123 Sheets vs FreshBooks
Side-by-side comparison for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Heads up: some outbound links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you — and our rankings aren't affected by who pays us. Full disclosure.
123 Sheets
Cheap bridging software for spreadsheet users.
123 Sheets is a low-cost bridging tool — keep your records in Excel, it handles the HMRC submission. No bells, no whistles, just cheap compliance.
Visit 123 SheetsFreshBooks
Strong on invoicing for freelancers.
FreshBooks leans into the freelancer and small-agency market with strong invoicing and time-tracking. MTD Income Tax support included on UK plans.
Visit FreshBooksFull feature comparison
| 123 Sheets | FreshBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & compliance | ||
| Price from | £1/mo | £15/mo |
| Free tier | – | – |
| HMRC-recognised | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Bank feeds | – | ✓ |
| Mobile app | – | ✓ |
| Receipt scanning | – | ✓ |
| CIS support | – | – |
| Furnished holiday let support | – | – |
| VAT submission | – | – |
| Bridging software | ✓ | – |
| Invoicing | – | ✓ |
| Multiple properties | – | – |
| Accountant access | – | ✓ |
| Best suited to | ||
| Sole Traders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landlords | ✓ | – |
| Airbnb / Short-let Hosts | – | – |
| CIS Subcontractors | – | – |
| Uber & Gig Drivers | – | – |
| Freelancers | – | ✓ |
| Spreadsheet Users | ✓ | – |
| Simple Affairs | ✓ | – |
| Accountants | – | – |
| VAT-Registered | – | – |
✓ = supported. Based on each provider's published plans; check their site for the latest details.
123 Sheets verdict
Best for people who've kept their own spreadsheets for years and just need the legal submission step.
FreshBooks verdict
Worth it if invoicing is the main thing. Otherwise Xero is better value.
Other comparisons
FreeAgent vs XeroXero vs QuickBooksQuickBooks vs FreeAgentFreeAgent vs Sage AccountingHMRC's own free tool vs QuickFileQuickFile vs Clear Books FreeHammock vs Landlord Studio123 Sheets vs VitalTaxPandle vs QuickFileSage 50 vs Sage Accounting123 Sheets vs XeroStarling Bank Bookkeeping vs QuickBooksClear Books Free vs QuickBooksQuickFile vs QuickBooks