- FreeAgent alternatives at a glance
- Ten accounting tools to compare with FreeAgent
- Making Tax Digital: the rule to check before you switch
- What to compare between FreeAgent alternatives
- Switching accounting software without a mess
- Which FreeAgent alternative suits which business
- A note on free accounting software
- Keeping your books tidy whichever tool you pick
- My plain advice on replacing FreeAgent
- Frequently asked questions
A good FreeAgent alternative keeps your bookkeeping simple: bank feeds, invoices, receipts and tax returns in one place, with Making Tax Digital support if you need it. Check UK tax features, bank connections, accountant access and what happens to your records if you leave. This page lists ten options in no particular order, then covers choosing safely.
FreeAgent describes itself on its own site as accounting software for small businesses, freelancers, contractors and landlords. It's long been popular with UK freelancers, and people compare alternatives when their business changes, their bank changes or they want a different way of working with their accountant.
Below are ten FreeAgent alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, mostly UK-focused. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. For general bookkeeping options, my guide to bookkeeping software for small businesses covers a wider field.
FreeAgent alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free plan or free edition you can keep. Trial only means a free trial with no ongoing free option. No means the site states neither. Free plans usually limit features or users.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akaunting | Open source accounting | Self-hosted accounting | Yes |
| Bonsai | Freelancer business software | Proposals, contracts and invoices | Trial only |
| Clear Books | UK accounting software | Sole trader accounts and MTD | Yes |
| Coconut | UK accounting app | Sole traders, landlords and CIS | Trial only |
| Countingup | Business account and bookkeeping | Banking with automatic bookkeeping | Trial only |
| Crunch | Online accountancy | Software plus accountant support | Trial only |
| Invoice Ninja | Invoicing tool | Free invoicing for freelancers | Yes |
| KashFlow | UK accounting software | Small business bookkeeping | Trial only |
| Pandle | UK accounting software | Free core bookkeeping | Yes |
| Xero | Cloud accounting | Growing businesses and accountants | Trial only |
Ten accounting tools to compare with FreeAgent
Akaunting
Best for: Technical users who want open source accounting they can host themselves.
Bonsai
Best for: Freelancers who want client admin and invoicing in one place.
Clear Books
Best for: UK sole traders who want simple accounts with a free plan.
Coconut
Best for: Sole traders and landlords who want bank feeds and receipt capture.
Countingup
Best for: Sole traders who want a business account that does the books.
Crunch
Best for: Freelancers and limited companies who want software and an accountant.
Invoice Ninja
Best for: Freelancers who mainly need invoices and payments.
KashFlow
Best for: Small UK businesses who want classic cloud bookkeeping.
Pandle
Best for: Small businesses and charities who want core bookkeeping free.
Xero
Best for: Growing businesses whose accountant already works in a big platform.
Making Tax Digital: the rule to check before you switch
This is the detail that should shape your choice if you're a sole trader or landlord in the UK. HMRC's guidance on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax says people with qualifying self-employment and property income over a threshold will need to use the service, and the threshold has been set to come down over time. In practice that means keeping digital records in compatible software. Check HMRC's current guidance and ask your accountant whether it applies to you; this isn't tax advice.
What to compare between FreeAgent alternatives
- Bank feeds for your bank and card.
- Invoices and receipts captured on your phone.
- Tax features for your business type.
- Accountant access so they can log in.
- Export of your records if you ever leave.
Switching accounting software without a mess
- Talk to your accountant first; they may have a preference.
- Switch at the start of a tax period if you can.
- Export reports and records from the old system.
- Reconnect bank feeds and check opening balances.
- Keep read access to the old system for a while.
Which FreeAgent alternative suits which business
- Sole traders often want simple apps with tax features.
- Landlords need property income tracking.
- Freelancers may only need invoicing.
- Limited companies often prefer software plus accountant support.
A note on free accounting software
Free plans can be excellent for simple businesses. Check what's included, especially tax submissions and bank feeds, and read how the company sustains a free plan. Your records matter, so make sure you can always export them.
Keeping your books tidy whichever tool you pick
Software helps, but habits do the heavy lifting. Set aside a short slot each week to match bank transactions, snap receipts and send invoices. It's far easier than a frantic weekend before a deadline, and your accountant will thank you.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
If you're newly self-employed, my guide to things to consider before becoming self-employed covers the admin side of going it alone.
Do you make accounting or bookkeeping software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on replacing FreeAgent
Ask your accountant before anything else, then shortlist two tools that support your business type and tax needs. Test bank feeds and invoicing for a month. Accounting software is a long relationship, so choose the one that'll still fit when your business grows.
Frequently asked questions
What does FreeAgent do?
Its own site describes accounting software for small businesses, freelancers, contractors and landlords.
Do I need Making Tax Digital software?
HMRC guidance says people above a qualifying income threshold will need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Check the current guidance for your situation.
Can my accountant access these tools?
Most offer accountant access. Ask your accountant which they prefer.
Is free accounting software safe to use?
Many free tools are well established. Check data export and read how the free plan is supported.
When is the best time to switch?
The start of a tax period is easiest, so your records stay in one system for the year.
Is this tax advice?
No. Speak to an accountant and check HMRC guidance for your own situation.
Can I try accounting software before committing?
Most tools offer a free trial or free plan. Try importing a month of bank transactions to see how matching feels.
What if I've got rental income too?
Look for software that handles property income alongside self-employment, and check with your accountant that it fits your situation.
Do I still need an accountant?
Many people do, especially for year-end and tax returns. Good software makes their job quicker, which you'll appreciate.
Can I import my old records?
Many tools import bank statements, contacts and opening balances. Ask your accountant to check the opening balances after the move.
Which tool is simplest for a sole trader?
Apps built for sole traders tend to be simplest, with bank feeds, receipts and tax estimates in one place. Try two before you settle.
