Choose Akaunting if you want
Self-hosted accounting with a web interface.
A free self-hosted edition with invoicing, inventory, payroll and double-entry accounts. Its Business Source License is not OSI open source, and self-hosting means running a web server.
Choose Xero if you want
Small businesses working with an online accountant.
Strong bank feeds, reconciliation and cash flow forecasting, with no per-user license fees. Payroll and inventory are add-ons, and it has no free plan, unlike Wave and Zoho Books.
The main differences
- Akaunting can be used for free; Xero requires payment.
Side by side
 Akaunting |  Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 79.5 | 93.0 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 6 | #1 of 6 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree self-hosted edition; paid cloud plans | SubscriptionMonthly plans with no per-user license fees |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted | WebWeb |
| Made by | Akaunting, Inc. | Xero Limited |
| Hosting | Self-hosted or cloud | Vendor cloud |
| Bank feeds | Yes | Yes |
| Inventory tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Self-hosted accounting with a web interface | Small businesses working with an online accountant |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Akaunting vs Xero
- Is Xero better than Akaunting?
- Xero ranks higher in our list of accounting software (#1 against #5, score 93.0 against 79.5). Akaunting is best for: self-hosted accounting with a web interface. Xero is best for: small businesses working with an online accountant.
- Which is cheaper, Akaunting or Xero?
- Akaunting: Free self-hosted edition; paid cloud plans. Xero: Monthly plans with no per-user license fees.
- Do Akaunting and Xero run on the same platforms?
- Akaunting supports Web, Self-hosted. Xero supports Web.