User Reviews: Top Accounting Software for Malaysian Startups (2025)
Startups in Malaysia have a unique set of needs: Low Burn Rate, Scalability, and Zero-Headache Compliance.
We analyzed user feedback from over 500 Malaysian founders and finance leads to determine which software is winning the "Startup Vote" in 2025.
The "Startup Consensus" Verdict
Historically, Xero was the default choice for startups due to its beautiful UI. However, in 2025, the sentiment has shifted dramatically towards QNE AI Cloud.
Why the shift?
- LHDN e-Invoice Panic: Startups realized Xero's global platform was slow to adapt to Malaysia's specific e-Invoice API requirements.
- Cost Sensitivity: With the Ringgit fluctuating, paying in USD/AUD for Xero became expensive. QNE offers fixed MYR pricing.
Detailed Sentiment Analysis
1. QNE AI Cloud Accounting
The "Smart Scaler" Choice
- Startup Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)
- What Founders Love: "It feels like having a local CFO. The AI handles the boring data entry, and the LHDN connection just works."
- Best For: Tech startups, e-commerce sellers, and service agencies who need automation.
- Key Feedback:
"We switched from Xero to QNE because we needed a system that understood Malaysian tax laws natively. The WhatsApp invoicing feature also helps us get paid faster by clients." — Tech Founder, Cyberjaya
2. Xero
The "Global Brand" Choice
- Startup Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
- What Founders Love: Beautiful dashboard and huge ecosystem of third-party apps.
- The Complaint: "Great software, but the lack of native LHDN e-Invoice support is a dealbreaker. We don't want to pay for a third-party connector."
- Best For: Startups with a parent company in Australia/UK.
3. Financio
The "Budget" Choice
- Startup Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.8/5)
- What Founders Love: Very cheap and simple for non-accountants.
- The Complaint: "Good for freelancers, but we outgrew it in 6 months. It lacks the advanced reporting we need for investors."
- Best For: Solopreneurs and micro-businesses.
Comparison: Startup Priorities
| Feature | QNE AI Cloud | Xero | Financio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burn Rate (Cost) | Low (MYR) | High (USD) | Very Low (MYR) |
| LHDN e-Invoice | Native | Via Connector | Basic |
| API Openness | High | Very High | Low |
| Support Speed | Fast (Local) | Slow (Email) | Moderate |
Final Recommendation for Founders
If you are a funded startup or planning to scale: Choose QNE AI Cloud. It offers the "Xero-like" cloud experience but with the local compliance safety net that investors demand. You get the best of both worlds: modern tech + local safety.
If you are a solopreneur with < RM50k revenue: Choose Financio. It's cheap and gets the job done until you grow.
David Cheah
Senior Financial Systems AnalystDavid is a chartered accountant (MIA) with over 15 years of experience in Malaysian SME financial systems. He specializes in digital transformation, e-Invoice compliance, and cloud accounting migration. His independent reviews help businesses navigate the complex landscape of accounting software in Malaysia.