Looking for a Xero Payroll alternative?
Reckon costs over 50% less than Xero for Payroll
Save money: Cover 4 employees for $16/month versus Xeroโs $35/month for 1
Why choose Reckon over Xero?
Better value, fair pricing, support when you need it, and a payroll app that lets you manage your business on the go.
Save big with Reckon
Reckonโs entry-level plan starts at just $16/month, compared to Xeroโs starter tier at around $35/month – thatโs 54% cheaper. Plus, every Reckon plan remains more affordable than Xeroโs middle tier, giving your business exceptional value without ever compromising on the essential features you need to grow and manage your finances effectively.
Payroll on the go
With Reckon, you can manage payroll anytime, anywhere with the Reckon Payroll companion app – perfect for reviewing pays, approving timesheets, or paying staff on the move.
Xero doesnโt offer a dedicated payroll app meaning youโll need to log in through the browser each time. Reckon keeps things simple, fast, and mobile-friendly so you can stay in control wherever you are.
More employees, same low price
Xeroโs basic payroll only covers one employee – if youโve got two or more, youโll need to upgrade to their $75/month plan, plus $5 per extra person each month. With Reckon, payroll starts from just $16/month for up to 4 employees – making it an easy, affordable solution that grows with your business.
Support thatโs actually there
*Pricing listed compares the monthly cost of Xero’s โIgniteโ and ‘Grow’ plans. Pricing lists at the standard price, correct as of November 2025.
Get more features for less
Xero “Growโ plan vs Reckon “Essentials” plan.
1 employee only
Up to 4 employees
Payroll companion app
Free phone support
$35.00
$16.00
*This table is in comparison to Xero’s “Ignite” plan, which includes payroll for 1 employee and Reckon’s ‘Payroll Essentials’ plan for up to 4 employees. Reckon’s unlimited free phone support is available during business hours. Data correct as of November 2025.
Helping thousands of businesses with their accounting
Migrate from Xero to Reckon for free
Moving your data from Xero to Reckon is quick and easy with our migration service. It’s free when you sign up for Reckon Plus or Premium plans.
There are a million reasons to love Reckon
Cancel at any time
Switch us off whenever you want. Flexibility is in your hands.
Industry standard security
We use AES-256 bit encryption and multiple layers of firewalls to ensure your data is always protected.
Automatic backups & updates
Your data is safe, and you're always on the latest, cutting-edge cloud accounting software.
30 years in the accounting & payroll industry
We have earned the trust of over 100,000 businesses across Australia.
Data stored in Australia
Store your sensitive accounting software data here at home, under Australian law.
Connect with an expert
Your accountant or bookkeeper can now help your small business in real-time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I easily switch my data from Xero or other platforms to Reckon?
Yes. Moving to Reckon is designed to be straightforward. We support guided data migration from major accounting platforms, including your chart of accounts, contacts, invoices, and historical transactions. Our onboarding support team can assist to reduce downtime and ensure your books are set up correctly from day one.
If youโre concerned about disruption, most businesses find they can continue normal operations while the migration is being completed in parallel.
Will my accountant or bookkeeper be able to use Reckon?
Absolutely. Reckon is widely used by Australian accountants and bookkeepers, with a long-established local ecosystem.
Your existing advisor can continue working with you in Reckon without needing to change their workflow significantly. If your accountant hasnโt used Reckon before, we provide onboarding support and training resources to make the transition smooth.
Unlike some global platforms, Reckon is built specifically with Australian accounting professionals in mind, so compliance and reporting are already aligned to local needs.
Does Reckon support Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance?
Yes. Reckon is fully ATO-compliant and supports Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting, including STP Phase 2 requirements.
You can confidently manage payroll reporting directly to the ATO, helping ensure your obligations are met accurately and on time. Updates are automatically maintained so you stay compliant as regulations evolve.
How long does it take to switch to Reckon?
Most small to medium businesses can be up and running in a few days. Our team can help streamline the process so youโre not stuck managing a lengthy transition.
We also provide step-by-step onboarding guidance so you can switch at a pace that suits your business.
Will I lose any historical data if I switch?
Is Reckon suitable if I work closely with clients or multiple entities?
Convinced Reckon Payroll is the perfect Xero alternative for small businesses?
Try Reckon Payroll for free, cancel anytime.
