Side-by-side comparison
FreeAgent is a UK accounting platform owned by NatWest - popular with sole traders and freelancers for MTD VAT returns, Self Assessment, and bookkeeping. PayReady is a mobile-first quoting and invoicing tool. These are different tools, and for most tradesmen, both have a role.
Free during Early Access. No credit card. Ready in 2 minutes.
The key difference
FreeAgent is for your accountant and tax returns. PayReady is for the job - quote it, invoice it, chase it, from your phone.
PayReady - for the job
Describe the job. PayReady AI builds a professional quote in 30 seconds - your rates, your VAT, your logo. Send it via WhatsApp. Convert to invoice in one tap. When a client goes quiet, PayReady AI drafts the chaser in the right tone. All from your phone, no laptop required.
FreeAgent - for the books
FreeAgent is a UK accounting platform well-suited to sole traders and freelancers. It handles MTD VAT returns, Self Assessment filing, bank reconciliation, and year-end accounts. It can produce invoices, but that is not its primary purpose - it is an accounting tool, not a trade-quoting tool.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PayReady | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| PayReady AI quote from plain English (30 sec) | ||
| WhatsApp send | ||
| Mobile-first (works fully on phone) | ||
| Irish VAT rates pre-set by trade | ||
| PayReady AI payment reminders - 3 tones | ||
| Stage invoicing | ||
| Built for tradesmen on site | ||
| MTD VAT returns (UK) | ||
| Self Assessment filing | ||
| Bank feed reconciliation | ||
| Payroll | ||
| Starting price | Free | £19/mo |
Pricing comparison
PayReady
Free now
Join during Early Access and lock in your founding member rate when pricing launches. No credit card, no time limit.
FreeAgent
£19/mo
UK accounting platform. Some NatWest and RBS business bank accounts include FreeAgent free.
Most UK tradesmen use both: PayReady for the job, FreeAgent for the accountant. Many NatWest business account holders already have FreeAgent free.
Good news for NatWest customers
NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank business account holders get FreeAgent included free with their account. If you are already using it for bookkeeping, keep using it - it is good at what it does.
PayReady handles the front-end of your business: quotes, invoices, and payment chasing from your phone. FreeAgent handles the back-end: reconciliation, VAT returns, and year-end. The two tools work well side by side.
Our honest take
Use PayReady for
Use FreeAgent for
PayReady AI quotes in 30 seconds. WhatsApp send. PayReady AI payment chasers. All from your phone. Free during Early Access.
Free during Early Access. No credit card. Ready in 2 minutes.
Common questions
