Quick Overview
- 1#1: Xero - Cloud-based accounting software leading the market in Australia with full GST, BAS, and STP compliance for small businesses.
- 2#2: MYOB - Established Australian accounting platform offering robust bookkeeping, payroll, and tax reporting features.
- 3#3: QuickBooks Online - Intuitive cloud accounting solution with strong Australian tax support including GST and Single Touch Payroll.
- 4#4: Reckon One - Cost-effective Australian cloud accounting software tailored for SMBs with integrated invoicing and BAS lodgement.
- 5#5: Saasu - Pioneering Australian cloud bookkeeping tool with advanced automation for inventory, payroll, and ATO compliance.
- 6#6: Zoho Books - Affordable, feature-rich online accounting software supporting Australian GST, BAS, and multi-currency transactions.
- 7#7: Sage Business Cloud Accounting - Reliable scalable accounting system with comprehensive Australian regulatory compliance and reporting capabilities.
- 8#8: Dext - AI-powered bookkeeping automation platform specializing in receipt capture and bank reconciliation for Australian firms.
- 9#9: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and bookkeeping software with Australian tax support ideal for freelancers and small teams.
- 10#10: Wave - Free cloud-based accounting tool providing basic GST tracking and invoicing for Australian startups and solopreneurs.
We ranked these solutions by evaluating comprehensive Australian regulatory adherence, user-friendliness, feature depth (such as automation, invoicing, and scalability), and overall value, ensuring they deliver exceptional performance for small to medium enterprises and startups alike.
Comparison Table
Looking to streamline bookkeeping in Australia? This comparison table features top tools including Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online, Reckon One, Saasu, and more, simplifying the search for your ideal solution. It highlights key aspects like features, pricing, and user-friendliness, helping readers assess which software aligns with their business needs, whether for invoicing, tax prep, or integration.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xero Cloud-based accounting software leading the market in Australia with full GST, BAS, and STP compliance for small businesses. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | MYOB Established Australian accounting platform offering robust bookkeeping, payroll, and tax reporting features. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | QuickBooks Online Intuitive cloud accounting solution with strong Australian tax support including GST and Single Touch Payroll. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Reckon One Cost-effective Australian cloud accounting software tailored for SMBs with integrated invoicing and BAS lodgement. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Saasu Pioneering Australian cloud bookkeeping tool with advanced automation for inventory, payroll, and ATO compliance. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Zoho Books Affordable, feature-rich online accounting software supporting Australian GST, BAS, and multi-currency transactions. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 7 | Sage Business Cloud Accounting Reliable scalable accounting system with comprehensive Australian regulatory compliance and reporting capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Dext AI-powered bookkeeping automation platform specializing in receipt capture and bank reconciliation for Australian firms. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and bookkeeping software with Australian tax support ideal for freelancers and small teams. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Wave Free cloud-based accounting tool providing basic GST tracking and invoicing for Australian startups and solopreneurs. | other | 6.8/10 | 5.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software leading the market in Australia with full GST, BAS, and STP compliance for small businesses.
Established Australian accounting platform offering robust bookkeeping, payroll, and tax reporting features.
Intuitive cloud accounting solution with strong Australian tax support including GST and Single Touch Payroll.
Cost-effective Australian cloud accounting software tailored for SMBs with integrated invoicing and BAS lodgement.
Pioneering Australian cloud bookkeeping tool with advanced automation for inventory, payroll, and ATO compliance.
Affordable, feature-rich online accounting software supporting Australian GST, BAS, and multi-currency transactions.
Reliable scalable accounting system with comprehensive Australian regulatory compliance and reporting capabilities.
AI-powered bookkeeping automation platform specializing in receipt capture and bank reconciliation for Australian firms.
User-friendly invoicing and bookkeeping software with Australian tax support ideal for freelancers and small teams.
Free cloud-based accounting tool providing basic GST tracking and invoicing for Australian startups and solopreneurs.
Xero
specializedCloud-based accounting software leading the market in Australia with full GST, BAS, and STP compliance for small businesses.
Direct ATO integration for effortless Single Touch Payroll (STP) and BAS lodgements
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software specifically designed for Australian small businesses, providing end-to-end bookkeeping solutions including invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting. It offers seamless compliance with Australian tax requirements like GST, BAS lodgements, and Single Touch Payroll (STP) through direct ATO integration. With unlimited users, real-time data access, and a vast ecosystem of over 1,000 app integrations, Xero streamlines financial management for growing enterprises.
Pros
- Full Australian compliance with ATO integration for STP, BAS, and GST
- Unlimited users and real-time multi-user collaboration
- Automatic bank feeds, rules-based reconciliation, and extensive app marketplace
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced plans can be costly for sole traders
- Customer support primarily ticket-based with limited phone access
- Some advanced reporting and customizations require add-ons or accountant involvement
Best For
Australian small to medium businesses and bookkeepers needing scalable, compliant cloud accounting with strong integrations.
Pricing
Starter $35 AUD/month (limited bills/invoices), Standard $70, Premium $115, Ultimate $140; annual billing discounts available, plus payroll add-on from $10/month.
MYOB
specializedEstablished Australian accounting platform offering robust bookkeeping, payroll, and tax reporting features.
Direct ATO integration for effortless STP payroll reporting and BAS lodgements
MYOB is a leading cloud-based accounting and bookkeeping software designed specifically for Australian businesses, offering comprehensive tools for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and inventory management. It excels in local compliance with features like Single Touch Payroll (STP), BAS/GST reporting, and superannuation processing directly integrated with the ATO. With scalable plans from basic to enterprise-level, it supports small to medium enterprises in streamlining financial operations efficiently.
Pros
- Superior Australian tax compliance including STP, BAS lodgement, and superannuation automation
- Robust inventory and job costing features for growing businesses
- Strong mobile app and real-time bank feeds for on-the-go bookkeeping
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for solo operators or very small businesses
- Initial setup and advanced features have a moderate learning curve
- Customer support response times can vary, especially for non-priority users
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses needing integrated payroll, tax compliance, and scalable bookkeeping without manual ATO filings.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month for Essentials Lite (basic invoicing), up to $199/month for AccountRight Premier; billed monthly or annually with discounts.
QuickBooks Online
specializedIntuitive cloud accounting solution with strong Australian tax support including GST and Single Touch Payroll.
Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 compliance with direct ATO reporting
QuickBooks Online is a robust cloud-based accounting software designed for Australian businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, GST calculations, and BAS reporting. It includes STP-compliant payroll for superannuation and employee payments, inventory management, and customizable reporting. Tailored for bookkeepers and small to medium enterprises, it integrates seamlessly with major Australian banks and provides real-time financial insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive STP payroll with superannuation compliance
- Seamless bank feeds from Australian banks like CBA and NAB
- Strong GST/BAS tools and automated reconciliations
Cons
- Higher pricing for advanced features like inventory and project tracking
- Steeper learning curve for complex customizations
- Customer support can be slower for non-enterprise users
Best For
Australian bookkeepers and small to medium businesses needing integrated payroll, GST compliance, and scalable accounting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month (Simple Start) up to $180/month (Advanced), billed annually in AUD; payroll add-on from $5/user/month.
Reckon One
specializedCost-effective Australian cloud accounting software tailored for SMBs with integrated invoicing and BAS lodgement.
Direct lodgment of BAS and STP reports to the ATO
Reckon One is a cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for Australian businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, payroll, and reporting tools. It excels in ATO compliance with features like Single Touch Payroll (STP), BAS lodgment, and superannuation management. The modular structure allows users to subscribe only to needed features, making it scalable for small to medium enterprises.
Pros
- Strong ATO integration including direct BAS and STP lodgment
- Modular pricing for cost-effective scalability
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support
Cons
- Limited third-party app integrations compared to Xero or MYOB
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Full feature set becomes expensive for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses seeking robust local tax compliance without overpaying for unused features.
Pricing
Modular subscriptions starting at $12/month for basics, with key add-ons like Accounting ($28/month), Payroll ($20/month), and Inventory ($15/month).
Saasu
specializedPioneering Australian cloud bookkeeping tool with advanced automation for inventory, payroll, and ATO compliance.
Advanced Rules Wizard for smart, customizable bank transaction matching and automation
SaaSu is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for Australian small to medium businesses, providing essential bookkeeping tools like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and inventory management. It excels in local compliance with features for GST, BAS reporting, PAYG, and superannuation integration directly with Australian banks and funds. While not as modern as some competitors, it offers reliable automation and unlimited users across plans.
Pros
- Strong Australian tax compliance including BAS, GST, and superannuation
- Powerful rules engine for automated bank reconciliations
- Unlimited users and support on all plans
Cons
- Dated user interface compared to newer competitors like Xero
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Mobile app lacks full functionality
Best For
Australian small businesses prioritizing local compliance and bank automation over a sleek modern interface.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Starter, 1 user) up to $99/month (Business, unlimited users), with annual discounts available.
Zoho Books
specializedAffordable, feature-rich online accounting software supporting Australian GST, BAS, and multi-currency transactions.
Deep integration with the Zoho ecosystem for CRM, projects, and email, enabling end-to-end business management
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small to medium businesses, providing invoicing, expense management, bank reconciliation, inventory tracking, and comprehensive financial reporting. It offers full Australian compliance with GST calculations, BAS reporting, and Single Touch Payroll integration via certified partners. The platform emphasizes automation, multi-currency support, and seamless mobile access to streamline bookkeeping processes.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing with a free tier for startups
- Strong automation for recurring invoices and bank feeds from major Australian banks
- User-friendly interface with excellent mobile app support
Cons
- Payroll functionality requires third-party integrations for full STP compliance
- Customer support can have slower response times outside business hours
- Fewer native integrations with Australian-specific tools compared to Xero or MYOB
Best For
Small to medium Australian businesses seeking cost-effective, scalable bookkeeping with global capabilities.
Pricing
Free plan for businesses under $50K AUD revenue; paid plans from $25 AUD/month (Lite) to $275 AUD/month (Ultimate), billed annually with multi-user options.
Sage Business Cloud Accounting
enterpriseReliable scalable accounting system with comprehensive Australian regulatory compliance and reporting capabilities.
Seamless ATO integration for automated BAS lodgment and STP reporting
Sage Business Cloud Accounting is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for Australian small to medium businesses, providing end-to-end bookkeeping with features like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and inventory management. It excels in local compliance, supporting GST calculations, BAS preparation, Single Touch Payroll (STP), and direct ATO lodgments. Real-time reporting and customizable dashboards offer deep financial insights, with mobile access for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Strong Australian compliance including automated BAS, STP Phase 2, and ATO integrations
- Robust inventory and multi-currency support for growing businesses
- Extensive reporting tools with customizable dashboards
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler alternatives like Xero
- Higher pricing may not suit sole traders or micro-businesses
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Growing Australian SMEs with inventory needs and complex payroll requirements seeking reliable ATO compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month (Standard, billed annually) for core accounting; Plus ($62/month) adds inventory/payroll; Advanced ($110+/month) for multi-user advanced features.
Dext
specializedAI-powered bookkeeping automation platform specializing in receipt capture and bank reconciliation for Australian firms.
Intelligent OCR that auto-categorizes expenses and extracts ATO-relevant GST data from receipts and invoices
Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) is a cloud-based automation tool specializing in expense management and bookkeeping workflows for Australian businesses. It excels at capturing receipts via mobile app or upload, using OCR to extract data like GST amounts, and pushes reconciled transactions to accounting software like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks. Compliant with ATO single-touch payroll and digital record-keeping standards, it reduces manual data entry for bookkeepers handling invoices and expenses.
Pros
- Advanced OCR for accurate GST and expense data extraction
- Seamless integrations with Xero, MYOB, and other AU-compliant platforms
- Mobile app enables quick receipt capture and ATO-ready digital storage
Cons
- Not a standalone full bookkeeping solution; relies on integrations
- Volume-based pricing can become expensive for high-receipt businesses
- Limited native reporting and BAS tools without connected software
Best For
Australian bookkeepers and small-to-medium businesses needing automated expense processing integrated with Xero or MYOB.
Pricing
Starts at ~AUD $30/month for basic Solo plan (up to 50 docs), scales to $100+/month for Team plans with per-document fees (~$1.50+ each).
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and bookkeeping software with Australian tax support ideal for freelancers and small teams.
Seamless project-based time tracking that automatically converts hours to billable invoices with profitability insights
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, offering tools for creating professional invoices, tracking time and expenses, managing projects, and basic bookkeeping. It supports Australian GST calculations, multi-currency including AUD, and bank imports, but lacks native integrations for ATO-specific requirements like BAS lodgements or superannuation. While user-friendly, it's more suited for simple invoicing than comprehensive Australian bookkeeping compliance.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with drag-and-drop invoicing
- Excellent time tracking and project profitability tools
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go expense capture
Cons
- Limited Australian tax compliance (no automated BAS or ATO e-lodgement)
- No built-in payroll for Australian superannuation and awards
- Bank reconciliation and double-entry accounting are basic compared to Xero or MYOB
Best For
Australian freelancers and small service-based businesses needing simple, professional invoicing and expense tracking without complex tax needs.
Pricing
Plans start at $24 AUD/month (Lite, billed annually) up to $84 AUD/month (Premium); Select plan is custom pricing.
Wave
otherFree cloud-based accounting tool providing basic GST tracking and invoicing for Australian startups and solopreneurs.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no user or transaction limits on core features
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses, freelancers, and solopreneurs, offering invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning, and basic financial reporting. For Australian users, it supports GST calculation and multi-currency transactions but lacks deep integration with ATO requirements such as Single Touch Payroll (STP) or BAS lodgment. While suitable for simple bookkeeping, it doesn't match the compliance depth of specialized Australian tools like Xero or MYOB.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting and unlimited invoicing
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- GST tracking and basic reporting for simple needs
Cons
- No Single Touch Payroll (STP) or BAS lodgment support
- Australian payroll unavailable (US/Canada only)
- Limited bank feeds and integrations for AUS-specific needs
Best For
Freelancers or micro-businesses in Australia managing basic invoicing and GST without complex payroll or compliance needs.
Pricing
Free for accounting, invoicing, and reports; 2.9% + 30c per credit card transaction; payroll unavailable in Australia.
Conclusion
The reviewed bookkeeping tools, spanning various business needs, highlight a clear leader in Xero—its market-leading position and comprehensive compliance features setting it apart. MYOB impresses with its robust platform and integrated payroll capabilities, while QuickBooks Online stands out for its intuitive design and strong Australian tax support, making them excellent alternatives for specific requirements.
Begin your financial management journey with Xero to leverage its seamless operations, advanced automation, and tailored local support, ensuring your business runs smoothly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison