InvioInvio vs Xero Which fits NZ sole traders?
Xero is excellent full accounting software - bank reconciliation, GST returns, payroll, IRD-proven. Invio is simple invoicing at a flat price, for sole traders who only need to quote, invoice and get paid without paying for accounting features they never open.
Free plan · No credit card · Keep your own accountant
Different tools for different needs
Xero and Invio serve different jobs. The right choice depends on whether you need full accounting or just clean invoicing.
Choose Invio if...
You mainly need to send invoices, quotes and payment reminders. You handle tax with an accountant or myIR, and you want to pay $0 to $5/month instead of $35+/month for accounting features you do not use.
Choose Xero if...
You need bank reconciliation, bank feeds, GST return filing, payroll, or your accountant needs a shared view of your books. Xero is IRD-proven full accounting software with a large NZ accountant ecosystem.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Invio | Xero Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $0/mo (Free) · $5/mo (Pro) | $35/mo NZD (excl. GST) |
| Invoice limit | 5/mo Free · Unlimited Pro | 20/month |
| Quotes | Unlimited (all plans) | Yes |
| GST-ready invoices | Yes | Yes |
| Automated payment reminders | Yes (Pro) | Yes |
| Recurring invoices | Yes (Pro) | Yes (repeating invoices) |
| Card payments (online) | Yes - Stripe built in | Yes - via Stripe (fees apply) |
| Multiple businesses | Yes (Growth $29/mo) | Separate subscription per org |
| Lead-capture widget | Yes (Growth) | No |
| Bank reconciliation | No | Yes |
| Bank feeds | No | Yes |
| GST return filing (IRD) | No | Yes |
| Payroll | No | Yes (plan dependent) |
| Expense tracking | No | Yes (5 bills/mo on Starter) |
| Accountant access portal | No | Yes |
| Made for | Invoicing-only sole traders | Full accounting, any business size |
Xero Starter pricing ($35/mo NZD excl. GST, 20 invoices/month) is as at June 2026 - check xero.com/nz/pricing-plans for the latest.
When Xero is the right choice
We want you to use the right tool, not just ours. Here is when Xero genuinely fits better.
You need bank reconciliation
Xero pulls in your bank transactions automatically and matches them against invoices and bills. If having your books balanced in real time is important - or your accountant expects a reconciled file - Xero is the right tool.
You want to file GST returns in-app
Xero can prepare and file your GST returns directly with IRD. If you want to handle GST filing without a separate accountant or myIR session, that is a Xero strength that Invio does not offer.
Your accountant uses Xero
Xero has the largest accountant ecosystem in NZ. If your accountant is already set up in Xero and needs live access to your books, staying in Xero avoids friction. Invio does not have accountant-access portals.
You have employees and need payroll
Xero offers payroll (plan dependent in NZ). If you pay staff and want invoicing and payroll under one roof, Xero handles both. Invio is invoicing-only and has no payroll functionality.
What a year of invoicing actually costs
Take a typical sole trader - a plumber, cleaner, or consultant - sending around 10 invoices a month. They need GST-ready invoices, quotes, and the occasional payment reminder. They handle tax with their accountant at year end.
| Tool | Monthly | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Xero Starter (excl. GST) | $35/mo | $420/yr |
| Invio Free (5 invoices/mo) | $0/mo | $0/yr |
| Invio Pro (unlimited invoices) | $5/mo | $60/yr |
For this sole trader, Invio Pro saves $360 a year compared to Xero Starter - and they get unlimited invoices versus Xero's 20/month cap. The catch is honest: Invio does not do bank reconciliation or GST filing. If their accountant needs those, Xero (or another accounting package) is the better fit regardless of price.
Why choose Invio
If you already use an accountant and just need clean, affordable invoicing, Invio is built for you.
Flat, predictable pricing
$0 to start, $5/month for unlimited invoices. GST included in the price, no per-user fees. You know exactly what you pay each month.
Keep your accountant, your bank
Invio does not try to replace your accountant or touch your banking. Use any accountant you like, pay tax via myIR or your accountant, and use Invio purely for the invoicing layer.
Simple, mobile-first invoicing
Quotes, GST-ready invoices, automated reminders, recurring invoices, and card payments - without the learning curve of a full accounting suite. Invoice from your phone, get paid faster.
Common questions about Invio vs Xero
Is Invio a Xero alternative?
Can Invio file my GST return?
Does Invio do bank reconciliation?
Can I switch from Xero to Invio?
Is Xero too expensive for sole traders?
What does Invio not do compared to Xero?
Also comparing other NZ invoicing tools? Read Invio vs Solo or Invio vs Hnry.