AnyGig vs FreeAgent — What UK Performers Actually Need
FreeAgent Manages Your Accounts. AnyGig Gets You Booked, Paid and Protected.
FreeAgent is one of the most popular accounting tools for UK freelancers — and for good reason. But if you're a freelance performer, your biggest daily challenges aren't bookkeeping ones. They're getting consistent bookings, having contracts on every gig and not having to chase clients for payment. FreeAgent doesn't solve any of those. AnyGig does — and it's free.
FreeAgent Is Great Accounting Software — But It's Only Accounting Software
FreeAgent was built for UK freelancers and small businesses — and it does that job well. Bank feeds, invoicing, expense tracking, self-assessment tax returns, MTD compliance — if you need proper accounting software as a sole trader or limited company performer, FreeAgent is one of the better options available.
But it stops there. FreeAgent won't find you a single gig. It won't put your act profile in front of the corporate event planners and wedding agencies that are actively looking to book performers. It won't generate a contract when a booking is confirmed. It won't secure your payment before you step on stage. And it won't protect you if a client cancels the day before.
For a freelance performer in the UK, those gaps are the difference between a full diary and an empty one.
FreeAgent vs AnyGig
| FreeAgent | AnyGig | |
|---|---|---|
| Invoicing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes — free performer invoicing built in |
| Get you booked | ❌ No | ✅ Yes — hirers post briefs, you apply directly |
| Automatic contracts | ❌ No | ✅ Generated on every confirmed booking |
| Payment protection | ❌ No | ✅ Funds secured before the event |
| PLI verification | ❌ No | ✅ Verified and displayed on your profile |
| Booking dashboard | ❌ No | ✅ All bookings managed in one place |
| Cancellation protection | ❌ No | ✅ Built into every contract |
| Monthly cost | £19–£29/month | Free to list |
| Built for performers | ❌ Generic freelancer accounting | ✅ Built specifically for freelance performers |
The Performer Problems FreeAgent Doesn't Solve
Finding consistent bookings
FreeAgent manages the money from bookings you've already got. It doesn't help you get more of them. AnyGig puts your act in front of professional event buyers — corporate clients, wedding planners, brand agencies — who are actively posting briefs and looking to hire.
Getting paid without chasing
FreeAgent lets you send invoices and chase late payments. AnyGig removes the late payment problem entirely — your client's payment is secured through the platform before the event and released after you perform. No invoice to chase. No awkward follow-up calls.
Contracts on every booking
FreeAgent has no contract functionality. Most performers using FreeAgent still have no written contract on the majority of their gigs. AnyGig generates a contract automatically on every confirmed booking — covering performance terms, fee, payment schedule and cancellation terms.
Protection from cancellations
If a client cancels a booking managed through FreeAgent, you have no contractual basis to claim a cancellation fee unless you set that up yourself. AnyGig builds cancellation terms into every contract automatically.
Do Performers Need FreeAgent AND AnyGig?
It depends on your business structure.
If you're a VAT-registered limited company performer with complex accounting needs — yes, you may need dedicated accounting software alongside AnyGig.
If you're a sole trader performer whose main needs are getting booked, getting paid and having contracts on every gig — AnyGig's built-in invoicing covers your day-to-day needs without a monthly accounting subscription on top.
Most freelance performers in the UK are sole traders. For them, AnyGig is the more useful tool — and it's free.
FreeAgent starts at £19 a month and won't get you a single booking. AnyGig is free and solves the problems that actually affect your income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnyGig free for performers?
Yes — creating your act listing on AnyGig is completely free.
Can I use AnyGig instead of FreeAgent?
For most sole trader performers, AnyGig's built-in invoicing covers day-to-day needs. If you need full accounting software for self-assessment, VAT or payroll, FreeAgent or a similar tool may still be relevant.
Does AnyGig integrate with FreeAgent?
AnyGig operates as a standalone platform. For performers who need both booking management and full accounting, both tools can be used alongside each other.
What invoicing does AnyGig include?
AnyGig includes free performer invoicing as part of the platform — covering the invoicing needs of most sole trader performers without a separate subscription.
Your Accounting Software Won't Fill Your Diary. AnyGig Will.
Free act listing. Direct briefs from professional buyers. Automatic contracts. Secured payments.