Best Self-Employed Bookkeeping Software UK (2026 Review)

Choosing the right platform is the most critical financial decision a freelancer or tradesperson makes. In 2026, the market is saturated with options, but not all software is created equal. While many tools were built for large companies with employees, sole traders need something different: speed, simplicity, and total MTD compliance.

Here is our review of the best self-employed bookkeeping software currently available, comparing the newcomer Kletta against the three legacy giants.

1. Kletta: The Mobile-First Specialist

Kletta has emerged as the top choice for UK sole traders in 2026 because it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It is built exclusively for individuals, not corporations.

• Best for: Freelancers, contractors, and side-hustlers who run their business from their phone.
• Key Advantage: Zero learning curve. Kletta uses AI to scan receipts and apply the correct VAT rates instantly, making it the most efficient simple accounting software on the market.
• Verdict: If you want to spend less than 10 minutes a week on your books and stay 100% MTD compliant, Kletta is the clear winner.

2. Xero: The Scalable Powerhouse

Xero remains a global leader, known for its massive app ecosystem. It offers deep reporting and connects with over 1,000 third-party tools.

• The Trade-off: For a single sole trader, Xero often feels like "too much." The interface is designed for accountants and businesses with staff, meaning you pay for dozens of features you will never use. Its mobile app, while functional, lacks the "snap-and-forget" simplicity of Kletta.

3. QuickBooks Self-Employed: The Tax Estimator

QuickBooks is famous for its tax-estimation tools, helping users set aside money for their Self-Assessment throughout the year.

• The Trade-off: Users frequently report that the interface is cluttered with "upsells" to their more expensive tiers. In 2026, the self-employed bookkeeping app market has moved toward cleaner, faster interfaces, leaving QuickBooks feeling slightly dated for mobile-first users.

4. FreeAgent: The Bank-Integrated Choice

FreeAgent is often provided for free if you bank with NatWest or Mettle, making it a budget-friendly option for many.

• The Trade-off: While powerful for UK-specific tax rules, it can be rigid. It requires a level of "accounting knowledge" that many modern freelancers find frustrating. If you aren't using one of their partner banks, the monthly cost is often higher than more specialized tools like Kletta.

Comparison Table: Which fits your business?

Final Thoughts: Why Kletta Wins for Sole Traders

While Xero and QuickBooks are excellent for growing companies with payroll needs, Kletta is the best accounting software for sole trader individuals because it respects your time. By removing the jargon and automating the data entry, Kletta turns bookkeeping from a chore into a background task.