5 QuickBooks Alternatives That Handle GST Properly
QuickBooks works in Australia — BAS, STP payroll, invoicing — but it was built for the US market and it shows. Most Australian accountants default to Xero, and the integrations with AU-specific trade software are stronger there. If you're on QuickBooks and wondering if there's a better fit, here's the honest comparison.
By Benjy @ Tradie Scaler
Top 3 at a Glance
QuickBooks vs Alternatives — Quick Comparison
| Platform | Price (AUD/mo) | AU Accountant Adoption | BAS | Job Management Integrations | AU-Built | Try It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks | From $12.50 | ~ | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | Current |
| Xero | From $35 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Free Trial → |
| MYOB | From $11 | ~ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | Free Trial → |
| Reckon One | From $8 | ~ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | Free Trial → |
| Rounded | From $18 | ~ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | Free Trial → |
Prices AUD/month. Verified April 2026.
The 5 Best QuickBooks Alternatives — Reviewed for Tradies
The switch from QuickBooks to Xero is the most common accounting platform migration Australian tradies make — and usually at their accountant's recommendation. Xero has the highest accountant adoption in Australia, the strongest integrations with Tradify, ServiceM8, AroFlo, and every other trade tool, and a cleaner interface.
The price is higher than QuickBooks at entry, but the accountant relationship improvement alone is worth it for most businesses. When your accountant can jump into your Xero file directly, you stop getting charged for data reconciliation at tax time.
Pros
- Accountant-preferred across Australia
- Best AU job management integrations
- Clean, modern interface
- 800+ app integrations
Cons
- More expensive than QuickBooks at entry level
MYOB is the Australian-built alternative to both QuickBooks and Xero. If you want software that was built for the Australian market from day one — deep ATO integration, payroll with Australian awards, AU-based support — MYOB is the heritage choice. Cheaper than Xero at entry and widely used by AU tradies and their accountants.
The interface is more dated than Xero and the job management integrations aren't as strong. But for businesses that value Australian-built software and deep BAS/payroll compliance, MYOB is a legitimate choice.
Pros
- AU-built with deep ATO integration
- AU payroll with award support
- Cheaper than Xero at entry
Cons
- Older, less modern interface
- Fewer modern integrations than Xero
Reckon One is the cheapest legitimate Australian accounting alternative. AU-built, BAS compliant, STP payroll — everything a tradie business needs for compliance at less than $10/month. The interface is dated and the integrations with trade tools are limited, but for small businesses prioritising cost, it covers the compliance requirements.
Pros
- Cheapest AU option on this list
- AU-built with BAS and payroll compliance
- STP compliant
Cons
- Older, less modern interface
- Limited integrations with trade tools
If you're a sole-trader tradie — no employees, no payroll complexity — Rounded is purpose-built for you. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, BAS calculations, and income tax estimates in a clean, non-accountant interface. Cheaper than QuickBooks for the sole trader use case and better suited to Australian requirements.
Pros
- AU sole trader focus
- Simple BAS calculations
- Income tax estimate included
- Clean, easy interface
Cons
- No payroll support
- Not suited to teams
FreshBooks is a clean, invoice-focused accounting tool popular with service businesses. It handles time tracking, project invoicing, and expense management well. For tradies who invoice for time and materials and want something simpler than Xero, FreshBooks is worth considering. AU BAS is supported but requires configuration. Not as accountant-adopted in Australia as Xero.
Pros
- Clean, modern interface
- Good invoicing features
- Time tracking included
- Project billing support
Cons
- Less AU accountant adoption
- BAS requires manual configuration
- No strong AU trade software integrations
On QuickBooks and your accountant keeps mentioning Xero?
There's a reason they ask. Xero's 30-day free trial lets you compare both without committing.
Try Xero Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Xero is the best QuickBooks alternative for Australian tradies — it's preferred by most Australian accountants, has the strongest integrations with AU job management tools (Tradify, ServiceM8, AroFlo), and is better suited to Australian compliance requirements including BAS and STP payroll.
QuickBooks works in Australia and handles BAS and STP payroll. However, it has less AU accountant adoption than Xero, fewer integrations with Australian trade software, and its feature set is more oriented toward the US market. Most AU tradies on QuickBooks find Xero serves them better.
Yes. Xero's Starter plan is $35/month AUD vs QuickBooks' Simple Start at $12.50/month AUD. However, Xero's integrations with AU job management tools and its accountant adoption rate often make it the better long-term value despite the higher entry price.