QuickBooks vs Xero for Small Business Bookkeeping: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re running a small business, two names dominate the accounting space: QuickBooks and Xero. Both offer cloud-based platforms for managing your books, invoicing, and financial reports – but which one is right for your business? In this guide, we’ll compare the two and show how Remote Books Online (RBO) can help manage your bookkeeping in either platform.

Download Our Free Brochure →

QuickBooks: Built for the Traditional Small Business

Best For: Businesses with inventory, payroll, and local CPAs

  • Strong ecosystem with QuickBooks Online and Desktop
  • Advanced reporting, payroll, time tracking, and 3rd-party integrations
  • Most U.S. CPAs and tax preparers are already QuickBooks-fluent
  • Downside: Can feel bloated or overly complex for small service businesses

Xero: Built for Modern Cloud-Based Teams

Best For: Online-first businesses, agencies, or growing companies

  • Clean, modern interface with unlimited users
  • Strong bank feed sync and native automation features
  • App integrations for e-commerce, CRM, and invoicing tools
  • Downside: Not all CPAs are Xero-literate, limited U.S. payroll

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureQuickBooksXero
Bank Reconciliation✔️ Yes✔️ Yes
Invoicing✔️ Yes✔️ Yes
Inventory Management✔️ Built-InAdd-On Required
Users Included1 (more at cost)Unlimited
Payroll✔️ U.S. IntegratedLimited
Ecosystem FamiliarityMost CPAs preferGrowing slowly
Ease of UseIntermediateEasier for most
Mobile App✔️ Strong✔️ Strong

Where Remote Books Online Fits In

You don’t have to choose based on complexity – because we handle the bookkeeping for you inside either platform.

With Remote Books Online:

  • You keep your platform – we keep your books clean
  • We reconcile, categorize, and deliver monthly reports
  • We support QuickBooks Desktop, Online, and all Xero tiers
  • Behind on books? We offer catch-up services for both

Test Case

Business: Home services company with 2 employees

Challenge: Using QuickBooks for 2 years, but books were disorganized and behind by 8 months.

Solution: RBO caught up and cleaned their books in under 2 weeks. Then migrated them to Xero for better user access and automated bank feeds.

Result: Owner now receives monthly reports, and CPA gets a clean package at year-end.

Download Our Free Brochure →

No matter which software you use, we’ll handle the books so you can focus on your business.

Talk to a bookkeeping expert now

Bookkeeping Services Across States

Bookkeeping Services Across Key ZIPs

View All ZIP Codes

FAQs

Can RBO work with both QuickBooks and Xero?

Yes — we have certified experts in both platforms.

What if I want to switch from QuickBooks to Xero (or vice versa)?

We can assist with migration, data cleanup, and setup.

Is there a big cost difference between the two?

Yes, but mostly at the higher tiers. RBO helps you manage whichever option works best for your business.

Do I need to buy software separately?

Yes. RBO handles the bookkeeping but does not resell or bundle the accounting platforms.

What if I’m behind on my books?

We specialize in catch-up bookkeeping and can bring your QuickBooks or Xero file up to date.

QuickBooks or Xero? We work with both.

Let our team take over your bookkeeping and deliver CPA-ready books every month – no hourly billing, no stress.

Explore our full range of bookkeeping services designed for small businesses looking for accuracy, simplicity, and CPA-reviewed financials.

If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.

Tax professionals and CPAs rely on our QuickBooks bookkeeping services to streamline financials and scale their practices efficiently.

Grow your firm with ease using our Xero bookkeeping services, designed to deliver expert financial management while aligning perfectly with the Xero ecosystem.

Our bookkeeping services near you help nonprofits stay donor-ready, audit-compliant, and financially organized.

Streamline Your Finances: Download Our Free Bookkeeping Brochure

Take control of your business finances with confidence! Our detailed brochure provides insights into how Remote Books Online can help you maintain accurate bookkeeping, stay tax-ready, and make informed financial decisions. Discover how our tailored bookkeeping services can support your business growth and simplify your financial management.