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Xero vs IRIS Elements: Which Is Better Accounting Software?


Last Updated: 20 May 2025
Reviewed By: Ian Wright (Managing Director)

Which accounting software is better Xero or IRIS Elements?

We compare them based on real user reviews, prices and what features they both offer.

Xero homepageIRIS Elements homepage
 

Xero vs IRIS Elements Basics

XeroIRIS Elements
Software WebsiteXero WebsiteIRIS Elements Website
HMRC MTD StatusApprovedIn Development
Who Can Use It?Agents and businessesBusinesses and Accountants
HMRC Listed FeaturesDigital record keeping, Updates to HMRC for self-employment, Tax estimates from HMRC based on provided updates, Updates to HMRC for UK propertyNone
PlatformsWeb-based application, Android, iOSCloud-based application
Note data for this section comes from HMRC here and here

Xero vs IRIS Elements Reviews

Wondering if Xero or IRIS Elements has better user reviews. We compared them below.

XeroIRIS Elements
Trustpilot Rating4.33.6
Number of Trustpilot Reviews60171616
iPhone App Rating4.7No Rating
Number of iPhone Reviews12700No Reviews
Android App Rating4.6No Rating
Number of Android Reviews11900No Reviews
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Xero vs IRIS Elements Prices

Which is cheaper Xero or IRIS Elements? Here are their prices compared.

Xero pricingIRIS Elements pricing

Free Plans & Trials

XeroIRIS Elements
Free Plan?NoNo
Free Trial?YesYes
Free Trial Length?30 days30 days
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Paid Plan Prices

XeroIRIS Elements
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£7.50£3.00
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£15.00£9.00
Top Plan Cost Per Month£27.50£25.60
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Xero vs IRIS Elements Features

Xero featuresIRIS Elements features

Xero Basic Features

  • Send invoices and quotes
  • Enter bills
  • Reconcile bank transactions
  • Submit VAT returns to HMRC
  • Capture bills and receipts with Hubdoc
  • Automatic CIS calculations and reports
  • Short-term cash flow and business snapshot
  • Payroll
  • Claim expenses
  • Track projects
  • Analytics Plus
  • Submit CIS returns

Xero Software Integrations

  • BlueHub
  • LimeCloud
  • Outserve

IRIS Elements Basic Features

  • Sole Trader & Partnerships​
  • Limited Company FRS105, FRS 102S1A & Dormant​
  • Simple chart of accounts – fixed account descriptions​
  • Simple trial balance entry​
  • Direct electronic filing to Companies House​

IRIS Elements Software Integrations

  • KashFlow
  • Xero
  • Quickbooks
  • HMRC

Common Feature Comparison

XeroIRIS Elements
Payroll Software IntegrationYesYes
Track VATYesYes
VAT FilingYesYes
Real-Time Financial ReportsYesYes
Prepare Self AssessmentYesYes
Income Tax EstimatesYesYes
Manage Income & ExpensesYesNo
Create InvoicesYesYes
Forecast Cash FlowYesYes
Accept and Make Payments In Different CurrenciesYesNo
Employee Time TrackingYesNo
ProjectsYesNo
Bank Feed IntegrationYesYes
End of Year FilingsYesYes
Capture Bills And ReceiptsYesNo
Bulk Reconcile TransactionsYesNo
Track Inventory & Stock LevelsYesNo

XeroIRIS Elements
Pros
  • User Friendly
  • User Interface
  • Saves Time
  • Integrations
  • Cloud Based
  • Free trial
  • Making Tax Digital Ready
  • Automated Compliance
Cons
  • Expense Report Issues
  • Not User Friendly
  • Expensive
  • Room for Improvement
  • Technical Issues
  • No app

More Comparisons

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Xero vs Onvio Tax
Xero vs PaTMa
Xero vs QuickFile Accounting Software

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