FreeAgent vs Insightly
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.
Insightly
Insightly is a CRM and project management platform designed for growing businesses. It uniquely combines sales pipeline management with post-sale project delivery so teams can manage the full customer lifecycle in one place. Insightly is popular with professional services firms and companies that need to track complex projects alongside their sales pipeline.
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
- ✓Unique combination of CRM and project management in one tool
- ✓Good free plan for up to 2 users
- ✓Strong workflow automation on paid plans
- ✓Good fit for professional services businesses
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern CRM tools
- ✗Customer support can be slow on lower tiers
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
FreeAgent vs Insightly: Side by Side
| Factor | FreeAgent | Insightly |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Best For
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Also Consider
If neither FreeAgent nor Insightly 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 Insightly?
FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
Which is better, FreeAgent or Insightly?
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly 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 Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform