FreeAgent vs Crunch: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between FreeAgent and Crunch comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
FreeAgent
UK cloud accounting for limited companies and sole traders
Best for you if:
- • UK MTD accounting for limited companies, sole traders, and landlords. Not a US bookkeeping app.
- • Limited-company list price is £33/mo or £330/year excl. VAT. First-period 50% off. Free with NatWest / RBS / Ulster / Mettle (freeagent.com/pricing).
Crunch
Online accounting software and expert advice for UK sole traders and limited companies.
Best for you if:
- • Online accounting software with invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation.
- • Unlimited expert advice and support from certified UK accountants.
| At a Glance |  FreeAgent |  Crunch |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 4.4/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose FreeAgent or Crunch?
Choose FreeAgent if
UK cloud accounting for limited companies and sole traders
- Comprehensive all-in-one solution covering invoicing, expenses, payroll, tax, and cash flow forecasting.
- Free for users with eligible UK business bank accounts (NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank, Mettle), making it highly cost-effective.
- Award-winning UK-based support team available via phone, email, and live chat.
Choose Crunch if
Online accounting software and expert advice for UK sole traders and limited companies.
- Combines user-friendly software with unlimited human expert support.
- HMRC recognised and MTD compatible, ensuring compliance.
- Offers plans specifically tailored for Sole Traders and Limited Companies.
| Feature | FreeAgent | Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 223 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | AccountingInvoicing | AccountingInvoicing |
In-Depth Analysis
FreeAgent
UK cloud accounting for limited companies and sole traders
FreeAgent's pricing is fair and competitive for UK small businesses, with the £33/month or £330/year (£27.50/month) plans offering solid value for MTD VAT, payroll, and invoicing.
Watch out
VAT not included in listed prices
Strengths
- +Comprehensive all-in-one solution covering invoicing, expenses, payroll, tax, and cash flow forecasting.
- +Free for users with eligible UK business bank accounts (NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank, Mettle), making it highly cost-effective.
- +Award-winning UK-based support team available via phone, email, and live chat.
Weaknesses
- -Primarily designed for UK-based businesses, with a focus on HMRC compliance and UK tax regulations.
- -The free tier for bank account holders may have limited features compared to the full paid subscription.
Key features
Crunch
Online accounting software and expert advice for UK sole traders and limited companies.
Strengths
- +Combines user-friendly software with unlimited human expert support.
- +HMRC recognised and MTD compatible, ensuring compliance.
- +Offers plans specifically tailored for Sole Traders and Limited Companies.
- +Provides proactive tax saving advice and comprehensive tax filing services.
- +Positive customer reviews highlighting stress reduction and good customer service.
Weaknesses
- -Some advanced features like Self Assessment filing are add-ons or only available in higher-tier plans.
- -The free software tier includes ads.
Key features
Pricing: FreeAgent vs Crunch
| Plan | FreeAgent | Crunch |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | £0 Free with bank | N/A |
| Tier 2 | £33/mo excl. VAT Monthly | N/A |
| Tier 3 | £330/year excl. VAT Annual | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on FreeAgent pricing and Crunch pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: FreeAgent
Want the highest-rated option?
FreeAgent is rated 4.4/5. Crunch has no ratings yet.
Go with: FreeAgent
Value user reviews?
FreeAgent: 223 reviews (4.4/5). Crunch: no ratings yet.
Go with: FreeAgent
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are accounting tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
FreeAgent is rated 4.4/5; Crunch has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
FreeAgent
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Crunch
- Choose if you want online accounting software and expert advice for UK sole traders and limited companies
The Bottom Line
FreeAgent is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreeAgent or Crunch better?
FreeAgent is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are FreeAgent and Crunch used for?
FreeAgent: UK cloud accounting for limited companies and sole traders. Crunch: Online accounting software and expert advice for UK sole traders and limited companies..
What does FreeAgent cost vs Crunch?
FreeAgent is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Crunch is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.