Comparison
InvoiceWriteNow vs Xero: invoicing tool or accounting suite?
Xero is excellent accounting software. It is also more than most freelancers and small businesses use, and it is priced accordingly. This page sets out what you get from each so you can pick the one that fits.
InvoiceWriteNow is best for
Small South African businesses that need professional quotations and invoices, recurring billing and payment tracking without an accounting learning curve.
Xero is best for
Growing businesses with an in-house bookkeeper or a Xero-based accountant, multiple bank accounts and a need for full reconciliation and reporting.
Side by side
| Feature | InvoiceWriteNow | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free Starter plan; Pro R199/month (R159 annual); Business R449/month (R359 annual). Priced in Rand. | Monthly subscription tiers; the entry tier limits invoice volume; no free plan. |
| Scope | Invoicing and quotations only, deliberately. | Full accounting suite with app marketplace. |
| VAT and tax invoices | 15% VAT and SARS tax invoice fields built in; switch off if not registered. | VAT supported with a South African tax setting. |
| Payments | EFT details on the invoice; PayFast for card, Instant EFT, SnapScan, Zapper and more. | Payment services via integrations. |
| Send from your own email | Send from your own email address (SMTP) on Pro and Business. | Sent via Xero's mail service with reply-to. |
| Recurring invoices | Recurring monthly invoices on Pro and Business. | Yes (repeating invoices). |
| Quotations | Quotations convert to invoices in one click. | Yes. |
| Team | Up to 10 team members with approvals on Business. | Unlimited users on most plans. |
| Support | Email support from South Africa. | Online support, global. |
Xero details are summarised from its public website and may change; check its pricing page for current figures. InvoiceWriteNow pricing is shown excluding VAT.
About Xero
Xero is a cloud accounting platform used worldwide, with invoicing, bank feeds, reconciliation, payroll (in some countries) and a large app marketplace. Plans are subscription-based per organisation; South African customers are typically billed in Rand or USD depending on the plan. Check Xero's pricing page for current figures.
Verdict
If you already have a Xero-based accountant and the budget, Xero is a fine home for your books. If you are the person creating the invoices and you want them out fast, branded, and tracked, InvoiceWriteNow costs less and asks less of you.
Frequently asked questions
Is InvoiceWriteNow cheaper than Xero?
Starter is free and Pro is R199 a month (R159 annual). Compare with Xero's current South African pricing on its website.
Can my accountant still use Xero?
Yes. Export your invoice and payment reports from InvoiceWriteNow for the accountant to capture or import.
Ready to send your first invoice?
Free plan, no card, first document in two minutes. Upgrade when the invoices start stacking up.