FreeAgent vs QuickBooks

FreeAgent

Strengths

• +Intuitive and user-friendly interface with a well-organized dashboard
• +Automatic bank and PayPal transaction imports for streamlined bookkeeping
• +Built-in tax, National Insurance, and HMRC RTI submission automation
• +Pension auto-enrolment and payslip generation features
• +Quick and straightforward onboarding and setup process
• +Free plan for RBS business users and discounts for annual upfront payments
• +Reliable real-time HMRC compliance and transaction processing

Limitations

• −Higher pricing compared to competitors, perceived as expensive for small businesses
• −Mobile app lacks features like split transactions and has small, hard-to-read text
• −Interface for viewing recent expenses described as clunky and prone to freezing

QuickBooks

Strengths

• +User-friendly interface for non-accountants
• +Strong invoicing and expense tracking
• +Seamless bank reconciliation
• +Extensive app integrations

Limitations

• −Limited advanced accounting features
• −Occasional sync issues with banks
• −Higher cost for additional users
• −Steep learning curve for payroll

FreeAgent

• UK Limited Companies (monthly) £33/month (introductory £16.50/month for first 6 months) per month, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first 6 months · Includes invoicing, expenses, tax filing · 30-day free trial
• UK Limited Companies (annual) £330/year (introductory £165/year for first year) per year, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first year · Equivalent to £13.75/month · 30-day free trial
• UK Partnerships or LLPs (monthly) £27/month (introductory £13.50/month for first 6 months) per month, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first 6 months · Includes invoicing, expenses, tax filing · 30-day free trial
• UK Partnerships or LLPs (annual) £270/year (introductory £135/year for first year) per year, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first year · Equivalent to £11.25/month · 30-day free trial
• UK Sole Traders (monthly) £19/month (introductory £9.50/month for first 6 months) per month, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first 6 months · Includes invoicing, expenses, tax filing · 30-day free trial
• UK Sole Traders (annual) £190/year (introductory £95/year for first year) per year, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first year · Equivalent to £7.92/month · 30-day free trial
• UK Unincorporated Landlords (monthly) £10/month (introductory £5/month for first 6 months) per month, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first 6 months · Includes property income and expense tracking · 30-day free trial
• UK Unincorporated Landlords (annual) £100/year (introductory £50/year for first year) per year, excludes 20% VAT50% off for first year · Equivalent to £4.17/month · 30-day free trial
• Free plan Free with qualifying NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank, or Mettle bank account (min. 1 transaction/month)No monthly fee · Full feature access · 30-day free trial not applicable
• Add-ons (monthly) Smart Capture Unlimited: £5/month, Amazon UK Marketplace: £6/month billed monthlyUnlimited receipt and bill captures · Amazon UK Marketplace connection

All prices exclude 20% VAT. Introductory discounts apply for the first 6 months or first year. Free plan requires a qualifying bank account with at least one transaction per month.

QuickBooks

• Simple Start $30 per monthTrack income and expenses · Invoicing · Basic reporting
• Essentials $55 per monthManage bills and payments · Time tracking · Multi-user access
• Plus $85 per monthTrack inventory · Project profitability · Advanced reporting
• Advanced $200 per monthCustom user permissions · Dedicated account team · Batch invoicing

Pricing varies by region and plan. Discounts may apply for annual billing.

FreeAgent

Daily admin

Dashboard with cashflow, profit and loss, invoices, and tax timelines, Mobile app for expenses, time tracking, and invoice management, Radar for tailored business insights and trend-spotting, Automated invoicing with reminders and online payments

Tax management

Generate and file MTD-compatible VAT returns directly to HMRC, Real-time Self Assessment tax view and filing, Generate and file Final Accounts and Corporation Tax returns, Tax Timeline for real-time tax calculations and due dates

Financial management

Bank feeds for automatic transaction imports, Smart categorisation of transactions based on history, Cashflow tracking and forecasting, One-click payments via Tyl by NatWest, Stripe, GoCardless, PayPal

Connectivity

Sync with bank accounts, Direct connection to HMRC for filings, Integrations with third-party apps for extended functionality

Payroll

Run monthly payroll, File PAYE and National Insurance to HMRC

QuickBooks

Accounting & Invoicing

Track income and expenses, Create and send custom invoices, Manage bills and payments, Generate financial reports

Tax & Compliance

Calculate and file taxes, Track VAT/GST, Compliance with local regulations

Payroll & Time Tracking

Run payroll, Track employee time, Manage benefits

Integrations & Add-ons

Connect with 750+ apps, Sync with banks, Customize with add-ons

Reporting & Analytics

Customizable reports, Cash flow tracking, Profit and loss statements