MYOB vs QuickBooks: which should a tradie use?
The two alternatives to Xero. MYOB is the long-standing Australian name your accountant probably knows; QuickBooks often packs more in for the price. Here's how to choose.
Side by side
| MYOB | QuickBooks Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best if your accountant already uses MYOB | Best value feature set |
| Price from | $35/mo Business Lite, ex GST | $33/mo Simple Start |
| GST/BAS | Solid | Solid |
| Payroll | Add-on | Add-on |
| Accountant support | Very widely used in AU | Growing in AU |
| Our score | 8.6 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
The verdict
Pick MYOB if…
- Your accountant or bookkeeper already works in MYOB.
- You want the long-standing Australian default.
- You are happy to add payroll when you need it.
Pick QuickBooks Online if…
- You want the most features for the money.
- You like sharper reporting and a good mobile app.
- You will keep an eye on the renewal price after the intro offer.
Common questions
Is MYOB or QuickBooks better for a tradie?
Both handle GST/BAS and both can add STP payroll. MYOB is the more common choice among Australian accountants; QuickBooks often gives you more features for the money — so it partly comes down to who does your books.
Which is cheaper?
Entry pricing is close: MYOB Business Lite is $35/mo standard, QuickBooks Simple Start $33/mo. Watch the intro offers on both — MYOB runs $17.50 for the first 6 months; QuickBooks $9.90.
Do both do payroll?
Yes, both offer STP-compliant payroll, but on both it is a paid extra rather than included at the entry tier.
Which syncs with my job software?
Both sync with the major job-management tools, though support varies by app — check your specific one.