3docs vs FreeAgent
FreeAgent is one of the most popular accounting tools for UK freelancers. 3docs is a focused invoicing tool. The right choice depends on how much financial management you need in one place.
QUICK VERDICT
Choose 3docs if you want a simple, free way to send professional invoices without monthly fees or setup complexity.
Choose FreeAgent if you need a full accounting suite — expenses, bank feeds, VAT returns, and Self Assessment filing — in one place.
Pricing
3docs
Free
First 3 invoices, no credit card
Then: £3 per invoice (pay-as-you-go)
or £9/month unlimited (Pro)
FreeAgent
~£19/mo
Plus VAT. Free for NatWest/RBS/Ulster Bank customers.
Includes full accounting suite: invoicing, expenses, bank feeds, Self Assessment, payroll.
Feature comparison
| Feature | 3docs | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Free tierFree for NatWest/RBS customers only | ||
| UK-specific (HMRC compliant) | ||
| Invoice creation + PDF | ||
| Email invoices to clients | ||
| Payment tracking | ||
| VAT invoicing | ||
| Expense tracking | ||
| Bank feeds / reconciliation | ||
| Self Assessment filing | ||
| VAT return preparation | ||
| Payroll | ||
| Project management |
CHOOSE 3DOCS IF...
- You need to send invoices quickly and simply
- You want free to start, no monthly commitment
- You are a low-volume invoicer (1–10 invoices/month)
- Your accountant handles tax — you just need clean invoice records
CHOOSE FREEAGENT IF...
- You want everything — invoicing, expenses, tax — in one tool
- You use NatWest, RBS, or Ulster Bank (it may be free for you)
- You need bank feeds and automatic expense categorisation
- You want to file your own Self Assessment from within the tool
Where 3docs wins
3docs is genuinely free to start — no credit card, no trial period that converts to a paid plan. You get three invoices, see exactly how the tool works, and decide whether it suits you before spending anything. The pay-per-send model (£3 per invoice) also suits freelancers who invoice infrequently and find a monthly subscription wasteful.
For freelancers whose accountant handles everything tax-related, 3docs does exactly what is needed: it creates professional, HMRC-compliant invoices, sends them by email as PDFs, and tracks what has been paid. Nothing more, nothing less.
Where FreeAgent wins
FreeAgent is a much broader product. If you want your expenses, bank transactions, VAT returns, and Self Assessment all handled in one place, FreeAgent can do that. It connects to your bank account, categorises transactions automatically, and guides you through Self Assessment at the end of the year.
For NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank business account holders, FreeAgent is also free — which makes the comparison straightforward: if you bank with one of those providers, FreeAgent is worth trying regardless of your invoicing volume.
Common questions
Is FreeAgent free for UK freelancers?
FreeAgent is free for NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank business account holders. For everyone else, it is a paid subscription — typically around £19 per month plus VAT after any trial period. Check FreeAgent's current pricing on their website as rates change.
Does 3docs do accounting like FreeAgent?
3docs is an invoicing tool, not accounting software. It handles invoice creation, PDF generation, email delivery, payment tracking, and client management. It does not offer bank feeds, expense tracking, payroll, Self Assessment filing, or VAT return preparation. If you need those features, FreeAgent or similar accounting software is more appropriate.
Can I use 3docs and FreeAgent together?
Yes. Some freelancers use 3docs for its simplicity when sending invoices and FreeAgent for broader financial management. However, most users find it easier to pick one tool and use it consistently — duplication across two systems creates extra reconciliation work.
Which is better for a sole trader just starting out?
3docs is better if you want to get your first invoice sent with minimal setup and no monthly commitment. FreeAgent is better if you want to manage your entire finances — expenses, bank feeds, and Self Assessment — in one place from the start. The right choice depends on how much financial complexity you expect.
Try 3docs free — no card needed
Three invoices on us. If you just need to invoice clients without the accounting overhead, this is the faster path.
Get started freePricing note: competitor pricing is approximate and subject to change. Verify on FreeAgent's website.