The NZ-built Xero alternative, from $12 a month
Xero is a capable product, and it is also a growing monthly cost. Its plans rose again on 1 October 2026. If you mostly need to invoice, track expenses and stay on top of GST, Wootz does that for less, with multi-currency and te reo Māori invoicing in the base plan.
Wootz vs Xero
Ignite costs $37/mo + GST and caps you at 20 invoices and 5 bills. Multi-currency starts on Comprehensive at $117/mo + GST. Wootz starts at $12/mo + GST with both invoicing options included.
| Feature | Wootz | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | $12/mo + GST (Blade) | $37/mo + GST (Ignite) |
| Entry plan invoice limit | No limit listed | 20 invoices, 5 bills |
| Multi-currency invoicing | Included from $12/mo | From $117/mo (Comprehensive) |
| Payroll | Included in Forge, $29/mo | $4 per person on Ignite; 1 person on Grow ($89/mo) |
| Te reo Māori invoicing | Included | Not listed on its pricing page |
| AI assistant | Included | JAX, features vary by plan |
| Bank connection | Secure CSV import, no bank passwords | Direct bank feeds |
| Add-on marketplace | Custom integrations on Forge | Large third-party app ecosystem |
| Built and supported in NZ | Yes, founder-led from Auckland | NZ-founded, global company |
Xero details are from its NZ pricing page, checked 30 October 2026. Prices exclude GST and promotions. Always check current pricing.
Why choose Wootz over Xero
Roughly a third of the entry price
Blade is $12/mo + GST against $37/mo + GST for Xero Ignite, before add-ons.
Multi-currency without the upgrade
Invoice in USD, AUD or GBP on the cheapest plan, with NZD conversion handled for your GST return.
Te reo Māori invoicing
Switch any invoice between English and te reo Māori at no extra cost.
A founder you can actually reach
Wootz is a small Auckland team. Your feedback goes directly to the person building the product.
What Xero costs in NZ
Listed prices excluding GST, checked 30 October 2026.
| Plan | Price | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Ignite | $37/mo | 20 invoices, 5 bills. No multi-currency. |
| Grow | $89/mo | 1 payroll person. No multi-currency. |
| Comprehensive | $117/mo | Multi-currency, 5 payroll people. |
| Ultimate | $135/mo | Multi-currency, 10 payroll people, projects. |
When Xero may still be the better fit
We'd rather you pick the right tool. Stay with Xero if:
- You rely on automatic bank feeds rather than CSV import
- Your business runs on add-ons from Xero's app marketplace
- Your accountant needs you on Xero for their own workflow
- You need projects, or deep payroll across a larger team
Xero alternative questions
Is there a cheaper alternative to Xero in NZ?
Yes. Wootz starts at $12/mo + GST, compared with $37/mo + GST for Xero Ignite as of 30 October 2026. Wootz includes multi-currency and te reo Māori invoicing on that plan.
Is Wootz a good Xero alternative for sole traders?
It suits sole traders who mainly need invoices, expenses, P&L reports and GST figures. If you depend on automatic bank feeds or Xero add-ons, Xero may still be the better fit.
Can I move from Xero to Wootz?
Yes. Keep a full export of your Xero records, then bring your contacts, opening balances and recent transactions across. Our team will help you plan the move, and the switching guide on our blog covers the steps.
Does Wootz work for GST in New Zealand?
Yes. Wootz is built for NZ GST, with an IRD GST CSV export mapped to the GST return boxes, ready to review and upload to myIR.
Is Wootz connected to Xero?
No. Wootz is an independent New Zealand product and has no affiliation with Xero Limited.
Ready to move on from Xero?
Accounting software for a stronger tomorrow, built in Auckland. 12 of 50 founding spots remaining.
From $12/mo + GST on the Blade plan.