Clearbooks vs 15Five
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Clearbooks
Clearbooks is a UK-focused cloud accounting software designed for small businesses and sole traders. It covers invoicing, expenses, payroll, and VAT returns in a simple and affordable package.
15Five
15Five is a continuous performance management platform focused on weekly check-ins, OKRs, and employee engagement. It helps managers stay connected with their teams through structured feedback and recognition tools. 15Five is popular with remote and distributed teams that need async communication tools.
Pros
- ✓Built specifically for UK accounting and VAT
- ✓Simple and easy to use
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Good invoicing features
- ✓Solid MTD (Making Tax Digital) compliance
Cons
- ✗Limited outside UK market
- ✗Fewer integrations than QuickBooks or Xero
- ✗Less suitable for larger businesses
- ✗Support can be slow
Pros
- ✓Simple and intuitive weekly check-in format that drives adoption
- ✓Strong OKR and goal-setting tools
- ✓Excellent manager training and coaching resources
- ✓Good engagement survey tools with benchmarking
Cons
- ✗Limited HR functionality beyond performance and engagement
- ✗No payroll or benefits administration
- ✗Reporting could be more advanced for data-driven HR teams
Clearbooks vs 15Five: Side by Side
| Factor | Clearbooks | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $4/user/mo |
| Best For | UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance | Companies focused on employee engagement and performance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Clearbooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
15Five Features
- ✓Weekly check-ins
- ✓OKRs
- ✓performance reviews
- ✓engagement surveys
- ✓manager training
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Best For
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Best For
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance
Also Consider
If neither Clearbooks nor 15Five is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Clearbooks and 15Five?
Clearbooks is best for uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. 15Five is best for companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
Which is better, Clearbooks or 15Five?
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose 15Five if companies focused on employee engagement and performance.
How much does Clearbooks cost?
Visit Clearbooks website for current pricing.
How much does 15Five cost?
15Five starts at $4/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Clearbooks?
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Who should use 15Five?
Companies focused on employee engagement and performance