What's the difference between Xero and QuickBooks?
Both are cloud accounting platforms for small businesses, but they lean different ways. Xero is built for accountant-led workflows, with unlimited users, deep app integrations and strong local bank feeds. QuickBooks Online focuses on guided setup and built-in payroll and timesheets, which suits small teams managing their own books.
Xero started in New Zealand in 2006 and is used by over 3 million businesses worldwide. QuickBooks, from Intuit, has been around since 1983 and is equally established. For Singapore, both are solid; the differences are in the details.
Xero vs QuickBooks at a glance (Singapore, 2026)
| Xero | QuickBooks Online | |
|---|---|---|
| From /month (SG) | S$33 | S$31 to S$38 |
| Users | Unlimited | Capped by plan tier |
| GST to IRAS | IRAS-certified, files directly | Generates IRAS GST reports |
| Payroll | Basic built-in (payslips) | Stronger built-in payroll |
| Timesheets | Add-on (extra cost) | Built in |
| Local bank feeds | Very strong | Good |
| App ecosystem | Hundreds of integrations | Solid, fewer than Xero |
| Best for | Accountant-led, growing SMEs | Small teams, guided setup |
Which is better for a Singapore small business?
For most Singapore SMEs, Xero is the better all-round fit, thanks to IRAS-certified GST filing, unlimited users and strong local bank integration. QuickBooks Online is the better pick if you want simple guided setup and stronger built-in payroll for a small in-house team. Neither is wrong; it depends on how you work.
Choose Xero when you work with an accountant, want unlimited users, or rely on lots of app integrations.
Choose QuickBooks when you run payroll in-house, want timesheets built in, and prefer a guided setup.
How do they compare on price?
They're close. Xero in Singapore starts around S$33 a month and rises to about S$65 for established plans. QuickBooks Online starts around S$31 to S$38 a month. The bigger cost difference is in extras: Xero charges add-ons for things like timesheets, while QuickBooks bundles more in, but caps your number of users by plan.
Look past the headline price at what you actually need. Unlimited users (Xero) or built-in payroll and timesheets (QuickBooks) often matter more than a few dollars a month.
Which handles Singapore GST and InvoiceNow better?
Both handle GST, but Xero is IRAS-certified and files GST returns directly to IRAS, while QuickBooks generates the GST reports you then submit. The bigger 2026 issue is InvoiceNow: new voluntary GST registrants from 1 April 2026 must use InvoiceNow e-invoicing, and all GST businesses must be ready by 2031. Pick software that's InvoiceNow-ready before you register for GST.
This is the rule most comparison articles miss. If GST registration is on your horizon, InvoiceNow readiness should weigh heavily in your choice.
Can you get the PSG grant for either?
Yes. The Productivity Solutions Grant covers up to 50% of the cost of pre-approved accounting software, and both Xero and QuickBooks have qualifying packages through approved vendors. Eligibility and timing conditions apply, so check the current pre-approved list before you buy.
Which one do we recommend?
For most Singapore small businesses we work with, Xero is the default choice: IRAS-certified GST, unlimited users, and the strongest local bank feeds. If payroll for a small in-house team is your priority, QuickBooks Online is a strong alternative. We work in both, so whichever you choose, your books stay in good hands.
Not sure which fits? Our bookkeeping service runs on both Xero and QuickBooks, and we'll set you up on whichever suits your business.
2026 InvoiceNow Rule
New voluntary GST registrants from 1 April 2026 must use InvoiceNow. All GST businesses ready by 2031. Choose InvoiceNow-compatible software before registering for GST.