# HelloBooks vs FreeAgent

> Last updated: 2026-05-16
> Canonical HTML: https://hellobooks.ai/compare/hellobooks-vs-freeagent

FreeAgent is a UK-focused accounting product owned by NatWest, popular with freelancers and limited companies. HelloBooks competes on AI depth, dual US + India geo support, and pricing.

## Side-by-side

| Feature | HelloBooks | FreeAgent |
|---------|-----------|-----------|
| Pricing | Free + Pro $9.99/mo | £19/mo (free if NatWest / Royal Bank of Scotland / Mettle account) |
| AI | Agentic AI, OCR, MCP | None |
| UK MTD VAT | Yes | Yes (FreeAgent's strength) |
| Self Assessment (UK) | CA partner route | Built-in (FreeAgent's strength) |
| Bank feeds | Plaid (US), India SMS, UK Open Banking | UK Open Banking |
| US sales tax | Yes (Avalara) | No |
| India GST | Yes | No |
| Multi-currency | Included | Limited |
| Practice management | Built-in | FreeAgent for Accountants |
| Multi-entity | Native | Per-account |

## Key differences

**UK depth.** FreeAgent's strength is UK-specific — MTD VAT, Self Assessment, Corporation Tax filing. HelloBooks does UK MTD VAT but routes Self Assessment / Corp Tax through CA partners.

**Geo.** HelloBooks works for businesses operating across US, India, UK, AU, CA. FreeAgent is UK-focused.

**AI.** HelloBooks ships agentic AI; FreeAgent doesn't.

**Pricing.** FreeAgent is free if you bank with NatWest / RBS / Mettle — a real advantage if you already do. Otherwise HelloBooks Pro at $9.99/mo is cheaper than FreeAgent's £19/mo.

## Choose HelloBooks if you

- Operate beyond the UK (US, India, AU, CA).
- Want AI automation built in.
- Don't bank with NatWest / RBS / Mettle (no free FreeAgent).

## Choose FreeAgent if you

- UK-only business and bank with NatWest / RBS / Mettle (free FreeAgent).
- Need Self Assessment / Corp Tax filing inside the product.

## Migration

CSV export from FreeAgent → import into HelloBooks. UK VAT returns can be transitioned at end of a VAT period.

Canonical HTML: https://hellobooks.ai/compare/hellobooks-vs-freeagent