Clearbooks vs Paymo
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.
Paymo
Paymo is a project management and time tracking tool built for freelancers and small agencies. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling in one platform.
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
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing
- ✓Good resource scheduling
- ✓Ideal for client-facing work
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Clean interface
Cons
- ✗Not suited for large enterprise teams
- ✗Limited automation
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
Clearbooks vs Paymo: Side by Side
| Factor | Clearbooks | Paymo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Clearbooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Best For
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Also Consider
If neither Clearbooks nor Paymo 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 Paymo?
Clearbooks is best for uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Which is better, Clearbooks or Paymo?
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
How much does Clearbooks cost?
Visit Clearbooks website for current pricing.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo website for current pricing.
Who should use Clearbooks?
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Who should use Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing