Head-to-head
Hnry vs Rounded: which AU sole trader software actually wins?
Both are built for Australian sole traders. Both handle GST. But they solve the problem differently. Here's the head-to-head: pricing, what's actually included, who each one's for, and a clear winner per use case.
In this comparison
- The structural difference (and why it matters).
- 14-row side-by-side feature comparison.
- Pricing math: when each one wins on cost.
- Clear winner per use case + FAQ.
Last updated
30 April 2026
Format
Head-to-head + verdict
Tools compared
2 (Hnry, Rounded)
The structural difference
They solve the problem differently
If you only read one paragraph: Hnry is a tax SERVICE that includes invoicing. Rounded is invoicing + accounting SOFTWARE that you handle the tax with separately. That difference drives almost every other comparison.
Hnry
Sole trader tax + invoicing on autopilot
Hnry — tax routed for you
You invoice through Hnry, customer pays Hnry, Hnry deducts your income tax + GST + super, then pays you the post-tax amount. BAS and tax return lodged for you. You essentially outsource your back office.
Best for hands-off solo operators
Rounded
Invoicing + accounting for AU freelancers
Rounded — software, you control
You invoice through Rounded, customer pays you direct, you get the full payment, you remit GST + income tax yourself (or via your accountant). Designed around AU freelance workflows.
Best for freelancers who own their numbers
Side-by-side
14 rows of honest comparison
Where they're different, and where they're the same. Pricing accurate as of the last update date.
| Feature | Hnry | Rounded |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | 1% of self-employed income, capped at $1,500 +GST/yr | Flat ~$23.95/mo (Starter) or $29.95/mo (Pro) |
| What it actually is | A tax service that includes invoicing — you bank through Hnry | Invoicing + accounting software — you bank as normal |
| Where customer payments go | Customer pays Hnry; Hnry takes tax/GST/super then pays you the rest | Customer pays you direct; tax handling is on you |
| GST registration + lodgement | Hnry registers, calculates, and lodges BAS for you | Reports ready; YOU lodge (or your accountant) |
| Income tax return | Lodged for you (included in the 1%) | Not included — separate accountant or self-lodge |
| Super contributions | Auto-deducted + paid on every invoice | Manual — you transfer yourself |
| Invoicing UX | Simple, works on phone, light branding | Strong — designed around the way AU freelancers invoice |
| Expense tracking | Built-in, with auto-categorisation for tax | Built-in, with receipt capture |
| Time tracking | Limited | Built-in, billable hours roll into invoices |
| Proposals | No | Yes (Pro plan) |
| Bank feed | Not needed — Hnry is your account | Yes, connect your AU bank |
| Multi-currency | AUD primary; some FX support | Yes, multi-currency invoicing |
| Accountant access | Optional, but Hnry is the accountant | Yes, dedicated accountant role |
| Best for | Solo service operators who want zero tax admin | AU freelancers who want clean invoicing + own their tax |
Pricing math
When each one actually wins on cost
The fee structures are different shapes, so the breakeven depends on your income — and on whether you include the tax service in the price.
Software-only comparison: Rounded Starter is $23.95/mo (~$287/yr). Hnry is 1% of income capped at $1,500 +GST/yr. They break even on software fees alone at roughly $28,700 of annual self-employed income. Below that, Hnry costs less. Above that, Rounded costs less.
Real break-even:Hnry includes BAS lodgement, income tax return, and super administration. If you'd otherwise pay an accountant for those ($300–$1,500/yr depending on complexity), Hnry's real-cost breakeven moves up to around $80,000–$120,000 of annual income. Above that, even with the accountant cost added in, Rounded plus an accountant often wins on total spend.
Hidden cost the math misses:the time you spend on tax. Hnry's pitch is “never think about tax again.” If you value that at 5+ hours/quarter, the opportunity cost favours Hnry well above the dollar breakeven.
Verdict
Pick by use case, not by hype
Verdict
Pick Hnry if…
- • You're a solo service operator (consultant, designer, healthcare, NDIS support, photographer, etc.).
- • You actively dislike tax admin and would rather not see another spreadsheet.
- • Your customers are happy to pay an Australian Hnry account number.
- • You're earning under ~$100k and want one fee covering everything (including the accountant work).
Verdict
Pick Rounded if…
- • You want to keep money in your own bank account and control GST/tax yourself.
- • You bill by the hour, use proposals, or invoice in multiple currencies.
- • You already have an accountant or want one — and you want clean books to hand to them.
- • You're earning above $80k, where Hnry's percentage fee starts to bite.
FAQ
Common questions
- Hnry vs Rounded — which is cheaper?
- Depends on your income. Rounded is flat ($23.95/mo = ~$287/yr). Hnry is 1% of income (capped at $1,500 +GST/yr). They break even at roughly $28,700 of annual income — below that Hnry costs less; above that Rounded costs less if you're only comparing software fees. But Hnry's fee INCLUDES BAS + income tax lodgement (typically $300-1,500 from an accountant), so the real break-even is much higher.
- Can I switch from Rounded to Hnry (or back)?
- Yes, both are month-to-month with no lock-in. The friction is the bank account change — Hnry gives you a new account number to bill into, so you have to update your invoices and any direct debits / merchant payouts pointing at your old account. Most switchers do it at start of a financial year for a clean cut.
- Does Rounded have anything Hnry doesn't?
- Time tracking that rolls into invoices, proposals, and multi-currency invoicing are all stronger in Rounded. If your work is hourly-billed creative / consulting and you bill internationally, Rounded fits better.
- Does Hnry have anything Rounded doesn't?
- Full tax automation. Hnry doesn't just calculate your tax — it pays it for you on every invoice, files your BAS, files your income tax return, and contributes to your super. With Rounded you do (or pay for) all of that yourself.
- What about Xero or MYOB instead?
- Both are heavier, designed for businesses that will grow into staff. If you're a sole trader today but plan to hire in the next 6-12 months, starting with Xero might save you a migration. If you'll stay solo, Hnry or Rounded both win on simplicity and price. See our 4-way comparison if you want the full picture.
Related
If you want the full picture
Comparison
Best invoicing software for AU sole traders
The full 4-way comparison — Hnry, Rounded, Xero, MYOB — with verdict cards and a 5-row pricing table.
Read →
Guide
How much tax to save as a sole trader
Rules of thumb by income bracket. Useful context for either Hnry (automated) or Rounded (DIY).
Read →
Guide
GST registration threshold AU
When you must register. Hnry registers you automatically; Rounded leaves it to you.
Read →
Disclosure + disclaimer
How this comparison was put together
Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you click through and start a paid plan, BizTools.au may earn a small commission. The commission does not change the price you pay and does not influence which side of the verdict wins — the analysis is the same whether or not we earn from a click.
Important note
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- Examples and summaries are provided for general information, not legal, tax, accounting, payroll, or financial advice.
- Before relying on a result for a real decision, check your assumptions and get qualified advice where needed.