Clearbooks vs OnPay
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.
OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
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
- ✓Excellent value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
Clearbooks vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Clearbooks | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Clearbooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Clearbooks nor OnPay 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 OnPay?
Clearbooks is best for uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Clearbooks or OnPay?
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Clearbooks cost?
Visit Clearbooks website for current pricing.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. 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 OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees