Workable vs FreeAgent
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Workable
Workable is an all-in-one recruiting software platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It includes job posting, candidate sourcing with AI, interview scheduling, and offer management. Workable is known for its ease of use and quick setup, making it a popular first ATS for growing companies.
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
- ✓Easy to set up and use with minimal training required
- ✓AI-powered candidate sourcing from 400+ job boards
- ✓Good mobile app for on-the-go hiring
- ✓Affordable pricing compared to enterprise ATS tools
Cons
- ✗Limited customization for complex hiring workflows
- ✗Reporting and analytics are basic
- ✗Not ideal for high-volume enterprise hiring at scale
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
Workable vs FreeAgent: Side by Side
| Factor | Workable | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Applicant Tracking | Accounting Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $189/mo | $12/mo |
| Best For | Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS | UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workable Features
- ✓Job postings
- ✓candidate sourcing
- ✓interview scheduling
- ✓offer letters
- ✓reporting
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 Workable if small to mid-size companies needing simple ats. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Best For
Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS
Best For
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools
Also Consider
If neither Workable nor FreeAgent is the right fit, Manatal is worth evaluating.
Manatal
Recruitment agencies and budget-conscious companies wanting AI-powered ATS at an affordable price
From $15/user/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Workable and FreeAgent?
Workable is best for small to mid-size companies needing simple ats. FreeAgent is best for uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
Which is better, Workable or FreeAgent?
Choose Workable if small to mid-size companies needing simple ats. Choose FreeAgent if uk freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong self assessment and vat tools.
How much does Workable cost?
Workable starts at $189/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does FreeAgent cost?
FreeAgent starts at $12/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Workable?
Small to mid-size companies needing simple ATS
Who should use FreeAgent?
UK freelancers and contractors wanting simple accounting with strong Self Assessment and VAT tools