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Crunch vs Hnry
A Hnry alternative that keeps costs clear and support strong
Looking for an alternative to Hnry that gives you control and predictability? We get it.
Hnry’s service for Sole Traders works on a “the more you earn, the more you pay” model, requiring you to route all income and expenses through a Hnry bank account they manage. That’s a lot of control to hand over. At Crunch, we’d rather keep the power where it belongs - with you.
We believe in supporting your success, not charging you more for it. Your price stays the same, no matter how well your business does. Simple, fixed, and totally transparent, so you can grow your business without worrying about rising fees.
See how Crunch compares as a Hnry alternative
Choosing the right accounting support is a big deal. That’s why for over a decade, Crunch has been the go-to for thousands of UK businesses. With us, you get expert advice, easy software, clear pricing, and a whole lot of peace of mind. Here’s a head-to-head look at Crunch and Hnry.
| Feature |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages Unlimited 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 no longer offers accounting support since joining with Starling Bank.
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| Transparent, fixed pricing |
Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
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Fixed, upfront pricing.
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| ‘’Pay Yourself’’ tool |
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. After 2025, Ember’s software will be available only to Starling Bank customers.
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| Dedicated bookkeeping services. |
Yes! With Crunch, you can manage your bookkeeping yourself or have our expert team handle it.
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No accounting service provided regardless of your bank.
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| Award-winning UK-based accountants |
Access to Crunch’s award-winning accountants, trusted by thousands of UK businesses.
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No accounting support is offered, making Crunch a great Ember alternative.
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| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Clear, fixed pricing from just £27, no hidden fees
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Starts at £89, with costly upgrades for VAT management and additional directors.
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| 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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| Tax filing and HMRC compliance assistance |
Full support with tax filings and HMRC compliance, keeping you on track.
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Some filings are offered, but if you want all HMRC submissions you’ll need to upgrade.
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| 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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| Feature | |
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|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month. Fixed monthly costs make it easy to plan and budget.
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Pricing is based on time spent, so costs can swing unpredictably and end up expensive. Whether quoted for a single month or a year.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
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Accounting services primarily focused on compliance and year-end filings.
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| Online accounting software |
Included in your accounting packages is also access to our easy-to-use Crunch software. Everything in one place, no need to juggle multiple platforms.
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Use Xero software rather than their own, which can add cost and complexity.
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited support from ACCA-regulated accountants and dedicated Client Success Managers (all UK-based). With Crunch Premier, we even offer a dedicated accountant at a great price.
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Yes, but no mention of dedicated Client Success Managers to aid with everyday help.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
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Usually custom quotes.
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| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
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Some, but not recent. And fewer overall than Crunch.
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| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews
|
Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over communication and service quality.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
|
Prices start from £24.50 for Sole Traders with turnover under £20,000. Prices increase for higher turnovers or additional support requirements.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to our in-house ACCA-regulated Chartered Certified accountants at Crunch. No outsourcing.
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Accounting services are included but pricing and support can be inconsistent, with no chartered or ACCA-accredited accountants on the team.
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| Online accounting software |
Easy-to-use smart software that’s fully integrated with our services.
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Utilise Pandle's software, however users report performance issues and bugs. Crunch’s FREE accounting software is reliable, and our accounting packages include the complete Pro version.
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited, expert, UK-based accountancy support.
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Support varies; mixed reviews highlight some inconsistency.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
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Packages are often inflexible.
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| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
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No clear mention of awards won.
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| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
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Sole Trader accounting packages start from £59 + VAT, with additional costs.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
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Subscription packages offer some accounting support.
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| Online accounting software |
Crunch’s in-house built software, fully controlled and constantly improved to meet users’ needs perfectly.
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Use FreeAgent software, (a third-party software not owned or developed by Gorilla.)
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited, expert, UK-based accountancy support.
|
Yes, but reports show it can be slow and generic.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
|
Fixed packages only.
|
| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
|
No clear awards listed.
|
| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
|
Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over accountant consistency.
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| Independence & continuity |
Founder-led since launch; same leadership for 16 years. Meaning you get consistent, client-first service.
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Private-equity owned.
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| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting packages price: |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
|
Offers Limited Company subscriptions from £39 + VAT with one-off advice for £139 per session.
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| Self Assessments |
Self Assessment is included in most Crunch packages. If you only need a standalone return, we offer special deals throughout the year.
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Self Assessments available from £169. With a bundle including advice for £249.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
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Subscription packages offer support mainly for Limited Companies; one-off advice for Sole Traders can be costly.
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| Online accounting software |
Included in your accounting package is access to our own easy-to-use smart software that’s fully integrated with our services.
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TaxFix offer a simple bookkeeping software to store records.
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited support from Crunch’s ACCA-regulated accountancy team. All based in the UK.
|
Yes, via £139 sessions or £39+VAT/month Limited Company plan. Work outsourced to third-party firms.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
|
Fixed yearly packages only.
|
| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
|
Yes, some awards won. But fewer than Crunch.
|
| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
|
Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over service consistency.
|
| Independence & continuity |
Independent UK-owned business, serving the self-employed since 2009.16 years, same name, same commitment to our clients.
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TaxScouts were acquired by TaxFix in 2024; now part of the TaxFix group.
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| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting packages price: |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
|
Prices can include large, unexpected fees, which are often not clear up front.
|
| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
|
Yes, although reports of inconsistent communication and delays.
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| Online accounting software |
Crunch’s in-house built software, designed for business owners with simplicity and ease of use at its core. Always evolving, always improving.
|
DNS Accountants use Nomi, a third-party software designed with accountants in mind, not business owners.
|
| Support and advice |
Unlimited support from Crunch’s ACCA-regulated accountancy. All based in the UK.
|
Yes, although reviews show some inconsistency with level of support.
|
| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
|
Fixed packages with less flexibility.
|
| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
|
Awards won in previous years, but fewer recent recognitions.
|
| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
|
Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over service consistency.
|
| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting packages price: |
One fixed monthly or annual fee. Sole Traders can get started for just £259.20 + VAT annually. That’s over 50% less than Hnry’s maximum fee.
|
A variable 1% + VAT charge of your income, capped at £600 + VAT per year. Meaning your costs change, making your accounting bill unpredictable.
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| Full accountancy and tax services |
Full support, all in one place. Payroll, bookkeeping, Year End, Self Assessment, VAT, tax optimisation, and more. Our experienced chartered accountants do it right and help you pay less tax.
|
Hnry isn’t a chartered accountancy practice. They offer Self Assessments and VAT returns, but depending on how much you earn or use the service, you could end up paying more.
|
| Business support at every stage of your journey |
We support you as you grow. From Sole Traders and Freelancers right up to growing Limited Companies, we’re here for you.
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Sole Traders only. Meaning if you incorporate, you’ll need to find new support.
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| Established UK experts |
Yes, Crunch has over 10 years of experience in UK accounting. And all of our experts are UK-based.
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Newly moved to the UK.
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| Banking flexibility |
Crunch offers banking integration to all major UK banks. With the option to upload CSV statements for any others.
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You must route all income and expenses through a Hnry Account that they manage for you. Meaning it’s a hassle to join and leave.
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| Multiple ways to speak to experts |
Yes! From WhatsApp to email, webchat, phone calls, and even one-on-one video calls, our tax advisors and ACCA-certified accountants are always ready to help.
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Support is mostly through webchat, with the option to request a call. Less direct and accessible when you need it.
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| Chartered ACCA accountants |
Get unlimited support from Crunch’s 36+ Chartered ACCA accountantsplus tax experts, included as standard in all our paid packages.
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Offers tax expert support, but no mention of any Chartered ACCA qualifications.
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| Proven by real customer feedback |
Crunch boasts a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot from 1,400+ reviews.
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Hnry’s UK Trustpilot page is currently empty, and their international reviews average is 3.5 stars*.
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More about Hnry’s model
Hnry is a recent entrant to the UK market, offering an all-in-one tool for Sole Traders (similar to our free accounting software). Their entire model is built around their 1% + VAT fee, which is taken from the income you receive. This variable pricing model means costs can be unpredictable, and you might be left feeling penalised for growing your income. The good news? Crunch provides a stable, fixed-price alternative that’s not only built for UK small businesses but has over a decade of proven experience.
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
Hnry
Predictable pricing that keeps costs under control
Why pay more as you earn more? Our fixed fees mean you keep your costs low, affordable, and predictable. No matter how successful your year is, your accounting bill stays the same.
Support from established UK experts
With Crunch, you get unlimited support from UK-based Chartered Accountants with over a decade of experience in UK tax. Whether you're a Sole Trader, Limited Company, or freelancer, we provide tailored advice to suit your business. And our average score of 4.5 stars across 1,400+ Trustpilot reviews? Well, they speak for themselves.
Real-time income insights with “Pay Yourself’’
Crunch's exclusive 'Pay Yourself' tool for Limited Companies 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. Sole Trader? You can still book a call with an accountant anytime for tips and tax help that could save you money.
Accounting done your way
From free do-it-yourself software to fully done-for-you accounting, Crunch has something for everyone. Whether you want tax optimisation advice to save you £££’s on your tax bill or need help decoding HMRC rules, we’ve got you covered. Want to save hours on bookkeeping? We have a service for that. However you want to manage your accounts, Crunch puts you firmly in the driving seat.
An accounting partner that grows with you
Hnry only supports Sole Traders. If you incorporate, you'll need to switch. With Crunch, you can stay with us from your first invoice to your first million. We’re here to grow with you at every stage.
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.
Switching to Crunch from
Hnry
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
The Pay Yourself tool provides real-time insights into your business profits, tax-efficient salary recommendations, and payslip generation, making it easy to manage your income directly within Crunch.
The main difference is predictability and value. Crunch charges a single fixed fee of £259.20 plus VAT per year for Sole Traders, with monthly options available and packages for Limited Companies. Hnry, on the other hand, takes 1% plus VAT of your income, which means your fee changes constantly and can rise to £600 plus VAT per year. Almost three times the cost of Crunch!
Unlike Hnry, Crunch doesn’t put you in a box. Whether you’re a Sole Trader, a Limited Company, a Crypto trader, or you’re running an Ecommerce business, we’ve got you covered. From side-hustlers to growing enterprises, we’re here for everyone.
Crunch is proud to go beyond the basics. With our tax experts and ACCA-accredited accountants at your fingertips, compliance headaches and frantic midnight Google searches are a thing of the past. We make sure everything is done properly, keep you compliant, meet every filing deadline, and save you on your tax bill while we’re at it.
Most of Hnry’s services are handled through automated software. They do cover Self Assessments, VAT returns, and some basic registrations. But depending on your earnings or how often you use the service, you could end up paying extra on top of their 1% fee.
Yes, Crunch offers dedicated bookkeeping services, so you can fully outsource your financial records if that’s what you need. Whether you want to keep it hands-on or have us take care of the details, we’ve got you covered.
With Crunch, you’re in control. Enjoy a fixed, predictable price from an award-winning, established UK-based team. You choose the level of support your business needs. From free accounting software to fully done-for-you services, the power is in your hands. It’s the flexibility and service your business deserves.
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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