OCTIS vs Xero vs MYOB vs QuickBooks for Australian businesses
Three cloud accounting tools that handle GST, BAS and payroll reporting to the ATO.
Last checked · 5 sources
Otty's short answer
All three handle GST and BAS tracking and offer payroll that can report through Single Touch Payroll. Xero lists plans from A$107 per month after a 3-month intro price. MYOB Business Pro lists A$70 per month and Lite A$315 per year. QuickBooks does not show prices on its page. Pick by price, the accountant you use and the add-ons you need.
Side by side
Swipe to see every column
| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Xero | MYOB Business | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Accounting by OCTIS accountants, 10–30% below your current bill | A$107 per month (Comprehensive) | A$99 per year (Solo), A$315 per year (Lite) | Not shown on page |
| Mid plan price | 10–30% below your current bill | A$143 per month (Ultimate 10) | A$70 per month (Pro) | Not shown on page |
| Intro offer | Lowest Price Guarantee and 30-day money-back, terms apply | 80% off first 3 months | Offer on Pro, length unclear on page (3 or 6 months) | Promo, terms unclear |
| GST and BAS tracking | Hong Kong has no VAT/GST; Australian GST on Australian sales still applies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payroll included | Handled by OCTIS accountants | 5 to 50 people by plan | A$5 per employee per month, Lite and Pro | Payroll Standard in every plan |
| Single Touch Payroll | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Xero Payroll on ATO list | MYOB payroll on ATO list | Not checked |
| Users | Whole team in one workspace | Not stated on page | Not stated on page | 1 to 25 by plan |
| Multi-currency | Multi-currency via licensed partners | Not stated on page | Not listed on Lite or Pro | Essentials and above |
| Extra bill payments | 10–30% below your current bill | A$0.35 each over limit | Not stated on page | Not stated on page |
| Price includes GST | No GST or VAT in Hong Kong | Yes | Not stated on page | Not stated on 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 your accountant or bookkeeper already works in it and you want plans that scale with payroll headcount.
MYOB Business
Choose MYOB if you want a low entry price, Solo or Lite for sole traders, or Pro with per-employee payroll.
QuickBooks
Choose QuickBooks if you want payroll in every plan and a tier by number of users, and confirm the live price first.
What the table does not show
What the ATO requires
Employers report payroll data through Single Touch Payroll enabled software each time they pay staff. The ATO says STP figures can pre-fill the BAS. The ATO's own no-cost and low-cost list names Xero Payroll and MYOB Essentials Payroll. Check the current ATO product register for the product you choose, and ask your BAS agent which tool they prefer.
Price traps
Intro offers end, then the standard price applies. Xero's page shows A$21.40 per month for 3 months, then A$107. MYOB Pro is listed at A$21 per month at launch, then A$70, though its page gives both 3 and 6 months for the offer, and payroll is an extra A$5 per employee. MYOB does not say whether its prices include GST, so confirm on the live page. QuickBooks showed no price on the page we read.
Fit by business size
A sole trader with no staff can often use the lowest tier of any of the three. A business with 5 to 50 staff should compare payroll limits first. Xero's plans step up by headcount. QuickBooks steps by user count. Ask the person who does your BAS before you migrate, because moving later takes time.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not do Australian accounting or ATO filing. If your Malaysian or Hong Kong company has an Australian subsidiary that uses Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, OCTIS bookkeeping can consolidate its statements into the home company's books. OCTIS is also not a replacement for a local BAS agent. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xero or MYOB better for small business in Australia?
Neither wins on every point. MYOB lists a lower entry price. Xero lists payroll caps by plan and a monthly bill-payment allowance. Choose the one your accountant supports and price the payroll you need.
How much does MYOB cost?
MYOB's site lists Business Pro at A$70 per month after an offer period and Lite at A$315 per year. Payroll costs A$5 per employee per month. Its page does not say whether prices include GST, so confirm on the live page.
Does Xero include payroll?
Xero's page lists payroll for 5 to 50 people depending on the plan, with superannuation automation. Check the plan you need.
Do I need Single Touch Payroll?
Employers report through STP enabled software each time they pay staff, per the ATO. Micro employers with 1 to 4 staff have options such as a quarterly reporting concession.
Can I switch accounting software later?
Yes, but it takes work. Plan the move at the start of a BAS period and keep your old records for the required period.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.