Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
Score 8.2 out of 10
N/A
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is a widely-used accounting package designed for small to mid-sized businesses. It is the top of the QuickBooks line. Pricing starts at $3,000 for five users, and goes up depending on the number of additional users. They also offer an Advanced Inventory module for $999 / year.
$1,261
per year
Xero
Score 8.5 out of 10
N/A
Xero is an online accounting software product for small businesses and personal finance. Its features beyond general ledger and double-bookkeeping include quotable invoicing, bank reconciliation, purchase order and expense management, and tax management. Third party apps can extend its features further.
$13
per month
Pricing
QuickBooks Desktop EnterpriseXero
Editions & Modules
Gold
1,261
per year
Platinum
1,522
per year
Gold with Remote Access
1,785.60
per year
Platinum with Remote Access
2,083.20
per year
Diamond
3,060.34
per year
Diamond with Remote Access
3,600.36
per year
Early
$13
per month
Growing
$37
per month
Established
$70
per month
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
QuickBooks Desktop EnterpriseXero
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup fee
Additional DetailsPrices in table are in USD and just apply to the US - other markets & prices are listed below: Canada - Starter $18 CAD/month, Standard $45 CAD/month, Premium 5 $58 CAD/month UK - Starter £14/month, Standard £28/month, Premium £36/month AU - Starter $29 AUD/month, Standard $59 AUD/month, Premium 5 $76 AUD/month NZ - Starter $31 NZD/month, Standard $66 NZD/month, Premium $84 NZD/month
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
QuickBooks Desktop EnterpriseXero
Considered Both Products
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
It came down to familiarity and not wanting to start over. Xero also did not manage inventory and purchase orders as efficiently as Quickbooks Desktop Enterprise.
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
By comparing all these 3 tools. Quick Books approach is more intuitive, educative, lot of insights about yearly/quarterly state-wise changes, may it be forms, etc. while others are like they take a long time to release updates. QuickBooks support team and the tool knowledge …
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
Xero is too basic and not a very good general ledger system. I found Peachtree (Sage 50) to be very good. Reconciliations and look ups were more logical because it is more of an accounting document.
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
There were instances that clients do provide their books with using Xero and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise. When we export data from each other, they do compliment with the data and it's not far from analyzing each of them to see any difference from each sheets. You may need to …
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
Significantly better in every way except having a cloud access system that does not require a hosting service.
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
We have selected this product as it is affordoable in terms of pricing and features too. Our clients is geeting lots of benefits by using this product. By using QuickBooks desktop client also manage the information realted to financials and also get the clear picture for the …
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
Ultimately, the decision really came down to the advisor that we chose to use. Pricing was also a big factor and the ability to tie into other applications/programs.
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
Bill.com - Because it is the specialised AP Management portal that comes with approval and payment workflow in itself and syncs with QB. Expensify - Because it is the intelligent Expense reimbursement tool that QuickBooks Desktop doesn't offer.
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
QuickBooks [Desktop Enterprise] is much easier to use. While Sage has true accounting control processes, the batch entry and other processes can be redundant and out dated. The Enterprise audit trail can track issues if necessary while allowing for easier functionality within …
Chose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is widely used by our client and they prefer to use it instead of Online. And it also gives lots of flexibility compared with Online.
Xero
Chose Xero
I've used a lot of different accounting systems. Many of them so big and powerful, but a hassle to get set up. Xero is light, inexpensive, and easy to use. When I originally selected them they seemed like they were developing new features at a quick rate as well. I was invited …
Chose Xero
Xero stands out as the industry leader in terms of ease of use, functionality, integration possibilities, usability, and reporting functionality. Having extensive experience with various accounting software as a business owner and mentor, Xero consistently proves to be my top …
Chose Xero
Xero has a more modern user interface, better bank account synchronization, better automations, and an overall more pleasurable user experience. The setup is more simple.

Quickbooks Desktop has easier to use and more robust reporting; however, for my needs that is overkill. What …
Chose Xero
Xero is superior to Quickbooks. It is user friendly
Chose Xero
Xero is more cost-effective and seems to be easier in terms of set-up and ongoing administration. The design and layout of Xero are much simpler and easier on the eyes than QuickBooks. Given the size of our organization, which is quite small, we feel Xero is capable of …
Chose Xero
I found the user interface for QuickBooks easier to use. I used it for businesses I worked for in the US but found that UK accountants tend to recommend Xero more here. I ended up choosing Xero as it offers more integrations with the existing systems I was already using at the …
Chose Xero
Xero is very efficient and easy to use for business owners that are not a desk all day, but still want to have knowledge of the business' performance. It allows for multiple users with different permission levels so multiple employees can help to streamline the business. Xero …
Chose Xero
It was cheaper than QuickBooks, but you get what you pay for. I am using QuickBooks again and wish I never tried Xero.
Chose Xero
Xero as a cloud-based solution cannot be compared with the desktop solution, especially when much of our company's business is done online. The more the market moves online, the more desktop solutions will be cumbersome and outdated. Other cloud-based solutions, such as Accounti…
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
QuickBooks Desktop EnterpriseXero
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
8.0
108 Ratings
7% above category average
Xero
7.8
73 Ratings
4% above category average
Pay calculation8.7104 Ratings7.965 Ratings
Benefit plan administration7.861 Ratings8.123 Ratings
Direct deposit files8.090 Ratings7.949 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management7.882 Ratings7.841 Ratings
Reimbursement management7.583 Ratings7.354 Ratings
Customization
Comparison of Customization features of Product A and Product B
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
7.4
73 Ratings
5% above category average
Xero
7.5
126 Ratings
6% above category average
API for custom integration7.856 Ratings7.779 Ratings
Plug-ins7.168 Ratings7.3113 Ratings
Security
Comparison of Security features of Product A and Product B
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
8.2
155 Ratings
4% above category average
Xero
8.1
159 Ratings
3% above category average
Single sign-on capability8.3117 Ratings7.572 Ratings
Role-based user permissions8.2153 Ratings8.7157 Ratings
Reporting & Analytics
Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Product A and Product B
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
8.3
172 Ratings
9% above category average
Xero
8.0
180 Ratings
5% above category average
Dashboards8.3147 Ratings7.9176 Ratings
Standard reports8.5170 Ratings8.2179 Ratings
Custom reports8.1165 Ratings7.9159 Ratings
General Ledger and Configurable Accounting
Comparison of General Ledger and Configurable Accounting features of Product A and Product B
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
8.0
176 Ratings
8% above category average
Xero
7.4
189 Ratings
0% below category average
Accounts payable8.8169 Ratings8.7176 Ratings
Accounts receivable8.9168 Ratings8.9177 Ratings
Cash management8.4154 Ratings8.1161 Ratings
Bank reconciliation8.9167 Ratings9.1184 Ratings
Expense management8.3154 Ratings7.9168 Ratings
Time tracking6.577 Ratings7.660 Ratings
Fixed asset management8.0114 Ratings7.7115 Ratings
Multi-currency support7.757 Ratings7.5109 Ratings
Multi-division support7.992 Ratings7.493 Ratings
Regulations compliance8.064 Ratings8.293 Ratings
Electronic tax filing8.086 Ratings9.093 Ratings
Self-service portal6.566 Ratings7.7106 Ratings
Global Financial Support6.332 Ratings6.051 Ratings
Primary and Secondary Ledgers8.060 Ratings7.250 Ratings
Intercompany Accounting8.074 Ratings6.040 Ratings
Localizations8.145 Ratings8.039 Ratings
Journals and Reconciliations8.9125 Ratings9.290 Ratings
Enterprise Accounting8.485 Ratings4.433 Ratings
Configurable Accounting8.282 Ratings5.859 Ratings
Centralized Rules Framework8.049 Ratings5.133 Ratings
Standardized Processes8.693 Ratings6.159 Ratings
Inventory Management
Comparison of Inventory Management features of Product A and Product B
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
7.6
104 Ratings
8% above category average
Xero
6.5
87 Ratings
8% below category average
Inventory tracking8.1100 Ratings6.183 Ratings
Automatic reordering7.353 Ratings7.024 Ratings
Location management8.266 Ratings7.029 Ratings
Manufacturing module6.850 Ratings6.316 Ratings
Order Management
Comparison of Order Management features of Product A and Product B
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
8.3
128 Ratings
11% above category average
Xero
6.9
89 Ratings
7% below category average
Pricing8.595 Ratings6.862 Ratings
Order entry8.6101 Ratings6.956 Ratings
Credit card processing7.689 Ratings7.458 Ratings
Cost of goods sold8.2113 Ratings7.366 Ratings
Order Orchestration8.255 Ratings6.621 Ratings
End-to-end order visibility8.352 Ratings6.524 Ratings
Order exception Resolution8.639 Ratings6.617 Ratings
Best Alternatives
QuickBooks Desktop EnterpriseXero
Small Businesses
Dext Prepare (with Receipt Bank)
Dext Prepare (with Receipt Bank)
Score 9.1 out of 10
Dext Prepare (with Receipt Bank)
Dext Prepare (with Receipt Bank)
Score 9.1 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Accounting Seed
Accounting Seed
Score 8.3 out of 10
Accounting Seed
Accounting Seed
Score 8.3 out of 10
Enterprises
Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP
Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP
Score 8.2 out of 10
Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP
Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP
Score 8.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
QuickBooks Desktop EnterpriseXero
Likelihood to Recommend
8.4
(187 ratings)
8.6
(204 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.8
(17 ratings)
9.9
(32 ratings)
Usability
9.1
(11 ratings)
8.8
(129 ratings)
Availability
10.0
(4 ratings)
9.0
(10 ratings)
Performance
10.0
(3 ratings)
10.0
(8 ratings)
Support Rating
6.0
(5 ratings)
8.9
(36 ratings)
In-Person Training
7.0
(1 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
Online Training
9.1
(3 ratings)
10.0
(5 ratings)
Implementation Rating
9.0
(8 ratings)
7.3
(10 ratings)
Configurability
10.0
(3 ratings)
9.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
9.1
(2 ratings)
6.5
(89 ratings)
Product Scalability
10.0
(3 ratings)
10.0
(6 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.0
(3 ratings)
9.0
(2 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
10.0
(3 ratings)
10.0
(2 ratings)
User Testimonials
QuickBooks Desktop EnterpriseXero
Likelihood to Recommend
Intuit
When I first started using QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise for my non-profit 7 years ago, there were some struggles, but updates they have made to the product have been great and improved a lot of the functions that were a struggle. It is super helpful for handling specific non-profit needs where the normal QuickBooks, while great, is set up for for-profit businesses. The ability to enter donations and allocate them by classes that I set up is an invaluable tool.
Read full review
Xero
If they are using foreign exchange I always use Xero. If I need reporting to be customized we always use Xero. If the client is already working in a software and it is working for them we will leave them in the software they are in.
Read full review
Pros
Intuit
  • Detailed organization of financial information
  • Several security measures and double check systems to ensure incorrect entries aren't made. This prevents accidental errors and protects the company from fraud.
  • Ease of overall use
  • Reporting can be as detailed or as general as you prefer. Each report allows you to look at the overall picture or access specific details of each aspect of the company financials.
Read full review
Xero
  • Their method of moving between screens was very logical and intuitive which is not a "given" attribute among software packages.
  • Finding transactions was relatively easy with just common sense.
  • The use of this software was generally well received in that the accountants did not discredit the software as cheap, poorly organized, or timely to learn. No one at Corporate had a vendetta against using Xero.
  • It does a good job of allowing the users to drill down to the final detail of an account balance - which is fundamental to the accounting department's needs.
Read full review
Cons
Intuit
  • The software becomes "cranky" more often than I would like. A quick data scan on the server usually helps, but if I am out the staff get pretty stressed.
  • Record Retention is not working with QuickBooks. Should there be legal action requesting records for 20 years ago the records will be there - not advisable.
  • Upgrades are quite time consuming as I have to "touch" every computer using the software.
Read full review
Xero
  • Occasionally, the price increases and I feel that prices should be fixed for long-term users as there are very few changes in the software from when I started using it 6 years ago.
  • It would be useful to have the emails sent with invoices saved.
  • Visual dashboards are limited.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Intuit
We've been using QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions from when the business started, 11 years ago. I don't see us changing programs any time soon as it is working pretty well for us now. It would be extremely time consuming to start from scratch with a new accounting or inventory management program.
Read full review
Xero
In addition to the matters covered in this review, my reason for renewing this product is that Xero's functionality and the constant updates that the company provides, makes the software even more business friendly. The software therefore builds a brand loyalty among customers.
Read full review
Usability
Intuit
I like the QuickBooks Enterprise edition so much I moved my company to it this year. I like the overall functionality of the program and I am very familiar with the user interface which makes my job easier. One of the things I dislike about the online version it is not modeled after the desktop edition and I have a hard time getting around in the program.
Read full review
Xero
Xero has all the features that you need, basically. From chart of accounts, reconciling books, to making annual financial reports. What I'm currently looking for Xero right now is to provide more broader integration with the other apps so we can use it for customer-facing experience also. All in all, everything works well!
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
Intuit
They have always been available to meet our needs when we need it. We have had zero complaints with getting the assistance we need.
Read full review
Xero
We have been actively using and 100% Xero based for our ecommerce accounting practice for over 4 years. There has on been one real outage for more than 5 minutes. Xero was open and transparent about the outage, what they were doing to resolve the issue, and provided 15 minute updates. Showing how they care about their customers and partners. Plus, showing that their customers care too, were understanding, and went surfing or in our case took a nap. Couldn't run our business without Xero as a partner.
Read full review
Performance
Intuit
QB is a good and reliable system. We probably should have explore the other modules rather that jump in to the conclusion that we needed a new ERP.
Read full review
Xero
Pages generally load quickly, but it's a fairly common occurrence to have pages taking a bit longer than I'd like to load (as in, 4+ seconds). Occasionally I have to refresh a page to get it to work. Bank feed and integrations tend to be slow in general, but that could easily be due to API latency on the side of the other parties. Most of the time, though, the bank feeds refresh before I login so it's not a huge problem. Not necessarily good performance compared to a local app like QuickBooks desktop, but definitely good performance for a cloud application. Room for growth? yes.
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Support Rating
Intuit
Very rare do I call the Quickbooks Enterprise Solutions support staff and I get a customer service associate quickly. On average, my wait time is near an hour, and at times even longer. After spending the first three minutes discussing my problem, they then begin to poke and prod around, sometimes the questions continue. But 80% of the time, the problem is over their head and they have to escalate the issue. The only problem is this escalation arrives usually after spending forty-five minutes poking and proding around but learning nothing. In short, my experience is rarely all that well, let alone great
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Xero
Always respond and keep issues open until you are satisfied with the result. Generally good responses, in the past, I had some support responses that were really basic and really annoying. They type where "have your tried restarting your computer" style of answers. Well, of course, I went through all the basics before contacting them. Duh, but I suppose not everyone does. Otherwise, it would be a 10. The last year has shown a marked improvement in the support responses however.
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In-Person Training
Intuit
It is a very easy system to learn, so with the help it was even easier. QB is a good solid system, but it lacks some of the complexity other systems have. with QB you need to get additional modules to get the same functionality that other systems offer standard
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Xero
The format was great; someone was there to ask questions or help if you were stuck.
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Online Training
Intuit
easy to learn system, specially with some kind of support. Just like with any other system, things get lot easier if you have guidance to lead you in your search for answers. having said that, QB is very easy to use and very easy to teach. you wont spend much time memorizing where to click.
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Xero
All of Xero's training is online and available for anyone (business owner or accountants) to learn and become experts in their system. There is a range of content from product training to real world webinars from their partners. Xero is beautiful accounting software and their training is the same.
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Implementation Rating
Intuit
If you're loading QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions onto a computer that you're going to directly log into, you should be able to do it yourself. If you are going to connect to a server through a network or remote connection, you should probably have a professional IT person set it up for you.
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Xero
If it can be done, time the implementation near a new fiscal year so you can start clean. Otherwise, you have to go back and do historical data from the beginning of the fiscal year, which can be brain draining.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Intuit
We have selected this product as it is affordoable in terms of pricing and features too. Our clients is geeting lots of benefits by using this product. By using QuickBooks desktop client also manage the information realted to financials and also get the clear picture for the future by using the accounting information from this product.
Read full review
Xero
I've used a lot of different accounting systems. Many of them so big and powerful, but a hassle to get set up. Xero is light, inexpensive, and easy to use. When I originally selected them they seemed like they were developing new features at a quick rate as well. I was invited to be part of focus sessions to make the product better. That part has slowed down significantly though.
Read full review
Scalability
Intuit
It has worked for our small company in every way. We have very little issues with the software and when we have had problems, Intuit has stepped up and resolved in promptly.
Read full review
Xero
I have yet to fully stress test the product given the size of the company where I am using it. I am sure as we scale to more customers, more vendors and more reporting requirements, I will have a better understanding of what it is capable of in terms of bandwidth and processing
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Return on Investment
Intuit
  • Good value for the price. The initial setup was quick and easy.
  • When properly set up and processes are followed it's decent at managing inventory which is something we had problems with. Have to have a dedicated employee to builds.
  • Rolling up costs in multi-level BOM's is a project each time we have to review costs, it's very time consuming to manually update all assemblies.
Read full review
Xero
  • Saved many hours through automatic invoices and followups
  • Saved many hours by allowing transactions to start via bank feeds (ie I don't have to input a transaction and mark it against what is in the bank/cc account; rather, the transaction in the account is where you input the transaction into the books.
  • Has the scalability my business requires, and not much more.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Xero Screenshots

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