Microsoft Project vs Clearbooks
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is the long-standing enterprise project management standard offering advanced scheduling, resource management, and portfolio tracking. Deep integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
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
- ✓Industry standard for complex project scheduling
- ✓Powerful Gantt and resource management
- ✓Deep Microsoft 365 integration
- ✓Strong portfolio management
- ✓Trusted by enterprises globally
Cons
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Expensive licensing
- ✗Feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗Overkill for simple projects
- ✗Limited real-time collaboration
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
Microsoft Project vs Clearbooks: Side by Side
| Factor | Microsoft Project | Clearbooks |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration | UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Microsoft Project Features
- ✓Project scheduling
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓resource management
- ✓task tracking
- ✓portfolio management
- ✓reporting
Clearbooks Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓bank reconciliation
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration. Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance.
Best For
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
Best For
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance
Also Consider
If neither Microsoft Project nor Clearbooks is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Microsoft Project and Clearbooks?
Microsoft Project is best for enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration. Clearbooks is best for uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance.
Which is better, Microsoft Project or Clearbooks?
Choose Microsoft Project if enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and microsoft 365 integration. Choose Clearbooks if uk small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong vat and mtd compliance.
How much does Microsoft Project cost?
Visit Microsoft Project website for current pricing.
How much does Clearbooks cost?
Visit Clearbooks website for current pricing.
Who should use Microsoft Project?
Enterprise project managers needing advanced scheduling, resource management, and Microsoft 365 integration
Who should use Clearbooks?
UK small businesses and sole traders wanting simple affordable accounting with strong VAT and MTD compliance