FreeAgent is a beloved UK accounting tool for sole traders and freelancers. HelloBooks is a global AI-powered platform with full inventory and payroll. We compare features across banking, invoicing, tax, and AI.
| Feature | HelloBooks | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Banking & Categorization | AI-powered auto-categorize, bank feeds | UK bank feeds + NatWest/RBS integration |
| Accounts Payable | Full AP + PO + 3-way matching + approvals | Basic bills & expense tracking |
| Sales & Invoicing | Full cycle + E-Invoice + multi-currency | Clean invoicing + time tracking integration |
| GST / Tax Compliance | India GST full suite, US/UK/AU tax | UK tax excellent — Self Assessment, MTD, Corp Tax |
| Reporting | Cash Flow Forecast + Scenarios + AI Insights + Period Autopilot + 50+ reports | Basic reports + Tax Timeline |
| Inventory | Full WMS, BOM, MRP, job costing | No inventory management |
| Payroll | Built-in, multi-country | No native payroll |
| AI & Automation | AI chatbot, voice, multi-agent system | No AI features |
| Pricing | Free to start, unlimited users | £13–£35/mo — free with NatWest/RBS |
1. UK Specialist vs Global Platform
FreeAgent is a UK specialist built for sole traders and limited companies with deep HMRC integration. HelloBooks is a global platform with multi-country tax support, inventory, and manufacturing — built for businesses of all sizes.
2. Tax Filing
FreeAgent has UK Self Assessment and Corporation Tax estimates built-in with direct HMRC filing. HelloBooks has full India GST compliance (GSTR-1, 2A/2B, 3B, E-Way Bills, E-Invoicing) and is expanding global tax coverage.
3. NatWest Deal
FreeAgent is free for NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank business account holders — a unique advantage for UK banking customers that no other accounting platform offers.
FreeAgent is the right choice for UK sole traders and limited companies — especially NatWest customers who get it free — needing Self Assessment and MTD compliance.
HelloBooks is the better choice for global businesses that need full accounting, inventory, payroll, and AI-powered automation in a single platform.
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