Xero
Cloud accounting built for UK small businesses with strong integrations and accountant familiarity.
Accounting
Payroll
Editor rating4.7/ 5
Best for
- UK SMEs wanting scalable cloud accounting
- Businesses that work with external accountants
- Teams that value integrations
Pros
- Large UK accountant network
- Strong app marketplace
- Clear bank reconciliation workflows
Cons
- Payroll is an add-on
- Tier pricing can climb with users
Pricing
From: £15/month (indicative)
Model: Per month, tiered by features and users
Free trial: Yes (check current terms)
UK suitability
UK support positioning: Vendor markets UK support channels
HMRC / payroll context: Often used in HMRC-aligned workflows (validate for your setup)
Overview
Xero is one of the most recognised UK cloud accounting platforms. It suits businesses that want bank feeds, invoicing, and a wide app marketplace, with optional payroll add-ons for growing teams.
Features
- Bank feeds
- Invoicing
- Expense claims
- Reporting
- Multi-currency on higher tiers
Integrations
Common integration names (availability varies by plan):
- Stripe
- Shopify
- HubSpot
- Dext
- Pleo
Alternatives
Intuit’s cloud accounting suite with practical tools for invoicing, expenses, and tax prep.
Established UK finance software with depth for payroll and compliance-minded teams.
Cloud accounting with automation-friendly workflows and strong ties to the wider Zoho suite.
FAQs
Is Xero suitable for UK small businesses?
Xero is commonly used in UK accounting workflows. The best fit depends on headcount, integrations, payroll complexity, and whether your accountant prefers a particular ecosystem.
How should I compare pricing?
Model 12-month total cost including users, payroll, and essential add-ons—not headline monthly tiers alone. This listing indicates: Per month, tiered by features and users.