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Crunch vs. Xero
A powerful Xero alternative with unlimited expert accountancy support
Looking for a Xero alternative that offers more than just software? Crunch combines user-friendly accounting software with unlimited expert support from real accountants.
We make managing your finances simple, with real people ready to help whenever you need it – and all for a price that works for you.
Switch to Crunch today and experience the difference of having expert accounting support at your fingertips!
See how Crunch compares as a Xero alternative
Did you know that Crunch offers several key advantages in both software and service compared to Xero? See how the unique features and benefits of Crunch stack up in the comparison table below. But first, let’s learn more about Xero.
| Feature |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
Crunch provides both software and full accounting services for just £266 + VAT more than Xero's software alone—no need for extra add-ons or an accountant.
|
Xero can be expensive for just the software, and you'll often need several add-ons and an accountant, adding even more costs.
|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Unlimited access to UK-based Chartered Certified accountants is included with all packages
|
Not available – No Accountancy Services built in.
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
No hidden fees or unexpected charges – Clear, upfront pricing.
|
Variable pricing – Additional costs for premium features or services.
|
| Custom packages for businesses |
Tailored packages to suit freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
|
Standard packages – Limited flexibility for specific business needs.
|
| Award-Winning UK-based accountants |
Yes – Recognised and trusted by thousands of UK businesses.
|
No – Xero doesn’t offer accountant services, only software.
|
| Easy migration & setup |
Free migration help for a smooth transition. We’ll answer all your questions!
|
Yes - offers migration using a partner firm, which involves using additional service.
|
| Real-Time accounting dashboard |
Yes – Intuitive dashboard with real-time insights and support.
|
Yes – Software-only solution without direct accountant support.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages – Unlimited access to UK Chartered accountants.
|
Not included – Additional cost for support services from Accountants
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
No hidden fees or surprise costs – Clear, upfront pricing.
|
Variable pricing – Additional costs for many services and tools.
|
| Tax filing and HMRC Compliance assistance |
Full support for HMRC filings and compliance deadlines.
|
Limited – External accountant needed for full tax support.
|
| Tailored Packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Flexible packages designed for UK-based freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
|
Standardised plans – Limited customisation for specific business needs.
|
| Migration and onboarding support |
Free, easy migration with setup support and advice.
|
Self-service setup – No dedicated migration assistance.
|
| Award-Winning UK-based accountants |
Yes – Recognised for outstanding service to UK businesses.
|
Primarily US-focused support
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages – Unlimited access to UK Chartered accountants.
|
Non existent – requires additional cost for support services from an accountant.
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
No hidden fees or surprise costs – just clear, upfront pricing.
|
Cheap but basic, with no advanced features. You’ll likely end up needing Crunch anyway.
|
| Tax filing and HMRC Compliance assistance |
Full support for HMRC filings, compliance deadlines, Companies House submissions, and all other regulatory paperwork.
|
ZERO tax filing– external accountant needed for full tax support.
|
| Tailored Packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Flexible packages, tailored for freelancers, contractors, small businesses, sole traders, and limited companies.
|
One package with absolutely no customisation options for specific business needs.
|
| Migration and onboarding support |
Free migration advice to help with setup.
|
No dedicated support whatsoever. Limited, basic customer emails only.
|
| Award-Winning UK-based accountants |
Yes. Recognised for outstanding service to UK businesses.
|
No - you will have to pay the high fees of an external accountant.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packagesUnlimited access to UK-based, Chartered ACCA accountants, including via chat and one-on-one video calls. ACCA-regulated for the best advice and support.
|
Ember offers support from UK-based accountants, but are not regulated by any professional body. Issues not resolved by Ember must be taken to the Financial Ombudsman, which can be lengthy.
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
|
Fixed, upfront pricing.
|
| ‘’Pay Yourself’’ tool |
Yes, including real-time profit insights, salary & dividend recommendations, and payslip generation to make managing income easy.
|
No comparable feature with the same level of integration.
|
| Dedicated bookkeeping services. |
Yes! With Crunch, you can manage your bookkeeping yourself or have our expert team handle it.
|
No comparable service for users seeking full bookkeeping support.
|
| Award-winning UK-based accountants |
Access to Crunch’s award-winning accountants, trusted by thousands of UK businesses.
|
No award recognition for their accountants, lacking the same level of recognition as Crunch’s experts.
|
| Contract flexibility |
Enjoy the freedom to cancel with just 30 days' notice—no long-term commitments required.
|
Locked into a 12-month contract with no option for early cancellation.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages – Direct access to certified chartered accountants whenever you need support or advice.
|
Not included – Although Freeagent does have a Crunch copycat plug in accountancy service, these use 3rd party accountants.
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
Fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you’re always in control of costs. Plus much lower prices with our bundled packages.
|
Variable pricing – Potential additional charges for extra features or user accounts.
|
| Tax filing and HMRC Compliance assistance |
Dedicated support with tax filings and full HMRC compliance to keep you on track and worry-free.
|
Limited – Provides tax tools but lacks the personalised accountant guidance for compliance.
|
| Tailored Packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Flexible options designed for freelancers, contractors, and small UK businesses—tailored to your needs.
|
Standard packages – Less customisation available for specific business types or needs.
|
| Migration and onboarding support |
A seamless transition with migration and onboarding support to get you up and running quickly.
|
Self-setup – Limited onboarding support for new users, with no dedicated migration help.
|
| Award-Winning UK-based accountants |
Award-winning UK-based accountants bring specialised local knowledge and hands-on expertise.
|
No accountant support within the software – Primarily a self-managed, software-only solution.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages – Access to qualified UK accountants for ongoing support.
|
Not included – Primarily software-focused, with limited accountant support.
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs or surprises.
|
Variable pricing – Additional costs may apply for premium features and additional users.
|
| Tax filing and HMRC Compliance assistance |
Full tax filing support and HMRC compliance guidance.
|
Limited – No integrated support for UK tax filings and compliance.
|
| Tailored Packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Customised packages designed for UK freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
|
Standard packages – Limited flexibility for specific UK business needs.
|
| Migration and onboarding support |
Free migration assistance with a dedicated team to help you set you up smoothly.
|
Self-service setup – No dedicated migration support available.
|
| Award-Winning UK-based accountants |
Yes – Recognised UK-based support from experienced accountants.
|
Primarily US-focused, with limited UK-specific expertise.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages – Direct access to UK-based accountants for personalised advice.
|
No - Pandle offers ZERO access to real accountants.
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring predictable costs.
|
Cheap but a very slow and bug-file app by all accounts. Try Crunch’s FREE software for something more powerful.
|
| Tax filing and HMRC Compliance assistance |
Full support with tax filings and HMRC compliance, keeping you on track.
|
Provides a few basic tax tools but you’ll have to pay accountant’s fees for tax filing.
|
| Tailored Packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Flexible options designed specifically for UK freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
|
Standard packages – No customisation available for specific business needs.
|
| Migration and onboarding support |
Seamless transition with free migration and onboarding assistance.
|
Self-setup - you’re on your own for data migration. They have live-chat, but this is insufficient.
|
| Award-Winning UK-based accountants |
Access to award-winning UK-based accountants with specialised local knowledge.
|
Software solutions only - lacks direct access to experienced accountants.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Direct access to UK-based accountants for personalised advice is included as standard.
|
Not included – Possible to get some accountant support likely costs extra.
|
| Transparent, fixed pricing |
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring predictable costs.
|
Variable pricing – Additional charges may apply for premium features and services.
|
| Tax filing and HMRC Compliance assistance |
Full support with tax filings and HMRC compliance, keeping you on track.
|
Limited – Offers tools for tax management but lacks integrated accountant support.
|
| Tailored Packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Flexible options designed specifically for UK freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
|
Standard packages – May not cater as precisely to individual business requirements.
|
| Migration and onboarding support |
Seamless transition with migration and onboarding assistance.
|
Self-setup – Limited personalised support for data migration and setup.
|
| Award-Winning UK-based accountants |
Access to award-winning UK-based accountants with specialised local knowledge.
|
Primarily software solutions; direct access to accountants may require additional services.
|
From hero to Xero
Xero is a well-known accounting software provider, often used by larger businesses with complex accounting needs. While it can be a decent fit for companies with in-house accountants, many small business owners find it expensive and overwhelming. Recent feedback highlights frustration over rising prices and limited support—leaving some feeling like they’re fighting accounting alone.
For freelancers, contractors, and small business owners, Xero’s extensive features can feel like overkill. Many users report paying for tools they simply don’t need and struggling with a system that assumes a level of accounting knowledge they simply don’t have.
At Crunch, we do things differently. Our software is designed for business owners—not accountants. It’s simple, intuitive, and built to make managing your finances effortless. Plus, we offer unlimited access to real accountants, so you’re never left figuring things out alone. No hidden fees, no unnecessary complexity, just expert support and smart accounting at a great price.
Established in 2009, trusted by over 64,000.
Experience award-winning smart software and expert accountants, all in one place.
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Key benefits of Crunch vs
Xero
Real UK accountants, whenever you need them Crunch is built for business owners, not accountants
Unlike Xero, which is designed with accountants in mind, Crunch is built specifically for small business owners, freelancers, and contractors. Our intuitive software makes it easy to manage your finances without needing an accounting background—no confusing jargon, no unnecessary complexity. Just simple, powerful tools designed to help you stay in control.
Unlimited expert support
At Crunch, you get more than just software. Our qualified accountants are always available to provide unlimited support, whenever you need it, at no extra charge. This makes Crunch the ideal alternative to Xero, as you receive accounting advice, bookkeeping assistance, and tax optimisation strategies as part of the service. With Xero, you often have to rely on your accountant for support, but many accountants aren't fully familiar with the Xero software, which can lead to delays and confusion.
No hidden fees or unexpected costs
Say goodbye to surprise fees! With Crunch, you know exactly what you’re paying for upfront. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring you get the best value without any nasty surprises.
Custom packages to fit your business
We understand that every business is unique. That’s why Crunch offers flexible packages tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, or small business, we have a solution that works for you.
Award-winning UK-based accountants
Our team of expert accountants is based right here in the UK and has been recognised for outstanding service. With Crunch, you get access to award-winning professionals who know the ins and outs of UK tax law.
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All the accounting features you need to reach max profitability!
Crunch’s user-friendly dashboard gives you real- time visibility of cash flow, expenses, and profits enabling better financial decision making.
Record expenses on the go with our mobile app. Snap receipts, connect your bank, and let Crunch handle the categorisation, VAT, and record-keeping. You can even log mileage effortlessly with our built-in tracker.
Get paid up to 3x quicker with CrunchPay. Add a simple “Pay Now” button to your invoices so clients can pay instantly via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Direct Debit, or card.
Import bank transactions daily and match them with one click using our AI-suggested matches. Stay on top of your finances in real-time—no spreadsheets, no guesswork.
Never upload a statement again with secure bank feeds, your transactions flow into your account automatically, saving you time and keeping your books effortlessly up to date.
Switchin to Crunch from
Xero
is easy
Our friendly experts make it quick and simple with minimal disruption.
Helpful migration support
Our expert team takes the stress out of switching by guiding you through every step, making the transition to Crunch super smooth.
Fast, secure data transfer
We handle the secure import of your financial data, so you can switch with confidence, knowing your information is safe.
Full setup and ongoing assistance
Enjoy a hassle-free setup and onboarding process, followed by unlimited support from our UK-based accountants to keep your business running smoothly.
Make the move to Crunch today and start enjoying our expert-led support right away!
Frequently asked questions
Explore our FAQs for quick answers to your questions
Crunch combines powerful accounting software with unlimited expert support from our own team of dedicated chartered certified accountants. Unlike Xero, which is designed for complex businesses or accountants, Crunch is built specifically for small businesses, contractors, and freelancers, ensuring you get the right features at the right price.
Crunch offers transparent, fixed pricing with no hidden fees, while Xero may require additional costs for certain services.
No, switching to Crunch is seamless, our dedicated team will offer advice throughout the migration process.
Yes, Crunch provides unlimited support from qualified, UK-based accountants included in all our packages. Making Crunch a superior alternative to Xero.
Absolutely! Our accountants assist with tax filings, ensuring you stay compliant with all HMRC regulations.
Crunch software offers features such as automated invoicing, real-time expense tracking, and a comprehensive dashboard for financial insights.
Yes, we provide flexible packages tailored to freelancers, contractors, and small business owners.
You’ll receive ongoing, unlimited support from our team of accountants and customer service experts to help with any questions or guidance you need. Another reason why Crunch is a perfect alternative to Xero.
Still got questions? We’re on hand to answer them all! Simply give us a call on 0330 404 2284!
How does Crunch compare to the rest?
We don’t just think we’re the best, the numbers back it up. See how we outperform the competition.
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Trusted by over 64,000 — simple accounting with powerful software and unlimited human support from our experts and certified accountants.
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