Deputy vs Xero vs Zoho Books Comparison
Deputy
Starting at $3.50
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Medium Business
Deputy is a powerful time-saving software that streamlines business schedules and operations. It offers budget-friendly staff scheduling options based on team availability, with instant notification through its applicati…
Xero
Starting at $3.75 /month
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Medium Business
Xero software is a cloud-based accounting system that helps businesses manage their finances, run payroll, and save time so they can focus on growing their business. This single platform connects all your finances and in…
Zoho Books
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Freelancers / Consultants
- Large Enterprises
Zoho Books is a cloud based online accounting software. It allows you to view, manage and submit your entire business accounting cycle. Easily track your finances with intuitive reports search your transaction history, c…
Deputy leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 218 reviews.
Deputy vs Xero vs Zoho Books — at a glance
| Feature | Deputy | Xero | Zoho Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Reviews | 218 | 5,582 | 565 |
| Starting price | $3.50 | $3.75 /month | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Medium Business, Small Business | Freelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium Business |
| Category | Employee Scheduling Software | Accounting Software | Accounting Software |
| Integrations | — | 14+ apps | — |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS |
| API | Available | Available | Available |
| Support modes | 24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online | 24/7 (Live rep), Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2, GDPR | SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001 | GDPR |
| Data residency | US | Global | Global |
Key differences between Deputy and Xero
- Pricing: Deputy starts at $3.50, while Xero starts at $3.75 /month.
- Target audience: Deputy is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Xero targets Freelancers / Consultants and Medium Business.
- User satisfaction: Deputy scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
- Deployment: Deputy supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Xero supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.
Compare Deputy vs Xero vs Zoho Books — and walk away knowing which one fits.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Employee Scheduling Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
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Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for medium businesses needing simple, real-time employee scheduling and time tracking.
- You manage a 50-500 employee retail, hospitality, or healthcare team.
- You want real-time roster and labor cost updates to control budgets.
- You need an easy-to-use platform with built-in communication for shift coordination.
- Your business requires deep payroll processor integrations or advanced customization.
- You need extensive tiered support or highly customizable workflows.
Best for small businesses needing user-friendly, cloud-based accounting with strong support.
- You are a small business or professional services firm with up to 50 employees.
- You want an intuitive interface with real-time collaboration for multiple users.
- You value highly responsive and knowledgeable customer support for troubleshooting.
- You are a large enterprise requiring complex, multi-entity accounting features.
- You need extensive self-service options for advanced accounting processes without relying on support.
Best for small to mid-sized businesses needing simple, automated cloud accounting.
- You run a small or medium business with up to 100 employees.
- You want an intuitive, user-friendly interface for easy accounting management.
- You need automated workflows to save time on invoicing and bank reconciliation.
- You are a large enterprise with complex, multi-entity accounting requirements.
- You require highly customizable or industry-specific accounting workflows.
Deputy: Best for medium businesses needing simple, real-time employee scheduling and time tracking. Xero: Best for small businesses needing user-friendly, cloud-based accounting with strong support.
Description | Deputy is a powerful time-saving software that streamlines business schedules and operations. It offers budget-friendly staff scheduling options based on team availability, with instant ... Read More about Deputy | Xero software is a cloud-based accounting system that helps businesses manage their finances, run payroll, and save time so they can focus on growing their business. This single platform ... Read More about Xero | Zoho Books is a cloud based online accounting software. It allows you to view, manage and submit your entire business accounting cycle. Easily track your finances with intuitive reports ... Read More about Zoho Books |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | |||
Best Company Size | 50-500 employeesMedium Business | 1-50 employeesSmall Business | 1-50 employees51-100 employees |
Get pricing help |
Where each option fits best
See where each product is strongest, which teams it fits, and what causes buyers to keep looking — before you commit.
Based on buyer reviews and verified product data collected by Spotsaas.
Key strengths
- Streamlined Scheduling: With Deputy, managers can easily create and adjust employee schedules in real-time. This not only saves time but also ensures that staffing levels meet operational demands, enhancing overall productivity.
- Enhanced Communication: The platform fosters better communication among team members through its built-in messaging system. We can keep everyone informed and aligned, reducing misunderstandings and improving team cohesion.
- Accurate Time Tracking: Deputy offers robust time tracking features that allow employees to clock in and out from their smartphones or desktops. This means no more manual timesheets—just accurate data that simplifies payroll processing for administrators.
- Streamlined Financial Management: With Xero, you can effortlessly manage your business finances in one place. Users often appreciate the intuitive dashboard that provides a clear overview of cash flow, invoices, and expenses at a glance.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Xero allows multiple users to access and work on financial data simultaneously. This feature fosters collaboration among teams, ensuring everyone is aligned and up-to-date without the hassle of emailing spreadsheets back and forth.
- Automated Processes: Say goodbye to tedious manual entries! Xero automates recurring invoicing and bank reconciliation, saving you precious time that you can redirect towards strategic planning and growth initiatives.
- Streamlined Financial Management: With Zoho Books, managers can effortlessly track income and expenses, ensuring that financial oversight is both comprehensive and intuitive. This allows you to focus on strategic decision-making rather than getting bogged down in paperwork.
- Automated Workflows: Executives will appreciate the efficiency of automated workflows that save time and reduce errors. By automating recurring tasks like invoicing and payment reminders, your team can dedicate more time to high-value activities.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Administrators can easily collaborate with team members and accountants in real-time, fostering a culture of transparency and teamwork. This feature ensures everyone stays on the same page, regardless of location.
Best fit
- 50 to 500 employees
- Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Manufacturing
- Typical users encompass Operations Managers, HR Professionals, Shift Supervisors, and Team Leaders
- 1-50 employees
- Accounting, Retail, Hospitality, Non-Profit, Professional Services
- Accountants, Bookkeepers, Business Owners, Finance Managers, Operations Managers
- 1-100 employees
- Accounting, E-commerce, Consulting, Retail, Nonprofit, Professional Services
- Accountants, Finance Managers, Small Business Owners, Bookkeepers, Operations Managers
Reasons buyers look elsewhere
- Users may seek alternatives to Deputy if they find its pricing structure to be higher than expected, especially for small businesses or startups with tight budgets that require cost-effective workforce management solutions.
- Some organizations might require more advanced features, such as extensive reporting or integration capabilities with other software, which they find lacking in Deputy, prompting them to explore other platforms.
- Businesses with specific industry needs, like healthcare or manufacturing, may look for alternatives that offer tailored functionalities that better align with their unique operational requirements and compliance standards.
- Users may seek alternatives to Xero due to its pricing structure, especially for small businesses or startups that require budget-friendly accounting solutions without compromising essential features.
- Some businesses might find Xero’s interface challenging, prompting them to explore options that offer a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for their team members.
- Companies with specific industry needs might find that Xero lacks certain tailored functionalities, leading them to consider alternatives that provide specialized features for their sector.
- Users may seek alternatives to Zoho Books for enhanced customization options, particularly if their business requires specific workflows or features that are not adequately supported by the platform's existing capabilities.
- Businesses operating in niche markets might explore alternatives to access industry-specific functionalities and integrations that better align with their unique operational needs and regulatory requirements.
- Some users may find the pricing structure of Zoho Books less competitive compared to other accounting software, prompting them to consider alternatives that offer similar features at a more attractive cost.
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How do Deputy, Xero and Zoho Books Compare on Features?
Total Features | 11 Features | 17 Features | 16 Features |
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Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features | No unique features |
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Compare Deputy, Xero and Zoho Books on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
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HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
ISO 27001 | — | ✓ Yes |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🇺🇸 US | 🌐 Global |
Deputy vs Xero User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | |||
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Rating Distribution | |||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights Deputy's ease of use and efficiency in scheduling and time tracking, tempered by concerns over support and integration limitations. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Overall positive sentiment highlights Xero's ease of use and excellent customer support, though some users note challenges with initial support access and advanced features. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Users generally express high satisfaction with Zoho Books for its ease of use, automation, and collaborative features, though some note limitations for larger or more complex organizations. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
| Negative Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
Integrations
Integration with other apps | No Integration information available. | No Integration information available. |
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List of Customers
Customers |  HubSpot  ACE Hardware  Harper |  Coco cubano |  Brandography  Legal consultant  Samteq |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  7 Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |
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Videos |  4 Videos |  2 Videos |
Alternatives
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Deputy or Xero?
- Deputy edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 4.2). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Deputy and Xero offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Deputy and Xero offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Deputy vs Xero?
- Deputy starts at $3.50. Xero starts at $3.75 /month.
- What are the top alternatives to Deputy?
- Top alternatives to Deputy include Findmyshift, Planday, Schedule it, TrackSmart Scheduling, ScheduleBase.
- What are the top alternatives to Xero?
- Top alternatives to Xero include Zoho Books, Quickbooks, Sage Accounting (Sage One), Zoho Daybook, QuickFile.