FreeAgent vs Shopify
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of FreeAgent and Shopify. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Shopify edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, FreeAgent (4.2/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers. Read on for the full breakdown.
FreeAgent vs Shopify at a Glance
FreeAgent
★ 4.2FreeAgent is a UK accounting platform beloved by freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. Owned by NatWest Group, it is offered free to NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank business account holders. It handles invoicing, time tracking, expenses, tax, and project management with a focus on making accounting approachable.
Starting from: £24/month
Best for: UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers
Read full review →Shopify
★ 4.5Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, powering millions of online stores globally. It provides everything needed to start, run, and grow an online business, from website building and product management to payment processing and shipping. Known for its ease of use and extensive app ecosystem.
Starting from: £24/month
Best for: Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem
Read full review →FreeAgent vs Shopify Feature Comparison
Here is how FreeAgent and Shopify compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | FreeAgent | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | No |
| Starting Price | £24/month | £24/month |
| Best For | UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers | Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem |
| Our Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Limited | Limited |
| Reporting | Basic | Basic |
| Integrations | Limited | Limited |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
FreeAgent vs Shopify Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
FreeAgent Pricing
FreeAgent
£24/month
- ✓Unlimited invoices
- ✓Unlimited users
- ✓Expense management
- ✓VAT returns
- ✓Self-assessment
Free with NatWest
£0/month
- ✓All features included
- ✓Free for NatWest/RBS/Ulster Bank business customers
Shopify Pricing
Basic
£24/month
- ✓Online store
- ✓Unlimited products
- ✓2 staff accounts
- ✓Basic reports
Shopify
£59/month
- ✓Everything in Basic
- ✓5 staff accounts
- ✓Professional reports
- ✓Lower card rates
Advanced
£289/month
- ✓Everything in Shopify
- ✓15 staff accounts
- ✓Custom reports
- ✓Lowest card rates
Shopify Plus
From £1,750/month
- ✓Enterprise features
- ✓Unlimited staff
- ✓Dedicated support
- ✓Customisable checkout
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both FreeAgent and Shopify for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
FreeAgent Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Free for NatWest/RBS business banking customers
- •Excellent for freelancers and contractors
- •Built-in self-assessment tax filing
- •Time tracking and project management included
- •Clean, friendly interface
✗Cons
- •Only one pricing tier (can be expensive if not a NatWest customer)
- •Limited inventory management
- •Fewer integrations than Xero
- •Not ideal for larger or more complex businesses
- •Reporting is basic compared to QuickBooks
Shopify Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Easiest e-commerce platform to use
- •Massive app ecosystem (8,000+ apps)
- •Excellent payment processing (Shopify Payments)
- •Scales from small to enterprise
- •Strong SEO capabilities
✗Cons
- •Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
- •Monthly costs add up with apps
- •Limited customisation without coding
- •Content management is basic compared to WordPress
- •Migrating away is difficult
Our Verdict: FreeAgent vs Shopify
Both FreeAgent and Shopify are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose FreeAgent if you need UK freelancers, contractors, and NatWest business banking customers. With a starting price of £24/month and a rating of 4.2/5, it offers free for natwest/rbs business banking customers.
Choose Shopify if you need Businesses wanting the easiest, most complete e-commerce platform with massive app ecosystem. Starting at £24/month with a 4.5/5 rating, it excels at easiest e-commerce platform to use.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between FreeAgent and Shopify? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up FreeAgent or Shopify for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.