Xero vs AppZen

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Xero vs AppZen based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Accounting Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

AppZen Software Tool

Product Basics

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses. It streamlines bookkeeping tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and payroll, all accessible from any device. Xero boasts user-friendly interfaces and automated features, saving time and simplifying financial management. Popular features include online invoicing with reminders, bank feeds for automatic transaction import, and customizable reports for insights into cash flow and profitability. While Xero caters well to various industries, its strengths lie in freelancer/contractor work, startups, and service-based businesses. Pricing scales with business size and complexity, starting at a monthly subscription for basic accounting needs and increasing with additional features and users. Compared to some competitors, Xero offers a robust mobile app, strong integrations with third-party tools, and a focus on user experience. However, it may lack advanced inventory management or complex accounting functions suited for larger enterprises. Ultimately, Xero's value proposition lies in its ease of use, automation, and scalability, making it a popular choice for small businesses seeking a streamlined and efficient accounting solution.

Pros:
  • Cloud-based access anywhere
  • Easy invoicing and expense tracking
  • Automated bank reconciliation
  • User-friendly interface
  • Mobile app for on-the-go use
Cons:
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited inventory management
  • No built-in payroll (separate fee)
  • Higher cost for advanced features
  • Limited phone support
read more...
AppZen is an artificial intelligence platform that simplifies finances by automating work that requires human expertise. It automates manual processes, checks for loopholes in finances and strengthens decision-making for employees by optimizing finance for enterprises. It revolutionizes how the finance team works by automating spend approvals and providing rich insights to help the business plan with a strategy based on data.

It ensures expense reduction, compliance and streamlines financial processes for businesses across all industries.
read more...
$15 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$5,000 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Affordable Payroll: Take advantage of the free trial to see how much time automated data entry can save and assess if the solution is a good fit for the business. Save countless hours on tracking expenses, calculating payments, processing payroll and more.
  • Better Interoperability: Centralize company processes and handle a wide range of functionality with more than 700 add-ons available through the app marketplace. This includes programs for CRM, e-commerce, inventory, invoicing, job tracking, payroll, time and attendance and more.
  • Centralizes Data and Processes: Organize information and put the primary software that handles day-to-day issues all in one place. Manage files to a document library where users can see originals next to updated versions. Send files to stakeholders to ensure a clear flow of information.
  • Saves Time: Eliminate tedious data entry and ensure better data integrity by cutting down on human error. Provide a clear documentation trail to ensure that the business is running ethically and save time hunting for documents when it’s time to verify the information.
read more...
  • Identify Errors: Businesses can use AI to identify and eliminate errors related to manual processing, duplicate entries, overpaid invoices, expense cheating, crossovers or supplier payments.  
  • Reduce T&E Spend: All employee expense reports are verified before they are paid. Identifies duplicate receipts, personal spending and over-the-limit expenses. AI-powered expense audits provide the business with reports before they receive payment.  
  • Reduce Invoice-Based Spend: Its AI-powered platform audits invoices automatically. Businesses can catch fraud, duplicate spends, crossover with T&E, missing discounts, duplicate spends and more.  
  • Ensure Compliance with Expense Policies: AI-powered expense auditing ensures that T&E spend is compliant with policies before they are reimbursed. The business can detect unauthorized expenses, anything that can land them in a legal situation and those that exceed their policy.  
  • Automate and Streamline: Automate approvals, run management approvals and provide auditors with the correct information to ensure efficiency to streamline expense reimbursement.  
read more...
  • Payroll Processing: Provide payroll across 50 states. See when payments are due, track them and ensure on time payment. Analyze accounts payable with a quick view, schedule advanced payments and make batch payments.
  • Banking: Connect to the right bank to track and facilitate transactions daily. Keep an eye on the flow of money through a secure connection that goes directly into the solution.
  • Expense Management: Seamlessly track and manage expense claims. Access real-time data and reports that provide insight into patterns and trends. Record costs, see and approve claims, view overall spending and dole out reimbursements. Capture receipts to monitor employee spending and verify costs.
  • Project Management: Integrate with other workflows to facilitate financial project management. Provide a quote for client work before you begin to track time, costs, profitability and other variables for an accurate invoice.
  • Customer History: Use smart lists and contacts to contact details, emails, past sales, emails, invoices, past payments and more when working with a partner or client.
  • Mobile App: Let users track bank transactions, send invoices, access supplier details and more, from any mobile device.
  • Inventory Management: Undertake basic inventory management, including taking inventory, seeing what was bought or sold, look at reports on how well items are doing and get invoices and orders.
  • Gusto Integration: Calculate and pay taxes, deductions and employees through an integration with the accounting software Gusto. Simplify compliance and keep on top of industry updates.
  • Other Capabilities: Processes payment in multiple currencies, calculates sales taxes, tracks purchase orders, manages files and does several other administrative tasks.
read more...
  • Real-Time Auditing: Audits data and spends in real time to give the business increased process transparency and control over discrepancies. 
  • Risk Detection: AI makes use of patterns and behaviors to recognize any risk associated with any expense.  
  • Identify Non-Compliance: Non-compliance on any part is immediately identified and reported for the right course of action.  
  • Autonomous AP: All invoices and non-PO spend can be classified, matched and approved without any manual intervention.  
  • Auditing: It seamlessly integrates with the existing expense automation systems to empower auditing in real time. Helps the business locate errors, waste or fraud in real time.  
  • Mastermind: Specially designed for the finance team, Mastermind ensures 100% compliance and auditing on all expenses by automating corporate spend policies.  
  • Mastermind Analytics: Get AI-powered on-demand expense insights that provide an accurate and comprehensive view of the organization’s expense. Helps users understand what is working and what is not to make well-informed decisions.  
  • Team Intelligence: It gives managers complete visibility into team spend so that compliance is ensured and approval workloads are reduced.  
read more...

Product Ranking

#3

among all
Accounting Software

#139

among all
Accounting Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

92
we're gathering data
93
we're gathering data
97
we're gathering data
100
we're gathering data
Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Xero
AppZen
+ Add Product + Add Product
Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Banking And Cash Management Budget And Expense Management Financial Statements And Revenue Management General Ledger And Chart Of Accounts Integration And Extensibility Inventory Management Journal Entries Mobile Support Multi-company Accounting And Asset Management Platform Capabilities Project Accounting Reporting And Analytics Tax Management 93 97 100 89 89 100 100 83 100 100 79 89 100 90 92 0 25 50 75 100
78%
22%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
94%
0%
6%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
69%
23%
8%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
71%
14%
15%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
86%
0%
14%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
60%
20%
20%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
89%
0%
11%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
84%
5%
11%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
80%
0%
20%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

33%
0%
67%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 4652 reviews
we're gathering data
86%
of users recommend this product

Xero has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 4652 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

we're gathering data
4.4 (17)
n/a
4.3 (339)
n/a
4.33 (2132)
n/a
4.3 (1877)
n/a
4.3 (287)
n/a

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Xero and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Integration and Extensibility and Mobile Support.

Integration and Extensibility Award
Mobile Support Award

we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Affordable: Of all the reviews that mentioned price, over 70% felt it was well within their price range and felt satisfied.
Good Customer Service: Over 70% of reviews that mentioned the customer support said they received excellent service, especially from their reps.
Excellent Functionality: In more than 50% of all reviews that mentioned features, users were happy with its capabilities. They especially like the integrations, reconciliation process, invoices and accounting functions.
Simple and intuitive interface: Xero's clean layout and straightforward navigation make it easy for users of all skill levels to manage their finances. In over 80% of reviews that mentioned the UI, users said it was easy to navigate.
Automated tasks: Xero automates repetitive tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, saving users valuable time and reducing errors.
Mobile app for on-the-go access: Manage your finances and stay up-to-date on your business performance anytime, anywhere with Xero's mobile app.
Customizable reports and dashboards: Gain valuable insights into your cash flow, profitability, and other key financial metrics with Xero's customizable reports and dashboards.
Multi-user access and permissions: Collaborate with team members and advisors seamlessly with Xero's secure multi-user access and permission controls.
Show more
Cloud-Based Accessibility: Access AppZen from any device with an internet connection, allowing for remote work and collaboration.
Automated Expense Management: Digitize and automate expense reports, reducing manual data entry and streamlining the approval process.
Receipt Capture and OCR: Capture and store receipts digitally using the mobile app or email integration, with OCR technology extracting key data for easy expense tracking.
Policy Compliance Enforcement: Set up customizable expense policies and receive alerts for violations, ensuring adherence to company guidelines.
Robust Reporting and Analytics: Generate comprehensive reports and dashboards to analyze spending patterns, identify cost-saving opportunities, and improve budgeting.
Show more
Limited inventory management: Xero lacks advanced inventory tracking features, making it less suitable for businesses with complex inventory needs.
Learning curve for complex features: While basic tasks are easy, some advanced features like multi-currency accounting can be challenging for non-accountants to navigate. Though the system was widely popular after implementation, users said it was old-fashioned and had a steep learning curve in 20% of reviews that mentioned the UI.
Higher cost for advanced features: Access to advanced features like payroll processing and multi-currency comes at a higher price point, potentially exceeding budgets for smaller businesses.
Limited phone support: Xero primarily relies on email and live chat for support, which may not be ideal for users seeking immediate assistance with critical issues.
Integration limitations: While offering many integrations, some key business tools may not have seamless integration with Xero, requiring workarounds or data duplication.
Invoices: While around 60% of users felt that the invoicing system worked well, around 40% said they had trouble making changes to them once they were saved.
Downgrading Issues: Around 20% of reviews that mentioned price said they had issues while trying to go to a lower pricing tier and often ended up paying a month or more at a higher rate.
Show more
Costly: AppZen's pricing can be prohibitive for small businesses and startups.
Complex Interface: Users have reported finding the software's interface challenging to navigate and use efficiently.
Limited Customization: AppZen may not offer the level of customization that some businesses require for their specific accounting needs.
Accuracy Concerns: Some users have expressed concerns about the accuracy of the software's expense reporting and analysis.
Limited Integration: AppZen's integration with other business software, such as CRM systems, can be limited.
Show more

Xero’s users say it’s easy to use and has good accounting and bookkeeping capabilities. Most found the price to be acceptable, with some complaints about issues they ran into while trying to switch to a lower pricing tier. More than 70% loved the customer service and felt their representatives were extremely helpful. It has a range of features including band feeds, invoice creation, integrations and reconciliation processes. The reconciliation was particularly popular with over 80% of reviewers who mentioned it describing positive experiences. One issue with the system came in making updates to invoices after they’d been saved. Some users said they were sent prematurely to clients or claimed to have difficulties changing the data at a later date. Many also felt that the implementation process for the new platform was difficult, but that once they learned where things were they felt comfortable. This may be a good choice for small and medium businesses. Larger companies should consider a system that’s able to handle a higher volume.

Show more

AppZen is an accounting software solution that has received mixed reviews from users in the past year. Many users praise its user-friendly interface, customizable dashboards, and robust reporting capabilities. However, some users have expressed concerns about its accuracy, limited integration options, and lack of support for certain accounting practices. Compared to similar products, AppZen is often praised for its ease of use and ability to automate complex accounting tasks. However, it falls short in areas such as accuracy and support, which can be crucial for businesses that rely heavily on their accounting software. AppZen's customizable dashboards and reporting capabilities set it apart from other solutions, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific needs. Overall, AppZen is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses that prioritize ease of use and customization. However, businesses with complex accounting needs or a reliance on specific accounting practices may need to consider alternative solutions.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Accounting Software


Accounting Seed

Acumatica

BQE Core

Dynamics 365 Finance

FreeAgent

Freshbooks

Manager

Odoo Accounting

Oracle Financials Cloud

Patriot Accounting

QuickBooks Online

Sage 50cloud Accounting

Sage Intacct

SAP Business One

SAP S/4 HANA Finance

TallyPrime

Wave Accounting

Workday Financial Management

ZarMoney

Zoho Books

Related Categories

Show more

Head-to-Head Comparison

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings