The Real Difference
FYI Is a Document Tool With Practice Features Bolted On.
Reviewers consistently praise FYI's auto-filing — and just as consistently note its practice-management features feel underdeveloped next to dedicated platforms. And you can't even start without subscribing to Microsoft Business Standard and Xero (or XPM) first.
"FYI's workflow automations are heavily dependent on its Microsoft and Xero integrations. If your firm doesn't live in both, you can't reap the full benefit — and you're paying three vendors to do one job."
Full Comparison
Sole vs FYI Docs — Every Feature
Feature
Sole Practice Manager
FYI Docs
Pricing model
Flat, per practice
$30–$70/user/mo
5-staff cost
$399/mo flat
$150–$350/mo + add-ons
Minimum users
None
5 users
Works without Microsoft 365
✅ Yes
❌ Required
Works without Xero / XPM
✅ Yes
❌ Required
Document management & auto-filing
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Full practice / workflow management
✅ Core feature
⚠️ Underdeveloped
Client portal
✅ Included
❌ No
White-label client app
✅ Available
❌ No
BAS / STP / SuperStream
✅ Built-in
❌ No
Australian-built
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Built for Australia
FYI Needs Xero for Compliance. Sole Has It Built In.
FYI relies on its Xero/XPM connection for the accounting backbone. Sole's Australian compliance is native — no middleware, no second vendor to keep in sync with ATO changes.
BAS & IAS Lodgement
Lodge directly from the platform — no Xero or third-party middleware required.
STP Phase 2
ATO-compliant Single Touch Payroll built into the platform, not bolted on via integration.
SuperStream
Super clearing house built in — manage and clear super contributions without leaving Sole.
PAYG & Tax Lodgement
ITR1/ITR2 preparation, lodgement calendar, and PAYG withholding — all built in.
White-Label
Put Your Brand in Front. Not Theirs.
FYI gives clients an upload portal — inside the Microsoft/FYI experience, not your brand. Sole's white-label client app puts your firm's identity in front of every client interaction.
Sole Practice Manager
Your Brand. Your Portal.
Your logo and colour palette throughout
Your domain name — clients never see "soleapp"
Documents and proposals under your firm's name
Available from $24.99/month per client licence
FYI Docs
Microsoft's Frame. Not Yours.
Client upload portal via FYI / Microsoft
No standalone white-label client app
Requires Microsoft 365 to access
Clients experience Microsoft, not your firm
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Is Sole a replacement for FYI Docs?
Yes. Sole covers document management and adds full practice management, billing, a client portal and Australian compliance in one platform — so most firms replace FYI rather than run it alongside another system.
Do I need Microsoft 365 or Xero to use Sole?
No. Unlike FYI, which requires both a Microsoft 365 and a Xero (or XPM) subscription to sign up, Sole works as a standalone Australian-made platform.
Does Sole have a five-user minimum like FYI?
No. FYI requires a minimum of five users. Sole’s Start plan is $399/month flat for your whole team, with unlimited staff seats.
Is Sole's practice management more capable than FYI's?
FYI is a document system first; its practice-management features are widely described as underdeveloped. Sole is built as a practice platform from the ground up, with compliance, billing and client management native.