Quick Overview
- 1#1: DATEV - Comprehensive financial accounting software widely used by German tax advisors and companies for compliant bookkeeping and DATEV interfaces.
- 2#2: Lexoffice - Cloud-based bookkeeping solution for small businesses and freelancers with automated invoicing, expense tracking, and DATEV export.
- 3#3: SevDesk - All-in-one online accounting tool for SMEs offering invoicing, financial reporting, and GoBD-compliant archiving.
- 4#4: FastBill - Automated invoicing and accounting platform with bank reconciliation and integration for German VAT compliance.
- 5#5: Lexware - Desktop and cloud accounting software for financial bookkeeping with SKR03/04 charts and ELSTER certification.
- 6#6: Sage 50 - Robust accounting software for small to medium enterprises featuring payroll, inventory, and financial reporting.
- 7#7: WISO meinBüro - User-friendly cloud accounting for freelancers and small businesses with automatic bank import and tax declarations.
- 8#8: BuchhaltungsButler - AI-powered bookkeeping assistant that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for professionals.
- 9#9: SAP Business One - ERP solution with integrated financial accounting modules for mid-sized companies supporting German localization.
- 10#10: Odoo - Open-source ERP platform with customizable accounting features compliant with German fiscal requirements.
Tools were selected based on performance, usability, compliance alignment (including regional fiscal requirements), automation capabilities, and long-term value, with ranking prioritizing both technical sophistication and practical utility for real-world financial operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features and functionalities of popular Finanzbuchhaltung Software tools, such as DATEV, Lexoffice, SevDesk, FastBill, and Lexware. Readers will discover each solution's strengths, ideal use cases, and unique capabilities, aiding in identifying the best fit for their accounting needs. By presenting critical details side-by-side, the table simplifies selecting software tailored to specific requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DATEV Comprehensive financial accounting software widely used by German tax advisors and companies for compliant bookkeeping and DATEV interfaces. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Lexoffice Cloud-based bookkeeping solution for small businesses and freelancers with automated invoicing, expense tracking, and DATEV export. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | SevDesk All-in-one online accounting tool for SMEs offering invoicing, financial reporting, and GoBD-compliant archiving. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 4 | FastBill Automated invoicing and accounting platform with bank reconciliation and integration for German VAT compliance. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Lexware Desktop and cloud accounting software for financial bookkeeping with SKR03/04 charts and ELSTER certification. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Sage 50 Robust accounting software for small to medium enterprises featuring payroll, inventory, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | WISO meinBüro User-friendly cloud accounting for freelancers and small businesses with automatic bank import and tax declarations. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | BuchhaltungsButler AI-powered bookkeeping assistant that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for professionals. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | SAP Business One ERP solution with integrated financial accounting modules for mid-sized companies supporting German localization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Odoo Open-source ERP platform with customizable accounting features compliant with German fiscal requirements. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Comprehensive financial accounting software widely used by German tax advisors and companies for compliant bookkeeping and DATEV interfaces.
Cloud-based bookkeeping solution for small businesses and freelancers with automated invoicing, expense tracking, and DATEV export.
All-in-one online accounting tool for SMEs offering invoicing, financial reporting, and GoBD-compliant archiving.
Automated invoicing and accounting platform with bank reconciliation and integration for German VAT compliance.
Desktop and cloud accounting software for financial bookkeeping with SKR03/04 charts and ELSTER certification.
Robust accounting software for small to medium enterprises featuring payroll, inventory, and financial reporting.
User-friendly cloud accounting for freelancers and small businesses with automatic bank import and tax declarations.
AI-powered bookkeeping assistant that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for professionals.
ERP solution with integrated financial accounting modules for mid-sized companies supporting German localization.
Open-source ERP platform with customizable accounting features compliant with German fiscal requirements.
DATEV
enterpriseComprehensive financial accounting software widely used by German tax advisors and companies for compliant bookkeeping and DATEV interfaces.
Seamless direct electronic data exchange with tax authorities (Finanzamt) via the secure DATEV network and ELSTER interface.
DATEV is the market-leading financial accounting (Finanzbuchhaltung) software in Germany, offering comprehensive double-entry bookkeeping, automated postings, financial reporting, and VAT declarations fully compliant with GoBD and HGB standards. It provides modular solutions like DATEV Rechnungswesen and Unternehmen Online, integrating seamlessly with banks, ELSTER for tax submissions, and the extensive DATEV partner network. Designed for professional use, it scales from small businesses to large enterprises and tax advisory firms.
Pros
- Unrivaled compliance with German tax laws (GoBD, EStG) and direct ELSTER integration
- Modular and scalable architecture with deep banking and ERP integrations
- Robust ecosystem with training, support, and a vast user community of over 300,000 professionals
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to professional-grade complexity
- Primarily German-language interface limiting non-German users
- Subscription pricing can become expensive with multiple modules
Best For
Tax advisors, accounting firms, and German SMEs requiring enterprise-level financial accounting with full regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Subscription-based from €15-€50/month per user/module (e.g., Unternehmen Online basic at €19/month), scaling to custom enterprise plans with volume discounts.
Lexoffice
specializedCloud-based bookkeeping solution for small businesses and freelancers with automated invoicing, expense tracking, and DATEV export.
Effortless DATEV export and direct advisor integration for hassle-free tax handovers
Lexoffice is a cloud-based financial accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed individuals in Germany, automating core Finanzbuchhaltung tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and bookkeeping. It ensures full compliance with GoBD standards and offers seamless DATEV exports for tax advisors, along with automated VAT declarations (Umsatzsteuervoranmeldung) and bank reconciliation. The platform simplifies daily accounting with AI-driven categorization and mobile accessibility, making it a go-to solution for DATEV-compatible financial management.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Automatic bank statement import and transaction categorization
- Seamless DATEV compatibility and GoBD compliance for German regulations
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for complex enterprises
- No native multi-currency or international tax support
- Team features require higher-tier plans
Best For
German freelancers, sole proprietors, and small businesses needing simple, compliant automated bookkeeping without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Starter at 7.90€/month (basic invoicing/bookkeeping), Business at 14.90€/month (full accounting + VAT), Premium at 24.90€/month (teams + advanced tools); annual discounts available.
SevDesk
specializedAll-in-one online accounting tool for SMEs offering invoicing, financial reporting, and GoBD-compliant archiving.
AI-driven OCR receipt scanning and automatic bookkeeping categorization via mobile app
SevDesk is a cloud-based financial accounting software tailored for German small businesses, freelancers, and SMEs, offering automated invoicing, expense management, bank reconciliation, and GoBD-compliant double-entry bookkeeping. It simplifies financial reporting with DATEV exports for tax advisors and includes inventory tracking and CRM integrations. The platform emphasizes ease of use with mobile receipt scanning and real-time dashboards for quick insights.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface suitable for non-accountants
- Automated bank import and AI-powered transaction categorization
- Seamless DATEV integration for German tax compliance
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics for larger enterprises
- Pricing scales up quickly for premium features
- Customer support primarily in German with slower response times
Best For
German freelancers, small businesses, and SMEs needing straightforward, compliant Finanzbuchhaltung without deep accounting expertise.
Pricing
Starts at €7.90/month (Basic), €15.90/month (Accounting), up to €49.90/month (Enterprise); discounts for annual plans.
FastBill
specializedAutomated invoicing and accounting platform with bank reconciliation and integration for German VAT compliance.
Automatic DATEV CSV/XML export for effortless accountant handovers
FastBill is a cloud-based invoicing and financial accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and agencies, primarily in German-speaking markets. It handles invoicing, offers, time tracking, expense management, bank reconciliation, and basic bookkeeping with strong compliance to German standards like GoBD. The platform integrates seamlessly with DATEV for exporting data to accountants, supports multi-user access, and includes CRM-like customer management features.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with excellent mobile app support
- Seamless DATEV integration for German tax compliance
- Comprehensive invoicing, time tracking, and bank imports
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Primarily German-focused with less robust English support
- Freemium limits may push users to paid plans quickly
Best For
German small businesses, freelancers, and agencies needing user-friendly invoicing and DATEV-compatible bookkeeping.
Pricing
Free for up to 20 documents/year; paid plans from €9.90/month (Mini, 100 docs) to €49.90/month (Max, unlimited docs and advanced features).
Lexware
specializedDesktop and cloud accounting software for financial bookkeeping with SKR03/04 charts and ELSTER certification.
Direct DATEV interface for automated data transfer to tax software, unique in seamless advisor collaboration
Lexware, from lexware.de, offers robust Finanzbuchhaltung software like FinancialOffice, designed specifically for German small to medium-sized businesses handling double-entry bookkeeping, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and VAT declarations. It ensures full compliance with GoBD standards and provides seamless DATEV interface for tax advisor integration. The software also supports invoicing, inventory management, and cost accounting in higher editions, streamlining complete financial workflows.
Pros
- Excellent DATEV export and compatibility for German tax advisors
- Comprehensive GoBD-compliant archiving and reporting tools
- Scalable editions with invoicing and inventory integration
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Higher subscription costs for full-featured plans
- Primarily desktop-focused with limited mobile optimization
Best For
German SMEs and freelancers needing reliable, DATEV-integrated financial accounting compliant with local regulations.
Pricing
Subscriptions from €29/month (basic) to €79/month (premium with payroll and advanced modules); one-time desktop licenses also available.
Sage 50
enterpriseRobust accounting software for small to medium enterprises featuring payroll, inventory, and financial reporting.
Native DATEV-Rechnungsverkehr for effortless data exchange with tax advisors and authorities
Sage 50 is a robust desktop-based financial accounting software tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany, handling core Finanzbuchhaltung tasks like double-entry bookkeeping, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, VAT declarations, and financial reporting. It ensures full compliance with German GAAP (HGB) and tax regulations, including GoBD standards, with seamless DATEV export for tax advisors. The software supports multi-user access, inventory management, and payroll integration, making it suitable for professional accounting needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance with German accounting standards (HGB, GoBD)
- Seamless DATEV interface for tax advisor exports
- Strong multi-company and multi-user capabilities
Cons
- Desktop-centric interface feels dated compared to cloud rivals
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Higher pricing without full cloud flexibility
Best For
Small to medium-sized German businesses requiring reliable, compliant desktop accounting with professional DATEV integration.
Pricing
Starts at €29/month for basic edition (1 user), up to €99+/month for advanced multi-user plans; perpetual licenses also available from €1,000+.
WISO meinBüro
specializedUser-friendly cloud accounting for freelancers and small businesses with automatic bank import and tax declarations.
One-click DATEV export for seamless handover to tax advisors
WISO meinBüro from buhl.de is a cloud-based financial accounting software tailored for German small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed professionals. It supports double-entry bookkeeping (Finanzbuchhaltung) compliant with GoBD standards, including balance sheets, profit/loss statements, and VAT declarations. The platform integrates invoicing, payroll, and inventory management, with seamless DATEV exports for tax advisors.
Pros
- Cloud-based access from any device with mobile app support
- Full GoBD compliance and direct DATEV export for tax professionals
- Integrated tools for invoicing, payroll, and reporting in one platform
Cons
- Subscription-only pricing without perpetual license option
- Limited advanced customization for larger enterprises
- Occasional performance lags with high data volumes
Best For
German freelancers and small businesses needing compliant, all-in-one cloud accounting with easy tax advisor integration.
Pricing
Starts at €14.90/month (annual billing) for Basis plan; Pro at €29.90/month and Premium at €49.90/month with more users and features.
BuchhaltungsButler
specializedAI-powered bookkeeping assistant that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for professionals.
AI-assisted automatic categorization of bank transactions and receipts for quick reconciliation
BuchhaltungsButler is a cloud-based Finanzbuchhaltung software tailored for German small businesses, freelancers, and Kleinunternehmer, automating core accounting tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing, and VAT declarations. It supports bank reconciliation, document management compliant with GoBD standards, and exports to DATEV and ELSTER for seamless tax filing. The platform emphasizes simplicity, allowing users to handle financial accounting without extensive accounting knowledge.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for beginners
- Strong compliance with German tax requirements (GoBD, DATEV, ELSTER)
- Affordable pricing with unlimited invoices and documents
Cons
- Limited advanced features for larger enterprises
- Customer support primarily via email/tickets
- No multi-currency support for international operations
Best For
Freelancers and small sole proprietors in Germany seeking simple, compliant Finanzbuchhaltung without needing a full accounting team.
Pricing
Starts at €9.90/month (Starter plan) up to €29.90/month (Pro plan), with a 30-day free trial; annual discounts available.
SAP Business One
enterpriseERP solution with integrated financial accounting modules for mid-sized companies supporting German localization.
Real-time multi-entity financial consolidation across global subsidiaries
SAP Business One is an ERP solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, providing comprehensive Finanzbuchhaltung features such as general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliation, asset accounting, and multi-currency support. It ensures compliance with international standards like IFRS and local tax regulations, including VAT and intrastat reporting. The software integrates financial data with sales, inventory, and purchasing modules for real-time visibility and automated processes.
Pros
- Robust financial accounting suite with advanced reporting and analytics
- Seamless integration across ERP modules for holistic business management
- Scalable multi-currency and multi-entity support for global operations
Cons
- High implementation and licensing costs
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- Overly complex for businesses needing only basic accounting
Best For
Growing SMBs seeking an integrated ERP with enterprise-grade Finanzbuchhaltung that scales internationally.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$3,000 per user plus 18-22% annual maintenance; cloud subscriptions from $100-200/user/month.
Odoo
enterpriseOpen-source ERP platform with customizable accounting features compliant with German fiscal requirements.
Automatic synchronization of accounting data with sales, purchases, and inventory for real-time financial insights
Odoo is an open-source ERP platform with a robust Accounting app designed for Finanzbuchhaltung, handling invoicing, bank reconciliation, asset management, and financial reporting. It supports multi-currency transactions, multi-company consolidation, and compliance with standards like DATEV for German users. The modular design allows seamless integration with sales, inventory, and CRM modules for end-to-end business management.
Pros
- Highly customizable with thousands of community apps
- Multi-company and multi-currency support ideal for international firms
- Seamless integration between accounting and other ERP modules
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Advanced features often require paid Enterprise edition
- Performance can lag with very large datasets without optimization
Best For
Small to medium-sized enterprises needing scalable, integrated ERP with strong Finanzbuchhaltung capabilities.
Pricing
Free Community edition; Enterprise starts at €24.90/user/month (Standard plan) or €37.40/user/month (Custom), billed annually with hosting included.
Conclusion
The top 10 Finanzbuchhaltung Software tools showcase a range of strengths, with DATEV leading as the clear choice for its comprehensive, compliant features trusted by tax advisors and companies. Lexoffice stands out as a versatile cloud solution for small businesses and freelancers, offering automated invoicing and DATEV export, while SevDesk excels as an all-in-one platform for SMEs with GoBD-compliant archiving. Each tool caters to specific needs, but DATEV remains the gold standard.
Start with DATEV to experience seamless, reliable financial bookkeeping—its proven track record and commitment to compliance make it the ideal foundation for managing your finances effectively.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
