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Crunch. vs Caroola
A powerful Caroola alternative with unlimited expert accountancy support
Looking for a Caroola alternative that puts you first? Crunch combines expert, unlimited UK-based accountant support with simple software designed just for freelancers and contractors—not third-party tools like Caroola uses.`
With Crunch, you get more than just software; you get real people and qualified accountants supporting you every step of the way. Plus, our pricing is transparent and straightforward, with no hidden fees.
Switch to Crunch today and see how personalised support can make all the difference.
See how Crunch compares with Caroola
When managing your business finances, the last thing you need is complexity, sales calls, or uncertainty. Crunch offers expert guidance and hands-on support that truly sets us apart from firms like Caroola.
| Feature |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages – Direct access to UK-based accountants for personalised advice.
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Limited – direct accountant access depends on your package level.
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| Pricing |
Clear, fixed pricing from just £27, no hidden fees
|
Starts at £89, with costly upgrades for VAT management and additional directors.
|
| Tax filing and HMRC compliance assistance |
Full support with tax filings and HMRC compliance, keeping you on track.
|
Some filings are offered, but if you want all HMRC submissions you’ll need to upgrade.
|
| Tailored packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Flexible options designed specifically for UK freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
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Standard packages – No customisation available for specific business needs.
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| Migration and onboarding support |
Seamless transition with free migration and onboarding assistance.
|
They have an onboarding team, but come with mixed reviews.
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| Offer their own purpose-built software |
Crunch provides its own purpose-built software. Built for business owners, no accounting degree needed.
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Relies on third-party software (FreeAgent) rather than offering their own platform.
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| IR35 flexibility and support |
Crunch’s Premium package includes support for both outside and inside IR35 – all in one plan.
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IR35 support is only available on their most expensive support option.
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| VAT management |
Included as standard.
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Only included on higher packages.
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The story behind Caroola
Caroola is the result of several long-standing contractor accountancy firms being brought together under one brand. These include SJD Accountancy, Nixon Williams, Clearsky Accounting, and Brain Alfred. Firms that, at their peak, supported around 40,000 contractors.
Crunch was invited to join the group but chose to remain independent. For us, it’s always been important to focus on what’s best for our clients, without private equity influence.
In recent years, changes to legislation—particularly IR35—created challenges across the industry. The group was eventually sold to Alcentra, a debt management company, and rebranded as Caroola in 2023.
As of 2025, Caroola supports around 10,000 contractors and has reportedly been put up for sale once again.
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
Caroola
Qualified accountants on hand—not just software alone
Crunch provides unlimited access to qualified UK accountants, ready to help whenever you need. Caroola does offer accountancy support, but it’s typically limited to higher-tier packages and isn’t as accessible across all customers.
Smart IR35 support, whatever your contact
With our Limited Company Premium package, you’re covered for both inside and outside IR35 contracts. Get tax-efficient support when working outside IR35 and access to umbrella services when you’re inside it. All included in one flexible package.
Clear pricing, no hidden fees or add-ons needed
Crunch offers straightforward, transparent pricing with everything included. Caroola’s pricing can be less clear, with key services like accountant access and support often locked behind more expensive plans.
Full tax support, not just basic reporting
Crunch’s accountants manage your tax filings and HMRC compliance fully, giving you peace of mind. Caroola provides basic tax tools via FreeAgent software, but dedicated tax filing support generally requires additional packages or fees.
Packages built for your business, not one-size-fits-all
Crunch designs flexible packages specifically for freelancers, contractors, and small UK businesses, so you only pay for what you need. Caroola’s packages are more standardised and less tailored to individual business needs.
Ongoing migration help from the moment you sign-up
Crunch’s dedicated success managers support you through switching and ongoing queries. By contrast, Caroola’s onboarding and migration support is reported to be less comprehensive, making transitions harder for clients.
Trusted, award-winning UK accountants with local expertise
Crunch remains proudly independent, staffed by award-winning UK-based accountants who understand the local market. Caroola’s private equity ownership history and recent business challenges have led to client loss and instability.
Crunch offers purpose-built software, made for business owners
Crunch’s software is built in-house specifically for UK small businesses and freelancers. You can even suggest features or vote on our public roadmap. Corolla relies on third-party software, meaning they can’t adapt it to client feedback or innovate it directly.
All the accounting features you need to reach max profitability!
Stay on top of your finances with Crunch’s user-friendly dashboard that gives you real-time visibility into your cash flow, expenses, and profits.
Save time with automated invoicing and payment tracking. Create, send, and manage invoices effortlessly, helping you get paid faster.
Easily track your business expenses with our streamlined software, ensuring you maximise your tax savings and keep your finances organised.
Benefit from on-demand support from our UK-based accountants who provide expert advice tailored to your unique business needs.
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Relax knowing that your tax returns and compliance filings are in capable hands. Our accountants guide you through deadlines and regulations, reducing stress and potential errors.
Get set with a dedicated onboarding service and continuous support to keep your accounting stress-free as your business grows.
Switchin to Crunch from
Caroola
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 helping you make the transition to Crunch. Ask as many questions as you like!
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 real accountant support, smart software, and transparent pricing. Corolla offers a more traditional, less flexible experience—using a third party software provider rather than their own platform.
Yes, we’ve never taken private equity money and never will. That independence means we’re always focused on what’s best for our customers.
Absolutely. Crunch’s accountants take care of your tax filings and HMRC compliance. Meaning you don’t only get peace of mind, but hopefully tax savings too!
Very easy! Our customer success team can help you set up, so you’re fully supported from day one. And as a Caroola client, we’ll even do your bookkeeping to get your accounts moved across.
Yes, all Crunch packages include our easy-to-use software and unlimited access to qualified UK-based accountants.
Absolutely. We’ve helped thousands of contractors navigate IR35, and we’ll make sure you stay on the right side of HMRC. With our Limited Company Premium package, you get the best of both worlds. Tax-efficient support for outside IR35 contracts and access to umbrella services for inside IR35 work. All included in one package—so you’re always covered, whatever your contract situation.
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.
Premium Plus: Everything a complex business needs, all in one place.
