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Fresh Books vs Ember: Which Is Better Accounting Software?


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

Which accounting software is better Fresh Books or Ember?

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

Fresh Books homepageEmber homepage
 

Fresh Books vs Ember Basics

Fresh BooksEmber
Software WebsiteFresh Books WebsiteEmber Website
HMRC MTD StatusNot IncludedNot Included
Who Can Use It?Businesses, Accountants, and Self-employedBusinesses and Self-employed
HMRC Listed FeaturesNoneNone
PlatformsWeb-based application, Android, and iOSWeb-based application, Android, and iOS
Note data for this section comes from HMRC here and here

Fresh Books vs Ember Reviews

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

Fresh BooksEmber
Trustpilot Rating3.64.8
Number of Trustpilot Reviews772213
iPhone App Rating4.74.3
Number of iPhone Reviews67837
Android App Rating4.22.9
Number of Android Reviews538042
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Fresh Books vs Ember Prices

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

Fresh Books pricingEmber pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Fresh BooksEmber
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 BooksEmber
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£2.40Free
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£4.40£39.00
Top Plan Cost Per Month£7.00£79.00
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Fresh Books vs Ember Features

Fresh Books featuresEmber 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

Ember Basic Features

  • Expenses
  • Invoicing
  • Integrations
  • Reporting
  • Reminders
  • Open Banking
  • Self Assessment
  • Annual Accounts
  • Registered Address
  • Discounts

Ember Software Integrations

  • Tide
  • Markel
  • Lawbite
  • Revolut
  • Wise
  • Reef

Common Feature Comparison

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

Fresh BooksEmber
Pros
  • User Friendly
  • Organization
  • Saves Time
  • User Interface
  • Customer Service
  • Ember offers its free account to both sole traders and limited companies.
  • Ember’s Pro plan for sole traders is one of the cheaper paid accounts on the market.
  • The Pro and Unlimited plans are Making Tax Digital-compliant.
  • Ability to submit VAT tax returns directly to HMRC with the Pro and Unlimited plans.
  • Every Ember plan comes with discounts on other business tools and services.
Cons
  • Technical Issues
  • Expensive
  • Room for Improvement
  • Not User Friendly
  • Card Issues
  • The free Starter plans are not MTD-compliant, and you will not be able to sign up for that plan if your business is VAT-registered. This means you cannot submit your VAT returns directly to HMRC if you are on a free plan.
  • There is currently no multi-user access, regardless of which plan you are on.
  • Ember’s full payroll function is only available to limited companies paying for the Unlimited plan and as a paid extra
  • There is no built-in cash-flow forecasting function, regardless of your plan.

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