Accounting · Head to head
QuickBooks Online vs FreeAgent
The global heavyweight against the UK freelancer specialist. This is less about which is better and more about which business shape you are.
QuickBooks Online
8.7/10vs
FreeAgent
8.4/10| QuickBooks Online | FreeAgent | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Growing businesses, reporting-led | Freelancers and micro limited companies |
| Entry price | ~£12/mo | ~£14.50/mo — often free via NatWest/RBS/Mettle |
| Users | Limited by plan tier | Add team and accountant freely |
| Self-assessment | Supported via reports | Native, best in category |
| Reporting | Deep at higher tiers | Light but sufficient for micro firms |
| Growth ceiling | High (Advanced tier) | Low — by design |
Where QuickBooks Online wins — and where FreeAgent wins
QuickBooks Online
- Far more headroom as the business grows
- Reporting and budgeting depth at higher tiers
- Mileage and receipt capture built in
FreeAgent
- Everything a one-person business needs, nothing it doesn't
- Native self-assessment and tax timeline
- Potentially free with the right bank account
Our verdict
Choose QuickBooks if you are building — staff, stock, departments. Choose FreeAgent if you are freelancing and want your tax position handled with the least possible friction.
How we compare: assessments draw on vendor documentation, published pricing, product testing where noted, and our published methodology. Prices are indicative entry-level figures — confirm current plans with vendors. We may earn commission from links on this page; it never affects our verdicts.