Comparison · Accounting software

FreeAgent vs ZipBooks: which is better in 2026?

ZipBooks ranks higher in our list of accounting software (#5 against #6, score 82.5 against 81.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 81.0
    Editorial score
    82.5
  • 3
    Platforms
    1
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose FreeAgent if you want

UK freelancers and small businesses with an accountant.

Open Banking bank feeds, a practice dashboard for accountants, payroll and Making Tax Digital in one UK product. It has no inventory module, and its pricing and tax features are set for the UK.

Choose ZipBooks if you want

Freelancers who want bookkeeping with bank connections.

Bank Connect and time tracking come with the free Starter plan, plus quotes and bookkeeping for freelancers. It has no inventory module, so stock tracking needs a separate tool.

The main differences

  • Only FreeAgent runs on iOS.
  • Only FreeAgent runs on Android.
  • ZipBooks can be used for free; FreeAgent requires payment.

Side by side

FreeAgentZipBooks
Score81.082.5
Rank in list#6 of 9#5 of 9
PriceSubscriptionPaid monthly or annual plans after a 30-day free trialFree plan, paid upgradesFree Starter plan; paid tiers with free trials
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, AndroidWebWeb
Made byNot statedNot stated
HostingVendor cloudVendor cloud
Bank feedsYesYes
Inventory trackingNoNo
Best forUK freelancers and small businesses with an accountantFreelancers who want bookkeeping with bank connections
Strengths
  • Open Banking bank feeds with status per client
  • Making Tax Digital and payroll for UK users
  • Free Starter plan with unlimited invoices
  • Accountant tier for bookkeeping firms
Limits
  • Pricing and tax features are set for the UK
  • Paid plans only, after a 30-day trial
  • Smaller ecosystem than the largest accounting apps
  • Advanced reporting is on higher tiers
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about FreeAgent vs ZipBooks

Is ZipBooks better than FreeAgent?
ZipBooks ranks higher in our list of accounting software (#5 against #6, score 82.5 against 81.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. FreeAgent is best for: UK freelancers and small businesses with an accountant. ZipBooks is best for: freelancers who want bookkeeping with bank connections.
Which is cheaper, FreeAgent or ZipBooks?
FreeAgent: Paid monthly or annual plans after a 30-day free trial. ZipBooks: Free Starter plan; paid tiers with free trials.
Do FreeAgent and ZipBooks run on the same platforms?
FreeAgent supports Web, iOS, Android. ZipBooks supports Web.