As the cost of living and doing business continues to rise, small businesses and accountants are feeling the pressure to find affordable solutions—especially when it comes to essential tools like accounting software.

Recently, popular cloud accounting provider Xero announced another round of price increases, leaving many users re-evaluating their software expenses.

In the wake of these changes, Australian software company Reckon has moved swiftly, positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative for users seeking relief from escalating subscription fees.

Xero relentless price increases

Xero’s latest price hikes, effective in mid-2025, are part of a broader trend of rising software costs across the industry. For some users, the new pricing means paying upwards of 20% more for the same features.

While Xero justifies the increases by pointing to ongoing investments in

• automation,
• security, and
• AI-driven enhancements,

many users—especially small businesses, sole traders, and independent accountants—are questioning whether they truly need the full breadth of features being bundled into higher-priced plans.

The Australian alternative

Enter Reckon, a long-established player in the Australian accounting software market.

Recognising the frustration among small business owners and accountants, Reckon has launched a targeted campaign aimed directly at Xero users affected by the price increases.

Through email marketing, social media advertising, and partnerships with accounting professionals, Reckon is offering attractive migration deals, including discounted subscription rates and support for transitioning data from Xero to Reckon.

One of Reckon’s biggest selling points is its pricing transparency and simplicity. Unlike Xero, which now offers a growing range of tiered plans that may be overkill for many users, Reckon offers flexible solutions that cater to businesses with varying needs—without hidden fees or forced upgrades.

For small operators who require core features like

• invoicing, (Beginners Bookkeeping)
• bank reconciliation, (Beginners Bookkeeping)
• payroll (Advanced Bookkeeping), and
• BAS reporting (Advanced Bookkeeping),

Reckon’s affordable pricing is hitting the mark.

Reckon is also tapping into a sense of loyalty to Australian-made products. With its software developed and supported locally, some users see Reckon as a better fit for understanding and addressing the specific needs of Australian businesses.

As financial pressures mount, the “support local” sentiment adds another layer of appeal to Reckon’s offering.

While the technology behind accounting platforms continues to evolve, it’s clear that pricing remains a key decision driver. Reckon’s campaign to win over Xero users is more than just opportunistic—it highlights a growing shift in how businesses are weighing value versus feature overload.

For those who simply want reliable, easy-to-use tools without breaking the bank, Reckon is proving to be a viable contender.

Learning Reckon, MYOB and Xero

Whether you’re an accountant, business owner, job seeker, or student looking to break into the finance industry, it’s essential to understand how to use a range of accounting platforms.

We specialise in teaching people how to use all major accounting software, including Xero, Reckon, MYOB, and QuickBooks, through fast, affordable online courses.

Our goal is to help you become confident and job-ready without spending a fortune or waiting months to learn.

See our Bookkeeping Course Packages