Cool Company vs WorkNode – a comparison for those who want to invoice without a company
Want to invoice without a company and are choosing between Cool Company and Worknode? Here is a straightforward comparison of fees, pricing (percentage vs. fixed price), security, and what is actually included, so you can choose what suits your invoicing and your everyday life.
Quick answer: what is the real difference?
The big difference is how you pay.
Cool Company: percentage fee 5.98% (the cost scales as you invoice more).
Worknode: choose between percentage (FLEX 3.95%) or fixed price (PRO from SEK 995/month).
In addition to the price difference, you are covered by a collective agreement at WorkNode and are offered a modern, newly developed platform that focuses on simplicity. Cool Company has been on the market longer and is larger in terms of turnover.
Why freelancers choose WorkNode over Cool Company
About Cool Company
Cool Company is a Swedish service for self-employment that makes it possible to invoice without a company and receive a salary as a private individual. They describe how they take care of aspects that would otherwise be the responsibility of a company, such as taxes, fees, VAT, and salary payments.
According to their own information:
There are no fixed costs or hidden fees.
They charge a fee of 5.98% of the invoiced amount excluding VAT.
The fee includes, among other things, reporting and paying taxes, fees, and VAT, as well as paying salaries.
They emphasize that you are covered by insurance when the assignment has been pre-registered and approved, and that pre-registration is necessary for the insurance to be valid (and for entitlement to sick pay).
This model is suitable for those who want to get started quickly without starting their own business, and who accept a percentage fee per invoice in exchange for administration and a basic security arrangement.
About WorkNode in brief
Worknode is a Swedish self-employment platform that allows you to invoice without a company and receive a salary with taxes, employer contributions and administration handled. Worknode has two pricing models: 
Worknode FLEX - 3.95% per invoice, no fixed cost, no lock-in period
Worknode PRO - fixed monthly fee from SEK 995, unlimited billing with no percentage charge
Worknode has a collective agreement with the trade union Svenska Medarbetare, which can provide extra security regarding salary, sick pay, vacation and insurance for those who report their assignments according to the terms. 
The model is suitable both for those who invoice occasionally (FLEX) and for those who invoice regularly and want to minimize percentage fees (PRO).
The most obvious differences
Price level - percent versus percent
If you want to compare directly in percentages:
Cool Company: 5.98%
Worknode FLEX: 3.95%
There is a big difference when you invoice every month.
Pricing model - Worknode has both percentage and fixed prices
Cool Company describes its model as a percentage fee (5.98%).
At Worknode, you can choose:
Percentage (FLEX) when you invoice occasionally: 3.95%
Fixed price (PRO) when you invoice regularly and want to avoid the fee increasing with turnover: from SEK 995/month
Collective agreements: a concrete difference to be aware of
Cool Company has an FAQ page about collective agreements where they state that their collaboration with the Swedish Sales Association ended on November 10, and that you are no longer covered by a collective agreement through the Swedish Sales Association.
At Worknode, you are covered by collective agreements with Sveriges medarbetare (Swedish Employees' Union).
Insurance - both have it, but Cool Company describes additions in certain assignments
Cool Company states that they ensure you are properly insured and that this is included in their fee (with a reminder to give advance notice of assignments). They also state that construction/contracting assignments may involve an insurance premium that is charged and calculated based on estimated annual turnover.
WorkNode always includes comprehensive insurance.
Platform and experience
We are completely transparent here: Worknode is built as a modern platform with a focus on making the entire self-employment flow easier and more predictable—and above all, cheaper, either through lower percentages (FLEX) or fixed prices (PRO). (This is our own positioning.)
Invoicing without a company - choose between fixed or variable price!
See how much you save
Fees: percentage versus percentage, and why a fixed price can save you thousands of dollars
Cool Company fee (percentage)
Cool Company states that their fee is 5.98% of the invoiced amount excluding VAT.
WorkNode fee (percentage or fixed price)
With us, you can choose Worknode FLEX with a 3.95% fee per invoice.
If you invoice regularly, you can choose Worknode PRO instead, with a fixed monthly fee starting at SEK 995 and unlimited invoicing.
Calculation example: SEK 20,000 and SEK 50,000 per month
These are simplified examples that compare the fee itself.
Example A: SEK 20,000/month excluding VAT
Cool Company: 5.98% = approx. SEK 1,196
Worknode FLEX: 3.95% = approx. 790 SEK
Worknode PRO: fixed price from SEK 995
Example B: SEK 50,000/month excluding VAT
Cool Company: 5.98% = approx. SEK 2,990
Worknode FLEX: 3.95% = approx. $235
Worknode PRO: fixed price from SEK 995
When does a fixed price "break" against a percentage?
If you only look at the fee:
PRO (SEK 995) corresponds to Cool Company's 5.98% at approximately SEK 16,640/month excluding VAT.
PRO (SEK 995) corresponds to Worknode FLEX 3.95% at approximately SEK 25,190/month excluding VAT.
PRO is therefore suitable for those who invoice a little more.
How to choose between Cool Company and Worknode
Select Cool Company if you want to
Have a clean percentage model according to their pricing structure.
I appreciate using a player that has been on the market for a long time.
Select Worknode if you want to
Choose between percentage (FLEX) when you invoice less frequently, or fixed price (PRO) when you invoice regularly.
Have a model where costs do not scale with revenue as you grow (PRO).
Have a modern, newly developed platform that makes it easy to send invoices and track payment status.
Covered by collective agreement.
Step by step - how to invoice via Worknode
Create an account
Register and fill in the essential information - name, address and social security number - and you're good to go.
Send your invoice
Invoicing as a private individual via Worknode only takes a few minutes.
Then it's a matter of waiting for the payment from your client.
Get your salary in your account
As soon as your invoice is paid, you can receive your salary directly into your account. We'll take care of all the fees, VAT and taxes (and pension if you want).
Welcome to the world of easy invoicing without a company!
Try invoicing without a company with Sweden's most convenient and reliable service.
Freelance smarter with WorkNode.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is Worknode cheaper than Cool Company?
Yes. Worknode FLEX costs 3.95%, while Cool Company charges 5.98% on the invoiced amount (excluding VAT). For those who invoice regularly, Worknode PRO can be even cheaper, as you pay a fixed price starting at SEK 995/month with no percentage fee.
When does Worknode PRO become cheaper than percentage models?
When your monthly percentage fee exceeds the PRO fee. Rule of thumb:
If you pay more than approximately $995/month in percentage fees, PRO is often more economical.
Example: SEK 30,000/month x 3.95% = SEK 1,185. That already puts you over SEK 995.
What is the big difference in pricing models?
Cool Company is a pure percentage model. Worknode lets you choose:
FLEX if you want to pay a percentage
PRO if you want a fixed monthly price
This means that Worknode is suitable for both those who invoice occasionally and those who invoice regularly and want to keep costs down as they grow.
Does that mean "both do the same thing"?
Yes, at a core level. Both are setups for invoicing without your own company, where you normally receive a salary and the service handles the administration associated with it. The practical comparison is therefore less about the basic function and more about pricing logic, terms and conditions, insurance, collective agreements, and how smooth the flows are.
How does security differ between Worknode and Cool Company?
Both arrangements usually involve insurance and employer procedures linked to how you perform your assignments. For many people, the main difference lies in the terms and conditions and what is included in each plan.
At WorkNode, you get a comprehensive solution that includes collective agreements and insurance as part of the package. When comparing, you should pay particular attention to what is required of you (e.g., assignment registration) and what is actually covered.
Do I have to register the assignment before I start?
It can vary. Some operators require that the assignment be registered or pre-registered in order for the terms and conditions and insurance to apply as intended. If you want to avoid problems, make sure you always post the assignment before you start, regardless of which option you choose.
How does the payment differ?
The basic principle is usually the same: you get paid when the invoice is processed according to the arrangement (often when the customer has paid). The differences usually lie in how clear it is in the app, how quickly you can get started, and what options are available if you want more predictability.
Is Worknode as easy to use as Cool Company?
Yes, in practice. Both are based on the same basic flow: register an account, post assignments, create invoices, track status, receive payment. The difference usually has to do with the platform experience: Worknode is built as a newer platform with a focus on clear steps and minimized administration.
Who is the contracting party vis-à-vis the customer?
This can be a crucial detail in certain assignments (e.g., larger companies, framework agreements, public sector). The exact contractual party and responsibilities are specified in the terms and conditions of each party. If your customer requires you to be listed as the supplier, you should check this before making your selection. WorkNode can enter into agreements on your behalf if required by your client.
What happens if the customer does not pay the invoice?
This is one of the most important things to compare, as it affects your risk. Check it out:
how reminders are handled
if debt collection is included
what applies to disputed invoices
if you can get help with claims management
The layouts may look similar on the surface but differ in the details.
Can I use both Worknode and Cool Company?
Technically, you can have accounts with both. However, each individual assignment needs to be invoiced through a specific agent, and you will often want to gather your recurring assignments with one main agent to get a better overview of fees, terms, and payments.
What else should I compare besides the fee?
The fee is only part of it. Compare also:
collective agreements and terms and conditions related to employment
the scope of the insurance and any registration requirements
how disputes and late payments are handled
how clear the flow is for you and your customer
It is often here that the differences that are actually noticeable in everyday life can be found.