SwiftBill vs Xero:
Free invoicing vs accounting software
Xero is full accounting software — bank feeds, payroll, tax returns, and invoicing in one platform, starting at $15/month. If you need proper accounting, Xero earns it. If you need to send professional invoices and get paid, SwiftBill does it for free.
$0
SwiftBill — free forever
Invoicing, PDF download, client management
$15
Xero Starter plan
Full accounting suite — limited to 5 invoices/mo
Why freelancers choose SwiftBill
- Free forever — Xero's cheapest plan limits you to 5 invoices/month
- Invoice ready in 60 seconds — no bank connection, no account setup
- Try a live demo before creating an account
- Invoicing is the whole product — not one module in accounting software
When Xero is the right choice
- →You have an accountant who uses Xero for your bookkeeping
- →You need bank reconciliation and expense tracking alongside invoicing
- →You run a small business with employees and need payroll
- →You're in AU/NZ/UK and your accountant specifically recommends it
Frequently asked questions
What does Xero have that SwiftBill doesn't?
Xero is full double-entry accounting software — it handles bank reconciliation, payroll, expense claims, tax returns, inventory, purchase orders, and financial reports alongside invoicing. It's built for businesses that need proper bookkeeping, not just billing. If you have an accountant, they'll likely want you on Xero or QuickBooks for the broader accounting picture.
Is Xero worth $15/month just for invoicing?
No. Xero's $15/month 'Starter' plan is deliberately limited (5 invoices, 5 bills) to push you to the $42/month Standard plan. If you just need to send professional invoices, SwiftBill's free plan gives you 5 invoices/month with no other limitations — and Pro at $9/month is unlimited with no bank reconciliation overhead you'll never use.
Should I use SwiftBill or Xero as my business grows?
SwiftBill for invoicing now, and consider Xero when you need proper accounting — typically when you have an accountant, employees, or complex expense tracking. The two serve different needs. Many freelancers use SwiftBill for billing and a simple spreadsheet or their accountant's software for tax time.
Is Xero popular outside of Australia and New Zealand?
Xero is available globally but is most dominant in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It's used by small businesses in the US too but QuickBooks has a larger US market share. If your accountant is in AU/NZ/UK, they're likely familiar with Xero.
Does SwiftBill integrate with accounting software?
SwiftBill focuses on invoicing — creating, sending, and tracking payment. When it's time to do your accounts, you can export invoice data and hand it to your accountant or import into your accounting software. Most freelancers do this annually at tax time rather than needing real-time sync.
Professional invoicing while you're still growing
Start with SwiftBill free — upgrade to Xero when your business needs full accounting. No rush.