XAIO vs Xero
Xero is excellent software. Here’s where XAIO differs.
Xero set the standard for cloud accounting in Australia, and plenty of businesses should stay on it. XAIO is built for the businesses that also roster staff and run payroll, and would rather run one system than a stack.
Is XAIO an alternative to Xero?
Yes, for Australian small businesses, XAIO covers the accounting core Xero is known for (invoicing, bank feeds, reconciliation, BAS) and includes payroll, rostering and an AI bookkeeper in one subscription, priced in AUD including GST. Xero remains the stronger pick for multi-currency and its larger app ecosystem.
Xero
- Roster
- Timesheet
- Export, then sync. The seam
- Pay run
- Ledger
- BAS
Three products · three logins · three bills
XAIO
- Roster
- Timesheet
- Pay run
- Ledger
- BAS
One system · entered once
Side by side.
| XAIO Business Suite | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting, GST & BAS preparation | ||
| Payroll with STP Phase 2 | Built in, lodgement launches with ATO DSP registration | Built in on most plans |
| Rosters, timesheets & clock-ins | Built in | Via add-ons such as Deputy or Planday |
| AI that drafts and never auto-sendsPulse proposes; a person approves. Full audit trail. | Pulse, included in every plan | See vendor |
| Products needed for books + payroll + rosters | One | Core product + add-ons |
| Pricing model for extra payroll employees | $20 blocks of 10 on Business Suite | Per plan tier |
| Verified price at 10 payroll employees (August 2026)Sourced and dated below; vendors change pricing. | $118/mo incl. GST (Business Suite) | $143/mo |
Honest comparison
Who should stay on Xero
An honest comparison cuts both ways. Stay on Xero if:
- You trade in multiple currencies. Xero’s multi-currency support is mature and XAIO doesn’t offer it.
- You rely on Xero’s large app marketplace for a niche integration.
- Your accountant or bookkeeper works exclusively in Xero and that relationship matters more than consolidation.
Still with us? Then the switch is probably worth a look.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is XAIO a full alternative to Xero?
For Australian small businesses, yes: XAIO covers the accounting core, invoicing, bank feeds via open banking (CDR), reconciliation, GST and BAS preparation, and includes payroll, rostering, an employee app and Pulse AI in the same subscription rather than as paid add-ons. STP Phase 2 lodgement launches with our ATO Digital Service Provider registration.
Can I import my data from Xero?
Yes. XAIO imports contacts, your chart of accounts and balances from CSV exports, so you can switch mid financial year without losing history.
How is XAIO priced?
Three plans in AUD including GST: Grow $38 · Pro $78 · Business Suite $118 a month. Business Suite adds payroll employees in blocks of 10 for $20 a month. Launch pricing is 50% off for 24 months, and self-serve sign-up is not open yet. You register your interest.
Switch without losing history.
CSV import from Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks, contacts, chart of accounts and balances, without waiting for 30 June.