Most NZ tradies need accounting software to handle GST returns, invoicing, and tax. Two names dominate: Xero and MYOB. Both are solid, but they suit different types of businesses.
The Short Answer
- Sole traders and small teams: Xero
- Established businesses with a loyal accountant on MYOB: MYOB
- Integrating with Fergus or Tradify: Xero (better integrations)
Xero — The Market Leader for Small Business
Xero is a NZ-born company (listed on NZX and ASX) and has become the default accounting platform for small business in New Zealand.
Pricing (NZD, 2025)
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $32/mo + GST | 20 invoices, 5 bills, bank rec |
| Standard | $65/mo + GST | Unlimited invoices + bills |
| Premium | $85/mo + GST | Multi-currency, expenses |
What Xero Does Well
- Bank feeds — automatic import from all major NZ banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank)
- GST returns — file directly to IRD from Xero, no re-entering data
- Mobile app — solid for invoicing and expense claims on site
- Integrations — Fergus, Tradify, Simpro, and hundreds of other apps
- Payroll — Xero Payroll handles PAYE, leave, and pays directly to IRD
- Reports — clear profit and loss, cash flow, and GST reports
- Hubdoc — automatic receipt scanning and storage
Xero's Weaknesses
- Starter plan is very limited (20 invoices/month is not enough for most tradies)
- Can feel expensive once you add payroll
MYOB — The Veteran with a Strong Accountant Network
MYOB has been in the NZ market for decades and has a large network of accountants and bookkeepers who prefer it.
Pricing (NZD, 2025)
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Trader | $15/mo + GST | Basic invoicing, expenses |
| Business Lite | $29/mo + GST | Unlimited invoices, GST |
| Business | $49/mo + GST | Payroll, inventory |
What MYOB Does Well
- Affordable entry — the Sole Trader plan at $15/month is very cheap
- Accountant network — many NZ accountants prefer MYOB, so it may be what your accountant uses
- Offline capability — MYOB AccountRight has a desktop version that works offline
- Inventory — better built-in inventory management than Xero at the same price point
MYOB's Weaknesses
- Integrations are more limited — fewer connections with tradie job management tools
- Bank feeds not as seamless as Xero
- Mobile app is less polished than Xero
- Fergus and Tradify prefer Xero integration
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Xero | MYOB |
|---|---|---|
| NZ bank feeds | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
| Direct IRD GST filing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Payroll | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
| Fergus integration | ✅ Native | ⚠️ Limited |
| Tradify integration | ✅ Native | ⚠️ Limited |
| Mobile app | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
| Free trial | ✅ 30 days | ✅ 30 days |
| Receipt scanning | ✅ Hubdoc | ✅ In-app |
| NZ support | ✅ Good | ✅ Good |
Verdict: Which Should NZ Tradies Choose?
Choose Xero if: - You use or plan to use Fergus or Tradify - You want the best mobile experience - You're starting fresh and have no existing accounting setup - Your accountant is Xero-certified
Choose MYOB if: - Your accountant strongly prefers MYOB - You want a cheaper entry-level option - You need robust inventory management - You use desktop accounting occasionally offline
For most NZ tradies, Xero is the better choice — especially if you're integrating with job management software. The Fergus + Xero combination in particular is hard to beat.
Both offer 30-day free trials, so try the one your accountant recommends first.
Also see: Best Job Management Software for NZ Tradies
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