Compare the tools
Start with your day-to-day work. Check bank feeds, VAT scheme support, MTD filing, payroll and integrations. Then confirm whether your plan includes company accounts and CT600 filing or needs an accountant add-on.
01
QuickBooks Online
Works well for: small businesses wanting mainstream cloud bookkeeping with optional payroll.
What stands out
- Strong bank feeds and invoicing
- HMRC-recognised MTD for VAT
- Payroll available as an add-on
Check before choosing
- Plan and add-on structure needs checking
- CT600 and Companies House filing are not the core bookkeeping workflow
UK setup: MTD VAT filing, VAT tracking, payroll and CIS features are available in the UK. CT600 and statutory accounts should be checked separately with an accountant or filing product.
A good fit if: May suit a business that wants bookkeeping and payroll in one familiar system.
02
Xero
Works well for: limited companies and growing businesses wanting a connected accounting and tax workflow.
What stands out
- Strong integrations and bank reconciliation
- HMRC-recognised VAT and payroll workflows
- Xero promotes connected Companies House accounts and CT600 filing through its company accounts and tax add-on
Check before choosing
- More advanced filing features may require an add-on or partner access
- The wide app ecosystem needs careful setup
UK setup: MTD VAT, payroll, pension connections and integrations are central UK features. Xero states that its company accounts and tax workflow can file accounts to Companies House and CT600 to HMRC.
A good fit if: Worth considering if connected bookkeeping, accounts and CT600 filing are priorities.
03
FreeAgent
Works well for: sole traders, freelancers and small companies wanting straightforward accounting with payroll.
What stands out
- Clear small-business interface
- Integrated UK payroll and RTI
- Useful for contractors and professional service businesses
Check before choosing
- Less suitable for complex inventory or advanced operational workflows
- Check the exact MTD and company tax features for your plan
UK setup: UK payroll, RTI and VAT support are available. FreeAgent is primarily a bookkeeping and tax preparation platform, so confirm whether your accountant or a separate filing product will handle CT600 and accounts.
A good fit if: A good choice for a simple service business that values clarity over a large feature set.
04
Zoho Books
Works well for: cost-conscious businesses wanting broad features and MTD support.
What stands out
- Free and paid plans available
- HMRC-recognised MTD VAT and Income Tax features
- Strong workflow, reporting and wider Zoho integrations
Check before choosing
- The broader product can take longer to configure
- Check add-ons and plan limits for CT600 and final accounts
UK setup: MTD VAT and Income Tax features are promoted for the UK. Zoho’s UK pricing lists CT600 and final accounts filing as an add-on.
A good fit if: Could suit a business looking for more automation and reporting than a basic free plan provides.
05
Sage Accounting
Works well for: businesses wanting a long-established UK accounting brand.
What stands out
- Familiar UK accounting and VAT workflows
- Bank feeds, invoicing and reporting
- Connects to the wider Sage payroll and business ecosystem
Check before choosing
- The product range can be confusing
- Check which filing and payroll features belong to your exact plan
UK setup: Sage offers UK MTD and payroll products, but CT600 and statutory accounts may sit in a separate product or accountant workflow.
A good fit if: Consider it if you need a familiar UK payroll and accounts setup.
06
FreshBooks
Works well for: freelancers and service businesses focused on invoicing, time and expenses.
What stands out
- Simple invoicing and client management
- Good time and expense workflow
- HMRC-recognised MTD VAT software
Check before choosing
- Less suited to complex stock, double-entry or company accounts workflows
- Do not assume it files CT600 and Companies House accounts
UK setup: FreshBooks promotes MTD VAT filing, VAT schemes and export to an accountant. Its UK product is not presented as a complete CT600 and statutory accounts filing system.
A good fit if: May work for a service business that prioritises invoicing and has an accountant handle year-end compliance.
07
KashFlow
Works well for: small UK businesses wanting a focused accounting and VAT package.
What stands out
- UK-focused bookkeeping and VAT features
- Straightforward invoicing and bank reconciliation
- Useful for businesses that do not need a large ecosystem
Check before choosing
- Fewer integrations than the largest platforms
- Check current payroll and company tax filing availability
UK setup: Review MTD VAT support, VAT scheme requirements and any year-end filing add-ons before choosing.
A good fit if: Worth considering for a simple UK bookkeeping setup with limited integration needs.
08
Clear Books
Works well for: small UK businesses wanting a simple UK accounting platform.
What stands out
- UK-focused bookkeeping and VAT workflow
- Clear invoices, expenses and reports
- Suitable for straightforward small-business records
Check before choosing
- Smaller ecosystem than Xero or QuickBooks
- Confirm current payroll, CT600 and Companies House options
UK setup: Check MTD VAT compatibility and whether any accounts or Corporation Tax filing is included or handled through an accountant.
A good fit if: May suit a small business looking for straightforward UK bookkeeping.
09
Crunch
Works well for: contractors and limited companies that want software connected to an accountancy service.
What stands out
- Combines software with accountant support
- Useful for contractor and limited-company workflows
- Can reduce the need to manage year-end filing alone
Check before choosing
- Less useful if you only want standalone software
- Service scope and pricing need careful review
UK setup: The service model can cover bookkeeping, accounts and tax support, but confirm who submits VAT, CT600 and Companies House accounts.
A good fit if: Consider it when you want a supported service rather than software alone.
10
Pandle
Works well for: micro-businesses wanting simple bookkeeping at a low cost.
What stands out
- Simple income and expense tracking
- Accessible for sole traders and very small businesses
- Useful starting point for basic records
Check before choosing
- Less suitable for complex reporting or inventory
- Confirm MTD, VAT and accountant integration needs before relying on it
UK setup: Check its current UK VAT and MTD workflow, then confirm how year-end accounts and tax returns will be filed.
A good fit if: A sensible starting point for a very small business with uncomplicated records.
Plans and filing features can change. Check the provider’s current plan details and HMRC guidance before you choose.
UK compliance sources
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