QuickBooks API vs Xero API
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right API for your project
Both APIs have verified data. Information has been manually fact-checked against official documentation and may be more accurate than automated data collection.
TL;DR Summary
Choose QuickBooks if:
- You need 3+ official SDKs
- You prefer OAuth 2.0 authentication
- OAuth 2.0 required for all API access
- You're in Accounting industry
Choose Xero if:
- You need 6+ official SDKs
- You prefer OAuth 2.0 authentication
- OAuth 2.0 with PKCE required
- You're in Accounting industry
Feature Comparison
| Feature |  QuickBooks |  Xero |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Website | Available | Available |
| API Documentation | Available | Available |
| Founded | 1983 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, CA | Wellington, New Zealand |
| API Features | ||
| OpenAPI Specification | ||
| GraphQL Support | ||
| Webhooks | ||
| Sandbox/Test Mode | ||
| SDKs & Libraries | ||
| Total SDKs | 3 SDKs | 6 SDKs |
| JavaScript/Node.js | ||
| Python | ||
| Ruby | ||
| PHP | ||
| Java | ||
| .NET | ||
| Go | ||
| Authentication | ||
| Auth Methods | OAuth 2.0 | OAuth 2.0 |
| OAuth 2.0 | ||
| API Key | ||
| Developer Experience | ||
| GitHub Stars | - | - |
| Stack Overflow Questions | - | - |
| Changelog Available | ||
| Status Page | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Total Integrations | 90 integrations | 94 integrations |
| Zapier Integration | ||
Our Verdict
Both QuickBooks and Xero are solid choices in their category. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements:
- For more SDK options: Xero offers 6 SDKs
- For more integrations: Xero has 94 integrations
- Authentication: QuickBooks uses OAuth 2.0, while Xero uses OAuth 2.0
We recommend trying both APIs and consulting their official documentation to see which fits your workflow better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between QuickBooks and Xero?
QuickBooks focuses on Accounting while Xerospecializes in Accounting. Both offer robust APIs but may differ in specific features, pricing, and integration options.
Which API has better documentation?
Both QuickBooks and Xero provide API documentation. QuickBooks offers an OpenAPI specification. Xero offers an OpenAPI specification. We recommend reviewing both to see which style suits your team better.
Can I use both QuickBooks and Xero together?
Yes, many developers use multiple APIs together depending on their needs. You might use QuickBooks for some features and Xero for others, depending on which offers better support for specific use cases.