Insightly vs FreeAgent
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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.
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.
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
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
Insightly vs FreeAgent: Side by Side
| Factor | Insightly | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | CRM Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Free | $12/mo |
| Best For | Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Insightly Features
- ✓Contact and lead management
- ✓pipeline management
- ✓project management
- ✓workflow automation
- ✓email marketing
- ✓reporting
- ✓integrations
FreeAgent Features
- ✓Invoicing
- ✓expense management
- ✓bank feeds
- ✓time tracking
- ✓project management
- ✓self-assessment tax returns
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓payroll
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓mobile app
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose FreeAgent if 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
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Also Consider
If neither Insightly nor FreeAgent is the right fit, Monday.com CRM is worth evaluating.
Monday.com CRM
Teams that want CRM and project management combined in one visual platform
From $12/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Insightly and FreeAgent?
Insightly is best for growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Which is better, Insightly or FreeAgent?
Choose Insightly if growing businesses that need crm and project management in one platform. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
How much does Insightly cost?
Insightly starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Insightly?
Growing businesses that need CRM and project management in one platform
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools