Cloud accounting with AU GST and BAS that's cheaper than Xero at most tiers. 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)
ServiceScale Verdict
“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.”
Need help choosing the right tool? Book a Consult →
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
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
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/.
Technical
Getting your marketing sorted?
We build websites for trade and service businesses. Fixed price, no lock-in.
See Packages →Xero
The accounting platform most AU tradies end up on, integrates with everything, but you'll pay for it once you add payroll and extras.
4.4/5 (3,200)
MYOB
The other big AU accounting option, deeper payroll and award support than Xero, but fewer integrations with trade tools. Check what your accountant prefers before picking sides.
4.3/5 (1,280)
KeyPay
Solid AU cloud payroll with STP Phase 2 and award interpretation that actually works. Powers Employment Hero's payroll under the hood. Does payroll well, don't expect HR features.
4.7/5 (230)