FreeAgent vs Greenhouse
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.
Greenhouse
Greenhouse is a leading applicant tracking system built for structured, data-driven hiring. It helps companies design consistent interview processes, reduce bias, and make better hiring decisions. Greenhouse is the ATS of choice for mid to large companies with high-volume or technical hiring needs.
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
- ✓Best-in-class structured hiring tools with scorecards and interview kits
- ✓Extensive integration ecosystem with 300+ HR and productivity tools
- ✓Powerful reporting and hiring analytics
- ✓Strong DEI tools to reduce bias in hiring
Cons
- ✗Expensive for small companies with limited hiring volume
- ✗Complex to set up and requires dedicated admin resources
- ✗No built-in HRIS — requires integration with a separate HR system
FreeAgent vs Greenhouse: Side by Side
| Factor | FreeAgent | Greenhouse |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Applicant Tracking |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $12/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools | Mid to large companies with high-volume hiring |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Greenhouse Features
- ✓Job postings
- ✓candidate tracking
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Greenhouse if mid to large companies with high-volume hiring.
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Best For
Mid to large companies with high-volume hiring
Also Consider
If neither FreeAgent nor Greenhouse 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 Greenhouse?
FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Greenhouse is best for mid to large companies with high-volume hiring.
Which is better, FreeAgent or Greenhouse?
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Greenhouse if mid to large companies with high-volume hiring.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Greenhouse cost?
Greenhouse starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Who should use Greenhouse?
Mid to large companies with high-volume hiring