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Fresh Books vs Tide Accounting: Which Is Better Accounting Software?


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

Which accounting software is better Fresh Books or Tide Accounting?

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

Fresh Books homepageTide Accounting homepage
 

Fresh Books vs Tide Accounting Basics

Fresh BooksTide Accounting
Software WebsiteFresh Books WebsiteTide Accounting 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, iOS
Note data for this section comes from HMRC here and here

Fresh Books vs Tide Accounting Reviews

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

Fresh BooksTide Accounting
Trustpilot Rating3.64.3
Number of Trustpilot Reviews77217984
iPhone App Rating4.74.4
Number of iPhone Reviews6787
Android App Rating4.24.5
Number of Android Reviews538013
Please note ratings we’re accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed

Fresh Books vs Tide Accounting Prices

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

Fresh Books pricingTide Accounting pricing

Free Plans & Trials

Fresh BooksTide Accounting
Free Plan?NoYes
Free Trial?YesNo
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 BooksTide Accounting
Cheapest Plan Cost Per Month£2.40£9.99
Mid-Tier Plan Cost Per Month£4.40£18.99
Top Plan Cost Per Month£7.00£49.99
Data taken from each company’s website at the time of writing but may have since changed.

Fresh Books vs Tide Accounting Features

Fresh Books featuresTide Accounting 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

Tide Accounting Basic Features

  • Transfers in & out – 20/ month free
  • ATM withdrawals
  • Read access for team members
  • Scheduled payments
  • Accounting integrations – Quickbooks, Xero, Sage and more
  • Multi-business – hold up to 5 business accounts
  • Create and send invoices for free
  • Priority in-app support
  • Phone support
  • 24/7 legal helpline
  • Exclusive member perks
  • Support with trademark filing and disputes

Tide Accounting Software Integrations

  • Xero
  • QuickBooks
  • Sage

Common Feature Comparison

Fresh BooksTide Accounting
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 CurrenciesYesNo
Employee Time TrackingYesNo
ProjectsYesNo
Bank Feed IntegrationYesYes
End of Year FilingsYesNo
Capture Bills And ReceiptsYesYes
Bulk Reconcile TransactionsYesYes
Track Inventory & Stock LevelsYesNo

Fresh BooksTide Accounting
Pros
  • User Friendly
  • Organization
  • Saves Time
  • User Interface
  • Customer Service
  • A business account with no monthly fee is available.
  • You can access your account digitally via an app on Android or iPhones and on the Tide website.
  • Tide offers bank accounts provided by ClearBank that are eligible for protection through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
  • Tide offers 24/7 support with the member support team
Cons
  • Technical Issues
  • Expensive
  • Room for Improvement
  • Not User Friendly
  • Card Issues
  • E-money accounts (for some existing customers) from Tide are not protected by FSCS, though Tide is in the process of moving Tide accounts from PPS e-money accounts to ClearBank FSCS-protected bank accounts
  • It is not possible to deposit cheques into a Tide account
  • Business partnerships and charities cannot open a Tide account

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