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Fresh Books vs Absolute: Which Is Better Accounting Software?


Last Updated: 20 May 2025
Reviewed By: Ian Wright (Managing Director)

Which accounting software is better Fresh Books or Absolute?

We compare them based on real user reviews, prices and what features they both offer.

Fresh Books homepageAbsolute homepage
 

Fresh Books vs Absolute Basics

Fresh BooksAbsolute
Software WebsiteFresh Books WebsiteAbsolute Website
HMRC MTD StatusNot IncludedIn Development
Who Can Use It?Businesses, Accountants, and Self-employedBusinesses, Accountants, and Sole practitioners
HMRC Listed FeaturesNoneNone
PlatformsWeb-based application, Android, and iOSWeb-based and Desktop application
Note data for this section comes from HMRC here and here

Fresh Books vs Absolute Reviews

Wondering if Fresh Books or Absolute has better user reviews. We compared them below.

Fresh BooksAbsolute
Trustpilot Rating3.6No Rating
Number of Trustpilot Reviews772No Reviews
iPhone App Rating4.7No Rating
Number of iPhone Reviews678No Reviews
Android App Rating4.2No Rating
Number of Android Reviews5380No Reviews
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Fresh Books vs Absolute Prices

Which is cheaper Fresh Books or Absolute? Here are their prices compared.

Fresh Books pricingAbsolute pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Fresh BooksAbsolute
Free Plan?NoYes
Free Trial?YesYes
Free Trial Length?30 DaysNo
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Paid Plan Prices

Fresh BooksAbsolute
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£2.40£25.00
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£4.40£430.00
Top Plan Cost Per Month£7.00£1,200.00
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Fresh Books vs Absolute Features

Fresh Books featuresAbsolute features

Fresh Books Basic Features

  • Send unlimited invoices to up to 5 clients
  • Track unlimited expenses
  • Send unlimited estimates
  • Get paid with credit cards and Direct Debit (transactions capped at £4)
  • Track sales tax & see reports
  • Access anywhere on iOS and Android
  • VAT return filing for HMRC Making Tax Digital

Fresh Books Software Integrations

  • Square
  • Stripe
  • Gusto
  • SurePayroll
  • Payescape
  • GoSimpleTax
  • BrightPay

Absolute Basic Features

  • One program – multiple applications
  • Simple “pay as you go” process
  • Spread the cost or go unlimited
  • Demo download

Absolute Software Integrations

Not Listed

Common Feature Comparison

Fresh BooksAbsolute
Payroll Software IntegrationYesYes
Track VATYesYes
VAT FilingYesYes
Real-Time Financial ReportsYesYes
Prepare Self AssessmentYesYes
Income Tax EstimatesYesYes
Manage Income & ExpensesYesYes
Create InvoicesYesNo
Forecast Cash FlowYesYes
Accept and Make Payments In Different CurrenciesYesNo
Employee Time TrackingYesNo
ProjectsYesNo
Bank Feed IntegrationYesNo
End of Year FilingsYesYes
Capture Bills And ReceiptsYesYes
Bulk Reconcile TransactionsYesNo
Track Inventory & Stock LevelsYesNo

Fresh BooksAbsolute
Pros
  • User Friendly
  • Organization
  • Saves Time
  • User Interface
  • Customer Service
  • Free plan
  • FRS102 and FRS105 compliant
  • Fully XBRL and iXBRL compatible with Companies House and HMRC
Cons
  • Technical Issues
  • Expensive
  • Room for Improvement
  • Not User Friendly
  • Card Issues
  • Lack of reviews
  • No app

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