Shoeboxed vs Xero

SHvs

Two Bookkeeping tools side by side: what each does, what it costs and who it suits.

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The verdict Side by side Plans and pricing Who each is for Other options

The verdict

On the data we hold, Xero comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.

What the data says

Shoeboxed starts lower, at $8.08/mo against $27/mo.
Only Xero has an MCP server, so an AI employee can work in it directly.
In our Bookkeeping ranking, Xero places 1 and Shoeboxed 16 of 20.

Side by side

Shoeboxed and Xero compared
At a glance	SHShoeboxed	Xero
Starts at	$8.08/mo	$27/mo
Free plan	No	No
API	Yes	Yes
MCP server	No	Yes
Links	Visit	Visit

Plans and pricing

Shoeboxed

Startersolopreneurs and sole proprietors$9/mo
Profreelancers and growing SMBs$29/mo
Plussmall teams and accountants$79/mo

Xero

EarlyQuotes and 20 invoices, 5 bills, bank reconciliation, 30 day cash flow forecast. Regular price; 80 percent off for 3 months.$27/mo
GrowingInvoices and bills without the Early limits, 60 day cash flow forecast, performance dashboards. Regular price; 80 percent off for 3 months.$59/mo
EstablishedAdds multiple currencies, KPI analysis, projects and employee expenses, 180 day forecast. Regular price; 80 percent off for 3 months.$97/mo

Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.

Who each is for

Choose Shoeboxed if…

We haven't written up who Shoeboxed suits yet.

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Choose Xero if…

Small and growing businesses, bookkeepers and accountants that want shared cloud books with bank reconciliation and invoicing, and the option to connect other apps through an API.

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