Xero alternative for tradies
A Xero alternative that runs your jobs and your books
Searching for a Xero alternative for your trade business? Xero is excellent accounting software, but it is accounting only, and it is built for every business, not specifically for trades.
ONARA gives you the books a tradie actually needs, GST, BAS, expenses, a mileage logbook and profit per job, in the very same place you run your bookings, jobs, quotes and invoices. One system instead of two. Already love Xero? Keep it, ONARA syncs across to it.
ONARA Ops vs Xero
| ONARA Ops | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Runs jobs AND keeps the books | Accounting only |
| Built for | Trades | Every business |
| Jobs, quotes, bookings | Yes, all in one | No |
| GST and BAS | Yes, worked out for you | Yes |
| Mileage logbook at ATO rate | Yes | Manual or add-on |
| Profit on every job | Yes | Limited |
| Typical monthly cost | $49 Ops + $29 Books | $35 to $130+/mo |
| Already on Xero? | One-way sync, keep it | n/a |
| Free trial | First month free | Trial and intro offer |
Comparison based on Xero's publicly listed Australian plans. Xero raised its Australian prices in July 2026, so check xero.com for the current figures.
Why tradies switch to ONARA
One tool, not two
Your jobs and your books in the same place, so income flows straight from your invoices and nothing is double-handled.
Built for trades
Job profit, a mileage logbook and quarterly GST and BAS, set up the way a trade business actually works.
Simple, not overwhelming
All the bookkeeping a sole trader or small crew needs, without the steep learning curve of full accounting software.
Keep Xero if you want
Prefer to leave your accountant on Xero? ONARA pushes your invoices across with a one-way sync.
WA owned, no shareholders
Built and supported here, reinvested every week into the tool, not a payday.
First month free
Try the whole thing with no charge today, and cancel any time in the first month.
Questions
Can ONARA replace Xero for a tradie?
For many sole traders and small crews, yes. ONARA Books handles GST, BAS, income, expenses, mileage and job profit. If you have a more complex setup or an accountant who works in Xero, you can keep Xero and let ONARA sync your invoices across.
What is the difference between ONARA and Xero?
Xero is accounting software only. ONARA runs your whole trade business, bookings, jobs, quotes and invoices, and includes bookkeeping built in, so you are not paying for and switching between two systems.
How much does it cost?
ONARA Ops is $49 a month for the job side and ONARA Books is a $29 a month add-on for the bookkeeping. Compare that to a standalone accounting subscription plus a separate job tool. Check current pricing on each provider's site.
Does it do GST and BAS?
Yes. ONARA Books works out your GST each quarter and lays out your BAS figures, with a CSV export for your accountant.
Is there a free trial?
Your first month is free. Add a card to start, nothing is charged today, and you can cancel any time in the first 30 days.
The simpler switch for your trade.
First month free. No charge today. Cancel anytime. Unlimited users, one flat price.
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