OCTIS vs Xero vs QuickBooks vs Big Red Cloud: accounting software in Ireland
Prices we could read, and the Revenue rules for VAT and payroll that should decide the choice.
Last checked · 9 sources
Otty's short answer
In Ireland the software has to file VAT3 through Revenue's ROS and report payroll to Revenue on or before each payday. Big Red Cloud is the only one here that publishes a euro price and a payroll price. Xero has the widest international use, QuickBooks the most plan tiers, and BrightPay is payroll only. Check VAT and payroll first, then price.
Side by side
Swipe to see every column
| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Xero | QuickBooks Online | Big Red Cloud | Sage Accounting | BrightPay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting price | Not published: 10–30% below your current bill | US$32 to US$82 per month, as shown | Not published | €60 per month, no VAT note | Not published | Payroll only |
| Introductory offer | 30-day money-back guarantee, terms apply | 80% off for 3 months | 30-day free trial | €30 per month for 12 months | Not published | Free licence, 1 employee |
| Plan tiers | One plan, priced 10–30% below your current bill | 3: Starter, Standard, Premium | 4: Simple Start to Advanced | 1 plan, multi-company quote | 2: Accounting Start, Accounting | 3 licence sizes |
| Users | Your whole team | Not published | 1, 3, 5 or 25 by plan | Unlimited | Not published | Not applicable |
| VAT3 and ROS | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | VAT3 and RTD prep, export to ROS | Not described | VAT3 returns workflow | Not published | Not applicable |
| Payroll to Revenue | Handled by OCTIS accountants | Not published | Not published | PAYE Modernisation, ROS certificates | Not published | Payroll software, Revenue not stated |
| Payroll price | 10–30% below your current bill | Not published | Not published | €399 to €545 per year + VAT | Not published | €229 to €459 per year + VAT |
| Multiple currencies | Multi-currency business account via licensed partners | Premium plan | Essentials and above | Not published | Not published | Not applicable |
| Inventory | Not an OCTIS product | Not published | Plus and above | Not published | Not published | Not applicable |
| Receipt capture | AI accounting and bookkeeping, checked by licensed professionals | Smart Document Capture | Not published | Snap and Send app | Accounting plan | Not applicable |
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 bookkeeping, CRM and workflow in one workspace and sell across several countries.
Xero
Choose Xero if your accountant already uses it, you invoice in other currencies, or you want the Irish VAT3 and RTD workflow Xero launched in September 2026.
QuickBooks Online
Choose QuickBooks Online if you need stock tracking, projects or more users, and your accountant works in it. Confirm the euro price in your account.
Big Red Cloud
Choose Big Red Cloud if you want a published euro price, unlimited users and payroll from the same Irish supplier, and your needs are simple.
Sage Accounting
Choose Sage Accounting if you already use Sage payroll or Sage 50 and want to stay in one family. Confirm the current price with Sage.
BrightPay
Choose BrightPay if payroll is the only job and you want a licence priced by employee count, with a free licence for one employee.
What the table does not show
The Revenue rules that decide it
Revenue says VAT returns are due on the 19th of the month after the period, extended to the 23rd for ROS filers. VAT3 goes through the Revenue Online Service (ROS). Since 1 January 2019, employers report pay, income tax, USC and PRSI to Revenue on or before the pay date, using payroll software or ROS directly. Revenue turns those reports into a monthly statement. Software that cannot prepare VAT3 or send payroll submissions leaves that work to your accountant or to a second tool.
What each price page shows
Xero's Irish page lists Starter at US$32, Standard at US$54 and Premium at US$82 per month, in US dollars, with 80% off for three months. Big Red Cloud lists €60 per month after a €30 first year, without saying whether VAT is added. QuickBooks' Irish page showed no live price when we read it, and Sage's Irish pages showed conflicting figures, so we publish neither. BrightPay lists payroll licences at €229, €349 and €459 per year, plus VAT.
Accounting and payroll are often separate
Big Red Cloud sells payroll as its own product: Payroll Lite at €399 per year for up to three employees, and Payroll Plus at €545 per year for unlimited employees, both plus VAT. BrightPay is payroll software only. Xero, QuickBooks and Sage did not show Irish payroll prices on the pages we read. If you have staff, price accounting and payroll together before you compare.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not keep books or file tax in Ireland. If your Malaysian or Hong Kong company has an Irish subsidiary, you will pick one of these tools for it. OCTIS bookkeeping keeps the home company's accounts and can consolidate the subsidiary's statements with them. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best accounting software in Ireland?
There is no single best. Xero and QuickBooks Online are widely used and accountants know them. Big Red Cloud is Irish and publishes euro prices. Pick the one that files VAT3 and payroll to Revenue the way you need, and that your accountant will work in.
Do I have to use ROS for VAT in Ireland?
VAT3 returns are filed through the Revenue Online Service. Revenue gives ROS filers until the 23rd of the month after the period ends, instead of the 19th. Some software prepares the return and exports it for ROS, rather than filing it for you.
What is real-time payroll reporting in Ireland?
Since 2019, employers send each payroll run to Revenue on or before the day staff are paid. The report shows the pay date, gross pay, and the income tax, USC and PRSI deducted. You can use payroll software or enter it in ROS.
How much is Xero in Ireland?
Xero's Irish pricing page lists Starter at US$32, Standard at US$54 and Premium at US$82 per month, in US dollars, with 80% off the first three months for new customers. It did not show a VAT note, so check the checkout total in euro.
Is Big Red Cloud cheaper than Xero?
Big Red Cloud lists €60 per month after a €30 first year. Xero lists US$32 to US$82 per month. Currencies, VAT treatment and features differ, so compare the euro checkout total for the plan you need, including payroll.
Is BrightPay accounting software?
No. BrightPay is payroll software. Its licences run per tax year, from €229 for up to 10 employees to €459 for unlimited, plus VAT. It has a free licence for a single-employee company. You still need accounting software for VAT and books.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.