Comparing business invoicing and accounting solutions that cater to various market segments, business needs requires an understanding of the features, costs and user experiences of Invoice Ninja vs Xero.
The prices of Xero and Invoice Ninja are different. For new users, Invoice Ninja provides a free plan but Xero offers a premium plan without a free option. The 30-day free trial offered by Xero is limited but for businesses on a tight budget, the long-term cost difference is substantial.
While Invoice Ninja’s sophisticated interface offers extensive control and customization options, it may have a steeper learning curve for simple invoicing functionality. In contrast, Xero’s user-friendly interface is accessible to non-accountants.
Essential invoicing features are provided by both Xero and Invoice Ninja. However, Xero concentrates on core invoicing and accounting features and does not offer mileage tracking while Invoice Ninja offers comprehensive project management through its mobile app.
Xero is perfect for businesses because it provides a wide range of integration options such as compatibility with accounting and CRM software. Square, PayPal, Stripe and other popular payment gateways are supported by Invoice Ninja.
Invoice Ninja provides community-focused support via email, Slack, Discord and forum whereas Xero provides round-the-clock online assistance. Both uphold strict security standards.
Xero serves freelancers and small businesses, especially solopreneurs while Invoice Ninja offers an Enterprise plan for medium-sized businesses and freelancers that supports up to 50 users for $16 per month.
Invoice Ninja offers project management and cost-effective functionality for service-based businesses while Xero offers a user-friendly interface, 24/7 support and great integrations for small businesses that are already established. The decision is influenced by the user experience, budget and integration requirements.
| Invoice Ninja | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| Custom Templates | Yes – Customizable invoice templates with branding alignment | Yes |
| Send Estimates/Quotations | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring Billing Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Expense Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Time Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Mileage Tracking | Information is not available | Yes |
| Automated Payment Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Project-Based Billing | Yes | Yes |
| Tax Handling | Yes | Yes |
| User Permissions/Role Management | Yes | Yes |
| File Uploads | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing and Plans | ||
| Free Plan Availability | Yes | No |
| Pricing Range | Free: $0/month Ninja Pro: $12/month Enterprise: $16/month Premium Business+: $20/month |
Early: $20/month Growing: $47/month Established: $80/month |
| Trial Period | No trial (free plan available) | 30-day free trial available |
| User Limits | Free/Pro: 1 user Enterprise: up to 50 users Premium Business+: Custom |
Varies by plan – Early plan supports basic users |
| Client Limits | Free: 5 clients Pro/Enterprise/Premium Business+: Unlimited (plan-specific limits) |
Plan-specific limits |
| Storage Limits | Not specified | No specific limits mentioned |
| Payment Processing Fees | Varies by payment gateway | Standard payment gateway fees apply |
| Ease of Use | ||
| User Interface | Moderate to Complex | Simple – One of the most user-friendly accounting solutions |
| Onboarding Experience | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App Availability | Both iOS and Android | Available for iOS and Android |
| Mobile App Functionality | Full invoicing, time tracking, project management | Core invoicing and accounting features supported |
| Integration | ||
| Payment Gateways Supported | Stripe, PayPal, Square, Authorize.Net | Multiple gateways including Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless |
| Accounting Software Compatibility | Limited direct integrations, API available | Yes – Broader range of integration options than many competitors |
| CRM Integration | Zapier, Make, Pabbly integrations | Multiple CRM integrations available |
| API Availability | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting & Analytics | ||
| Bank Connections | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Built Financial Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Report Creation | Yes | Yes |
| Security & Compliance | ||
| Dashboard Metrics | Yes | Yes |
| Data Encryption | Yes | Yes |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| Backup Options | Automatic (cloud), manual (self-hosted) | Automatic – Cloud-based backup system |
| Customer Support | ||
| Support Channels | Email, Slack, Discord, Community forums | 24/7 online support |
| Help Center/Knowledge Base | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Support | No | Yes |
| Adaptability | ||
| Multi-Currency Support | Yes | Yes |
| Localization | Yes | Yes |
| Industry-Specific Customization | Yes | Yes |
| Scalability | Freelancers to Medium Businesses | Freelancers to SMBs – Designed for small businesses and solopreneurs with room to grow |
| Read Invoice Ninja Review | Read Xero Review |
