SoftwareDuel

SmartRecruiters vs Countingup

A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool

Last updated: April 30, 2026

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.

FreemiumFree to start
Get Pricing →

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.

Paid
Get Pricing →

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

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

SmartRecruiters vs Countingup: Side by Side

FactorSmartRecruitersCountingup
User RatingN/AN/A
CategoryApplicant TrackingAccounting Software
Pricing ModelFreemiumPaid
Starting PriceFreeContact for pricing
Best ForCompanies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterpriseUK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app
Our Pick

SmartRecruiters Features

  • Unlimited job postings
  • candidate tracking
  • collaborative hiring
  • AI screening
  • interview scheduling
  • offer management
  • analytics
  • career page
  • mobile app

Countingup Features

  • Receipt scanning
  • expense categorization
  • VAT tracking
  • supplier management
  • bank feed integration
  • reporting

Pricing Comparison

SmartRecruiters

Freemium

Free to start

See full pricing →

Countingup

Paid

Contact for pricing

See full pricing →

Our Take

Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Choose Countingup if 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

Best For

UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app

Also Consider

If neither SmartRecruiters nor Countingup is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.

Manatal

Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price

From $15/user/mo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SmartRecruiters and Countingup?

SmartRecruiters is best for companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Countingup is best for uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.

Which is better, SmartRecruiters or Countingup?

Choose SmartRecruiters if companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ats from free to enterprise. Choose Countingup if uk sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app.

How much does SmartRecruiters cost?

SmartRecruiters starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.

How much does Countingup cost?

Visit Countingup website for current pricing.

Who should use SmartRecruiters?

Companies of all sizes wanting a scalable ATS from free to enterprise

Who should use Countingup?

UK sole traders and freelancers wanting a combined business bank account and simple accounting tool in one app