FreeAgent stands out as a top UK-based cloud accounting platform tailored for SMBs, freelancers, and accountants in 2026. The brand’s focus on compliance, automation, and intuitive digital workflows positions FreeAgent at the center of the evolving business finance landscape. This review examines its capabilities, value proposition, pricing, and what makes it unique as business owners look to future-proof their operations.
From Launch to 2026: FreeAgent’s Timeline & Strategic Evolution
- 2007: FreeAgent launches in Edinburgh, aiming to demystify accounting for UK micro-businesses.
- 2014-2018: Adoption surges with freelancers and contractors; features for invoicing, expense automation, and VAT filing added.
- 2019: MTD (Making Tax Digital) readiness establishes FreeAgent as a compliance leader for UK business tax reforms.
- 2023-2025: Expands landlord, partnership, and accountant workflows; deep mobile app enhancements and Open Banking integrations.
- 2026: Solidifies position with AI-powered Smart Capture, deeper practice dashboard functionality, and dedicated solutions for accountants and partner programs.
Key Features & Capabilities
- End-to-end Accounting Automation: Complete double-entry bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and customizable chart of accounts.
- MTD & Tax Compliance: Direct VAT, MTD for Income Tax, and Self Assessment return filings to HMRC. Automated tax calculations and reminders.
- Invoicing & Payments: Professional templated invoices, automated reminders, recurring billing, and online payments via top providers.
- Payroll: Integrated payroll (Real Time Information compliant, payslips, P60s, automatic pension calculations) at no extra cost.
- Bank Feeds & Smart Capture: Secure direct bank feeds, Open Banking, and AI-powered receipt/bill capture with auto-categorization.
- Project, Expense & Time Management: Track billable projects, expenses, and time, supporting granular business analysis.
- Mobile App: Full-featured iOS/Android app enables on-the-go invoicing, expenses, mileage, and banking.
- Accountant Portal: Practice Dashboard for client management, bulk tasks, reports, onboarding, and seamless client collaboration.
Workflow & User Experience
- Modern, intuitive dashboard designed for non-accountants.
- Quick onboarding, role-specific workflows for businesses, landlords, accountants, and bookkeepers.
- Mobile app mirrors core desktop experience and supports all major workflows.
- Tax Timeline, smart suggestions, and automations minimize deadlines and admin.
- Bulk actions and central visibility in Practice Dashboard for accounting firms.
FreeAgent Pricing
| Plan | Key Audience | Main Features | Pricing (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Company | SMBs, Ltd firms | Full accounting, MTD, payroll | £16.50/mo (first 6 mo), then £33/mo; £165/yr (first year), then £330/yr |
| Partnership / LLP | Partnerships, LLPs | All core features, partnership-ready | £13.50/mo (first 6 mo), then £27/mo; £135/yr (first year), then £270/yr |
| Sole Trader | Sole proprietors, freelancers | Accounts, MTD, tax, payroll | £9.50/mo (first 6 mo), then £19/mo; £95/yr (first year), then £190/yr |
| Landlord | Landlords, property investors | Property-specific accounting, MTD | £5/mo (first 6 mo), then £10/mo; £50/yr (first year), then £100/yr |
| Practice Dashboard | Accountants & Bookkeepers | Multi-client management, bulk admin, client discounts | Free; license fee per added client; eligible for discounts |
| Bank Account Offer | NatWest, RBS, Ulster, Mettle users | All core features (excl. add-ons) | £0 while eligible – forever free with linked bank account |
| Optional Add-ons | All users | Unlimited Smart Capture, Amazon seller integration | £5/mo, £6/mo (billed monthly) |
FreeAgent vs Competitors
| Feature | FreeAgent | Xero | QuickBooks Online | Sage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Accounting + Tax | Yes (MTD, Self Assessment) | Yes (extra Self Assessment cost) | Yes (VAT; Self Assessment via add-ons) | Yes (varying features) |
| Payroll Included | Yes | No (paid add-on) | No (paid add-on) | No (paid add-on) |
| Practice Portal | Full included | Yes, add-on | Yes, higher tiers | Yes, paid module |
| Landlord Tools | Dedicated | Partial | None | Partial |
| Promo Bank Offer | £0 for eligible banks | No | No | No |
| Mobile App Depth | Full feature parity | Strong | Good | Limited |
| Best for | UK SMBs, Accountants | All SMBs, global | All SMBs | Large firms, UK |
Pro Tip: Unlock FreeAgent free of charge if you bank with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, or Mettle. Visit the FreeAgent promo page for the latest codes and eligibility details.
Integrations & Ecosystem
- Open Banking Feeds: Direct connections to all major UK banks and cards.
- Payments: GoCardless, Stripe, PayPal, and more supported for faster invoice payment.
- Practice Tools: Integrations with Dext, Syft, Bright, and others for accountants.
- E-commerce: Amazon UK Marketplace (paid add-on for sellers).
Pros & Cons
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Final Thoughts
In 2026, FreeAgent remains an outstanding solution for UK-based small businesses, freelancers, landlords, and accounting firms seeking automation, compliance, and a user-first design. Its unique combination of in-app payroll, direct MTD/VAT filing, a powerful accountant portal, and the ability to access all features for free (via specified banking partners) set it apart from generic small business accounting software. If UK compliance, streamlined workflows, and modern SaaS support are priorities, FreeAgent is a highly compelling choice.
FreeAgent FAQ
Yes, it meets GDPR standards and supports HIPAA via a signed BAA on eligible plans.
Yes, white-label portals fully support your own domain and branding.
Ideal for consultants, service firms, and SMBs needing streamlined automation.
No-integrates seamlessly with both services.
All plans include chat/email; higher tiers include onboarding and dedicated setup help.