MYOB vs Xero: Which is Best for Australian Businesses? (2026)
Last updated: November 2026 · Prices verified from official AU vendor sites · Affiliate disclosure
The short answer: For most Australian small businesses, Xero wins. It's easier to use, better supported, and your accountant almost certainly prefers it. But MYOB is the right call for businesses with serious inventory needs or complex job costing - and at the right plan level it's actually cheaper than Xero once you factor in employees. MYOB prices here are ex GST, to match Xero; MYOB's own page shows them with GST, such as $70 for Pro and $5 for payroll.
This guide cuts to the differences that actually matter for Australian businesses - current AUD pricing, where each platform genuinely beats the other, and direct recommendations by business type.
Weighing the desktop tier rather than the cloud plans? We break down MYOB AccountRight pricing for Plus and Premier separately, including the point where it undercuts MYOB Business Pro.
Building or contracting? Job costing changes the answer, and we compare the two properly in accounting software for construction in Australia.
Quick comparison - MYOB vs Xero (2026)
| Feature | Xero | MYOB |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (AUD/mo) | $37 | $31.82 |
| Payroll | Included (1-10 by plan) | +$4.55/employee/mo (Lite/Pro) |
| Inventory | Basic | Excellent (built-in) |
| Job costing | Higher plans only | AccountRight Plus+ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Mobile app | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Integrations | 1,000+ | 350+ |
| Australian support | 24/7 | Business hours |
| BAS / STP / Super | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bookkeeper preference (AU) | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Pricing - what you actually pay
Sticker prices are misleading. Once you add employees and payroll, the total cost picture shifts significantly depending on which plan you're on.
Xero pricing (AUD, 2026)
| Plan | Price/mo | Payroll included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ignite | $37 | 1 person | Solo operators, freelancers |
| Grow | $78 | 2 people | Small teams up to 2 employees |
| Comprehensive | $107 | 5 people | Growing businesses, multi-currency |
| Ultimate 10 | $143 | 10 people | Larger SMBs needing projects |
Xero does not sell extra payroll seats. It bundles payroll for a set number of people and you move up a tier to pay more, so a business paying 5 people is on Comprehensive at $107 a month, not Grow at $78.
MYOB pricing (AUD, 2026)
| Plan | Price/mo | Payroll | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | $31.82 | +$4.55/employee (max 2) | Sole traders, micro business |
| Pro | $63.64 | +$4.55/employee (unlimited) | Small business with staff |
| AccountRight Plus | $150 | Included (unlimited) | Inventory, job costing, construction |
| AccountRight Premier | $190.91 | Included (unlimited) | Multi-currency, multiple businesses |
The payroll crossover: with 5 employees on MYOB Pro you're paying $63.64 + $22.73 = $86.36/month. Xero cannot do five people on Grow at all, because Grow covers two, so the like-for-like plan is Comprehensive at $107. MYOB Business Pro stays the cheaper of the two as headcount grows, and AccountRight Plus at $150 flat with unlimited payroll overtakes Business Pro itself from 20 people.
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True Cost Calculator
The tables above don't tell the full story - your actual cost depends on employee count and which features you need. See the real number.
Try the calculator →Current MYOB promotions
Two MYOB deals running right now
For sole traders
MYOB Solo, $12 for the first year
Pay $12 for your first 12 months, then $99/year. That is $87 off year one.
Claim Solo deal →For small businesses with employees
70% off MYOB Business
Lite $94.50 for the first year (normally $315). Pro $21/month for the first 6 months (normally $70/month). Prices include GST, as shown on MYOB's site.
Compare plans →Promotions verified 31 July 2026. These are affiliate links: we earn a commission if you sign up via them. See affiliate disclaimer.
Xero - better for most Australian businesses
Xero holds around 60% of the Australian cloud accounting market. That's not an accident - it's the most polished product for businesses without a dedicated finance team. If you want something your whole team can use without training, Xero is it.
Where Xero beats MYOB
- Much easier to use. Plain language, modern interface, no accounting jargon. Most non-accountants are functional within a day. MYOB's interface reflects 30 years of accumulated complexity and takes weeks to get comfortable with.
- Better mobile app. Create invoices, snap receipts, approve bills, check cash flow - all from your phone. MYOB's app handles the basics and not much more.
- Far more integrations. 1,000+ apps including Shopify, Stripe, HubSpot, Deputy, ServiceM8, Cliniko, and virtually every Australian industry tool. MYOB has 350+.
- 24/7 support. The only one of the two offering round-the-clock phone and chat. MYOB is business hours only.
- Accountant preference. Most Australian bookkeepers and accountants prefer Xero - it's become the industry standard. This matters for collaboration and for keeping accounting fees down.
- Bank reconciliation. Xero's suggested matches are smart. A month of transactions takes minutes. MYOB is slower and more manual.
Where Xero falls short vs MYOB
- Inventory is basic. Fine for simple stock tracking, but if you need lot numbers, serial numbers, multiple warehouses, or product assemblies, you'll need a third-party add-on like Cin7 or DEAR. MYOB does this natively.
- Job costing is limited. Available on higher Xero plans but nowhere near as powerful as MYOB AccountRight for construction and trade businesses.
- Cloud only. No offline mode, though MYOB has now ended AccountRight's offline mode too, so this no longer separates them.
- Price increases. Xero has raised prices significantly in recent years - the entry plan went from $25 to $37. Budget for this continuing.
Xero is probably right for you if you
- Run a service business - consultant, marketer, accountant, cleaner, therapist
- Operate a café, restaurant, or hospitality business
- Run an ecommerce business (Shopify integration is excellent)
- Work in medical, allied health, or NDIS
- Are a sole trader or freelancer
- Have a bookkeeper or accountant who already uses Xero
MYOB - better for inventory and complex operations
MYOB has been in Australian businesses since the early 1990s and it shows - not always in a bad way. The interface is clunky and the learning curve is real, but the depth of functionality for inventory management, job costing, and Australian payroll compliance is unmatched.
Where MYOB beats Xero
- Inventory management. Multiple warehouses, lot tracking, serial numbers, product assemblies, stocktakes - all native. For manufacturers, wholesalers, and serious retailers, this alone makes MYOB the right choice. No third-party add-on needed.
- Job costing. Built-in job tracking on AccountRight makes it the go-to for builders, tradies, and project-based businesses. Track costs, time, and profitability per job without add-ons.
- Flat-price payroll at scale. AccountRight Plus includes unlimited payroll for $150 a month, which beats Business Pro's $4.55 per employee from 20 staff. Neither MYOB nor Xero interprets Modern Awards; you set award rates up as pay items.
- Desktop app. AccountRight still has a Windows desktop app alongside the browser version, though it now only opens company files stored online. MYOB has ended offline working.
- Payroll economics at scale. AccountRight Plus includes unlimited payroll at $150/month. For a business with 15+ employees, that's cheaper than Xero's per-employee model.
Where MYOB falls short vs Xero
- Interface feels dated. Compared to Xero's modern design, MYOB looks like it was built in 2010. New users consistently struggle initially.
- Fewer integrations. 350+ vs Xero's 1,000+. If you rely on specialist software, verify it connects to MYOB before committing.
- Support is business hours only. Not ideal if you work weekends or need help urgently outside 9-5.
- Per-user charges on some plans. MYOB can charge for additional users, which adds up for larger teams.
- Mobile app is weak. Fine for basics, but far less capable than Xero's for running the business from your phone.
MYOB is probably right for you if you
- Manufacture or wholesale with complex stock management needs
- Run a building or construction company needing job costing
- Operate retail with multiple locations and serious inventory
- Have a growing payroll and want it on a flat price (AccountRight Plus includes unlimited payroll)
- Have an accountant or bookkeeper who already works in MYOB
- Already use MYOB and it works - switching costs are real
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Xero | MYOB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Excellent - modern, intuitive | Steep learning curve | Xero |
| Invoicing | Clean, fast, great templates | Functional but dated | Xero |
| Bank reconciliation | Smart matching, very fast | More manual, slower | Xero |
| Inventory | Basic (add-ons for depth) | Excellent - built-in | MYOB |
| Job costing | Limited (higher plans) | Comprehensive (AccountRight) | MYOB |
| Payroll (simple) | Included, easy | Add-on on Lite/Pro | Xero |
| Award interpretation | Not built in | Not built in | Neither |
| Mobile app | Excellent | Basic | Xero |
| Integrations | 1,000+ apps | 350+ apps | Xero |
| Offline access | Cloud only | No (ended on AccountRight) | Neither |
| Support hours | 24/7 | Business hours | Xero |
| Accountant preference | Strong AU preference | Accepted but secondary | Xero |
| Reporting | Good, visual | More detailed, more complex | Tie |
| BAS / STP / Super | ✓ Full compliance | ✓ Full compliance | Tie |
Recommendations by business type
| Business type | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sole trader / freelancer | Xero Ignite | $37/mo, easy, 24/7 support, accountants prefer it |
| Café / restaurant | Xero | High transaction volume, integrates with every POS |
| Tradie (1-5 people) | Xero | Easy, great with ServiceM8 and Deputy |
| Builder / construction | MYOB AccountRight | Job costing on AccountRight |
| Retailer (simple stock) | Xero | Easier to use, connects to Shopify and Square |
| Retailer (complex inventory) | MYOB | Multi-location stock, lot tracking, no add-on needed |
| Manufacturer / wholesaler | MYOB | Inventory management the best in the category |
| Medical / allied health | Xero | Integrates with Cliniko, Nookal, practice management tools |
| NDIS provider | Xero | Best integrations with NDIS management software |
| Ecommerce | Xero | Best Shopify, Amazon, eBay and payment gateway integrations |
| Professional services | Xero | Clean interface, great invoicing, accountants prefer it |
| Hospitality (complex awards) | Xero + Deputy or Tanda | The rostering tool interprets the award; neither Xero nor MYOB does |
Common questions
Can I switch from MYOB to Xero (or vice versa)?
Yes, but it's not painless. Contacts, invoices, bills, and bank transactions export as CSV and import into the new platform reasonably well. What doesn't transfer cleanly: reconciliation history, attachments, custom report configurations, and payroll history mid-year. Both platforms offer free migration assistance for new subscribers. If you can wait, switching at 30 June is significantly simpler than mid-year.
Which do Australian bookkeepers prefer?
Xero, by a wide margin. It's become the industry standard in Australia over the past decade. Some bookkeepers exclusively work with Xero clients. Ask your bookkeeper or accountant before you choose - going with their preference usually means lower accounting fees and smoother collaboration. If you don't have a bookkeeper yet, Xero gives you the widest pool to choose from.
Is MYOB cheaper than Xero?
At entry level, yes - MYOB Lite at $31.82 vs Xero Ignite at $37. The real comparison depends heavily on payroll. Five employees costs $86.36 on MYOB Business Pro against $107 on Xero Comprehensive, because Xero's Grow plan only covers two people. MYOB stays cheaper as headcount grows, and AccountRight Plus at $150 flat with unlimited payroll overtakes MYOB Business Pro from 20 people. Use our cost calculator to run your specific numbers.
Does MYOB work offline?
Not any more. MYOB has ended offline working in AccountRight: the latest desktop app only opens company files stored online. MYOB Lite and Pro are browser-based, and Xero is cloud-only across all plans, so both platforms now need an internet connection.
Which has better payroll for Australian businesses?
For simple payroll - salaried employees, standard super, STP - both handle it well and Xero is easier to set up. For complex payroll - multiple awards, penalty rates, shift allowances - neither interprets awards for you. Both pay the rates you set up as pay items, so businesses with complex rosters usually add a tool like Deputy, Tanda or Employment Hero that does the interpretation.
What about Xero's price increases?
Xero has raised prices significantly - the entry plan went from $25 to $37, a 48% increase. It's a legitimate concern worth factoring into your long-term budget. Xero remains the better product for most businesses, and MYOB has also increased prices over time. If price stability is important to you, MYOB has historically been slightly more predictable on this front.
Our verdict
For most Australian small businesses: Xero. Easier to use, better supported, best integrations, and your accountant almost certainly prefers it.
For inventory-heavy or construction businesses: MYOB AccountRight. The inventory management and job costing are better. At 15+ employees, the included unlimited payroll on AccountRight Plus also makes the total cost competitive.
If you already use one and it works: stay. Switching accounting software mid-business is disruptive and expensive. Unless you have a specific problem your current software can't solve, the switching cost usually outweighs the gains.
See your real monthly cost
Enter your business details and we'll show you the exact monthly cost for both Xero and MYOB - including payroll add-ons and annual savings.
Try the cost calculator →Getting ready for Payday Super? From 1 July 2026, super must be paid with every pay run. MYOB's built-in Pay Super feature makes this simpler to set up than Xero. See how each platform handles the Payday Super changes →
Not sure either fits? See our MYOB alternatives guide, which covers Xero, QuickBooks, Reckon One, Thriday and Wave with honest 2026 pricing.
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