Xero vs MYOB vs QuickBooks NZ 2026: Complete Comparison Guide

Choosing the right accounting software is one of the most important decisions for your New Zealand business. This guide compares the three leading platforms to help you make an informed choice.

Pricing Comparison 2026

Prices are indicative and may vary. Check each provider for current pricing.

Xero: The NZ Market Leader

Strengths

• Best IRD integration: Direct filing of GST returns, payday filing, and AIM provisional tax
• Most NZ accountants use it: Over 90% of NZ accountants are Xero certified
• Excellent mobile app: Full functionality on iOS and Android
• Huge app ecosystem: 1,000+ integrations including NZ-specific apps
• Beautiful interface: Clean, modern design that is easy to learn
• Bank feeds: Connects to all major NZ banks
• Free NZ payroll: Included with all plans

Weaknesses

• Price increases: Has increased prices significantly over recent years
• Invoice limits on Starter: Only 20 invoices per month on cheapest plan
• Inventory management: Basic compared to dedicated inventory systems

Best For

Service businesses, professional services, trades, retail, and any business that wants seamless accountant collaboration and IRD integration.

MYOB: The Long-Standing Option

Strengths

• Established brand: Trusted name in Australia and NZ since 1991
• Good for complex businesses: Strong inventory and job costing features
• Local support: NZ-based phone support available
• Desktop option: MYOB AccountRight for those who prefer installed software
• Strong payroll: Comprehensive payroll features

Weaknesses

• Smaller market share: Fewer accountants specialise in MYOB
• Dated interface: Feels less modern than Xero
• Fewer integrations: Smaller app ecosystem
• Higher pricing: More expensive at comparable tiers
• IRD integration: Not as seamless as Xero

Best For

Businesses already using MYOB, those needing strong inventory management, or companies preferring desktop software.

QuickBooks: The Budget-Friendly Option

Strengths

• Lowest price: Most affordable option, especially for startups
• Easy to use: Simple interface, quick to learn
• Good mobile app: Solid functionality on mobile devices
• Receipt capture: Excellent receipt scanning and matching
• Global brand: Well-known internationally

Weaknesses

• Fewer NZ accountants: Less common in NZ market
• IRD integration: More limited than Xero
• Fewer NZ integrations: App marketplace focused on US/global apps
• NZ-specific features: Less tailored to NZ requirements
• Support: Can be challenging to get NZ-specific help

Best For

Budget-conscious startups, freelancers, and simple businesses that primarily need invoicing and expense tracking.

Feature Comparison

Which Software Do NZ Accountants Prefer?

This is perhaps the most important consideration. Most New Zealand accountants strongly prefer Xero because:

1. Training: Accountants are trained and certified in Xero
2. Efficiency: They can work faster in familiar software
3. Support: Xero has dedicated accountant support channels
4. Integration: Practice management software integrates with Xero

If your accountant uses Xero and you use MYOB, they will either need to convert your data (at a cost) or work less efficiently. Many accountants charge more for non-Xero clients.

Switching Accounting Software

If you are considering switching, here is what is involved:

Switching Costs

• Data migration: $500 - $2,000 depending on complexity
• Training time: 5-20 hours to learn new system
• Historical data: Usually only 2 years migrated in detail
• Integration updates: Reconnecting bank feeds, apps, etc.

Best Time to Switch

The ideal time to switch is at the start of a new financial year (1 April for most NZ businesses). This gives you a clean starting point and simplifies reporting.

Our Recommendation