Countingup vs Personio
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Countingup
Countingup is a UK business current account with built-in accounting software. It combines banking and bookkeeping in one app, automatically categorizing transactions and generating tax estimates in real time.
Personio
Personio is an all-in-one HR platform built specifically for European small and mid-size companies. It covers recruiting, onboarding, employee records, payroll, and performance management with strong compliance for EU regulations. Personio is the leading HR software for companies operating in Germany, the UK, and across Europe.
Pros
- ✓Business banking and accounting in one app
- ✓Automatic transaction categorization
- ✓Real-time tax estimates
- ✓Simple flat monthly pricing
- ✓Great for sole traders
Cons
- ✗UK only
- ✗Limited accounting features for complex businesses
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software at scale
- ✗No multi-user access
Pros
- ✓Built for European compliance including GDPR, works council requirements, and local labor laws
- ✓Clean interface with strong automation capabilities
- ✓Good value for European SMBs
- ✓Covers the full employee lifecycle from recruiting to offboarding
Cons
- ✗Limited functionality and support outside of Europe
- ✗Payroll is an add-on that varies by country
- ✗Reporting capabilities are less advanced than enterprise alternatives
Countingup vs Personio: Side by Side
| Factor | Countingup | Personio |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $4/employee/mo |
| Best For | UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app | European companies with 10-2000 employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Countingup Features
- ✓Receipt scanning
- ✓expense categorization
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓supplier management
- ✓bank feed integration
- ✓reporting
Personio Features
- ✓Employee records
- ✓recruiting
- ✓onboarding
- ✓payroll
- ✓performance
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose Personio if european companies with 10-2000 employees.
Best For
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Best For
European companies with 10-2000 employees
Also Consider
If neither Countingup nor Personio 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 Countingup and Personio?
Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Personio is best for european companies with 10-2000 employees.
Which is better, Countingup or Personio?
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose Personio if european companies with 10-2000 employees.
How much does Countingup cost?
Visit Countingup website for current pricing.
How much does Personio cost?
Personio starts at $4/employee/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Countingup?
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Who should use Personio?
European companies with 10-2000 employees