VanBooks vs Xero
Both keep your records and work with Making Tax Digital. The difference is who they're built for: Xero serves small and growing businesses, often with an accountant, while VanBooks is made for tradespeople doing the books from the van.
| VanBooks | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £9 a month | Ignite £18 a month (from 1 September 2026), Simple £7 a month for up to 10 invoices if not VAT registered (plus VAT) |
| To start | First month free, no card needed | Often a large discount for the first six months |
| Making Tax Digital for Income Tax | Yes | Yes |
| VAT returns | Yes | Yes, on Ignite and above |
| Built for | UK tradespeople and sole traders | Small and growing businesses, often with an accountant |
Xero prices are from their UK website as of October 2026, before VAT, and offers change. Check their site before you decide.
Why tradespeople choose VanBooks
- Say the job out loud in the van: the invoice, costs and miles are drafted for you
- Invoices and quotes sent by WhatsApp, with seen ticks and automatic reminders for late payers
- CIS worked out on labour, not materials, and the construction VAT reverse charge
- Mileage worked out from postcodes or what you say
- A diary, job profit, repeat invoices and due-again reminders for services
- How much to put aside after every payment
When Xero might suit you better
- You're growing into a limited company with staff
- You need multi-currency or detailed reporting
- Your accountant prefers Xero
Try VanBooks free for a month
No card needed. Then £9 a month, cancel any time.
Also compare: VanBooks vs QuickBooks · VanBooks vs FreeAgent