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QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll: Which Payroll Software Is Better?


Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you shop through the links below.

Last Updated: April 25, 2025

Both QuickBooks Payroll and Xero Payroll are leading payroll software solutions, but which one is better for you and your business?

Below we compare QuickBooks Payroll and Xero Payroll across nearly 50 different data points to help you make find the right one.

 

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Reviews

QuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Trustpilot Rating1.14.3
Number of Trustpilot Reviews5515747
iPhone App Rating4.64.7
Number of iPhone App Reviews11040026300
Android App Rating4.14.3
Number of Android App Reviews299007410

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Pricing

QuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Free TrialYesYes
Free Trial Length1 month1 month
Cheapest Plan NamePayroll Core + Simple StartEarly
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month$52.5$9.25
Mid Priced Plan NamePayroll Core + EssentialsGrowing
Mid Priced Plan Cost Per Month$52.5$9.25
Top Plan NamePayroll Premium + PlusEstablished
Top Plan Cost Per Month$85$17.5

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Features

FeaturesQuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Target Business SizeMid size businessSmall business
Unlimited Payrolls✘✘
Automated Tax Filing & Payments✔✔
E-sign I-9 & W-4✘✘
Live Customer Support✔✔
Third-Party Integrations✔✔
Ability To Manage Employee Benefits✔✔
Employee Access To Platform✔✔
Direct Deposit✔✔
Expense Reimbursement✔✔
Time Off Accrual✔✔
Pre-Tax Deductions✔✔
Wage Garnishment✔✔
Background Checks✘✘
Check Printing✔✔
Check Delivery✘✘
API✘✔

QuickBooks Payroll Payroll Core + Simple Start Features

  • Full-service payroll
  • Includes automated taxes & forms
  • Auto Payroll
  • 1099 E-File & Pay
  • Expert product support
  • Next-day direct deposit
  • 401(k) plans
  • Health benefits for your team
  • Workers’ comp administration
  • Track income & expenses
  • Capture & organize receipts
  • Maximize tax deductions
  • Invoice & accept payments
  • Track miles
  • Run general reports
  • Send estimates
  • Track sales & sales tax
  • Manage 1099 contractors
  • Connect 1 sales channel
  • Free guided setup

Xero Payroll Early Features

  • Send quotes and 20 invoices†
  • Enter 5 bills
  • Reconcile bank transactions
  • Capture bills and receipts with Hubdoc
  • Short-term cash flow and business snapshot
  • Payroll with Gusto (Optional)

QuickBooks Payroll Payroll Premium + Plus Features

  • Full-service payroll
  • Includes automated taxes & forms
  • Auto Payroll
  • 1099 E-File & Pay
  • Expert product support
  • Same-day direct deposit
  • 24/7 expert product support
  • Expert review
  • Track time on the go
  • 401(k) plans
  • Health benefits for your team
  • Workers’ comp administration
  • HR support center
  • Track income & expenses
  • Capture & organize receipts
  • Maximize tax deductions
  • Invoice & accept payments
  • Track miles
  • Run comprehensive reports
  • Send estimates
  • Track sales & sales tax
  • Manage 1099 contractors
  • Connect all sales channels
  • Free guided setup
  • Manage bills
  • Enter time
  • Includes 5 users
  • Track project profitability
  • Track inventory

Xero Payroll Established Features

  • Send invoices and quotes
  • Enter bills
  • Reconcile bank transactions
  • Capture bills and receipts with Hubdoc
  • Short-term cash flow and business snapshot
  • Bulk reconcile transactions
  • Use multiple currencies
  • Track projects
  • Claim expenses
  • Analytics Plus
  • Payroll with Gusto (Optional)

QuickBooks Payroll vs Xero Payroll Pro & Cons

QuickBooks PayrollXero Payroll
Pros
  • User Friendly
  • User Interface
  • Saves Time
  • Access Anywhere
  • Meets Business Needs
  • User Friendly
  • User Interface
  • Integrations
  • Saves Time
  • Management
Cons
  • Room for Improvement
  • Takes Time
  • Customer Service
  • Expensive
  • Desktop Issues
  • Expensive
  • Not User Friendly
  • Expense Report Issues
  • Technical Issues
  • Room for Improvement

Other Payroll Software Comparisons

  • ThePayStubs vs Darwinbox
  • Darwinbox vs Paypro
  • SurePayroll vs Everee Payroll
  • Remote vs Revelo
  • Deel vs Wave
  • EPAY Payroll vs CheckMark Payroll
  • BambooHR vs Superworks
  • Multiplier vs Paycor
  • Gusto vs SurePayroll
  • Everee Payroll vs Proliant

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