FreeAgent vs Zenefits (now TriNet)
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.
Zenefits (now TriNet)
Zenefits was a cloud-based HR platform for small and mid-size businesses. In 2022, Zenefits was acquired by TriNet, one of the largest PEO providers in the US. The Zenefits platform has been integrated into TriNet's product suite. Businesses previously using Zenefits are now served under the TriNet brand.
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
- ✓Strong benefits administration with a wide carrier network
- ✓Easy employee self-service for benefits enrollment and changes
- ✓Affordable base pricing for small teams
- ✓Good compliance tools for ACA and other regulations
Cons
- ✗Payroll processing costs extra as an add-on
- ✗Customer support quality has been inconsistent historically
- ✗Less suitable for companies that need advanced HR or payroll features
FreeAgent vs Zenefits (now TriNet): Side by Side
| Factor | FreeAgent | Zenefits (now TriNet) |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $12/mo | $8/employee/mo |
| Best For | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools | Small businesses focused on benefits administration |
| Our Pick | — | — |
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Zenefits (now TriNet) Features
- ✓Benefits administration
- ✓payroll
- ✓time tracking
- ✓compliance
- ✓onboarding
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Best For
Small businesses focused on benefits administration
Also Consider
If neither FreeAgent nor Zenefits (now TriNet) 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 Zenefits (now TriNet)?
FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Zenefits (now TriNet) is best for small businesses focused on benefits administration.
Which is better, FreeAgent or Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools. Choose Zenefits (now TriNet) if small businesses focused on benefits administration.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Zenefits (now TriNet) cost?
Zenefits (now TriNet) starts at $8/employee/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 Zenefits (now TriNet)?
Small businesses focused on benefits administration