Coinvoice vs Xero
A lighter alternative when you don't need full accounting. A side-by-side comparison for UK freelancers and small businesses.
Pricing at a glance
£0/mo - unlimited invoices, 5 active clients
£4.99/mo (or £3.33/mo annual) - unlimited clients
From £15/mo (Starter) - 20 invoices/mo limit
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Coinvoice | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited invoices | Starter: 20/mo | |
| Online payments (Stripe) | ||
| Expense tracking | ||
| Time tracking | Established plan (£42/mo) | |
| AI invoice creation | 5/mo free, unlimited Pro | |
| Bank reconciliation | ||
| VAT returns (MTD) | ||
| Payroll | ||
| Recurring invoices | Pro | |
| Multi-currency | ||
| Free plan available | 5 clients | 30-day trial only |
| Team members | Pro (up to 3) |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Coinvoice if…
Freelancers and sole traders who mainly need invoicing and don't want the complexity or cost of full accounting software. Coinvoice offers AI-powered invoice creation, built-in time tracking, and Stripe payment links so clients can pay the moment they open your invoice. The free tier covers unlimited invoices for up to 5 active clients.
Choose Xero if…
Businesses that need bank reconciliation, MTD-compliant VAT returns, payroll, multi-currency, and integration with an accountant. Xero is a full-featured accounting platform trusted by thousands of accountants and bookkeepers, and its marketplace of over 1,000 integrations makes it the go-to choice for growing teams.
The bottom line
These tools serve different needs. Xero is full accounting software with bank reconciliation, VAT filing, and payroll — features Coinvoice doesn't have. Coinvoice is a simpler invoicing tool with a free tier and AI features. If your accountant uses Xero or you need MTD compliance, stick with Xero. If you just need to send invoices and get paid, Coinvoice costs less and is quicker to set up. For freelancers not yet VAT-registered, Coinvoice covers the essentials at a fraction of the cost, with no invoice limits and built-in time tracking even on the free plan.