Countingup vs SmartRecruiters
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.
SmartRecruiters
SmartRecruiters is an enterprise talent acquisition platform that offers a genuinely free plan alongside paid enterprise tiers. Its free plan includes unlimited job postings, candidate tracking, and team collaboration — making it one of the most generous free ATS options available. SmartRecruiters is used by global enterprises including Visa, Bosch, and LinkedIn.
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
- ✓Genuinely useful free plan with unlimited jobs and users
- ✓Enterprise-grade features available as you scale
- ✓Strong AI candidate screening on paid plans
- ✓Used by large global enterprises giving it credibility with candidates
Cons
- ✗Free plan has limited analytics and automation
- ✗Enterprise pricing can be expensive
- ✗Interface can feel complex for small teams
- ✗Implementation requires dedicated time for enterprise features
Countingup vs SmartRecruiters: Side by Side
| Factor | Countingup | SmartRecruiters |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Free |
| Best For | UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app | Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Countingup Features
- ✓Receipt scanning
- ✓expense categorization
- ✓VAT tracking
- ✓supplier management
- ✓bank feed integration
- ✓reporting
SmartRecruiters Features
- ✓Unlimited job postings
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓collaborative hiring
- ✓AI screening
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer management
- ✓analytics
- ✓career page
- ✓mobile app
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 SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
Best For
UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Best For
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise
Also Consider
If neither Countingup nor SmartRecruiters 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 SmartRecruiters?
Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. SmartRecruiters is best for companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
Which is better, Countingup or SmartRecruiters?
Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app. Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise.
How much does Countingup cost?
Visit Countingup website for current pricing.
How much does SmartRecruiters cost?
SmartRecruiters starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
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 SmartRecruiters?
Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise