FreeAgent and QuickBooks overlap on the core accounting jobs, but they are aimed at slightly different users. FreeAgent is especially popular with freelancers, contractors and very small UK businesses, while QuickBooks offers a broader tier structure that can scale to larger teams.
Pricing and plan details were checked on 29 September 2026. Introductory offers may change.
Quick verdict
FreeAgent is particularly attractive if you are a freelancer, contractor or sole trader who wants tax, invoicing, banking and project tools in one straightforward package. QuickBooks is better suited to businesses that want more plan choice, a larger user allowance on higher tiers and Intuit’s broader automation features.
Pricing
FreeAgent’s price depends on business type. Its current standard monthly price for a limited company is £33 excluding VAT, with lower prices for sole traders, partnerships and landlords. Some NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank and qualifying Mettle business-account customers can get FreeAgent free, subject to terms and optional add-ons.
QuickBooks currently lists Sole Trader Plus at £10 per month, Simple Start at £16, Essentials at £38, Plus at £56 and Advanced at £123, excluding VAT.
Tax features
FreeAgent is strongly UK-focused. It supports VAT, Self Assessment, end-of-year filing workflows and a tax timeline designed to show what is due and when. QuickBooks also supports Making Tax Digital and VAT workflows, but its tax experience is organised around the wider QuickBooks accounting platform rather than a freelancer-first tax dashboard.
Projects and time tracking
FreeAgent includes project profitability and time tracking features that are useful for consultants, contractors and service businesses. QuickBooks also offers project and profitability features on suitable plans, but the exact availability depends on the subscription tier.
Payroll
FreeAgent includes payroll features for eligible UK businesses and supports PAYE and National Insurance submissions to HMRC. QuickBooks offers payroll as an add-on, so compare the full monthly cost if you employ staff.
Which is better for freelancers?
FreeAgent has a natural advantage for freelancers and contractors because its product design combines invoicing, expenses, tax, projects and time tracking around a small-business workflow. If you already bank with a provider that includes FreeAgent, the value proposition can be particularly strong.
Which is better for a growing company?
QuickBooks is generally more flexible when a business needs more users, more advanced reporting or a wider range of plan levels. Its Advanced plan supports up to 25 users plus accountant access.
Final recommendation
Choose FreeAgent if you want a UK-focused package for a freelancer, contractor or small owner-managed business. Choose QuickBooks if you expect the business to grow into a more complex team or you prefer Intuit’s automation and plan structure.
Related reviews: FreeAgent Review UK 2026 and QuickBooks Review UK 2026.
Official information: FreeAgent pricing and QuickBooks UK pricing.