Side-by-side comparison
Xero does your books. PayReady quotes the job, invoices the client, and has PayReady AI write the payment reminder when a client goes quiet. These are different tools - and for most tradesmen, both have a role.
Free during Early Access. No credit card. Ready in 2 minutes.
The key difference
This is not a competition. It is a question of what each tool does and where each one belongs in your workflow.
PayReady - for the job
Describe the job in plain English. PayReady AI builds the quote in 30 seconds - your VAT rate, your currency, your rates. Send it via WhatsApp. Convert to invoice in one tap. When the client goes quiet, PayReady AI drafts the chaser in the right tone.
Xero - for the books
Xero is an accounting platform used primarily by accountants and bookkeepers. It handles bank feed reconciliation, payroll, VAT returns, and year-end reporting. It can produce invoices, but that is one small feature in a system built for accounting departments.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PayReady | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| PayReady AI quote from plain English (30 sec) | ||
| WhatsApp send | ||
| Mobile-first (works fully on phone) | ||
| VAT rate set once, applied to every document | Set per line item | |
| PayReady AI payment reminders - 3 tones | ||
| Stage invoicing | ||
| Built for tradesmen on site | ||
| Bank feed reconciliation | ||
| Full accounting and P&L | Tax records only | |
| VAT returns filing (UK / Ireland) | ||
| Starting price | Free | £16/mo (Ignite) |
Pricing comparison
PayReady
Free now
Free while Early Access runs, with no credit card. Early Access members can lock in the founding rate for life before Early Access closes.
Xero
£16/mo
For accounting, bank reconciliation, and VAT returns. Not for quoting on site.
Most tradesmen use both: PayReady for the job, Xero for the accountant. They are complementary, not competing.
The real answer
PayReady handles the job from quote to paid invoice - all from your phone, on site, without a laptop. Xero (or your accountant who uses Xero) handles the books: reconciliation, tax returns, year-end accounts.
When PayReady's tax screen ships, it will make sending your income and expense data to your accountant a one-tap job - so both tools work even better together.
Our honest take
Use PayReady for
Use Xero for
Quotes in 30 seconds. Invoices in one tap. PayReady AI payment chasers when clients go quiet. All from your phone.
Free during Early Access. No credit card. Ready in 2 minutes.
Common questions
