Payroll software · Australia · Head-to-head
MYOB vs Xero Payroll (AU)
Two Australia payroll software options, compared side by side for Australia trades.
Which should you choose?
MYOB and Xero Payroll (AU) are closely matched (both Tier A) for Australia payroll software. The right choice comes down to fit: weigh the pros, cons, pricing, and Australia-specific notes for each against your trade and region.
MYOB
Tier A · WorkableAU/NZ heritage payroll + accounting brand — tight bundle, STP Phase 2 native
MYOB is AU/NZ's heritage accounting + payroll brand — competes with Xero in the local market. Strongest fit for AU trades businesses already on MYOB accounting. STP Phase 2 native, AU award interpretation, full ATO compliance.
Pros
- + AU/NZ heritage brand with deep local compliance
- + Tight bundle with MYOB accounting
- + STP Phase 2 + ATO compliance native
- + Mature AU award interpretation
Cons
- − UX dated vs modern Xero
- − Best value if already on MYOB accounting
- − Less cross-market relevance
Australia note
STP (Single Touch Payroll) Phase 2 is mandatory for AU employers — MYOB handles natively. AU award interpretation (Fair Work penalty rates, allowances) supported.
Xero Payroll (AU)
Tier A · WorkableNZ-built accounting-tight payroll — STP Phase 2 native, dominant in AU SMB
Xero Payroll AU is embedded in Xero accounting (Xero is NZ-built, dominant in AU SMB). STP Phase 2 native, ATO compliant, award interpretation supported. Strongest fit for AU trades already on Xero accounting.
Pros
- + Tight integration with Xero accounting (dominant in AU SMB)
- + STP Phase 2 native + ATO compliance
- + Modern UX
- + Cross-market consistency
Cons
- − Value depends on Xero accounting subscription
- − Less award-interpretation depth than KeyPay
- − Pricing add-on stacks with Xero subscription
Australia note
Xero dominates AU SMB accounting — embedded payroll is the path of least resistance for Xero customers.
More Australia options
See all Australia payroll software vendors and the rest of the Australia directory.