offers solutions tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. With its comprehensive range of features and scalable pricing, Xero has become a go-to choice for UK businesses seeking efficient financial management. This review breaks down Xero pricing plans and the features included to help you decide whether it fits your business needs.
Review of Xero pricing plans
Xero offers three main pricing tiers designed to accommodate businesses of different sizes and complexities:
Starter Plan – £14 per month
The Starter plan is ideal for sole traders or small businesses just beginning their financial journey. It includes:
- Ability to send up to 20 invoices and quotes.
- Entry of up to five bills.
- Bank reconciliation.
- Capture of bills and receipts with Hubdoc.
- Integration with Xero’s mobile app. This plan is best suited for businesses with low transaction volumes and minimal accounting requirements.
Standard Plan – £28 per month
The Standard plan is Xero’s most popular option, providing more flexibility for growing businesses. It offers:
- Unlimited invoicing and billing.
- Bank reconciliation.
- Bulk transaction management.
- Multi-currency capabilities (for an additional fee).
- Access to more robust integrations and features. With unlimited invoicing and billing, this plan caters to businesses with moderate transaction volumes.
Premium Plan – £36 per month
The Premium plan is designed for businesses managing more complex accounting needs. In addition to all features in the Standard plan, it includes:
- Multi-currency functionality.
- Advanced reporting tools.
- Employee expense claims. This plan is ideal for businesses operating internationally or managing multiple financial streams.
Key features explained
Regardless of the plan, Xero provides a wide range of tools to simplify accounting. Here are the standout features:
- Bank reconciliation: Automatically import and reconcile transactions from your bank accounts, credit cards, and PayPal.
- Invoicing: Create and customise professional invoices. The software also allows automated invoice reminders.
- Expense tracking: Manage and categorise expenses, making tax time less stressful.
- Mobile app: Access your financial data and manage transactions on the go with the Xero mobile app.
- Reporting: Gain insights into your business performance with customisable financial reports.
- Third-party integrations: Connect with over 800 business apps, such as inventory management tools and CRM software, to streamline operations.
Additional costs
While Xero’s pricing plans cover a broad spectrum of features, there are some additional costs to consider:
- Multi-currency support: Included in the Premium plan or available as an add-on for other tiers.
- Payroll: Xero’s integrated payroll solution starts at £5 per month for up to five employees, with an additional £1 per employee thereafter.
- Add-ons: Advanced tools like project tracking and expenses may come at extra costs depending on your plan.
Xero free trial and discounts
Xero offers a 30-day free trial, allowing businesses to explore its features without commitment. Additionally, the company frequently runs promotions, such as discounted rates for the first few months, which can provide significant savings.
Review verdict – Is Xero worth it for your business?
Xero stands out for its user-friendly interface, scalability, and robust integrations. It is particularly well-suited for businesses prioritising cloud accessibility and seamless collaboration with accountants.
- For small businesses and sole traders: The Starter plan is an affordable way to digitise your accounting and stay on top of finances.
- For growing businesses: The Standard plan offers the flexibility and features needed to manage increasing transaction volumes.
- For international or complex businesses: The Premium plan’s multi-currency support and advanced reporting tools provide comprehensive functionality.
Xero review – Final thoughts
Xero’s transparent pricing and feature-rich plans make it a valuable tool for UK businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re just starting or scaling operations, Xero’s plans cater to various needs without overwhelming complexity. By understanding the pricing and features, you can make an informed decision that supports your financial management goals.
For more information, visit Xero’s official website or consult with your accountant to determine the best plan for your business.
FAQ – Xero pricing review
Xero operates on a monthly subscription model, allowing businesses to pay on a rolling basis without being locked into long-term contracts. You can cancel or upgrade at any time.
No, Xero does not currently offer discounts for annual payments. All plans are billed on a monthly basis, maintaining flexibility for businesses.
Yes, Xero allows unlimited users on all its plans without additional charges, making it easy for team members, accountants, and bookkeepers to collaborate.
No, customer support is included in all Xero plans. Users can access 24/7 online support at no additional cost.
Xero’s pricing is transparent, but additional charges apply for optional features like payroll, multi-currency functionality, or certain advanced tools.
Yes, Xero is fully compatible with HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements and supports VAT submissions directly from the platform.
Xero offers integrations with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, helping businesses manage sales and inventory seamlessly.
Xero is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface and resources like tutorials and webinars to help those new to accounting software.
While Xero is primarily built for businesses, some sole traders and freelancers use it for personal financial management due to its comprehensive tools.
Yes, Xero supports cryptocurrency tracking through third-party integrations, though this functionality is not natively included.