Head to head · Australia
Xero vs MYOB: which should a tradie use?
The two bookkeeping names every Australian tradie hears. Both handle GST, BAS and payroll — the real question is who does your books, and how much you value the app ecosystem.
By Software TradiesUpdated 5 October 20265 min read
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Side by side
| Xero | MYOB | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best overall for Australian tradies | Best if your accountant already uses MYOB |
| Price from | $37/mo per organisation, ex GST | $35/mo Business Lite, ex GST |
| Ease of use | Cleaner, more modern | Familiar but dated |
| App ecosystem | The biggest | Solid |
| Payroll | Add-on | Bundled on higher tiers |
| Accountant support | Widely supported | Widely supported |
| Our score | 9 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 |
The verdict
Pick Xero if…
- You want the most widely supported platform in Australia.
- You care about a big ecosystem of connected apps (incl. job software).
- You want the cleaner, more modern interface.
Pick MYOB if…
- Your accountant or bookkeeper already works in MYOB.
- You want payroll bundled rather than an add-on.
- You are already familiar with MYOB and want zero relearning.
Common questions
Is Xero or MYOB better for a trade business?
Xero is the more common default and has the bigger app ecosystem; MYOB is the better pick if your accountant already uses it. Both handle GST/BAS well.
Which is cheaper?
Entry pricing is close; MYOB Business Lite often lands a little lower, while Xero’s features tend to cost more as you add payroll. Compare on the features you actually need.
Do both do STP payroll?
Yes — both offer STP-compliant payroll. Xero treats it as an add-on; MYOB bundles it on higher tiers.
Do both sync with my job-management software?
Both sync with the major tools, though Xero is the more commonly supported integration. Check the specific job app you use.