Target keyword
dext alternative for solo bookkeepers and small firms
Most buyers comparing Dext are not looking for more software. They are looking for less manual invoice entry.
ZeroPaste is narrower by design: invoice in, clean row out, optional Xero draft bill when ready.
Why bookkeepers compare these two
The real cost is not reading invoices. It is repeating the same copy-paste work across PDFs every week.
- Manual transcription keeps eating Fridays.
- Setup-heavy tools delay value.
- Spreadsheet-first teams want rows, not a platform migration.
Side-by-side comparison
This is the practical difference for spreadsheet-led bookkeepers.
Side-by-side comparison
This is the practical difference for spreadsheet-led bookkeepers.
| Criterion | ZeroPaste | Dext |
|---|---|---|
| Setup required | No setup, works in under 3 minutes | Account + integration setup required |
| Starting price | £23/month Professional | £22+/month (limited tier) |
| Xero integration | Optional | Core workflow |
| Mobile capture | Snap in browser, no app | App required |
| Data deletion | Original invoice files are automatically deleted within 24 hours of processing or immediately on user request | Long-term storage |
| Email forwarding | Yes, personal, team, and per-client aliases | Yes |
| Line-item extraction | Live with review-first editable rows | Yes on some plans |
| Free trial | Yes, 5 docs free | Yes |
Why bookkeepers switch
These are the most common reasons teams move to a lighter extraction workflow.
- You can start with real invoices immediately instead of planning a larger rollout.
- The workflow fits spreadsheet-led bookkeeping instead of trying to replace it.
- Xero is available when ready, but never required on day one.
How ZeroPaste works
The workflow stays simple and visible.
How ZeroPaste works
The workflow stays simple and visible.
Upload invoices
Drop PDFs or images into the dashboard and start with a small real batch.
Forward invoice emails
Send invoice attachments to your dedicated ZeroPaste inbox.
Use Snap for paper invoices
Photograph clean paper invoices in your phone browser with no app install.
Review key fields
Check vendor, invoice date, invoice number, total amount, VAT, currency, and due date.
Export or push to Xero
Export CSV/XLSX or optionally create Xero draft bills when you are ready.
Privacy and trust
ZeroPaste is built for bookkeeping teams that need fast extraction without vague retention policies.
Privacy and trust
ZeroPaste is built for bookkeeping teams that need fast extraction without vague retention policies.
- EU servers
- Original invoice files are automatically deleted within 24 hours of processing or immediately on user request
- No training on customer data
- Works standalone before any Xero connection
If you also need the reporting step
Plain.Tools / PlainFigures is another tool from the same team for turning cleaned CSV exports into clearer client-facing reports.
Why bookkeepers switch
The move usually comes down to simplicity and trust.
- Less setup before first value
- Spreadsheet-first output instead of platform-first workflow
- Privacy-by-deletion rather than long-term document retention
Scope boundary
ZeroPaste extracts and optionally delivers. It does not reconcile, classify, file, or post transactions to a ledger.
Frequently asked questions
Answers grounded in the actual ZeroPaste workflow and scope boundary.
Useful next steps
These links keep the buyer journey tight: try the workflow, verify the trust story, or compare adjacent options.
ZeroPaste
Try ZeroPaste free — 5 invoices, no card required
Upload files, forward invoice emails, or use Snap on your phone. Get clean spreadsheet-ready rows first, then connect Xero only if and when you want draft bills created automatically.