isolved vs FreeAgent
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
isolved
isolved is an all-in-one HCM platform offering payroll, HR, benefits, and time tracking for small to mid-sized businesses. It is delivered through a network of local service partners providing personalized support.
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
- ✓Strong local service partner network
- ✓Good all-in-one HCM features
- ✓Solid compliance tools
- ✓Flexible configuration
- ✓Good for SMBs needing hands-on support
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated
- ✗Quality can vary by service partner
- ✗Less self-serve than modern platforms
- ✗Reporting needs improvement
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
isolved vs FreeAgent: Side by Side
| Factor | isolved | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Payroll Software | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $12/mo |
| Best For | SMBs wanting full-service payroll and HR support through a local service partner network | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
isolved Features
- ✓Payroll processing
- ✓HR management
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓time tracking
- ✓talent management
- ✓compliance
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 isolved if smbs wanting full-service payroll and hr support through a local service partner network. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Best For
SMBs wanting full-service payroll and HR support through a local service partner network
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Also Consider
If neither isolved nor FreeAgent is the right fit, Multiplier is worth evaluating.
Multiplier
Startups and SMBs hiring internationally on a budget
From $40/contractor/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between isolved and FreeAgent?
isolved is best for smbs wanting full-service payroll and hr support through a local service partner network. FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Which is better, isolved or FreeAgent?
Choose isolved if smbs wanting full-service payroll and hr support through a local service partner network. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
How much does isolved cost?
Visit isolved website for current pricing.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use isolved?
SMBs wanting full-service payroll and HR support through a local service partner network
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools