Xero vs FreeAgent
Xero and FreeAgent are both accounting apps in the GasStack directory. This page compares them using only what's in our listings: prices copied from each vendor's pricing page on the date shown, plus the features and trial details we recorded. Where we don't have a fact, we say so rather than guess.
Side by side
| Xero | FreeAgent | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | from £18/mo | from £19/mo |
| Price details (from the vendor page) | Ignite £18/mo; Grow £39; Comprehensive £55; Ultimate £70 (ex VAT). Page showed 90% off for the first 6 months. | Sole trader £19/mo; limited company £33/mo (ex VAT). Page showed 50% off for the first 6 months. |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | Offer instead of trial at time of check | 30 days |
| Suits | sole trader, small firm | sole trader, small firm |
| Trades | gas, heating, plumbing | gas, heating, plumbing |
| Certificates in our feature list | Not in our feature list. Ask the vendor. | Not in our feature list. Ask the vendor. |
| Price checked | 20 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 |
| Listed features |
|
|
| Price source | Xero pricing page | FreeAgent pricing page |
Which to pick
Pick Xero if…
- you want the lower starting price: Xero starts with from £18/mo, FreeAgent from £19/mo (both checked on the vendors' pricing pages). That's the cheapest plan each shows, so compare the plan you'd actually use.
- you need any of these, which are in our feature list for Xero: Bank feeds and reconciliation; Invoices and quotes; CIS returns add-on. (FreeAgent may offer some of them too; our list isn't exhaustive.)
Pick FreeAgent if…
- you need any of these, which are in our feature list for FreeAgent: Invoicing and expenses; Self Assessment filing; CIS support. (Xero may offer some of them too; our list isn't exhaustive.)
Before you choose
- From 6 April 2026 sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep records with MTD-compatible software (see GOV.UK). Check the app is HMRC-recognised.
- If you do CIS work, check CIS is supported.
- Look at the price after the introductory offer ends.
Which is cheaper, Xero or FreeAgent?
Xero has the lower starting price: Xero starts with from £18/mo and FreeAgent from £19/mo, as shown on the vendors' pricing pages (checked 20 Oct 2026).
Does Xero or FreeAgent have a free plan?
Xero: no, per its pricing page. FreeAgent: no, per its pricing page.
More comparisons
Prices are as shown on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown, usually excluding VAT, and can change. Always check before you buy. Spotted something wrong? Report a correction.
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