✅ Updated January 2026 — current pricing verified

If you're running a trade business in Australia, you need accounting software. The question is which one. We've tested all three — Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks — specifically for how well they work for tradies. Here's the honest verdict.

📋 In This Article

  1. →Quick verdict
  2. →Full comparison table
  3. →Xero reviewed
  4. →MYOB reviewed
  5. →QuickBooks reviewed
  6. →Which should you choose?

Quick Verdict

For most sole trader tradies: Xero Starter or Rounded. For tradies with employees: Xero Standard or MYOB Business. QuickBooks is a solid alternative if you want lower pricing and good project tracking.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Software Starting Price BAS Lodgement Payroll Mobile App Our Score Best For
Xero ⭐ Editor's PickMost popular in AU
$35/month (Starter)
 ✓ Direct ✓ Included ✓ Excellent
9.2
 Most tradies
MYOB BusinessAustralian-made
$27/month (Lite)
 ✓ Direct ✓ Included ◑ Good
8.2
 Tradies with staff
QuickBooks OnlineStrong job costing
$19/month (Simple Start)
 ✓ Direct ◑ Add-on ✓ Good
7.8
 Budget-conscious
💡 Bottom line: Xero leads for ease of use, accountant compatibility and mobile experience. MYOB edges ahead for businesses with multiple employees. QuickBooks wins on price for sole traders who need basic features.

Xero — Full Review

Xero has become the dominant accounting platform for Australian small businesses, and for good reason. It's genuinely easy to use, connects directly with most Australian bank accounts, and can lodge your BAS directly with the ATO.

✅ Pros

  • Best bank feed integration in the market
  • Huge Australian accountant network — almost every tradie accountant uses it
  • Excellent mobile app for invoicing on site
  • Direct BAS and payroll reporting to ATO
  • 800+ app integrations (ServiceM8, Tradify, Dext etc)
  • Clean, intuitive interface — minimal training needed

❌ Cons

  • More expensive than competitors at higher tiers
  • Starter plan limits invoices to 20/month
  • No phone support — chat and email only
  • Can be overkill for very simple businesses

Xero Pricing (2026)

PlanPrice/monthInvoicesPayrollBest For
Starter$3520/month1 employeeSole traders, low volume
Standard Most Popular$60UnlimitedUnlimitedGrowing trade businesses
Premium$85UnlimitedUnlimited + multi-currencyLarger operations

MYOB Business — Full Review

MYOB is Australia's original accounting software and it's still a strong choice, particularly for tradies who employ staff. Its payroll is arguably the most robust of the three for Australian conditions, handling STP Phase 2 and complex award rates well.

✅ Pros

  • Best payroll for Australian conditions
  • Strong phone support (unusual in this space)
  • Good inventory management
  • Competitive pricing at lower tiers
  • ATO-compliant BAS and payroll reporting

❌ Cons

  • Interface feels dated compared to Xero
  • Fewer third-party integrations
  • Mobile app lags behind Xero
  • Less popular with accountants than Xero

QuickBooks Online — Full Review

QuickBooks is the global giant that's growing fast in Australia. It's priced aggressively and has strong job costing features that tradies running project-based work will appreciate.

✅ Pros

  • Lowest entry price of the three
  • Strong project and job costing features
  • Good reporting and profitability tracking
  • Improving Australian bank integrations

❌ Cons

  • Less popular with Australian accountants
  • Payroll costs extra on lower plans
  • Smaller local support ecosystem
  • Fewer Australian-specific integrations

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Xero if: You want the best all-round package, your accountant uses it (most do), or you need a solid mobile app for invoicing on site.

Choose MYOB if: You have multiple employees and want the strongest payroll, or you prefer phone support.

Choose QuickBooks if: You're price-sensitive, run project-based work and want strong job costing, or you're already familiar with it from a previous job.

SoftwareFree TrialAction
Xero ⭐ 30 days free Try Xero Free →
MYOB 30 days free Try MYOB Free →
QuickBooks 30 days free Try QuickBooks →