Pilot vs Xero
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
Xero
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform popular with small businesses and accountants worldwide. It is known for its clean interface, strong bank reconciliation tools, and excellent integration ecosystem. Xero is particularly popular in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, and is considered the main alternative to QuickBooks for cloud-based accounting.
Pros
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
Pros
- ✓Beautiful and intuitive interface — one of the cleanest in accounting software
- ✓Unlimited users on all plans — no per-seat pricing
- ✓Excellent bank reconciliation with smart matching
- ✓Strong ecosystem of 1000+ integrations
Cons
- ✗Payroll requires a separate add-on in most regions
- ✗Inventory management is basic compared to QuickBooks
- ✗Reporting is less comprehensive than QuickBooks on lower tiers
- ✗Customer support is primarily online with no phone support
Our Take
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Xero if small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to quickbooks.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
Small businesses and accountants wanting a clean, modern alternative to QuickBooks