3docs vs QuickBooks
QuickBooks is the most widely used accounting software in the UK. 3docs is a lightweight invoicing tool built specifically for sole traders. They solve different problems.
QUICK VERDICT
Choose 3docs if you need professional invoices sent quickly with no monthly fee and no accounting overhead.
Choose QuickBooks if you need a full accounting platform — expenses, bank reconciliation, payroll, 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)
QuickBooks
~£8/mo
Simple Start. Essentials ~£16/mo, Plus ~£24/mo.
Self-Employed plan ~£8/mo includes mileage tracking and Self Assessment integration.
Feature comparison
| Feature | 3docs | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Free tierTrial only (30 days) | ||
| UK-specific invoice requirements | ||
| Invoice creation + PDF | ||
| Email invoices to clients | ||
| Payment tracking | ||
| VAT invoicing | ||
| Expense tracking | ||
| Bank feeds / reconciliation | ||
| Self Assessment filingSelf-Employed plan only | ||
| Making Tax Digital (MTD) | ||
| PayrollAdd-on | ||
| Multi-currency |
CHOOSE 3DOCS IF...
- You primarily need to create and send invoices
- You want to start for free with no trial expiry
- Your accountant handles tax, you just need clean invoice records
- You invoice a small number of clients and find monthly fees wasteful
CHOOSE QUICKBOOKS IF...
- You want to manage all your finances in one platform
- You need bank feeds and automatic transaction categorisation
- You want to file your own Self Assessment from within the tool
- You need MTD-compliant VAT return submission
Where 3docs wins
QuickBooks is powerful, but power comes with complexity. Setting it up, connecting your bank, categorising transactions, and keeping records current takes time every week. For a freelancer who sends invoices and lets their accountant handle the rest, that overhead is unnecessary.
3docs removes that overhead entirely. There is nothing to set up: enter your business details, add a client, add line items, and your invoice is ready. The first three are free — no trial period, no credit card, no expiry. If you are a sole trader starting out, 3docs gets you invoicing in under two minutes.
Where QuickBooks wins
QuickBooks is the most feature-complete accounting solution most UK freelancers will encounter. It connects to virtually every UK bank, reconciles transactions automatically, tracks expenses, prepares VAT returns for Making Tax Digital, and supports payroll.
The Self-Employed plan is particularly relevant for sole traders: it separates personal and business spending, tracks mileage, and integrates with HMRC to simplify the Self Assessment process at the end of the year. If you want to manage your entire business finances in one place without an accountant, QuickBooks is capable of doing that.
Common questions
Is QuickBooks good for UK sole traders?
QuickBooks works for UK sole traders, particularly the QuickBooks Self-Employed plan which is designed for freelancers and sole traders. It helps separate business and personal expenses, tracks mileage, and supports Self Assessment tax return submission. For sole traders who mainly need to send invoices, it may offer more complexity than necessary.
What is the cheapest way to invoice as a freelancer in the UK?
3docs offers the first three invoices completely free, with no credit card required. After that, the pay-as-you-go rate is £3 per invoice. For a sole trader sending four invoices per month, the Pro plan at £9 per month is cheaper than any QuickBooks plan.
Does QuickBooks do Self Assessment?
QuickBooks Self-Employed includes a Self Assessment submission feature that helps prepare your tax return from the expenses and income you have tracked throughout the year. This requires you to have kept accurate records in QuickBooks over the tax year. The standard QuickBooks plans do not include Self Assessment filing — only the Self-Employed plan does.
Do I need QuickBooks or just invoicing software?
If your main need is to send professional invoices to clients and track whether they have been paid, an invoicing tool like 3docs is sufficient. You would need QuickBooks (or equivalent accounting software) if you also want to track business expenses, reconcile bank transactions, manage payroll, prepare VAT returns, or file your Self Assessment from within the tool.
Try 3docs free — no card needed
If invoicing is all you need, 3docs keeps it simple. Three invoices free, then pay-as-you-go or £9/month unlimited.
Get started freePricing note: QuickBooks pricing is approximate and subject to change. Verify on QuickBooks' website.