Invoice Guru vs FreeAgent
Which Is Right for You?
FreeAgent is a powerful, full-featured accounting platform trusted by thousands of UK businesses. Invoice Guru is a simpler, more affordable invoicing app built specifically for tradespeople who work on-site. Here's an honest look at both.
The Short Version
Two different tools for different needs.
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a well-established, full accounting platform. It handles invoicing, expenses, bank reconciliation, payroll, self-assessment, and MTD VAT filing. It's popular with freelancers and micro-businesses, and many accountants recommend it.
If you need a complete accounting solution and are comfortable working with accounting concepts like double-entry bookkeeping, FreeAgent is an excellent choice.
Invoice Guru
Invoice Guru is not a full accounting suite. It's a focused, mobile-first invoicing app designed for tradespeople, sole traders, and small businesses who primarily need to create professional invoices quickly — often from a job site.
If you want fast invoicing without accounting complexity, and you want to do it from your phone, Invoice Guru is built for that.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
An honest look at what each platform offers.
| Feature | Invoice Guru | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (Entry) | Free plan available | £24 + VAT/mo (~£28.80) |
| Monthly Price (Full) | £18.99/mo (Pro) | £24 + VAT/mo (~£28.80) |
| Target User | Sole traders, tradespeople, freelancers | Freelancers, small businesses, accountants |
| Accounting Features | Invoicing, expenses, VAT — not full accounting | Full double-entry accounting suite |
| MTD for VAT | Yes | Yes |
| MTD for ITSA | In preparation | Yes |
| Mobile App | Mobile-first — built for on-site use | Available but secondary to web app |
| Bank Feeds | No | Yes — automatic bank reconciliation |
| Payroll | No | Yes — built-in payroll |
| Multi-Currency | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Assessment Filing | No | Yes — file directly to HMRC |
| Learning Curve | Minimal — no accounting knowledge needed | Moderate — some accounting knowledge helpful |
| Create Invoice On-Site | Yes — designed for this | Possible but not the primary workflow |
| Free Plan | Yes — 5 invoices/mo | No — free only with selected NatWest/RBS accounts |
Who Is Each Best For?
Choosing the right tool depends on your needs.
Choose FreeAgent if you...
- Need full accounting with bank reconciliation
- Want to file Self Assessment directly to HMRC
- Need built-in payroll for employees
- Work closely with an accountant who uses FreeAgent
- Have a NatWest/RBS account (FreeAgent may be free)
- Need detailed profit & loss and balance sheet reports
Choose Invoice Guru if you...
- Primarily need invoicing — not full accounting
- Work on-site and want to invoice from your phone
- Want something simple with no accounting jargon
- Are a sole trader or tradesperson (plumber, electrician, builder, etc.)
- Want a free plan to get started with no commitment
- Want to save money — from free up to £18.99/mo vs ~£28.80/mo
Our Honest Take
FreeAgent is a genuinely excellent product. If you need full accounting — bank feeds, payroll, Self Assessment, detailed financial reports — FreeAgent is one of the best options in the UK market.
But many tradespeople and sole traders don't need all of that. If you're a plumber, electrician, or builder who just wants to send professional invoices quickly from your phone, track expenses, and stay MTD-compliant — paying nearly £29/month for features you won't use may not make sense.
Invoice Guru is built for that simpler workflow. It won't replace your accountant or do your Self Assessment. But it will let you invoice a client before you've left the job site, and it costs a fraction of the price — or nothing at all on the free plan.
Try Invoice Guru for Free
See if Invoice Guru fits your workflow. The free plan includes 5 invoices per month — no credit card required.
Free plan available. No credit card needed.