Crunch vs. Ember

A powerful Ember alternative with unlimited expert accountancy support

Looking for an alternative to Ember that offers more than just software? Crunch combines expert accountancy support with intuitive software designed to make your finances easier.With us, you get more than just tools - you get real people and accountants helping you manage your accounts, all for a price that works for you.

Start using Crunch today and experience the power of expert accounting support!

See how Crunch compares as an Ember alternative

When it comes to your business finances, having reliable, all-round support is key. At Crunch, we’ve been providing award-winning, transparent, and dependable accounting solutions for over a decade, helping thousands of businesses stay on top of their finances with expert guidance every step of the way.

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Unlimited UK-based accountant support
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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.
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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
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Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
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Fixed, upfront pricing.
‘’Pay Yourself’’ tool
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Yes, including real-time profit insights, salary & dividend recommendations, and payslip generation to make managing income easy.
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No comparable feature with the same level of integration.
Dedicated bookkeeping services.
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Yes! With Crunch, you can manage your bookkeeping yourself or have our expert team handle it.
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No comparable service for users seeking full bookkeeping support.
Award-winning UK-based accountants
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Access to Crunch’s award-winning accountants, trusted by thousands of UK businesses.
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No award recognition for their accountants, lacking the same level of recognition as Crunch’s experts.
Contract flexibility
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Enjoy the freedom to cancel with just 30 days' notice—no long-term commitments required.
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Locked into a 12-month contract with no option for early cancellation.

More about Ember

On the surface, Ember looks like it offers a similar mix of software and accounting support. However, while some Ember users find the automation handy, it can fall short when it comes to the ongoing, personalised guidance that really makes a difference as your business grows.

Crunch, on the other hand, offers dedicated client managers, giving you a go-to expert who really understands your needs. Our team provides proactive hands-on support to keep you on track with your finances. We’re proud to offer online accounting that makes running your business a whole lot easier.

Start using Crunch today to benefit from dedicated accountant support, transparent pricing, and full UK tax compliance!

Established in 2009, trusted by over 64,000.

“Solid way of combining a software service with the reassuring backup of support” - tech radar review

Experience award-winning smart software and expert accountants, all in one place.

Award-winning tech and customer service
Accounting tech of the year finalists - UK fintech awards 2025Best accounting software for small businesses in the UK for real advisors  - Techradar.Donut - Best accounting software for servicesThe contracting awards- Best contractor accountancy finalist -2024Best All-in-One small business accounting solution 2025 - UK enterprise awards
Unlimited support from our experts and certified accountants

Key benefits of Crunch vs Ember

Personalised  support from award-winning UK accountants

With Crunch, you get access to award-winning accountants who specialise in UK small business needs and understand local tax intricacies. This depth of expertise and recognition sets Crunch apart as the best alternative to Ember, offering a level of guidance that goes beyond basic accounting.

Real-time income insights with “Pay Yourself’’

Crunch's exclusive 'Pay Yourself' tool gives you real-time insights into your profits, offers tax-efficient salary recommendations, generates payslips, and tracks dividends—all in one place. It’s perfect for anyone looking to simplify income management without leaving their accounting platform.

Comprehensive bookkeeping services for peace-of-mind

With Crunch, you can fully outsource your bookkeeping to our expert team if you want, letting you focus on what matters most. Ember provides a range of services, but doesn’t offer dedicated bookkeeping, so Crunch is the clear choice for hands-on support.

No hidden fees, just all-inclusive support

Crunch’s packages offer everything you need. From easy to use software to unlimited accounting support, all with no hidden fees. You can count on us for a hassle-free experience, while Ember’s competitive pricing may come with extra charges for additional features or more detailed support.

All the accounting features you need to reach max profitability!

Powerful financial insights

Crunch’s user-friendly dashboard gives you real- time visibility of cash flow, expenses, and profits enabling better financial decision making.

Track and automate your expenses

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 faster with CrunchPay

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.

One-click bank reconciliation

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.

Connect your bank account

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.

Plus so many more features...
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Switching to Crunch from Ember 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

Why should I choose Crunch as a Pandle alternative?

Crunch offers unlimited access to UK-based accountants, not just software, giving you real support with your finances. Pandle’s service is just very basic software - leaving users without any accountant guidance.

Is Crunch's price really all-inclusive?

Yes, Crunch offers fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden extras. Unlike Pandle, you won’t face surprise charges for additional features or support. Making Crunch a great alternative to Pandle.

Can Crunch help with my tax filings and HMRC compliance?

Absolutely. Crunch’s accountants take care of your tax filings and HMRC compliance, while Pandle offers only basic reporting tools without dedicated tax support.

Is it difficult to switch from Pandle to Crunch?

Very easy! Our customer success team can help you setup, so you’re fully supported from day one. With Pandle, setup is largely a DIY process.

Will I have access to real accountants with Crunch?

Yes, all Crunch packages include unlimited access to UK-based accountants who understand UK tax law, which Pandle’s software-only approach does not provide. The no1. reason why Crunch is a much superior alternative to Pandle.

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.

Simple plans that grow with you. FREE for 14 days!

Trusted by over 64,000 — simple accounting with powerful software and unlimited human support from our experts and certified accountants.

Sole Trader Pro
All-in-one support for the self-employed
Everything you need for peace of mind, from expert help to tools and tax filings.
£26.50 £1 +VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £63.60 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£21.20 +VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £63.60 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
BEst for freelancers
Limited Company Pro
The essentials for your Limited Company
All the core tools and support you need to stay compliant and run your business.
£86.50 £2 +VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £207.60 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£69.20 +VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £207.60 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
Limited Company Premium
Full support for your Limited Company
Extra support and peace of mind including Self Assessment, tax saving advice, & more.
£132.50 £3 +VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £342.00 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£106 +VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £342.00 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
GREAT VALUE & HELPS SAVE MONEY!
Sole Trader Pro
All-in-one support for the self-employed
Everything you need for peace of mind, from expert help to tools and tax filings.
£26.50 £1+VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £63.60 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£21.20+VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £63.60 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
BEst for freelancers
See all features
Limited Company Pro
The essentials for your Limited Company
All the core tools and support you need to stay compliant and run your business.
£86.50 £2+VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £207.60 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£69.20+VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £207.60 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
See all features
Limited Company Premium
Full support for your Limited Company
Extra support and peace of mind including Self Assessment, tax saving advice, & more.
£132.50 £3+VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £342.00 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£132.50+VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £342.00 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
GREAT VALUE & HELPS SAVE MONEY!
See all features
Sole Trader Pro
All-in-one support for the self-employed
Everything you need for peace of mind, from expert help to tools and tax filings.
£26.50 £1+VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £63.60 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£21.20+VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £63.60 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
BEst for freelancers
See all features
Limited Company Pro
The essentials for your Limited Company
All the core tools and support you need to stay compliant and run your business.
£86.50 £2+VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £207.60 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£69.20+VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £207.60 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
See all features
Limited Company Premium
Full support for your Limited Company
Extra support and peace of mind including Self Assessment, tax saving advice, & more.
£132.50 £3+VAT/month
PROMO CODE: MAY123
Terms & conditions apply
OR save £342.00 & go annual
Try FREE for 14 days
£106+VAT/month
(billed annually)
Saving £342.00 per year!
Try FREE for 14 days
GREAT VALUE & HELPS SAVE MONEY!
See all features

Need even more?

For businesses that are more complex, e-commerce-focused, or generating higher revenue, Premium Plus offers the advanced tools you need for scale.

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Powerful software built for scale
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E-commerce linking
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Your dedicated certified accountant
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Your dedicated bookkeeping expert