£÷×−+789C45=AccountingCompare
Best For Budget-Conscious Businesses

Best Free Accounting Software UK 2026

These UK-available accounting options have a genuine free tier. Limits, eligibility and Making Tax Digital features differ, so check each vendor's current pricing page before choosing. Commercial data was checked on 21 September 2026.

Pandle logo
PandleBest UK Free

UK bookkeeping with a free plan and optional £5 Pro tier

4.7
★★★★★
Our rating
Free
Starting from
Try Free

Top 4 Picks for Budget-Conscious Businesses

#1 Best Pick
Pandle logo
#1 PandleBest UK Free

UK bookkeeping with a free plan and optional £5 Pro tier

4.7
★★★★★
Free
per month

Why it's great for Budget-Conscious Businesses: Pandle provides a free account with the option to add automation and MTD submission capabilities through Pandle Pro. It is a UK-focused option for businesses that need to begin with a no-cost plan.

Pros
UK-focused product
Free account
No contract
Low-cost Pro upgrade
Cons
Advanced automation is on Pro
Check plan features before relying on MTD workflows
QuickFile logo
#2 QuickFileEntry-Volume Pricing

Free for accounts with up to 200 ledger entries in a rolling year

4.8
★★★★★
Free
per month

Why it's great for Budget-Conscious Businesses: QuickFile is free up to 200 ledger entries over a rolling 12-month period and includes core accounting features. The paid entry-volume subscription is £60 + VAT per year for accounts with 201 or more entries.

Pros
Free up to 200 entries
MTD VAT capability
Unlimited users
UK product
Cons
Usage-based threshold
Automated bank feeds are a separate annual charge
Clear Books logo
#3 Clear BooksMTD Income Tax

Free MTD-ready sole-trader bookkeeping

4.1
★★★★★
Free
per month

Why it's great for Budget-Conscious Businesses: Clear Books' Sole Trader Free plan is designed for MTD Income Tax record keeping and filing. Paid sole-trader plans add bank feeds, invoicing and MTD VAT reporting.

Pros
Forever-free sole-trader plan
MTD Income Tax features
HMRC recognised
UK support
Cons
Bank feeds and invoicing require a paid plan
Plan suitability depends on VAT status
Zoho Books logo
#4 Zoho BooksFeature-Rich Free Tier

Free plan with MTD workflows, invoicing and bank reconciliation

4.5
★★★★★
Free
per month

Why it's great for Budget-Conscious Businesses: Zoho Books' UK Free plan includes MTD VAT workflows, Income Tax features, core accounting and up to 1,000 invoices annually. Its paid plans add bank feeds, inventory and advanced automation.

Pros
Free plan
MTD VAT and Income Tax workflows
1 user plus accountant
Mobile and desktop apps
Cons
Bank feeds begin on Standard
Free-plan usage limits apply
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there genuinely free accounting software for UK businesses?

Yes. Pandle, QuickFile, Clear Books and Zoho Books each publish a free UK option, but their entry limits and included features differ. Check the official pricing page before signing up.

Can I do MTD VAT returns with free software?

Zoho Books states that its UK Free plan can file MTD VAT returns. QuickFile includes MTD-compatible VAT returns in its core feature list. Always check the provider's eligibility and current plan details.

When should I upgrade from free to paid accounting software?

Upgrade when you need the paid features that match your business, such as automated bank feeds, higher usage limits, additional users, inventory, more advanced reporting or payroll.

Is FreeAgent actually free?

FreeAgent is free for eligible NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank and Mettle business customers under their applicable terms. Its public direct-subscription list price is £33 per month excluding VAT.

Not sure which is right for you?

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