Choosing accounting software is one of the most consequential tech decisions a business owner makes — and it's one of the questions I'm asked most often. Here's my honest, unsponsored take on the four platforms I support every day.

The Short Answer

There is no single "best" platform. The right choice depends on your business size, your industry, how technical your staff are, and what your accountant prefers to work with. That said, here's how each one stacks up.

MYOB

Best for: Established businesses that want a robust desktop or cloud option, and businesses with complex payroll.

MYOB has been the backbone of Australian business accounting for decades. It's comprehensive, handles payroll well, and has a large local support network. MYOB Business (their cloud product) has improved significantly in recent years, though some users find it less intuitive than Xero. MYOB AccountRight (the desktop/cloud hybrid) remains popular with businesses that need more advanced inventory or job tracking features.

  • Strong payroll and STP compliance tools
  • Good inventory management
  • Steeper learning curve than Xero
  • Australian-owned and focused

Xero

Best for: Businesses wanting a modern, easy-to-use cloud platform with strong bank feed integration.

Xero is the most popular cloud accounting platform in Australia for good reason. The interface is clean and intuitive, the bank feed reconciliation is excellent, and the ecosystem of third-party app integrations is extensive. It's particularly well-suited to service businesses and professional firms. Pricing has increased in recent years, so do factor that into your decision.

  • Best-in-class user interface
  • Excellent bank reconciliation
  • Large app marketplace
  • New Zealand owned (now US-listed)

QuickBooks Online

Best for: Businesses already in the Intuit ecosystem or those with US-based operations or clients.

QuickBooks Online is widely used globally and has a solid feature set, but it has always felt slightly less tailored to Australian tax requirements than MYOB or Xero. BAS preparation and payroll work, but require more manual attention. A good option if you're migrating from QuickBooks Desktop or if your industry consultant specifically recommends it.

  • Strong global integrations
  • Good reporting features
  • Australian GST/BAS less seamless than MYOB or Xero
  • Pricing competitive at entry level

Reckon

Best for: Cost-conscious businesses wanting a capable desktop solution, or those with legacy data in Reckon/QuickBooks Desktop.

Reckon is the most affordable of the four and offers both desktop and cloud options. It covers the basics well and is a legitimate choice for straightforward businesses that don't need the bells and whistles. Support can be slower than the larger vendors, so factor that in if you anticipate needing regular assistance.

  • Most affordable subscription pricing
  • Solid payroll module
  • Smaller development and integration ecosystem
  • Australian owned

My Recommendation

For most of my clients — established SA businesses turning over $250K+ — I lean toward MYOB Business or Xero, depending on the complexity of their payroll and whether they need inventory tracking. For cost-focused clients with simple requirements, Reckon is worth a serious look.

The most important thing is to get your software set up correctly from day one. A poorly configured file will cost you far more in wasted time and cleanup than the subscription ever will.

If you'd like help choosing or switching platforms, book an appointment. I can walk you through the options specific to your business without any vendor bias.