Bridgly vs FreeAgent: Which is Better for UK Micro-Entities?
FreeAgent is UK-based accounting software that's popular with freelancers and small businesses. But is it the right choice for micro-entity limited companies? Let's compare FreeAgent with Bridgly to see which bookkeeping solution fits your needs best.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Bridgly | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £2.99/month | £19-29/month |
| Built for UK Micro-Entities | ✓ Yes | General small business |
| Cash-Basis Focused | ✓ Yes | Accrual-focused |
| VAT Features | Not included | ✓ Full MTD VAT support |
| Learning Curve | Very simple | Moderate |
| Invoicing | Not included | ✓ Yes |
| Expense Claims | Not included | ✓ Yes |
| Self Assessment Tax | Not included | ✓ Yes |
FreeAgent: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive UK-focused features
- MTD VAT support
- Self Assessment tax return integration
- Invoicing and time tracking
- Expense claims
- Popular with UK freelancers and contractors
- Good customer support
Cons
- Expensive for micro-entities (£19-29/month)
- Designed more for freelancers than micro-entities
- Many features you won't use
- More complex than needed for simple bookkeeping
- Accrual-focused (not ideal for cash-basis)
- Includes features like time tracking you may not need
Bridgly: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very affordable (£2.99/month)
- Built specifically for UK micro-entities
- Cash-basis accounting focus
- Simple, easy to learn
- Plain English explanations
- No unnecessary features
- Easy export for accountants
Cons
- Not suitable if you're VAT-registered
- No invoicing or time tracking features
- Limited to cash-basis accounting
- No Self Assessment features
Who Should Choose FreeAgent?
FreeAgent might be better for you if:
- You're VAT-registered and need MTD VAT support
- You're a freelancer or contractor needing invoicing
- You need time tracking features
- You want integrated Self Assessment tax returns
- You need expense claim management
- You have a larger budget (£19-29/month)
Who Should Choose Bridgly?
Bridgly is perfect for you if:
- You're a UK micro-entity limited company
- You're not VAT-registered
- You use (or want to use) cash-basis accounting
- You don't need invoicing or time tracking
- You want the simplest, most affordable solution
- You just need straightforward bookkeeping
The Verdict
FreeAgent is excellent for UK freelancers, contractors, and small businesses that need invoicing, time tracking, and Self Assessment features. It's comprehensive and UK-focused, which is great — if you need all those features.
Bridgly is laser-focused on one thing: simple bookkeeping for UK micro-entities using cash-basis accounting. No invoicing, no time tracking, no Self Assessment — just pure bookkeeping at £2.99/month.
If you're a micro-entity that just needs to keep your books in order (without the bells and whistles), Bridgly gives you everything you need for a fraction of the cost.
Try Bridgly — Get started