Xero vs MYOB 2026: Full Comparison

Choosing the right accounting software can make or break a trade business in the UK. Whether you’re elbow-deep in pipework, up scaffolding, or chasing down missing payments, you need reliable tools that just work—and that won’t eat into your already limited admin time. This comparison of Xero vs MYOB for 2026 cuts through the marketing fluff and focuses on what really matters for tradespeople: getting quotes out quickly, nailing your VAT and CIS, tracking job costs, chasing payments, and freeing up time for the work itself.

Xero vs MYOB: Quick Overview for Busy Tradies

What Matters Most Day-to-Day?

If you’re short on time, here’s the basics: both Xero and MYOB offer accounting solutions aimed at small UK businesses, but their strengths, support, and time-saving tools differ where tradies need them most. Xero stands out for ease of use, a mobile app that actually works on-site, and automated bank feeds. MYOB, while improving, often feels more suited for desktops and less for dynamic, on-the-move trades work.

Looking to send quotes and invoices from the van? Xero’s mobile features are easier and faster.
Need automated reminders to chase late payments? Xero has this built in.
Want integration with job management tools? Both offer options, but Xero has the edge in the UK app marketplace.

For an in-depth look at Xero’s time-saving features specifically for tradies, check out How Xero Users Save Hours Every Week on Bookkeeping.

Mobile Apps and On-Site Flexibility

No Office Required: Do Admin from the Van

Tradespeople are rarely at a desk. You need to send quotes, chase up invoices, and check cash flow from your phone. Xero’s app has been refined for trades: it loads quickly, syncs easily, and lets you send professional-looking quotes or invoices from anywhere. MYOB’s app isn’t as streamlined in the UK, and some features only work on the web version.

Issue invoices straight after the job, before you ever drive off.
Track which quotes have been accepted—even while you’re between sites.
Snap photos of receipts for easier expense matching.

On-the-tools tip: “Send invoices immediately when the job’s done. Delaying by even a day makes late payments much more likely.”

Quoting, Estimating & Job Variations

Speed and Accuracy—No Unpaid Extras

Getting quotes out fast often means winning the work. Xero makes it easy to build, duplicate, and adjust quotes from your laptop or mobile. MYOB supports quoting too, but for many UK tradies, customising and updating quotes on the fly (especially for schedule changes or unforeseen job extras) is quicker in Xero.

Advice: Always capture changes and send variations as new quotes—otherwise, you risk missing out on payments for those “little extras.” Both systems let you do this, but Xero’s process is slickest on mobile.

Chasing Payments and Cash Flow Gaps

Keep Money Flowing In—Effortlessly

Late payments are the bane of UK trade businesses. Both platforms help you invoice, but Xero automates reminders, letting you nudge clients without endless phone calls. Payment links (like Stripe or GoCardless) can be added directly to Xero invoices, making it easy for customers to pay you on time. MYOB offers similar features, but UK integration is smoother with Xero, especially when linking to popular British payment providers.

Set up auto-reminders so you’re not personally chasing every late payer.
Add payment links to your invoice footer for one-click card or bank payments.
Monitor overdue jobs from the dashboard, not a stack of paper notes.

VAT, CIS, and Compliance: No Nasty Surprises

Keeping HMRC Onside Without Extra Headaches

VAT and CIS are serious pain points for many UK trades and building businesses. Xero lets you file VAT returns digitally (Making Tax Digital ready) and handle CIS deductions without piles of paperwork. MYOB’s support is improving, but feedback from UK firms suggests Xero’s compliance tools are ahead and better supported for British users. Both help track VAT thresholds—crucial for growing businesses to avoid penalties.

Materials, Receipts, and Real-Time Job Tracking

Managing Job Costs Without Guesswork

Every lost receipt or misallocated material hits your margins hard. Xero lets you record expenses, allocate to jobs, and link receipts straight from your phone. MYOB offers expense tracking too, but Xero’s “snap and save” feature is more reliable out in the field. Both platforms integrate with inventory systems but check your app stack for UK compatibility.

Snap and file receipts for every purchase, from screws to cement bags.
Assign expenses directly to jobs to keep profits in sight.
Spot holes in your cash flow before they become a crisis.

For a cost breakdown and to make sure you’re paying for what you actually need, see Xero Cost Explained in 2026 for Small Businesses.

Scheduling, Weather Delays, and Job Change Management

Stay Ahead—Whatever the Forecast

When rain stalls outside work or customers move deadlines, you need flexibility. Xero links with leading job management platforms—set up so your schedule, quotes, and billing always match. This means fewer double-bookings and faster comms when jobs or site visits change at short notice. MYOB integrates too, but Xero’s app selection for the UK trades market is larger and more user-friendly.

On-the-tools tip: “Tie your job scheduler to your accounts—missed appointments and unbilled time waste more money than materials ever will.”

App Integrations: Linking Tools You Already Use

Making Software Play Nicely Together

From job scheduling and accounting to quoting and field service, UK trades are using more digital tools than ever. Xero leads with over 1,000 integrations, covering everything from calendar apps to popular specialist trade tools. This helps you avoid double entry and means quoting, scheduling, and accounting data all flows together. MYOB hosts an app store too, but for UK-focused trades it still lags in some trade-specialist options.

Connect job booking apps so completed work triggers invoicing automatically.
Link your bank, merchant, quoting, and payroll tools to reduce manual tasks.

Support, Training, and Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Help When You Need It—Especially After Hours

Accountancy mistakes can cost real money—missed VAT filings, lost CIS paperwork, or double-paid suppliers. Xero offers 24/7 online support, a big community of UK accountants, plus a solid help system for trades and sole traders. MYOB’s UK support is more business hours-focused. Investing an hour to learn common setup errors will save far more time and heartache. For a list of frequent errors, see Common Xero Mistakes That Cost Businesses Money.

Cost, Contract Length, and Free Trials

Value for Money Matters—Especially for Small Firms

Xero and MYOB both offer tiered pricing, which scales as your business grows. Xero’s current UK promo (as of December 2025) means significant savings for new sign-ups—no long contract tie-ins and a genuine 30-day free trial with no credit card required. MYOB often requires upfront card details and longer commitments. Switching between plans is easiest in Xero, meaning you only pay for what you’ll use.

Trade Business Outcomes: What the Best Choice Looks Like

What Will Save You the Most Time—and Win the Most Work?

For UK builders, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and landscapers wanting faster quoting, less admin, and smoother compliance, Xero is the clear front-runner in 2026. MYOB is improving but still less popular among UK trades for good reason. The best solution is the one you’ll actually use daily: Xero makes that more likely, thanks to its mobile features, app integrations, and strong UK support.

For trade businesses keen to see how Xero’s features translate on real jobs, see Xero for Trades and Service Businesses in 2026.

Making the Switch (or Not): Practical Checklist

List your non-negotiables: mobile access, UK VAT/CIS compliance, job cost tracking.
Book a free trial with both systems—run side-by-side for one invoicing cycle.
Speak to your accountant—most UK bookkeepers are now Xero certified.
Plan your switchover for a quieter week to avoid admin headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which software—Xero or MYOB—is easier for a UK tradesman to set up and use?

Xero is typically quicker and simpler for UK trades to set up, thanks to clear menus and strong UK-focused help. Most UK bookkeepers are now Xero trained, making it easier to get support. MYOB works, but setup often involves more steps and less intuitive navigation for busy tradespeople.

Does Xero help with UK VAT and CIS for builders and subcontractors?

Yes. Xero supports digital VAT returns (MTD-compliant) and CIS calculations, including automatic subcontractor deductions. It also warns you about VAT thresholds. This reduces risk of HMRC penalties. MYOB’s UK support is not as comprehensive or as widely adopted across British trades.

Can I send invoices straight from my site using Xero or MYOB?

Both have mobile invoicing, but Xero’s app is faster, easier, and works well on UK mobiles. You can send a branded invoice or quote from the van or while on site—no need to wait until you’re home. MYOB’s mobile features are less robust in the UK.

What about chasing late payments? Do either send automatic reminders?

Xero allows you to set up automatic invoice reminders, so customers get a nudge before and after the due date. This means less time chasing and more cash coming in. MYOB can send reminders but setting them up is more manual, and feedback suggests they’re not as reliable for UK users.

Do both Xero and MYOB integrate with UK job management tools like Tradify?

Xero has a much wider choice of UK job management integrations, including Tradify, Fergus and others. This ensures your job bookings, quotes, and accounting all work together and limits double data entry. MYOB has fewer plug-and-play integrations for UK-focused tradies.

Can Xero or MYOB help me keep track of receipts for materials?

Yes, but Xero excels here. You can snap a photo of a receipt on your phone and attach it to a specific job or purchase right away. This is perfect for busy trades and avoids lost paperwork. MYOB offers similar tools but their UK app isn’t as efficient on the go.

How much does Xero or MYOB cost for a small trade business?

Xero has starter plans that begin at a low monthly price, with frequent UK promos for new subscriptions. There’s a 30-day free trial and you can cancel any time. MYOB pricing is similar, but often requires longer contracts or upfront card details. Always check plan limits before signing up.

What support do I get if I make a mistake or need help after hours?

Xero provides 24/7 online support and a big community of UK accountants and tradie users. Help is available via chat, guides, or accountants familiar with your software. MYOB’s support is more limited outside office hours. For trades working evenings or weekends, Xero’s support wins out.

Is it easy to switch from MYOB to Xero if I’m not happy?

Yes. Many UK bookkeepers specialise in moving businesses from MYOB and similar systems to Xero. You can use trial periods in both before choosing. Data migration tools and accountant support make switching straightforward, best done at a period’s end for minimal disruption.

Which system is better if I want to grow my trade business or take on more staff?

Xero is ideal for scaling up. As you grow, you can add features for payroll, VAT, CIS, and new integrations easily without switching systems. MYOB is less popular among growing UK trades due to fewer plug-ins and less accountant support. Xero’s flexibility is a big plus for expanding teams.

Xero vs MYOB in 2026: Which Accounting Software Wins?