I used freetaxusa last year after using turbotax previously. I found that the experience of using turbotax was more like giving my information to an accountant and having them prepare the forms, while freetaxusa was more like sitting there with an accountant explaining what each box means, while you fill out the forms yourself.
I'd say the turbotax approach was easier to fill out, but freetaxusa was much easier to look up additional information when the guidance fell short; when I wasn't sure how to fill out turbotax's questions, figuring out which box it applied to so I could look up more information was supremely frustrating.
Specifically, I was freelancing the previous two years, and I was looking up information about itemized deductions.
I'd say the turbotax approach was easier to fill out, but freetaxusa was much easier to look up additional information when the guidance fell short; when I wasn't sure how to fill out turbotax's questions, figuring out which box it applied to so I could look up more information was supremely frustrating.
Specifically, I was freelancing the previous two years, and I was looking up information about itemized deductions.