The start of a new year always brings a fresh burst of energy. Whether you’re looking to scale your operations or reclaim your weekends, January is the perfect time to audit the “manual” work you’re putting in and replace it with the “meaningful”.

We’ve heard from our customers that connecting apps to Xero is a critical piece of the puzzle when looking to save time, grow their business or simply make day-to-day work life easier. We know that as many as 78% of Xero customers have already gained efficiencies thanks to apps. 

That’s why we’ve launched our 2026 Xero App Store Power Lists. We’ve done the heavy lifting to bring you 10 collections of the most popular apps across a diverse range of categories to help you power up your new year. Thousands of your peers are already using these tools to drive to their success – it’s time to join them.

Meet the Xero App Store Power Lists

Select the statement below that most applies to you and your business to find the right list to start with. 

I am not sure where to start with apps

Check out some of the tools that are the most popular overall among Xero customers, and those that have been recognised for their stand-out features. 

• The Standard Setters: Explore the most popular apps overall, used by thousands of Xero customers to deliver automation across payments, reporting, and payroll.
• The Trophy Cabinet: See the winners of the Xero Global App Awards, recognised for excellence in design, functionality and customer satisfaction.

I have a specific problem to solve

If you’ve already identified a key time drain or challenge in your business, explore these lists of popular apps catered for some of the top business needs. 

• The Spend Streamliners: Eliminate manual data entry for receipts and bills using AI-powered automation.
• The Team Timekeepers: Swap spreadsheets for reliable software to ensure easy timesheets, accurate payroll and simple project costing.
• The Job Flow Favourites: Automate quoting, billing and project tracking for stronger cash flow and smoother projects. 

I want to know what my peers are using

Is your efficiency on par with your peers? Check out the most popular apps that others in your industry are using to ensure you have the right tools for your unique trade:

• The Retailer’s Top Shelf: Manage multi-channel sales and automate inventory with tools like A2X and Cin7 Core.
• The Trades Toolkit: Simplify construction and trades job management and on-site invoicing with favourites like ServiceM8 and Tradify.
• The Pure Professionals: Streamline invoicing, client management and more at your agency or firm with apps like GoCardless and Paidnice.
• The Advisor’s Arsenal: Practice management software like Ignition and ContentSnare can help drive your accounting firm’s efficiency.

I want to know what’s new

• The Rising Stars: Check out the top new and noteworthy apps to find modern software like generative AI business companions and real-time predictive analytics.

How to choose your 2026 toolkit

You don’t need to adopt 10 apps at once. To find the right fit, start with these three steps:

1. Identify your biggest headache: Is it chasing late payments? Manually entering receipts? Pick one pain point to solve first.
2. Look for the “Aha!” moment: Choose apps that provide insights, not just data. For example, use cash flow forecasting to plan for project gaps.
3. Talk to your advisor: Your accountant or bookkeeper knows your business and can give you tailored advice.

Why your app stack is your competitive edge in 2026

In 2026, the most successful businesses aren’t just working harder; they’re working smarter by using automation to predict needs before they even arise.

Connecting the right apps to Xero doesn’t just save time on data entry – it transforms your business into a high-performing powerhouse, with benefits flowing on to your employees, customers and bottom line. 

Ready to power up?

Don’t let manual busywork slow down your momentum this year. Whether you’re automating your first quote or building an AI-powered workflow, the Xero App Store is here to help you make 2026 your most efficient year yet.

Explore all Power Lists in the Xero App Store