Compare Accounting Software in Australia

For most Australian small businesses, Xero is the best all-round accounting software, with unlimited users and payroll included on every plan and the largest local accountant network. MYOB is the strongest established local pick and the cheapest to start at $26 a month, QuickBooks is a solid affordable all-rounder, and Reckon and Zoho Books are the value options (Zoho Books is free under $50K turnover). The best choice depends on your invoice count, team size and payroll needs.

The main alternatives to MYOB in Australia are Xero, QuickBooks Online, Reckon and Zoho Books. Xero is the closest like-for-like with unlimited users and included payroll, Reckon is the budget option with flat $24 a month payroll for unlimited staff, and Zoho Books is free under $50K turnover. See our MYOB alternatives guide at /compare/accounting-software/myob-alternatives for a full side-by-side.

Accounting software helps businesses manage their finances, including invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, GST reporting, and BAS preparation. Cloud-based platforms like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks let you access your books from anywhere and share access with your accountant.

Prices range from free (Wave, Zoho Books for revenue under $50K) to $35 to $115/mo for Xero, $26 to $150/mo for MYOB, and $33 to $85/mo for QuickBooks. Payroll add-ons can add $2 to $24/mo on top of the base subscription depending on the provider and number of employees.

Yes. We show every provider's pricing in Australian dollars. Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Reckon, and Zoho Books bill natively in AUD. FreshBooks bills in US dollars, so its figures are converted to AUD at a recent rate, and your actual cost will move with the exchange rate. We convert so you can compare like for like, instead of a USD-priced provider looking cheaper than it really is.

Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Reckon, and Zoho Books all handle BAS preparation and GST tracking with direct ATO lodgement. FreshBooks and Wave have limited AU GST support and require manual configuration. For full AU compliance, choose a platform with native BAS/GST and Single Touch Payroll (STP Phase 2).

It depends on the provider. Xero includes payroll in all plans from June 2025 at no extra cost. MYOB charges $2 per employee per month on lower plans (included in AccountRight). QuickBooks integrates with Employment Hero for payroll. Reckon offers a flat $24/mo payroll add-on for unlimited employees. Wave and FreshBooks do not offer AU payroll.

Xero and Wave offer unlimited users on all plans. Zoho Books includes 3 to 10 users depending on the plan. QuickBooks allows 1 to 5 users. MYOB and Reckon start with 1 user. Most providers offer free accountant/bookkeeper access so your advisor can log in without using a paid seat.

Yes, most platforms offer data import tools for migrating from another provider. Your accountant can help with the transition. The best time to switch is at the start of a new financial year (1 July in Australia) to keep your records clean. Export your data from your current provider before cancelling.

Yes. Cloud accounting software lets you and your bookkeeper work on the same data in real time. Your bookkeeper handles reconciliation, BAS, and reporting while you send invoices, track expenses, and check your cash flow. Most platforms include free accountant/bookkeeper access.

Xero is the market leader in Australia with the largest accountant network, unlimited users, and payroll included. MYOB is strong for businesses needing deep local compliance and inventory. QuickBooks is a solid affordable option. Reckon and Zoho Books offer the best value for budget-conscious businesses. Use our comparison tool to find the best fit for your needs and budget.