COUNT vs. Xero: Which Accounting Software Should You Choose?

Accounting software has become a vital tool for small businesses, enabling them to manage finances, streamline processes, and gain actionable insights. Two top contenders in this space are COUNT and Xero. Both offer impressive features but are designed with different audiences in mind. This article will compare their key offerings, pricing, target markets, strengths, and drawbacks to help you decide which is the right fit for your business.

Key Features and Offerings

COUNT

COUNT revolutionizes accounting with its AI-driven capabilities and user-centric design, making it ideal for business owners without extensive accounting expertise.

• Startup-Friendly Free Plan: COUNT’s free plan includes unlimited invoices, payment reminders, and AI-driven insights, whereas Xero’s “Early” plan is limited to 20 invoices per month.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Includes free team access for five users, compared to Xero’s unlimited users at higher subscription levels.
• AI-Powered Intelligence: Features advanced categorization, predictive analytics, and duplicate detection for streamlined bookkeeping.
• In-House Simplicity: Focused on non-accountants, COUNT removes the complexity seen in Xero’s more feature-rich but accountant-focused tools.
• Advanced Wizards: Offers seamless conversion from desktop accounting systems to COUNT.
• Revenue Sharing for Bookkeepers: Offers a 20% lifetime revenue share for bookkeepers who onboard clients.

Xero

Xero is a feature-rich accounting software tailored for small businesses and bookkeepers. Its robust integrations and automation tools make it a versatile choice for various industries.

• Automation: Automatically categorizes bank transactions and tracks expenses.
• Scalable Plans: Caters to businesses of all sizes with plans offering unlimited invoices and users from the “Growing” tier onward.
• Robust Integrations: Seamlessly integrates with apps like Stripe and payroll providers like Gusto.
• Advanced Financial Management: Includes project tracking and multi-currency support in higher-tier plans.
• Reporting: Customizable reports and multi-currency support.

Pricing

• COUNT:
  • Free for up to 5 users and businesses with an expense or revenue limit of $15k.
  • Paid plans start at $29/month.
• Xero:
  • Plans start at $15/month, with additional costs for payroll and advanced reporting features.

Target Markets

• COUNT is designed for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs who value simplicity and AI-driven insights. Its intuitive design makes it accessible to non-accounting professionals, while bookkeepers benefit from its revenue-sharing model. COUNT is particularly appealing to growing businesses looking for affordable, scalable tools to manage finances and enhance operational efficiency.

• Xero is ideal for small businesses, bookkeepers, and accountants who need detailed reporting and seamless integrations. Its tools are well-suited for niche industries like retail, construction, and e-commerce. Businesses with complex financial operations or those requiring a wide range of third-party app integrations will find Xero to be a robust solution.

Strengths

• COUNT excels with its user-friendly design and advanced AI capabilities, making it a powerful tool for business owners who lack accounting expertise. The ability to automate routine tasks, coupled with predictive insights, ensures that users can focus on strategic decision-making. Additionally, COUNT’s revenue-sharing model for bookkeepers and its free plan for smaller businesses make it an attractive, cost-effective option for startups.

• Xero, on the other hand, stands out for its extensive integrations and customizable features. It offers robust tools for specific industries, making it a versatile choice for businesses with unique needs. The multi-user functionality and strong collaborative features also enhance its appeal to teams and professional bookkeepers.

Drawbacks

• While COUNT is exceptional for its simplicity and AI-driven insights, it may lack some of the advanced industry-specific tools and third-party integrations that larger, more complex businesses might require. Similarly, its focus on automation could feel limiting to users who prefer a more hands-on approach to financial management.

• Xero can be overwhelming for new users due to its wide range of features and integrations. Additionally, its reliance on third-party apps for certain functionalities can increase overall costs, making it less ideal for budget-conscious startups or small businesses with straightforward needs.

Comparison Table