Coconut vs FreshBooks
Both are full cloud accounting tools for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Coconut is the cheaper starting point at from £79.20/yr (VAT included) versus from £216/yr for FreshBooks — but the cheapest plan only wins if it covers the income types you actually have.
| Coconut | FreshBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| True annual cost from | from £79.20/yr | from £216/yr |
| Self-employment | Yes | Yes |
| Property / rent | Yes | No |
| Keeps your spreadsheet | No | No |
| Accountant access | Yes | Yes |
| Type | full cloud accounting | full cloud accounting |
| HMRC status | Recognised | Recognised |
| Price verified | 2026-06-24 | 2026-06-24 |
Coconut
Built from the ground up for sole traders and landlords under MTD — simple categorisation, no accounting jargon. Often supplied free through partner accountants.
- First-timers who find accounting apps overwhelming
- Landlords with a side trade
FreshBooks
Invoicing-first accounting aimed at service freelancers. Great if you bill clients; not built for landlords.
- Freelancers who live in invoices
- Service businesses with no property income
Not sure either is right? Use the finder to get a recommendation ranked by what it will actually cost you.
Prices are the cheapest plan that covers a typical sole trader or landlord, VAT included, last verified 24 June 2026 (catalogue reconciled 24 June 2026). Links are affiliate links and never affect ranking. Not affiliated with HMRC; not tax advice.