The AI TillComparisons · Accounting
Comparison
FreeAgent vs Sage Accounting
UK accounting software for sole traders, partnerships and small companies. UK accounting and payroll software with the Sage Copilot AI assistant included in every plan.
| FreeAgent | Sage Accounting | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £33 a month or £330 a year (excl. VAT), with introductory discounts. Free if you keep a business account with NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank, or use Mettle (conditions apply). | Start: £20 a month. Standard: £43 a month. All excl. VAT. Offer when checked: 90% off for 6 months. |
| Free plan | No. Free for eligible NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank and Mettle customers; otherwise a 30-day free trial. | No. No free plan; introductory discount instead. |
| Best for | Sole traders and freelancers, especially with an eligible bank account. | VAT-registered sole traders and small firms wanting payroll and CIS in one place. |
| Watch out for | Check the conditions for the free bank offer. | Check the price after the introductory offer ends. |
| UK notes | UK company, pounds. | UK company, pounds, Making Tax Digital and CIS support. |
| Made by | FreeAgent | Sage |
| Checked | 2026-10-14 | 2026-10-14 |
Our verdict
For most small UK businesses starting out, Sage Accounting is the easier first pick because its entry plan costs less. Pick FreeAgent instead if this sounds like you: sole traders and freelancers, especially with an eligible bank account.
UK price difference
Cheapest paid plans: FreeAgent £33 (standard, per month excl. VAT); Sage Accounting £20 (Start, per month excl. VAT). Sage Accounting is £13 a month cheaper at entry level. Check on the provider page whether VAT is included before you buy.
Who should pick which?
- Choose FreeAgent for: sole traders and freelancers, especially with an eligible bank account.
- Choose Sage Accounting for: vAT-registered sole traders and small firms wanting payroll and CIS in one place.
Neither has a free plan; use the free trials where offered before you commit. Prices change, so check the provider's page before buying.
Other accounting to consider
Xero
Cloud accounting for invoices, bank feeds, VAT and payroll, with AI-assisted features.
QuickBooks
Cloud accounting with invoicing, expenses and VAT, plus Intuit Intelligence AI features (some in beta).
Zoho Books
Accounting software with a free plan for very small businesses and paid UK plans.
Full details
FreeAgent tool page · Sage Accounting tool page · How we check prices
Sources
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