FreeAgent vs Freshsales
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.
Freshsales
Freshsales is an AI-powered CRM platform designed to help sales teams attract, engage, and close deals faster. It offers built-in phone, email, and chat alongside a powerful AI assistant called Freddy. Freshsales is part of the Freshworks ecosystem and is known for its clean interface and strong automation tools.
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
- ✓Built-in phone and email saves money on integrations
- ✓Strong AI features including lead scoring and deal insights
- ✓Clean modern interface with good user adoption
- ✓Generous free plan available
Cons
- ✗Advanced features require higher tier plans
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable
- ✗Less brand recognition than HubSpot or Salesforce
FreeAgent vs Freshsales: Side by Side
| Factor | FreeAgent | Freshsales |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | CRM Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $12/mo | Free |
| Best For | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools | SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Freshsales Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓built-in phone and email
- ✓AI lead scoring
- ✓deal management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Best For
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools
Also Consider
If neither FreeAgent nor Freshsales 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 Freshsales?
FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Freshsales is best for smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
Which is better, FreeAgent or Freshsales?
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Freshsales if smbs wanting an all-in-one crm with built-in communication tools.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Freshsales cost?
Freshsales starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Who should use Freshsales?
SMBs wanting an all-in-one CRM with built-in communication tools