Xero vs MYOB: Complete Comparison for Australian & New Zealand Businesses
Choosing between Xero and MYOB for your Australian or New Zealand business? This detailed comparison covers features, pricing, ease of use, and helps you decide which accounting software is right for you in 2026.
Quick Comparison: Xero vs MYOB
| Feature | Xero | MYOB |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (AUD) | $35/month ($15 with 90% discount) | $27/month |
| Best For | Growing businesses, cloud-first companies | Established businesses, desktop users |
| Unlimited Users | ✅ Yes (all plans) | ❌ No (pay per user) |
| Cloud-Based | ✅ 100% cloud | ⚠️ Cloud + Desktop options |
| Bank Feeds (Australia) | ✅ Excellent (all major banks) | ✅ Excellent (all major banks) |
| Payroll (Australia) | ✅ Included (Standard+) | ✅ Included |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐ More complex |
| Mobile App | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
| Integrations | 1,000+ | 500+ |
| Inventory | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Advanced features |
Pricing Comparison (Australian Dollars)
Xero Pricing (AUD)
- Starter: $35/month (or $15 with 90% discount) – 20 invoices, 5 bills
- Standard: $75/month – Unlimited transactions + payroll
- Premium: $95/month – Multi-currency + projects
MYOB Business Pricing (AUD)
- Essentials: $27/month – Basic features, 1 user
- Accounting: $55/month – Full features, pay per user
- Accounting Plus: $95/month – Advanced features
Winner on Price: Xero offers better value with unlimited users, especially with the 90% discount.
Key Differences
1. Unlimited Users (Xero Wins)
Xero includes unlimited users on all plans. MYOB charges per additional user ($10-20/month each), which adds up quickly for growing teams.
2. Cloud vs Desktop (Xero Wins for Modern Businesses)
Xero is 100% cloud-based. MYOB offers both cloud and desktop versions, which can be confusing. If you want modern, mobile-first accounting, Xero is the clear choice.
3. Australian Payroll (Tie)
Both handle Australian payroll excellently, including Single Touch Payroll (STP), superannuation, and PAYG compliance.
4. Ease of Use (Xero Wins)
Xero has a more modern, intuitive interface. MYOB can feel dated and has a steeper learning curve.
5. Inventory Management (MYOB Slightly Better)
MYOB has more advanced inventory features out-of-the-box. However, Xero’s inventory management is sufficient for most businesses and can be enhanced with add-ons.
6. Reporting (Xero Wins)
Xero’s reporting is more visual and easier to customize. MYOB’s reports are comprehensive but less user-friendly.
Who Should Choose Xero?
- ✅ Growing businesses that need unlimited users
- ✅ Cloud-first companies (no desktop software)
- ✅ Businesses wanting modern, mobile-friendly software
- ✅ Teams collaborating with accountants
- ✅ Businesses expanding internationally
- ✅ Companies wanting better value (especially with 90% discount)
Who Should Choose MYOB?
- ✅ Established businesses comfortable with legacy software
- ✅ Very small teams (1-2 people)
- ✅ Businesses with complex inventory needs
- ✅ Companies preferring desktop software
- ✅ Long-time MYOB users (data migration can be tricky)
Switching from MYOB to Xero
Many Australian businesses are switching from MYOB to Xero for:
- Better user experience
- Unlimited users without extra fees
- Modern cloud-first approach
- Better integrations ecosystem
- Lower ongoing costs
Migration Process:
- Export your MYOB data
- Set up your Xero account (get 90% off here)
- Use Xero’s migration tools or hire a certified advisor
- Run both systems in parallel for 1-2 months
- Complete the switch
Most businesses complete migration in 2-4 weeks.
Final Verdict: Xero vs MYOB
For most Australian businesses in 2026, Xero is the better choice.
Xero offers:
- ✅ Better value (unlimited users)
- ✅ More modern interface
- ✅ Superior mobile experience
- ✅ Better ecosystem of integrations
- ✅ 90% discount for 6 months makes it even more affordable
MYOB is still solid for established businesses with complex inventory or those heavily invested in the MYOB ecosystem, but for growth-focused companies, Xero is the clear winner.
Ready to switch to Xero?
Get 90% off for 6 months on all Xero plans
Perfect for Australian & New Zealand businesses. No lock-in contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xero better than MYOB for small business in Australia?
Yes, for most small businesses. Xero offers unlimited users, better mobile access, and a more modern interface at a similar (or lower) price point.
Can I import my MYOB data into Xero?
Yes, Xero provides migration tools, and many accountants specialize in MYOB-to-Xero conversions.
Does Xero handle Australian tax and payroll?
Yes, Xero is fully compliant with Australian tax (GST, BAS) and payroll (STP, superannuation) requirements.
Which has better customer support in Australia?
Both offer good Australian support. Xero has email and chat support, while MYOB offers phone support on higher plans.
Can I use Xero offline?
No, Xero is cloud-only and requires internet. MYOB offers desktop versions for offline use, but this is becoming less relevant as internet reliability improves.
For more Xero guides: How to Use Xero | Xero Pricing Guide | Xero Australia Discount
Last updated: May 2026. Pricing in Australian dollars.
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