RemoteBooksOnline vs Xero: Bookkeeping Software vs Full-Service – What’s Better for Your Small Business?
When it comes to managing business finances, many small business owners face a key decision: use accounting software like Xero, or outsource to a full-service bookkeeping firm like RemoteBooksOnline (RBO)?
Download Our Free Brochure →This guide compares RemoteBooksOnline vs Xero so you can choose the right approach based on your size, growth goals, and bandwidth.
Service Offerings
| Feature/Service | RemoteBooksOnline | Pairo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Yes — CPA-reviewed, handled in-house | Depends on freelance partner hired via platform |
| Catch-Up Bookkeeping | Yes — up to 24+ months | Offered by select freelancers only |
| Tax Filing Support | No — tax-ready books provided | Depends on freelancer — not standardized |
| White-Label for CPAs | Yes | No |
| Industry Flexibility | All SMBs — real estate, law, ecommerce, etc. | Varies by available freelancers |
Verdict:
Xero is a powerful tool, but it’s only as good as the person using it. RemoteBooksOnline gives you a dedicated bookkeeping team, ensuring clean, CPA-reviewed books month after month.
Pricing Comparison
RemoteBooksOnline offers transparent, fixed monthly pricing – no hourly fees or software licenses. The first month is free, and catch-up work is quoted up front.
Xero charges $13-$70/month for access to their software, but bookkeeping must be done by you, your staff, or a hired freelancer/bookkeeper.
Xero Pricing Tiers (US):
- Early: $13/month (limited invoices, bills)
- Growing: $37/month
- Established: $70/month
Verdict:
Xero is inexpensive software, but once you add the time, labor, or cost of hiring a bookkeeper, RemoteBooksOnline often ends up saving money and time – with CPA oversight included.
Technology & Integration
RBO supports both QuickBooks and Xero, giving you flexibility without forcing a platform switch. Their team logs in securely and manages everything within your current setup.
Xero is a software platform – with thousands of integrations, but no human team unless you pay extra to connect with an accountant or partner firm.
Download Our Free Brochure →Verdict:
If you want hands-off support and accurate books inside the software you already use, RBO offers full-service compatibility with Xero – no switching needed.
Customer Support
RemoteBooksOnline provides a dedicated team, with monthly CPA review and consistent support via phone and email.
Xero offers customer support via chat and email, but there’s no dedicated bookkeeper unless you hire outside help.
Verdict:
RBO gives you real people. Xero gives you software – and hopes you figure it out.
User Reviews & Reputation
RemoteBooksOnline:
- Trusted by business owners who want clean, accurate books
- Highly rated for CPA-reviewed reporting and responsive support
- Especially praised by QuickBooks and Xero users for ease of integration
Xero:
- Loved for modern UI and global integrations
- Criticized by SMBs for steep learning curve and lack of included support
Notable Review Themes:
- RBO: “They cleaned up our Xero mess,” “Affordable and responsive,” “CPA-checked every month.”
- Xero: “Great software – if you know what you’re doing,” “Needed to hire a bookkeeper to use it properly.”
Pros and Cons
RemoteBooksOnline – Pros:
- CPA-reviewed bookkeeping
- Works with Xero or QuickBooks
- Full-service, not DIY
- Affordable flat-rate pricing
- First month free
Xero – Pros:
- Great interface and dashboard
- Useful for DIY owners or accountants
- Integrates with many apps
RBO – Cons:
- Doesn’t include tax filing
- Not a software vendor (you still use Xero or QBO if desired)
Xero – Cons:
- DIY – can become overwhelming
- No bookkeeping included
- Requires separate support for cleanups and reviews
Test Case: Marketing Agency in California
Background:
A 5-person marketing agency was using Xero to track invoices and expenses. The founder was behind on categorizing transactions and worried about tax season.
Solution:
Switched to RemoteBooksOnline. RBO’s team took over Xero access, did a 12-month catch-up, and delivered tax-ready, CPA-reviewed books.
Results:
- Cut 8–10 hours/month of manual bookkeeping
- Identified $4,600 in missed business deductions
- Delivered clean, categorized books to CPA in 2 weeks
- Client kept using Xero – but stopped doing the bookkeeping themselves
FAQs
Is Xero a bookkeeping service?
No – it’s accounting software. You must do your own books or hire a bookkeeper.
Can RBO work inside Xero?
Yes. RBO supports both Xero and QuickBooks and works securely within your account.
Is Xero good for tax prep?
It depends. If books are done right, yes. But RBO ensures CPA-reviewed accuracy every month – no guesswork.
Can I migrate from Xero to RBO?
Yes – and you don’t need to stop using Xero. We simply manage your books inside it.
Which is better for growing businesses?
RBO. Xero is software-only. RBO adds a dedicated team and CPA oversight that scales with you.
Conclusion: Which One’s Right for You?
If you love Xero’s interface but don’t want to spend hours reconciling your books, RemoteBooksOnline gives you the best of both worlds – full-service, CPA-reviewed bookkeeping that works inside Xero. For hands-off, accurate, and affordable bookkeeping, RBO wins for most SMBs.
If you’re a DIY-er or accountant yourself, Xero may be enough – but the moment you fall behind or need help, RBO is ready to step in.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
CPA and bookkeeping firms can scale faster with our white-label bookkeeping services fully branded for your clients.
Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Service? Start Here.
