Still using Xero but feel like it’s not the right fit for your growing business?
You’re not alone. Many small business owners and teams feel limited by Xero’s pricing, complex interface, or lack of support for local needs like GST billing or logistics tracking.
Imagine using a tool that’s simpler, faster🚀, and made for your business type. Whether you manage deliveries, run a retail shop, or want better automation there are smarter options available today.
Scroll down to discover the 🎖️5 best alternatives to Xero in 2025. Compare their features, pros & cons, and see why ShipChain is our top pick for modern businesses.
Why Look for Alternatives to Xero?
Xero is a well-known accounting software used by businesses around the world.
It offers tools for invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting.
But as your business grows or your needs become more specific, Xero can start to feel limited.
Many users find it complicated to use, especially if they don’t have a background in accounting.
Some important features like multi-currency, payroll, or inventory tracking are only available in higher-priced plans.
That’s why many businesses today are looking for better, more tailored alternatives that fit their budget and workflow more smoothly.
Problems with Xero
Xero is a great tool, but it doesn’t suit everyone. Here are its main drawbacks:
- Difficult for New Users – If you’re just starting, Xero can feel confusing with too many features on one screen.
- Payroll is Limited – Payroll is only available in select countries like Australia, the UK, and the US. If you’re in India or other regions, you need third-party software.
- Costly for Growing Teams – As you add more features (like multi-currency, time tracking, or inventory), the price increases quickly.
- Basic Project Management – Xero offers project tracking, but it lacks advanced tools like Gantt charts or team scheduling.
- Fewer Local Integrations – Especially in non-Western countries, it may not work with your local payment apps, tax systems, or invoicing formats.
🏆 TOP 5 Best Xero Alternatives
If you’re looking for a tool that better fits your business needs or offers more flexibility than Xero, you’re in the right place.
Here, we break down the top 5 Xero alternatives that stand out in terms of features, pricing, and user satisfaction for 2025.
1️⃣. ShipChain: Best for Inventory, Logistics & Finance in One
ShipChain combines accounting and logistics in one platform. It not only helps you track money, but also lets you manage inventory, shipping, and order movements in real-time.
Unlike Xero, which only focuses on finances, ShipChain helps with product tracking, warehouse control, and delivery workflows making it a complete solution for businesses that move goods or handle stock regularly.
Top Features:
- Real-time shipment & inventory tracking
- Built-in invoicing and billing
- GST-ready reports for Indian businesses
- Dashboard for tracking sales, purchases & returns
Pricing:
ShipChain offers custom pricing based on business needs. You can contact them for a personalized plan.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- All-in-one for product-based businesses
- Local support and customization
Cons:
- Not suited for freelancers or pure service-based firms
- Mobile app still in progress
Platform Support: Web | Android (Beta) | Email Support
Verdict: If your business deals with logistics or products, ShipChain is the smarter, more complete option than Xero.
2️⃣. QuickBooks Online: Best for Tax-Focused and US-Based Businesses
QuickBooks is very strong in handling finances, taxes, and payroll especially for U.S.-based businesses. It helps you track every dollar that comes in and goes out.
You can create professional invoices, manage bills, run reports for tax filing, and handle employee payroll in one place. Its smart dashboard also helps you see your profit and loss clearly. Accountants love it because it connects easily with U.S. tax software.
Top Features:
- Strong expense tracking & bank integrations
- Payroll tools included
- US-based tax support
- Advanced reporting
Pricing:
- Simple Start: $5.70/month (was $19)
- Essentials: $8.40/month (was $28)
- Plus: $12/month (was $40)
- Advanced: $22.80/month (was $76)
Pros:
- Reliable and widely used
- Great support for U.S. tax forms
- Tons of accountant partners available
Cons:
- Expensive as you scale
- Complex for complete beginners
Platform Support: Web | iOS | Android | Phone & Chat
Verdict: Perfect for US businesses who want a tax-compliant and fully supported tool.
3️⃣. Zoho Books: Best for Businesses Using Automation & CRM
Zoho Books is part of the full Zoho ecosystem, which means it works smoothly with Zoho CRM, Email, Inventory, and more. It helps you automate daily tasks like sending invoices, collecting payments, tracking inventory, and managing taxes.
You can also create smart workflows like automatically reminding clients to pay or tagging an expense to a specific project. It’s perfect for small businesses looking to save time with automation.
Top Features:
- Client portal for payments and communication
- Smart workflows and automation
- Integration with 50+ Zoho tools
- GST and tax filing support for Indian users
Pricing:
- Free: For businesses with revenue under $50,000
- Standard: $15/month (was $20)
- Professional: $40/month (was $50)
- Premium: $60/month (was $70)
Pros:
- Free plan for small teams
- Ideal for startups
- Seamless automation and CRM support
Cons:
- Payroll only available in India
- Takes time to learn full suite
Platform Support: Web | Mobile Apps | Email & Chat
Verdict: Best if you want to automate tasks and use a full ecosystem like Zoho CRM, Email, and Invoicing.
4️⃣. ZarMoney: Best for Tailor-Made Workflows & Controls
ZarMoney gives you full control to build your own accounting workflows. It’s great for businesses that don’t want to use rigid, fixed systems. You can customize invoices, set role-based permissions for team members, and control how your inventory is tracked.
It even shows live updates on cash flow and orders, helping you make smart decisions on the go. It’s flexible enough to fit service-based or product-based businesses.
Top Features:
- Sales & purchase order tracking
- Custom invoice builder
- Real-time inventory & cash flow
- User role permissions
Pricing:
- Small Business: $20/month
- Enterprise: Starts from $350/month (custom features and 30+ users)
Pros:
- Flexible and customizable
- Easy for both product and service businesses
- Great pricing
Cons:
- Limited project tracking
- No mobile app (yet)
Platform Support: Web | Live Chat
Verdict: Ideal for businesses needing full control over their operations but without complex add-ons.
5️⃣. ProfitBooks Best for Small Indian Businesses
ProfitBooks is made especially for Indian small businesses. It supports GST billing, lets you create invoices in regional languages, and works with Indian banks. It keeps things simple, so even non-accountants can use it easily.
It’s great for traders, freelancers, shop owners, and small online sellers who want clean accounting with local compliance.
Top Features:
- GST-ready billing
- Supports Indian banks and payment gateways
- Custom invoice branding
Pricing:
- Free: Available for up to 50 transactions per year
- Pro: ₹5,999/year
- Premium: ₹9,999/year
Pros:
- Designed for US laws
- Invoices in regional languages
- Simple interface for beginners
Cons:
- No multi-currency
- Very limited third-party integrations
Platform Support: Web | WhatsApp Support | Email
Verdict: Great for Indian solopreneurs, small traders, and offline shops moving online.
📊 Feature Comparison Table
Here’s a quick look at what each software offers:
| Features | ShipChain | QuickBooks | Zoho Books | ZarMoney | ProfitBooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Tracking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-Currency | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Inventory Management | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Payroll | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Project Management | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Complexity for New Users | ✘ (Easy) | ✘ (Hard) | ✘ (Easy) | ✘ (Easy) | ✔ (Very Easy) |
| Third-Party Integrations | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
🔍 Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose ShipChain → if you manage stock, deliveries, or logistics. You’ll save time by not needing two different tools.
- Go with QuickBooks → if your business is in the US and needs strong tax + payroll support.
- Pick Zoho Books → if you want a connected system (CRM + Invoicing + Email).
- Try ZarMoney → if you need full control over how everything works in your business.
- Use ProfitBooks → if you’re based in India and want simple billing with GST.
🧠 Final Conclusion
Xero is powerful but not for everyone. Its learning curve, regional limits, and extra costs push many users to search for better fits.
If you’re in logistics, inventory-heavy, or need a mix of accounting + operations ShipChain is the clear winner.
It’s designed to handle what Xero can’t: bringing finance and supply chain into one clean, simple platform.
Want help setting it up? ShipChain offers onboarding support too.
❓FAQs
1. Can I import my Xero data into these alternatives?
Yes, most platforms like ShipChain, QuickBooks, and Zoho Books allow you to import invoices, contacts, and financial history from Xero using CSV files or migration tools.
2. Are these alternatives cloud-based like Xero?
Yes, all 5 alternatives—ShipChain, QuickBooks, Zoho Books, ZarMoney, and ProfitBooks are cloud-based, so you can access them from anywhere.
3. Which tool is best for businesses outside the US?
ShipChain and ProfitBooks are great for businesses in India, while Zoho Books supports multiple regions with localized features like tax and language settings.
4. Can I try these alternatives for free before switching?
Yes. Tools like Zoho Books and ProfitBooks offer free plans or free trials. ShipChain offers a demo or custom onboarding based on your business needs.