Freshsales vs Clearbooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation tools.
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.
Pros
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
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
Freshsales vs Clearbooks: Side by Side
| Factor | Freshsales | Clearbooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools | UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Clearbooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance.
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Best For
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Also Consider
If neither Freshsales nor Clearbooks is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Freshsales and Clearbooks?
Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Clearbooks is best for uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance.
Which is better, Freshsales or Clearbooks?
Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools. Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does Clearbooks cost?
Visit Clearbooks website for current pricing.
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Who should use Clearbooks?
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance