Xero Pricing Australia 2026: Compare the July Increase With Gimbla

• Accounting
• Small Business
• Sole Trader
• Payroll

Xero says Australian subscriptions will increase from 1 July 2026. For small businesses, the important question is not only “how much does Xero cost now?” It is whether the plan still fits your everyday workflow for invoices, bills, bank feeds, GST, BAS, payroll, super, reports and user access.

This guide compares the July 2026 Xero pricing update with Gimbla’s pricing model so Australian sole traders, employers and small teams can make a calmer software decision before the next invoice arrives.

Quick answer: From 1 July 2026, Xero says Australian plan prices will rise by $2 to $28 per month, depending on the plan. Xero Grow moves to $78 per month. Gimbla Plus is $19.95 per month, so a business comparing those two plans would see a $58.05 monthly difference, or $696.60 per year, before considering workflow fit.

Key Points

• Xero’s Australian pricing update takes effect from 1 July 2026 for new and existing Australian subscribers on listed plans.
• Xero Grow increases from $75 to $78 per month, while Ultimate plan increases are larger in dollar terms.
• Gimbla’s pricing is built around a free Starter plan and a $19.95/month Plus plan for businesses that need bank feeds, BAS and payroll workflows.
• Do not switch on price alone. Compare invoices, GST, BAS lodgment, Single Touch Payroll, bank reconciliation, users, reports, data export and accountant access.
• If you are reviewing software because of a price rise, use the same moment to check whether your current accounting workflow is ready for EOFY, payroll and future compliance changes.

Understanding Xero’s July 2026 Price Increases

Xero’s Australian pricing update says subscription prices will increase from 1 July 2026. The update applies to Australian subscribers on Xero Ignite, Grow, Comprehensive and Ultimate plans. Xero also says eligible multi-organisation discounts will no longer be applied from 1 July 2026.

The new monthly rates for Xero’s primary plans are:

• Ignite: Increasing from $35 to $37/month
• Grow: Increasing from $75 to $78/month
• Comprehensive: Increasing from $100 to $107/month
• Ultimate 10: Increasing from $130 to $143/month

For a business on the Grow plan, that means $936 per year before any add-ons, payment fees or other tools. For a business with multiple entities, the removal of the multi-organisation discount may also change the real annual cost.

Xero Price Increase by Plan

Side-by-Side Comparison: Gimbla vs. Xero

When comparing accounting software, use price as the starting point, not the whole decision. The right choice depends on the work your business actually does: invoicing, bills, bank feeds, GST, BAS, payroll, super, reports, users, exports and accountant access.

Here is a simple price-and-workflow comparison between Xero Grow after the July 2026 increase and Gimbla Plus.

For a broader market view, read our guide to accounting software used in Australia or the overview of accounting packages available in Australia.

When Gimbla May Be the Better Fit

Gimbla was built for small businesses that want practical accounting tools without starting on an expensive monthly plan. It may be a better fit if you want a free start, transparent upgrade path, and everyday Australian workflows in one place.

1. Truly Free Starter Plan

Gimbla’s free accounting software plan helps sole traders and small businesses start with core records before they need paid features. That matters if your business is still validating demand, keeping costs tight, or replacing spreadsheets gradually.

2. Australian Tax and Payroll Workflows

Gimbla Plus is designed for Australian businesses that need GST, Business Activity Statement (BAS) support and Single Touch Payroll (STP) workflows. If you employ staff, make sure any software comparison includes pay runs, payslips, super records and STP reporting, not just the monthly subscription price.

3. Multi-Currency Without Moving to the Highest Tier

If you sell overseas, buy from international suppliers or hold foreign-currency balances, multi-currency accounting can become a real workflow need. Compare whether you get the feature on the plan you actually intend to pay for, not only on a higher plan shown in a pricing table.

Practical Steps to Evaluate Your Software Spend

If you’re feeling the pinch of Xero’s price hikes, follow these steps to see if Gimbla is right for you:

1. Review your current plan: Check which Xero plan you are on and what it will cost from 1 July 2026.
2. List the features you actually use: Invoices, bills, bank reconciliation, GST, BAS, payroll, super, reports, projects, multi-currency and user access.
3. Check hidden upgrade triggers: Look for features that force a higher plan, extra user charges, add-ons or usage limits.
4. Compare with Gimbla: See whether the $0 Starter plan or $19.95 Plus plan covers your actual workflow.
5. Plan the switch carefully: Export contacts, chart of accounts, open invoices, unpaid bills, payroll records and reports before changing systems.
6. Ask your accountant or BAS agent to review timing: A clean cutover date makes opening balances, GST records and EOFY reports easier to trust.

Should You Switch Because of the Price Increase?

Maybe, but not automatically. If Xero is deeply embedded in your accountant’s process, app stack or internal reporting, the saving may need to be weighed against switching time. If you mainly need invoices, bills, bank reconciliation, GST, BAS and a small payroll workflow, a lighter and cheaper system may make more sense.

Use the July 2026 increase as a review trigger. The best decision is the one that keeps records accurate, reduces admin time and gives you reports you trust.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gimbla really free for unlimited invoices?

Yes. Gimbla’s Starter plan supports unlimited invoices, quotes and bills. It suits businesses that want clean records without taking on a monthly accounting software subscription immediately.

Can I lodge my BAS through Gimbla?

Gimbla Plus is designed for Australian businesses that need to manage GST, prepare BAS workflows and handle STP payroll. Before switching, check which BAS and payroll steps you currently rely on and confirm the plan covers them.

Is my data secure with Gimbla?

We use industry-standard encryption and secure cloud hosting to ensure your financial data is protected at all times, meeting the same high security standards you expect from any major financial platform.

Can I switch accounting software during the financial year?

Yes, but plan the cutover carefully. Export reports, contacts, chart of accounts, unpaid invoices, unpaid bills and payroll records. Then compare opening balances and ask your accountant or BAS agent to review the timing.

Conclusion

The 2026 Xero price increase is a useful moment to review whether your accounting software still fits your business. Price matters, but so do GST records, BAS workflows, payroll, bank feeds, reports, exports and daily ease of use.

If you want Australian small business accounting software with a free starting point and a simple paid plan, compare your current workflow with Gimbla pricing before your next renewal or monthly invoice.