Feature-by-Feature Comparison
See how SwiftLead and Checkatrade compare on the things that matter.
You’re paying to compete with yourself
When a homeowner searches on Checkatrade, they see a list of tradespeople side by side. You’re paying for a listing that puts you right next to your competitors — and the customer picks whoever has more reviews or a lower quote. With SwiftLead, your website and Google presence mean customers find you directly. No comparison list, no race to the bottom on price.
Per-lead fees add up fast
Checkatrade charges per lead on top of your monthly subscription. A busy plumber might receive 20–30 leads a month at £10–50 each — that’s potentially hundreds of pounds on top of the monthly fee, and many of those leads are also sent to other tradespeople. SwiftLead charges a flat £129/month with no per-lead fees. Every enquiry that comes through your website is exclusively yours.
Checkatrade owns your online presence
Your Checkatrade profile, your reviews, your customer history — it all lives on their platform. If you cancel, you lose everything. With SwiftLead, the website we build is yours to keep forever. Your Google reviews stay on Google. Your online presence belongs to you, not to a directory.
Where Checkatrade has the edge
Checkatrade has strong brand recognition from years of TV advertising. Some homeowners specifically search for tradespeople on Checkatrade. If your area has a lot of Checkatrade users, it can generate leads — the question is whether those leads are worth the ongoing cost when the same money could build your own presence that works for you long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about SwiftLead vs Checkatrade.
Is Checkatrade worth it for tradespeople?
It depends on your trade and area. Checkatrade can generate leads, but you’re competing with other tradespeople for the same customers and paying per-lead fees on top of a monthly subscription. Many trades find that building their own online presence gives them better value over time.
How much does Checkatrade actually cost per month?
Checkatrade subscriptions range from around £60 to £120 per month depending on your trade and area. On top of that, you pay per-lead fees which vary by trade. Some tradespeople report spending £300–£500 per month total. SwiftLead is £129/month flat with no per-lead charges.
Can I use both Checkatrade and SwiftLead?
Absolutely. Many tradespeople use Checkatrade alongside their own website and Google presence. Over time, as your own online presence grows, you may find you need Checkatrade less.
Do I keep my reviews if I leave Checkatrade?
No. Checkatrade reviews stay on Checkatrade. If you cancel, those reviews are no longer visible. Google reviews, on the other hand, stay on your Google Business Profile permanently — which is why we focus on building your Google review count.
What do I get with SwiftLead that I don’t get with Checkatrade?
A professional website you own forever (£299 one-off), missed call text back so you never lose a customer when you’re on a job, automated Google review requests, Google Maps optimisation, and a monthly performance report. All for £129/month flat.
Ready to Switch?
Get a professional website you own forever, missed call text back, review automation, and Google Maps optimisation — all for less than £4.30 a day.