Best Free Accounting Software in the UK for 2026
Looking for free or low-cost accounting software? We compare the best free options for UK businesses, sole traders, and freelancers — MTD compliant, no contracts, from £0/month.
Start for Free with Tide
Best Free Accounting Tools for UK Businesses
Written by Raj
Last updated: 07 June, 2026
/logo_1622728934.296577.png){kind=logo}
Get Sage Accounting free for 3 months
MTD compliant · Payroll included · Sage Copilot AI · No contracts
Best Free & Low-Cost Accounting Software for UK Businesses 2026
1
Tide
Free Forever — Banking + Bookkeeping Combined
(18450)
Top features
- 100% free to start
- Business banking included
- Invoicing & expense tracking
- Real-time tax estimates
Pricing
Free trial available. Free business bank account. Always £0 on the free plan.
Tide features: 100% free to start, Business banking included, Invoicing & expense tracking, Real-time tax estimates, No monthly fee
Tide pricing: Free trial available. Free business bank account. Always £0 on the free plan.
Used by:
"Tide helps me track expenses, analyse performance, and make smarter business decisions — for free."
Leonal K.· Managing DirectorMore Details
2
Sage Accounting
3 Months FREE — Save Up to £177
(18450)
Top features
- 3 months free — up to £177 saved
- MTD VAT filing to HMRC
- Payroll included — no add-on
- Sage Copilot AI assistant
Pricing
Free trial available. 3 months FREE, then from £18/month (excl. VAT). Cancel anytime.
Sage Accounting features: 3 months free — up to £177 saved, MTD VAT filing to HMRC, Payroll included — no add-on, Sage Copilot AI assistant, No long-term contracts
Sage Accounting pricing: Free trial available. 3 months FREE, then from £18/month (excl. VAT). Cancel anytime.
Used by:
"Sage keeps bookkeeping structured and the reports are clear and reliable."
Yonatan T.· Accounting ManagerMore Details
3
Xero
30-Day Free Trial — No Credit Card Required
(18450)
Top features
- 30-day free trial
- MTD VAT returns
- Live bank feeds
- Mobile invoicing
Pricing
Free trial available. 30-day free trial. Plans from $20/month — no contract.
Xero features: 30-day free trial, MTD VAT returns, Live bank feeds, Mobile invoicing, No credit card needed
Xero pricing: Free trial available. 30-day free trial. Plans from $20/month — no contract.
Used by:
"Xero is one of the best accounting tools — easy to use, quick to set up."
Karl P.· Sr. Finance EngineerMore Details
Free vs Paid — What You Actually Get
Comparing free plans and free trial options from top UK accounting tools.
| Feature | Sage (3mo Free) | Xero (30d Trial) | Tide (Always Free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost After Trial | — | — | — |
| MTD VAT Filing | — | — | — |
| Payroll Included | — | — | — |
| Built-in Bank Account | — | — | — |
| AI Assistant | — | — | — |
| Invoicing | — | — | — |
| Telephone Support | — | — | — |
| No Contract | — | — | — |
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].