Clearbooks vs Rippling ATS
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.
Rippling ATS
Rippling Recruiting is the applicant tracking module within the Rippling platform. It connects recruiting directly to onboarding, payroll, and IT provisioning so that when a candidate is hired, their entire employee setup happens automatically. Rippling ATS is ideal for companies already using Rippling for HR who want a seamlessly integrated recruiting experience.
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
- ✓Seamless connection from hiring to onboarding to payroll — zero manual handoff
- ✓Automatically provisions IT accounts and equipment when a candidate is hired
- ✓Deep integration with the full Rippling platform
- ✓Eliminates duplicate data entry across HR systems
Cons
- ✗Only valuable if you use the full Rippling platform
- ✗Requires custom pricing quote
- ✗Less feature-rich as a standalone ATS compared to dedicated tools like Greenhouse
- ✗Overkill for companies not using Rippling
Clearbooks vs Rippling ATS: Side by Side
| Factor | Clearbooks | Rippling ATS |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Custom pricing |
| Best For | UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance | Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Clearbooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
Rippling ATS Features
- ✓Job posting
- ✓candidate pipeline
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓automated onboarding trigger
- ✓payroll integration
- ✓IT provisioning
- ✓analytics
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll.
Best For
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Best For
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll
Also Consider
If neither Clearbooks nor Rippling ATS 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 Rippling ATS?
Clearbooks is best for uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Rippling ATS is best for companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll.
Which is better, Clearbooks or Rippling ATS?
Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance. Choose Rippling ATS if companies using rippling for hr who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll.
How much does Clearbooks cost?
Visit Clearbooks website for current pricing.
How much does Rippling ATS cost?
Rippling ATS starts at Custom pricing. 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 Rippling ATS?
Companies using Rippling for HR who want recruiting seamlessly connected to onboarding and payroll