FreeAgent vs When I Work
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.
When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time tracking platform designed for hourly and shift-based teams. It makes it easy for managers to build schedules, communicate with staff, and track attendance. When I Work is one of the most affordable scheduling tools on the market.
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
- ✓Very affordable pricing starting at just a few dollars per user
- ✓Easy-to-use scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- ✓Good team messaging and shift swap tools
- ✓Simple time clock with GPS tracking
Cons
- ✗Limited features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗No payroll processing or full HR suite
- ✗Reporting is basic compared to more comprehensive workforce tools
FreeAgent vs When I Work: Side by Side
| Factor | FreeAgent | When I Work |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $12/mo | $2.50/user/mo |
| Best For | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools | Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
When I Work Features
- ✓Shift scheduling
- ✓time clock
- ✓team messaging
- ✓attendance tracking
- ✓payroll export
Pricing Comparison
Which Should You Choose?
Choose FreeAgent if...
- →UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Our Take
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers.
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Best For
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers
Also Consider
If neither FreeAgent nor When I Work 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 When I Work?
FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. When I Work is best for small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers.
Which is better, FreeAgent or When I Work?
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose When I Work if small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does When I Work cost?
When I Work starts at $2.50/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 When I Work?
Small businesses with hourly or shift-based workers