Accounting Software

Exact Online vs Xero

Both are accounting software. The short answer: choose Exact Online if you are dutch and Belgian SMEs and accountants; choose Xero if you are small businesses and accountants in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

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Exact Online logo Exact OnlineXero logo Xero
Best forDutch and Belgian SMEs and accountantsSmall businesses and accountants in the UK, Australia and New Zealand
Free planNo (trial may exist)No (trial may exist)
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesAccounting Software, ERP SoftwareBilling & Invoicing Software, Accounting Software
Strengths
  • Strong in Benelux tax rules
  • Modules for wholesale and manufacturing
  • Accountant collaboration
  • Clean, fast reconciliation
  • Unlimited users on plans
  • Big integration marketplace
Watch out for
  • Benelux focus
  • Modules add up in price
  • Payroll availability depends on country
  • Lower plans cap some transactions
Visit Exact OnlineVisit Xero

Which should you choose?

Exact Online: Cloud business software for accounting, invoicing, inventory and payroll, widely used in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Xero: Cloud accounting platform known for bank reconciliation, invoicing and a large app marketplace.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all accounting software compared.