FreeAgent vs Deputy
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a cloud accounting platform designed specifically for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses in the UK. It offers automatic bank feeds, invoicing, expense management, and self-assessment tax return preparation. FreeAgent is particularly popular with UK freelancers and contractors for its excellent handling of UK tax requirements including Self Assessment and VAT returns.
Deputy
Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.
Pros
- ✓Excellent UK tax compliance including Self Assessment and VAT returns
- ✓Designed specifically for freelancers and contractors
- ✓Clean and easy to use interface
- ✓Automatic bank feeds save significant time
Cons
- ✗Primarily suited for UK market — limited value for non-UK businesses
- ✗Less feature-rich than QuickBooks for complex business needs
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem than larger competitors
- ✗Not suitable for larger businesses with complex accounting needs
Pros
- ✓Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
- ✓Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
- ✓Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
- ✓Integrates with 30+ payroll providers
Cons
- ✗Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗Not a full HRIS replacement
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics
FreeAgent vs Deputy: Side by Side
| Factor | FreeAgent | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $12/mo | $4.50/user/mo |
| Best For | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Also Consider
If neither FreeAgent nor Deputy is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FreeAgent and Deputy?
FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
Which is better, FreeAgent or Deputy?
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking