Switching · Australia
Switching from MYOB to Xero
The more common direction — usually driven by Xero's bigger app ecosystem, or a change of accountant. Here is what moving your books involves, and the part that can go wrong.
By Software TradiesUpdated 6 October 20266 min read
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Why tradies make this switch
- Your new accountant or bookkeeper works in Xero.
- You want the biggest connected-app ecosystem.
- You want the cleaner, more modern interface.
Side by side
| MYOB | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Those whose accountant uses MYOB | The AU small-business default |
| Price from | $35/mo (Business Lite, ex GST) | $37/mo (per org, ex GST) |
| Ease of use | Familiar but dated | Cleaner, more modern |
| App ecosystem | Solid | The biggest |
| Payroll | Bundled on higher tiers | Add-on |
| Accountant support | Very widely used in AU | Widely supported |
How the move works
- 1Confirm the reason first. Is it the accountant, or the software? If your accountant is happy with MYOB, there may be nothing to fix.
- 2Talk to your accountant before you move. They should drive the conversion — it is their working file as much as yours.
- 3Pick the Xero tier that fits. Ignite, Grow or Comprehensive, depending on payroll and how many people need access.
- 4Convert or re-enter the data. The risky part. A conversion service or your accountant should handle it.
- 5Move at a year boundary if you can. A clean start on 1 July beats a messy mid-year switch.
- 6Reconnect your job software to Xero. Xero has broad support across the major job tools, so this is usually straightforward.
What to watch for
- Data conversion is the risky part — do it with your accountant, not alone.
- Mid-year moves create messy reporting; a year boundary is cleaner.
- Payroll becomes an add-on rather than bundled.
- Do not assume it is cheaper — MYOB can land a little lower at entry.
The verdict
Move to Xero if…
- Your accountant or bookkeeper works in Xero.
- You want the bigger app ecosystem.
- You want the cleaner, more modern interface.
Stay on MYOB if…
- Your accountant is happy with MYOB.
- You want payroll bundled rather than an add-on.
- You do not want a data conversion right now.
Common questions
Can I transfer my data from MYOB to Xero?
Yes, but it needs care. Your accountant can advise on conversion; a year-boundary move is much cleaner than a mid-year one.
Will my job-management software still sync?
Xero has broad support across the major job tools, so usually yes — but confirm your specific tool.
Is Xero cheaper than MYOB?
Entry pricing is close: Xero Ignite $37/mo, MYOB Business Lite $35/mo. Watch the intro offers on both.
Should I switch just to save money?
Usually not worth it. The reason to move is who does your books, not the subscription price.