AI bookkeeping · GST/HST · Quick Method · QST · AI bill OCR · Free Plan
Xero is a mature choice in Canada and ships its own JAX AI features. The case for HelloBooks: a Free Plan with no credit card, multi-currency with automatic FX and unlimited users on Pro at C$22.99/month, AI bill OCR, and Practice Management for accountants.
No credit card. All prices in Canadian dollars (CAD).
1. Xero CA is mature — here is where HelloBooks differs
Xero and QuickBooks are both well established in Canada with mature advisor networks, and Xero ships its own JAX AI features. The HelloBooks differences: a Free Plan with no credit card, Practice Management for accountants, native India GST and TDS, and unlimited users on Pro at one flat CAD price.
2. AI bookkeeping — compare what is live today
Both platforms automate categorisation. HelloBooks includes AI categorisation and AI bill OCR on every plan, with free AI credits included on the Free Plan — upgrade for more; paid plans can also top up with a credit pack. Check Xero's site for which JAX features are live in Canada.
3. GST/HST + QST native
HelloBooks ships native GST/HST tracking with Quick Method support, Quebec QST, provincial sales tax (BC/SK/MB), and T2125-ready reports for sole proprietors. Xero also handles Canadian sales taxes natively.
4. Multi-currency on Pro
HelloBooks Pro at C$22.99/month includes multi-currency with automatic FX — useful for Canadian SMBs invoicing in USD or EUR. See Xero's website for which of its plans include multi-currency.
5. Cross-border CA + US + UK + AU + IN
Canadian businesses with US clients, Indian back-office, or UK operations can run all five jurisdictions in HelloBooks. Xero is strong in UK/AU/NZ and does not offer an India GST/TDS product.
| Feature | HelloBooks | Xero CA |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (CAD) | Free Plan, no credit card; Pro C$22.99/mo — see /ca/pricing | See Xero's current Canadian pricing on its website |
| Free Plan | C$0 for up to 200 transactions a year: 2 users, email reminders, core reports and the app. Free invoices show a small HelloBooks footer | See Xero's website for current trial options |
| Invoices | Unlimited on every plan | Invoice limits vary by plan; see Xero's website |
| AI Categorisation | AI categorisation on every plan; free AI credits included | Bank rules plus JAX AI features |
| AI Bill OCR | Built-in | Hubdoc and JAX document capture |
| GST/HST | Native with Quick Method | Native |
| Quebec QST | Native (separate from GST/HST tracking) | Supported |
| Provincial Sales Tax (BC, SK, MB) | Native per-province | Native |
| T2125 (Sole Proprietor) | Reports ready for your CRA return | Available |
| Payroll forms | T4 slips prepared today; T5, T5018, ROE and CRA e-filing still to come | Through payroll partner apps; see Xero's website |
| Multi-Currency | Pro, with automatic FX | Available on selected plans |
| Users and bank connections | 2 on Free; no user cap on Pro, plus unlimited bank links | See Xero's website |
| Bank connections | Plaid-supported, rolling out by region; statement upload today | See Xero for current bank-feed coverage |
| CPA Practice Management | Built-in for accountants | Xero HQ with the Xero partner program |
| CA Accountant Network | Growing /find-an-accountant directory | Xero Advisor Directory (established) |
| App Marketplace | Growing set of integrations | Large, established app marketplace |
| India GST | Native (GSTR/IRN/TDS) | Not offered |
Prices checked on: HelloBooks prices from our Canadian price list, checked 29 September 2026. No competitor prices are quoted on this page; check each vendor's site for current pricing. All prices in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Looking for free accounting software Canada businesses can start on today, or GST/HST accounting software built for multi-province sellers? Both start on the Free Plan.
Leaving Xero starts with a free account: C$0, no card, and GST/HST, QST and the Quick Method from the first invoice. When you need USD invoicing with automatic FX, Pro adds it.
No credit card required.