5 MYOB Alternatives That Won't Break Your Workflow
MYOB has been the default accounting software for Australian small businesses for 30 years. But tradies switching to cloud-based tools are finding Xero fits their workflow better — and the alternatives have gotten very good. If you're paying for MYOB and wondering if there's a better fit, here's an honest look at your options.
By Benjy @ Tradie Scaler
Top 3 at a Glance
MYOB vs Alternatives — Quick Comparison
| Platform | Price (AUD/mo) | Payroll | BAS Filing | Job Management Integrations | AU-Built | Try It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MYOB | From $11 | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | Current |
| Xero | From $35 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Free Trial → |
| Rounded | From $18 | ✗ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | Free Trial → |
| Reckon One | From $8 | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | Free Trial → |
| QuickBooks | From $12.50 | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | Free Trial → |
Prices AUD/month. Verified April 2026.
The 5 Best MYOB Alternatives — Reviewed for Tradies
Xero is the most recommended MYOB alternative for Australian tradies for a simple reason: it's what your accountant uses. Most Australian accountants are Xero-first, and having your books in Xero means your accountant can access, review, and fix things without you emailing spreadsheets. The interface is cleaner than MYOB, the mobile app is excellent, and the integrations with job management tools (Tradify, ServiceM8, AroFlo) are the best in the market.
BAS filing, payroll, and STP are all covered. The main reason tradies stick with MYOB: they're used to it. The main reason they switch: their accountant tells them to. If your accountant is suggesting Xero, there's a good reason — take the 30-day free trial and see for yourself.
Pros
- Accountant-preferred across Australia
- 800+ app integrations
- Clean, modern interface
- Excellent job management integrations
- Great mobile app
Cons
- More expensive than MYOB at entry level
- Payroll add-on costs extra
Rounded was built specifically for Australian sole traders. If you're a one-person trade business — no employees, no payroll complexity — Rounded is the simplest, cheapest AU-focused option. It handles BAS, invoicing, expense tracking, and income tax estimates in a way designed to be used without an accountant.
Not suited to businesses with employees or complex reporting needs. But for a sole-trader tradie doing $150K–$400K per year and wanting to actually understand their BAS number before their accountant calls, Rounded is excellent value.
Pros
- Cheap and AU-built for sole traders
- Simple BAS reporting
- Easy income tax prep
Cons
- No payroll support
- Not suited to teams or employees
Reckon One is Australian-built and priced aggressively at $8/month at entry. It covers BAS, STP payroll, invoicing, and reporting. The interface isn't as modern as Xero, but for a cost-conscious tradie business it handles the essentials. A good option for tradies who need payroll compliance without the Xero price tag.
Pros
- Cheapest option on this list
- AU-built with local support
- Payroll included
- STP compliant
Cons
- Older, less modern interface
- Fewer integrations than Xero
QuickBooks is the global alternative to MYOB and Xero. It covers AU BAS, payroll, and invoicing adequately. For Australian tradies doing purely domestic work, it's rarely the first recommendation — Xero's AU accountant preference and job management integrations make it the better choice. But if your accountant is QuickBooks-trained, it's a solid option at a lower price point.
Pros
- Good reporting features
- 650+ app integrations
- Cheaper than Xero
Cons
- Less AU accountant adoption than Xero
- Weaker job management integrations
If you're on MYOB Essentials and want more features without switching platforms, MYOB AccountRight is the upgrade path. More capable than Essentials — inventory, job costing, more detailed reporting — and you stay in the ecosystem your team already knows. The same MYOB frustrations apply, but if migration is too disruptive and your accountant insists on MYOB, AccountRight is the correct next step.
Pros
- AU-built with deep ATO integration
- Familiar to existing MYOB users
- Deep payroll capabilities
Cons
- Expensive at $55/month
- Less modern interface than Xero
Your accountant has been dropping hints about Xero for the last two years.
There's a reason. The Xero free trial is 30 days — enough to try it alongside your current MYOB setup and see for yourself.
Try Xero Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Xero is the most recommended MYOB alternative for Australian tradies — it's accountant-preferred, has the best integrations with trade job management tools (Tradify, ServiceM8, AroFlo), and a cleaner interface. For sole traders wanting the simplest option, Rounded is cheaper and purpose-built for one-person businesses.
For most tradies, yes. Xero is preferred by most Australian accountants, has stronger integrations with job management software, and is generally easier to use. MYOB has stronger payroll tools for complex award interpretation, which makes it better for larger businesses with complex workforce management needs.
Yes. There are migration tools and MYOB-to-Xero migration services that transfer your chart of accounts, client contacts, and historical transactions. Most Xero-certified accountants offer this as a service. The migration typically takes 1–3 days for a small business.