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QuickBooks Desktop vs Xero: catalog facts
QuickBooks Desktop	Xero
Paid Paid commercial software; Intuit sells several editions.	Paid Paid monthly plans with a free trial and introductory discounts.
macOS	Web
Accounting, payroll and inventory in one program Industry-specific editions	Bank connections for reconciliation Invoicing, bills and payroll in one place
Paid commercial software Intuit steers many customers towards its cloud product instead	Subscription only, with no free plan Features and plans vary by country
Downloadable app	Web application, Hosted service
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.