FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a comprehensive cloud accounting software designed specifically for small business owners and freelancers to manage invoices, expenses, and tax returns in one place.
QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is a comprehensive automated tax and compensation management software providing small to mid-sized businesses with integrated tools to pay employees, manage benefits, and file taxes accurately.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FreeAgent | QuickBooks Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Website | freeagent.com | quickbooks.intuit.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $45/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2007 | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh, UK | Mountain View, USA |
Overview
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a powerful cloud accounting tool built to simplify the financial lives of freelancers and small business owners. You can manage every aspect of your business finances from a single dashboard, including professional invoicing, automated expense tracking, and real-time cash flow monitoring. It eliminates the stress of manual bookkeeping by connecting directly to your bank accounts and automatically categorizing your transactions.
You can also stay on top of your tax obligations with ease, as the software generates VAT returns and Self Assessment filings based on your data. Whether you are a sole trader or running a limited company, you get a clear view of your profitability and upcoming tax deadlines. It is designed to be accessible for non-accountants, giving you the confidence to manage your books without needing a finance degree.
QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is an automated solution designed to take the stress out of paying your team. Whether you have one employee or a growing workforce, you can run payroll in minutes with integrated time tracking and automatic tax calculations. The platform handles your federal and state tax filings and payments automatically, helping you stay compliant without manual data entry.
You can manage your entire back office by syncing payroll data directly with QuickBooks Online accounting. This integration ensures your financial books stay balanced and up-to-date every time you run a pay cycle. Beyond just paychecks, you can offer your team health benefits, 401(k) plans, and workers' comp, all managed from a single dashboard that scales with your business needs.
Overview
FreeAgent Features
- Smart Invoicing Create and send professional invoices in seconds and set up automated reminders to chase late payments for you.
- Expense Management Snap photos of your receipts with the mobile app to track your business spending and out-of-pocket expenses instantly.
- Bank Feeds Connect your bank account to automatically import transactions and see your real-time cash flow without manual entry.
- Project Management Track your time, log billable hours, and monitor project profitability to ensure every job stays within your budget.
- Tax Forecasting Get a real-time view of how much tax you owe and receive automatic alerts for upcoming filing deadlines.
- Mobile Accounting Manage your business finances on the go with native iOS and Android apps that sync across all your devices.
QuickBooks Payroll Features
- Auto Payroll. Set your payroll to run automatically each pay period so your team gets paid on time without you lifting a finger.
- Automated Tax Filings. Let the software calculate, file, and pay your federal and state payroll taxes automatically to ensure year-round compliance.
- Same-Day Direct Deposit. Keep your money longer and pay your employees faster with the ability to submit payroll on the very same day.
- Integrated Time Tracking. Track employee hours and approve timesheets directly within the app to eliminate manual data entry and errors.
- Health Benefits. Compare and choose medical, dental, and vision plans for your team with digital enrollment and automated deductions.
- Workers' Comp Integration. Get quotes and manage your policies with a pay-as-you-go model that improves your business cash flow.
- Expert Support. Access 24/7 premium support and even get a payroll setup review from a professional to ensure everything is correct.
- HR Advisor Access. Consult with certified HR professionals to get custom handbooks and expert advice on complex hiring or termination issues.
Pricing Comparison
FreeAgent Pricing
- Full feature access
- Free for NatWest/RBS/Ulster customers
- Unlimited users
- Unlimited clients and projects
- Self Assessment filing
- UK-based support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Designed for non-VAT registered
- Self Assessment filing included
- Automated bank feeds
- Unlimited invoices and estimates
- Smart reporting tools
QuickBooks Payroll Pricing
- Full-service automated payroll
- Automated tax filings
- Next-day direct deposit
- Health health benefits
- 401(k) plans
- Expert product support
- Everything in Core, plus:
- Same-day direct deposit
- Integrated time tracking
- Expert setup review
- HR support center access
- Workers' comp administration
Pros & Cons
FreeAgent
Pros
- Completely free for many UK business bank customers
- Very intuitive interface designed for non-accountants
- Excellent automated tax forecasting and filing features
- Highly rated UK-based customer support team
- Seamless mobile app for managing expenses on the go
Cons
- Limited inventory management for product-based businesses
- Pricing can be high for those without partner banks
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to Xero or QuickBooks
QuickBooks Payroll
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks Online accounting
- User-friendly interface is easy for non-accountants
- Reliable automated tax filing and payments
- Fast same-day direct deposit options
- Mobile app allows payroll runs from anywhere
Cons
- Per-employee fees can become expensive
- Customer support wait times can be long
- Occasional glitches when syncing with third-party apps