Xero vs. Sage: Accounting Software Comparison

Choosing the right accounting software is important for managing your rental properties.

In this post, we’ll compare two popular options, Xero and Sage, to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Xero is known for being user-friendly and handling basic accounting tasks like creating invoices, while Sage offers more advanced tools, especially for larger businesses in specific industries like real estate and construction.

We'll also introduce you to DoorLoop, our all-in-one solution that combines the best features of both Xero and Sage, plus additional tools designed specifically for property management.

Let's dive in and see what each option has to offer!

Xero

Xero is a great accounting tool that’s easy to use and has a nice reporting system. It can handle most basic accounting tasks, like creating automatic rent invoices.

Its advanced reports give property managers lots of useful information.

However, Xero isn't designed specifically for rental property management and does not include features like tenant screening or a way to upload important documents related to tenants.

Sage

Sage is a popular cloud-based accounting software that offers customized reporting options.

Sage also has more features tailored to specific industries compared to general products like Xero.

The platform provides a wide range of products, making it easier to find something that suits different needs. Unlike its competitors, which are often better for small and mid-sized businesses, Sage is made for larger companies and offers more advanced tools that might not be needed by smaller clients.

Xero vs Sage: Features

Xero is great for tracking money, creating invoices, and managing payroll, while Sage offers specialized tools for real estate and construction management. Let's take a closer look at what each one can do.

Xero Features

Some of Xero's features include:

• Invoicing: Create and send invoices to your customers
• Bank Connections: Connects directly to your bank, so transactions automatically show up
• Expense Tracking: You can upload receipts and categorize spending
• Inventory Management: Track stock levels, and see what’s selling well
• Payroll Management: Manage employee pay, track work hours, and handle taxes, all in one place
• Project Tracking: Track projects, manage budgets, and see how much time and money you're spending
• Online Quotes: Allows you to create and send quotes online. You can see when a customer accepts the quote, making it easier to close deals quickly

Sage Features

Sage has great features for property managers and owners. Here are some popular ones:

• Real Estate Admin Management: You can collect, save, and record data, earnings, expenses, and paperwork using its excellent admin tools
• Invoice Creation: A built-in invoicing system that lets you create and send invoices to tenants, vendors, or suppliers. You can send them internally or export them
• Inventory Tracking: Useful for managing materials, whether they’re on-site, in the office, or used in condos and apartments. This is especially helpful for construction teams and rental managers
• Construction Management Software: It handles task assignments, scheduling, work orders, site history, clocked work hours, staff payments, reporting, an basic communication tools
• Project Management Tools: Can anticipate potential issues that could slow down projects, making it easier for project managers to stay on track

Xero vs Sage: Pricing

Now let’s explore what each software offers in terms of pricing.

Xero Pricing Plans

Xero offers three different pricing plans, so you can choose the one that fits your needs. The Early Plan lets you send up to 20 invoices and enter 5 bills each month and is $3.75 per month

With the Growing Plan you can send as many invoices and enter as many bills as you need and costs $10.50 monthly.

Finally, the Established Plan has extra features like multi-currency support and project tracking.

Each plan also comes with a 30-day free trial, so you can try it out before deciding.

Sage Pricing Plans

Sage has different software depending on what your business needs. There are three main pricing options for the accounting software:

• Pro Accounting costs $57.17 per month and includes basic accounting tools like managing finances, tracking inventory, and creating invoices.
• Premium Accounting costs $91.58 per month and offers more features, like managing multiple companies, job costing, and advanced budgeting tools.
• Quantum Accounting costs $152.42 per month and includes everything in the Premium plan but adds industry-specific options and tools for larger businesses with lots of employees and complex needs.

Other Alternative: DoorLoop

Our very own DoorLoop is also top-notch and a great alternative to Sage and Xero when it comes to doing accounting for property management.

DoorLoop includes everything you need, from strong accounting features and online payment portals to tenant screening and property listings.

DoorLoop is an all-in-one software for property owners, managers, and property management companies—no matter the size of your rental property business.

It allows you to work remotely, alone, or as part of a team, giving you every opportunity to run your business smoothly and successfully.

Features include:

• Complete suite of accounting tools
• Online tenant and owner portals
• Easy and efficient mobile communication
• Mobile app
• Reporting
• Online rent collection
• Quickbooks online sync
• ...and more

and DoorLoop pricing starts at just $59 per month.

To learn more about how DoorLoop can help streamline the rental process, schedule a demo.

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