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Fresh Books vs IRIS Elements: Which Is Better Accounting Software?


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

Which accounting software is better Fresh Books or IRIS Elements?

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

Fresh Books homepageIRIS Elements homepage
 

Fresh Books vs IRIS Elements Basics

Fresh BooksIRIS Elements
Software WebsiteFresh Books WebsiteIRIS Elements Website
HMRC MTD StatusNot IncludedIn Development
Who Can Use It?Businesses, Accountants, and Self-employedBusinesses and Accountants
HMRC Listed FeaturesNoneNone
PlatformsWeb-based application, Android, and iOSCloud-based application
Note data for this section comes from HMRC here and here

Fresh Books vs IRIS Elements Reviews

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

Fresh BooksIRIS Elements
Trustpilot Rating3.63.6
Number of Trustpilot Reviews7721616
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 IRIS Elements Prices

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

Fresh Books pricingIRIS Elements pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Fresh BooksIRIS Elements
Free Plan?NoNo
Free Trial?YesYes
Free Trial Length?30 Days30 days
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Paid Plan Prices

Fresh BooksIRIS Elements
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£2.40£3.00
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£4.40£9.00
Top Plan Cost Per Month£7.00£25.60
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Fresh Books vs IRIS Elements Features

Fresh Books featuresIRIS Elements 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

IRIS Elements Basic Features

  • Sole Trader & Partnerships​
  • Limited Company FRS105, FRS 102S1A & Dormant​
  • Simple chart of accounts – fixed account descriptions​
  • Simple trial balance entry​
  • Direct electronic filing to Companies House​

IRIS Elements Software Integrations

  • KashFlow
  • Xero
  • Quickbooks
  • HMRC

Common Feature Comparison

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

Fresh BooksIRIS Elements
Pros
  • User Friendly
  • Organization
  • Saves Time
  • User Interface
  • Customer Service
  • Free trial
  • Making Tax Digital Ready
  • Automated Compliance
Cons
  • Technical Issues
  • Expensive
  • Room for Improvement
  • Not User Friendly
  • Card Issues
  • No app

More Comparisons

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Fresh Books vs QuickFile Accounting Software

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