Xero and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are both popular accounting software platforms. We’ve put together a comparison of them both, so that you can decide which is the better fit for you and your business.
Which to Choose >
— Is Business Central Right For You? —
If you want to know more about whether Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can improve your business processes and help you to make smarter decisions faster, then simply leave us your details below and one of our experts will be in touch with you shortly.
Accounting software allows for simple, fast data entry and retrieval, fewer human errors and the automation of many business processes. Most businesses have online accounting systems, with many opting for cloud hosting now given its easy access and added security. But now, businesses are wanting more from their accounting software and choosing the right one for your business should be a carefully thought out decision.
Here’s our verdict of when to choose Xero versus Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, alongside a comparison of the different features, useability, reporting, integration capabilities and costs.
Depending on what your business needs from your accounting software, the key features you require will vary depending on those needs. Here are some of the key features for both Xero and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Xero automates everyday business tasks and is better suited for smaller businesses. Like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, it provides real-time updates on the health of your finances. View and share reports and budgets, all in one place on a customisable dashboard.
A single, comprehensive solution that drives predictive insights, consistent reporting and allows you to make smarter decisions faster. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides powerful accounting and supply chain management functionality to small and medium-sized businesses.
Xero automates everyday business tasks and is better suited for smaller businesses. Like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, it provides real-time updates on the health of your finances. View and share reports and budgets, all in one place on a customisable dashboard.
Invoicing and quotes – create recurring invoices and receive updates when they’ve been opened.
Pay your employees – calculate and manage payroll/payroll taxes and capture receipts and mileage for expenses.
Pay bills – track and pay bills. See an overview of your accounts payable and cash flow.
Support from Xero – get some support and security monitoring online with Xero Central.
A single, comprehensive solution that drives predictive insights, consistent reporting and allows you to make smarter decisions faster. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central provides powerful accounting and supply chain management functionality to small and medium-sized businesses.
A complete ERP solution without different sections or modules – manage financials, sales, service, and operations in one place.
In the cloud – you can securely access any of your data in real-time through any device with internet; mobile, tablet and desktop.
Powerful reporting – easy reporting on essential business operations, such as trends, profits and sales with graphs and reports.
Full integration capabilities – create quotes, process orders and submit invoices without leaving Outlook, or access live data from Excel.
| Feature | Xero | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Cloud option |  |
|
| Accessible from any device | |
|
| Automatic system updates | |
|
| Inbuilt access for third-party accountants | |
|
| Xero |
|
Cloud option
|
|
Accessible from any device
|
|
Automatic system updates
|
|
Inbuilt access for third-party accountants
|
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Cloud option
|
|
Accessible from any device
|
|
Automatic system updates
|
|
Inbuilt access for third-party accountants
|
| Feature | Xero | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Recurring invoicing | |
|
| Transaction approval workflows | Approvals only | |
| Xero |
|
Recurring invoicing
|
| Transaction approval workflows Approvals only |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Recurring invoicing
|
|
Transaction approval workflows
|
| Feature | Xero | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Integrated payroll | |
|
| Expense management | |
|
| Direct debit collections | Third party add-on | |
| Bank statement import | |
|
| Xero |
|
Integrated payroll
|
|
Expense management
|
| Direct debit collections Third party add-on |
|
Bank statement import
|
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Integrated payroll
|
|
Expense management
|
|
Direct debit collections
|
|
Bank statement import
|
| Feature | Xero | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Financial budgets | |
|
| Inbuilt cashflow reporting | |
|
| Group accounts consolidation |  |
|
| Live cost of sales posting | |
|
| Inventory forecasting | |
|
| Power BI integration | |
|
| Xero |
|
Financial budgets
|
|
Inbuilt cashflow reporting
|
|
Group accounts consolidation
|
|
Live cost of sales posting
|
|
Inventory forecasting
|
|
Power BI integration
|
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Financial budgets
|
|
Inbuilt cashflow reporting
|
|
Group accounts consolidation
|
|
Live cost of sales posting
|
|
Inventory forecasting
|
|
Power BI integration
|
| Feature | Xero | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Microsoft Office 365 integration | |
|
| Access business data in Outlook | |
|
| Action quotes and invoices in Outlook | |
|
| Excel integration | Third party add-on | |
| Xero |
|
Microsoft Office 365 integration
|
|
Access business data in Outlook
|
|
Action quotes and invoices in Outlook
|
| Excel integration Third party add-on |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Microsoft Office 365 integration
|
|
Access business data in Outlook
|
|
Action quotes and invoices in Outlook
|
|
Excel integration
|
| Feature | Xero | Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
| Subscription model available | |
|
| User/transaction limit | 1,000 transaction per month | 100+ Users |
| Year 1 software/subscription cost (5 Users) | £606.00 | £3,312.00 |
| Xero |
|
Subscription model available
|
| User/transaction limit 1,000 transaction per month |
| Year 1 software/subscription cost (5 Users) £606.00 |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central |
|
Subscription model available
|
| User/transaction limit 100+ Users |
| Year 1 software/subscription cost (5 Users) £3,312.00 |
Both Xero and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are excellent accounting systems when it comes to easily managing bills, expenses, data capture and the quote-to-cash process. But, which one to choose comes down to whether you are looking for some basic accounting functions or whether you are seeking a more robust ERP that can drive sales and growth with powerful reporting and a multitude of functions.
Here’s a quick summary of when to choose Xero versus Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central:
Understanding your current processes is a vital step before implementing new software. Our review will help identify how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can improve your processes, connect your data and grow your business using powerful integration and reporting.
What happens next? Once you’ve made your enquiry, an expert consultant will give you a call to discuss your initial requirements. Following this, we’ll help you to determine how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can work for your business and the best way to get you started.
