QuickBooks Online
Cloud accounting for small business with AU GST and BAS. QuickBooks Online pricing undercuts Xero at most tiers and does the job well, but check your accountant uses it first, most AU bookkeepers still default to Xero or MYOB.
Starting from
$15/mo
Free trial
30 days
Free plan
No
Overall rating
4.3/5 (6,700)
“Cheaper than Xero and perfectly capable for basic bookkeeping. The catch is fewer AU integrations and some accountants won't touch it, so check with yours before switching.”
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Overview
QuickBooks Online is Intuit's cloud accounting platform, and while it's the dominant small business accounting tool in the US, its Australian version has been growing steadily since launching with full ATO compliance features. For Australian trade businesses, QuickBooks Online competes directly with Xero and MYOB, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, BAS/GST reporting, and payroll.
The entry-level pricing is aggressive: the Simple Start plan comes in under $20/month and covers invoicing, expense tracking, bank feeds, and GST reporting. The Essentials tier adds bill management and multi-user access, while Plus includes project tracking and inventory.
Strengths: The interface is clean and genuinely easy to use, arguably simpler for first-time accounting users than either Xero or MYOB. The mobile app is solid, with receipt capture via camera. AU-specific features (BAS, GST, STP) are now mature and reliable. Pricing undercuts Xero at most tiers. Strong integration with the broader Intuit ecosystem and a growing number of AU-specific apps.
Limitations: The Australian integration ecosystem is smaller than Xero's, check that your job management tool, payment processor, and industry-specific apps connect before committing. Many Australian accountants and bookkeepers still default to Xero or MYOB, so your accountant's preference matters. Payroll is an add-on rather than included at most tiers. Some users find the AU version lacks features available in the US edition, which can be frustrating.
A credible alternative to Xero, especially at the lower price tiers, but check your integration needs and your accountant's preference before switching.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- ✓Entry-level pricing undercuts Xero, Simple Start is genuinely affordable
- ✓Clean, intuitive interface that first-time users pick up quickly
- ✓Solid mobile app with receipt capture via camera
- ✓AU GST, BAS, and STP features are now mature and reliable
- ✓Strong US and NZ support, useful if you work across borders
Watch out for
- ✕Australian integration ecosystem is smaller than Xero's, check compatibility first
- ✕Many AU accountants default to Xero or MYOB and may resist QuickBooks
- ✕Payroll is an add-on, not included at most tiers
- ✕AU version occasionally lags the US version in features
- ✕Customer support can be slow, phone wait times are a common complaint
Best for
Cost-conscious sole traders and small trade businesses who want cloud accounting with full AU compliance at a lower price than Xero. Particularly strong for businesses that also operate in NZ or the US.
Not ideal for
Trade businesses whose job management tool integrates exclusively with Xero. Anyone whose accountant strongly prefers Xero or MYOB: the switching friction isn't worth the savings.
Key Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings
6,700 reviews
Source: Capterra
Checked April 2026
Pricing
1 user + 1 accountant
3 users + 1 accountant
5 users + 1 accountant
Prices shown are AUD per month. Introductory discounts are often available for the first 3–6 months. Payroll is an additional cost. Verify at quickbooks.intuit.com/au/pricing/.
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