Accounting · Head to head
Xero vs FreeAgent: which is better?
Short answer
They cost the same in the first year ($324). Pick Xero for unlimited-user cloud accounting; pick FreeAgent for freelancers and small agencies.
| Fact | Xero | FreeAgent | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Unlimited-user cloud accounting | Freelancers and small agencies | — |
| Free plan | No, 30-day trial | No | Tie |
| Entry plan | Early: $27 / mo | FreeAgent: $27 / mo | Tie |
| Mid plan | Growing: $59 / mo | FreeAgent: $27 / mo | FreeAgent |
| Top plan | Established: $97 / mo | FreeAgent: $27 / mo | FreeAgent |
| 1st year | $324 | $324 | Tie |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Xero or FreeAgent?
They cost the same in the first year ($324).
| 1st year | Xero | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $324 | $324 |
| Mid | $708 | $324 |
| Top | $1,164 | $324 |
Which has the better free plan, Xero or FreeAgent?
Neither stands out: Xero: No, 30-day trial; FreeAgent: No.
Should you pick Xero or FreeAgent?
Pick Xero if
- you want unlimited-user cloud accounting
- you can pay $27 / mo from day one
Pick FreeAgent if
- you want freelancers and small agencies
- you can pay $27 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Xero pricing | xero.com/us/pricing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
| FreeAgent pricing | freeagent.com/us/pricing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare