QuickBooks vs. Xero vs. Crunch: which is better?, image of someone toppling a king in chess | Crunch

At Crunch, we’ve been competing with the giants of the online accounting industry for over a decade. Quickbooks and Xero may be bigger than us, but we don’t believe for a single second that either are better than us!

We believe in offering our clients a personal service that not only represents excellent value for money, but one that also sucks the stress right out of managing your tax obligations. After all, you should be spending your time doing what you love, not toying with your abacus and sifting through your shoebox of receipts.

That philosophy is reflected in the suite of packages we offer here at Crunch: each one was designed to support your business at every stage of your self-employed journey, offering everything you need to comfortably run your business, no matter whether you’re a sole trader or a limited company.

So, if you’re in the market for an online accountancy solution and it’s come down to Quickbooks vs. Crunch, or Xero vs. Crunch, let’s run down the reasons why you should choose Crunch!

  Crunch Xero Quickbooks
Free Accounting Software Yes No No
Access to Client/Account Managers Yes No No
Access to Dedicated Accountants Yes No No
In-App/Online Support Chat Yes Yes Limited 
Telephone Support Yes No Limited
Unlimited Invoices Yes Limited Yes
Create Quotes/Estimates Yes Yes Limited
Manage Expenses Yes Yes Yes 
Mobile Apps (Expenses & Mileage) Yes Yes Yes 
Monthly Payroll Yes Yes Yes 
VAT Returns Yes Limited Yes
Self Assessments Yes No Limited 
Foreign Currencies Yes Limited Limited 
Year End Accounts & CT600 Yes Limited No 
Companies House Filings Yes No No
1-Click Dividends (Issue and Pay) Yes No No
Free Open Banking Yes No No
1-Click (Match-based) Bank Reconciliation Yes No No 
Real-time Reports Yes Yes Yes 
Automated Performance & Tax Liabilities Yes No No 

* Services could be limited by either packages and pricing, or by software limitations.

Quickbooks vs. Crunch

Let’s start with Quickbooks, shall we? One of the aspects of our service we’re proudest of is Crunch Free, the free accounting software solution for sole traders and limited companies that are happy filing their own tax returns, or those who are just starting out - something that Quickbooks don’t even offer.

Quickbooks have three different accountancy packages, which each require a monthly fee to access. However, many of the features of our Crunch Free product, let alone our paid packages, such as free Open Banking connections and Self Assessment support, aren’t available on any of Quickbooks’ packages.

You also won’t be getting access to Chartered Certified Accountants with Quickbooks, but with Crunch? All of our Sole Trader Pro, Limited Company Pro, and Limited Company Premium clients do. That’s because, at Crunch, we believe in the human touch: your business is unique, and so are your needs. Our experts are available whenever you need them to answer any business question you have - when it comes to your business, there’s no such thing as a stupid question, and we’re here to help.

Xero vs. Crunch

And now onto Xero, another competitor that doesn’t offer a free accounting solution! Much like Quickbooks, Xero also offers three paid packages - none of which include access to trained accountants or client managers.

Much like Quickbooks, Xero also doesn't offer many of the services we offer on Crunch Free, including Self Assessment support. In fact, unlike even Quickbooks, who offer limited support with Self Assessment submissions depending on your package, Xero simply doesn't offer any support with the most important tax filing of the year.

Xero also limits the number of invoices you can send, the foreign currencies you can be paid in, and the support you can get with your VAT returns. Xero doesn't even offer telephone support, something which comes as standard on all of our Pro and Premium packages.

The choice is clear!

You might’ve thought we were self-promoting at the start of this article when we said “Quickbooks and Xero may be bigger than us, but we don’t believe for a single second that either are better than us!”. We think you probably agree with us by now, though.

Crunch offers the more comprehensive, supportive, and diverse packages that not only include the ability to do, to manage, to file, and to record everything you need to effectively run your business, but that also offers the kind of support and comfort only your own team of experts can provide.

If you’re ready to get started with Crunch, you can give our friendly advisors a call for a free consultation, where you can ask any and all business questions you may have. They’ll also be able to help you decide which Crunch package would be best for you and your business.

Speak to an accounting expert

If you're unsure what level of support you need, our friendly team are on hand to help you pick the right package for you.
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Updated on
August 2, 2021

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Crunch Pro Tip
Speak to an accounting expert

If you're unsure what level of support you need, our friendly team are on hand to help you pick the right package for you.

Crunch Pro Tip
Using cloud-based accountancy software to manage your finances gives any small business a big advantage!

At Crunch we provide affordable cutting-edge, easy-to-use software with real human support from expert chartered accountants. That’s probably why 81% of our clients would recommend Crunch.

Crunch Pro Tip
Did you know - you have access to a Chartered Certified accountant for free on our paid subscriptions?

Book a call with our one accountants and get your questions answered. Just £24.50 +VAT for Crunch Free users.

Crunch Pro Tip
Did you know - Your Self Assessment has to be filed by the 31st of January deadline?

Crunch’s Self Assessment service provides an expert accountant to complete, check, and file your Self Assessment for you for just £140 +VAT.

Crunch Pro Tip
Did you know - We have a free plan that is great for sole traders and limited companies?

Why not see for yourself? It’s simple and easy to use and 100% free.