Xero vs Metal
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Xero starts at $7/mo and Metal starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Bank reconciliation
- Invoicing and quotes
- JAX AI assistant
- Bills and expenses
- App marketplace
- Reads files, CRM, email and data rooms
- Entity matching across sources
- Source-cited figures
- Shared deal history
| Feature | Xero | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cloud accounting for small businesses with the JAX AI assistant | AI context layer for private equity and capital firms |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Paid |
| Starting price | $7/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, trial available | No |
| Made by | Xero | Metal |
| Based in | New Zealand | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Xero starts at $7/mo and Metal starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Lite
$7/mo
- 5 invoices and quotes
- Real-time reports
Starter
$29/mo
- Quotes and 20 invoices
- Online invoice payments
- Enter 5 bills
Standard
$50/mo
- Bulk reconcile transactions
- Financial health scorecards
Premium
$75/mo
- Multiple currencies
- 180-day cash flow forecast
- KPI and industry benchmarks
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Xero
- Clean, easy interface
- Strong accountant network
- Unlimited users on plans
- Lower plans cap invoices
- US payroll is limited
- Some features need add-ons
Metal
- Each number carries its citation
- Keeps conflicting values visible
- Works with data where it already sits
- Demo-only access, no public pricing
- Narrow focus on private capital
Which one should you choose?
Choose Xero if you want:
- Clean, easy interface
- Strong accountant network
- Unlimited users on plans
Watch out: lower plans cap invoices.
Choose Metal if you want:
- Each number carries its citation
- Keeps conflicting values visible
- Works with data where it already sits
Watch out: demo-only access, no public pricing.
Xero vs Metal FAQ
What is the difference between Xero and Metal?
Xero: Cloud accounting for small businesses with the JAX AI assistant. Metal: AI context layer for private equity and capital firms. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Xero or Metal cheaper?
Xero starts at $7/mo and Metal starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Xero and Metal have free plans?
Xero: No, trial available. Metal: No.
Who makes Xero?
Xero is made by Xero, based in New Zealand.
Who makes Metal?
Metal is made by Metal.
Which should I choose, Xero or Metal?
Choose Xero if you value clean, easy interface and strong accountant network. Choose Metal if you value each number carries its citation and keeps conflicting values visible.