Read this first. Canny is in development and not yet recognised by HMRC or Companies House. This page compares the planned first release with what Xero offers today. Facts about Xero come from this page, checked on 14 November 2026. If something is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.
Side by side
| Canny | Xero | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Native Mac and iPhone app for UK micro-companies and sole traders | Online accounting subscription |
| Runs as | Native Mac and iPhone app | Web app, plus mobile apps |
| Bookkeeping and bank import | Yes | Yes |
| VAT returns (Making Tax Digital) | Yes | Yes |
| Company tax return (CT600) and accounts | Yes, in the same app | Optional add-on: “Company accounts and tax”, £120 a year + VAT |
| Where your data lives | Your own iCloud | Xero's servers |
| Price | £49 once, plus £79 for each year you file | £18 to £70 a month + VAT |
| Cost of a typical first year | £128: the app (£49) plus one year-end pack (£79) | £336 + VAT (Ignite at £18 × 12, plus the £120 accounts and tax add-on) |
| Available now | No, in development | Yes |
Choose Xero if
- You have staff, stock or several people who need access to the books.
- Your accountant insists on it and does the year end for you.
- You need integrations with other business software.
Choose Canny if
- You're a one-person company and do the books yourself.
- You'd rather own a Mac app than rent a website.
- You want the books, VAT, company tax return and Companies House accounts in one place without add-ons.
- You don't want your company's finances on someone else's server.
What Canny looks like
One window for the whole year: bank lines to review, receipts from your iPhone, and the next deadline always in view.
