OCTIS vs Xero vs MYOB for New Zealand businesses
Plan prices, which tier adds payroll and multi-currency, and what to check before you switch.
Last checked · 3 sources
Otty's short answer
MYOB Business Lite is the cheaper entry point at NZ$315 per year (NZ$157.50 in the first year) against Xero Ignite at NZ$37 per month, all excluding GST. Xero offers multi-currency on Comprehensive at NZ$117 per month and publishes monthly plans. Pick MYOB for the lowest yearly cost and a desktop option, Xero for monthly flexibility and built-in multi-currency on a cloud plan.
Side by side
Swipe to see every column
| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Xero | MYOB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Accounting by OCTIS accountants, 10–30% below your current bill | NZ$37 per month (Ignite) | NZ$315 per year (Lite) |
| Mid plan | 10–30% below your current bill | NZ$89 per month (Grow) | NZ$585 per year (Pro) |
| Top cloud / desktop plan | 10–30% below your current bill | NZ$135 per month (Ultimate) | NZ$120 per month (AccountRight Premier) |
| New-customer offer | Lowest Price Guarantee and 30-day money-back, terms apply | 80% off for 3 months | 50% off first year (Lite, Pro) |
| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee, terms apply | First month free | 14 days |
| Payroll | Handled by OCTIS accountants | 1 person on Grow, NZ$4 per extra | 2 staff on Lite, NZ$3 per extra |
| Multi-currency | Multi-currency via licensed partners | Comprehensive and above | AccountRight Premier only |
| Bank accounts on entry plan | International business account via licensed partners | Not published | Up to 2 (Lite) |
| Desktop software option | No software to install: OCTIS accountants do the books | No, cloud only | Yes, AccountRight (Windows) |
| GST returns | Hong Kong has no VAT/GST; New Zealand GST on NZ sales still applies | All plans | Not stated on pricing page |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want accountants to keep the books, with company and CRM in one place.
Xero
Choose Xero if you want monthly billing, a cloud-only tool and multi-currency without a desktop product.
MYOB
Choose MYOB if you want the lowest yearly price, a desktop AccountRight option, or your accountant already works in it.
What the table does not show
How the prices are built
Xero publishes four monthly plans, NZ$37, NZ$89, NZ$117 and NZ$135, all excluding GST. New customers see 80% off the plan for the first three months. MYOB shows Business Lite and Pro as yearly prices, NZ$315 and NZ$585 excluding GST, with 50% off the first year. AccountRight Plus and Premier are NZ$100 and NZ$120 per month. Payroll is billed per person on both: NZ$4 per additional person on Xero Grow, Comprehensive and Ultimate (Ignite payroll is an add-on with no price stated), NZ$3 per month per extra employee on MYOB.
Limits that decide the plan
Xero Ignite caps you at 20 invoices and 5 bills each month, so most trading businesses start on Grow. Multi-currency needs Xero Comprehensive or MYOB AccountRight Premier. If you invoice in Australian or US dollars, price that tier, not the entry plan. MYOB Lite allows two bank accounts and basic reports. Check the plan limit before you pick on price alone.
GST and your accountant
Inland Revenue requires GST registration once your turnover reaches NZ$60,000 in 12 months, and you choose your filing frequency at registration. Xero lists GST returns on every plan. MYOB's pricing page does not say, so confirm GST filing on the plan you choose. Ask your accountant which tool they use. MYOB says sharing your account with an advisor costs nothing extra. A switch that saves a fee may still cost more in your accountant's time.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS keeps books for Malaysian and Hong Kong companies, not New Zealand ones. If your home company sells into or has a subsidiary in New Zealand, the subsidiary's Xero or MYOB statements can still be consolidated into the home company's books. OCTIS bookkeeping handles that consolidation, and OCTIS customers can save 10–30% off their current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xero or MYOB cheaper in New Zealand?
MYOB Business Lite is cheaper at the entry level: NZ$315 per year against Xero Ignite at about NZ$444 per year (NZ$37 per month). Both exclude GST. Both also run first-period offers, so the first-year gap is bigger. Compare the plan you need, not the entry plan.
Does Xero or MYOB include payroll in New Zealand?
Both include a small payroll allowance and charge for more. Xero Grow covers 1 person, Comprehensive 5 and Ultimate 10. MYOB Lite covers 2 employees, and extra staff are NZ$3 per month each. Check the allowance against your headcount.
Can I handle multiple currencies in Xero or MYOB NZ?
Yes, on higher plans only. Xero offers it from Comprehensive (NZ$117 per month). MYOB offers it on AccountRight Premier (NZ$120 per month). Neither entry plan includes it.
When must a New Zealand business register for GST?
When turnover was at least NZ$60,000 in the last 12 months, or you expect it to reach that in the next 12 months. You also register if you add GST to your prices. You pick your filing frequency when you register.
Can I switch from MYOB to Xero or back?
Yes, but plan it. Move at the start of a GST period, carry over opening balances from your last closed period and keep the old file read-only. Ask your accountant to check the opening balances first.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.