Quick Overview
- 1#1: DATEV - Leading German payroll and accounting software ensuring full compliance with local tax and social security regulations.
- 2#2: Lexware lohn + gehalt - User-friendly payroll solution for small and medium-sized businesses with automated wage calculations and ELSTER integration.
- 3#3: Sage 50 Lohnabrechnung - Integrated payroll and ERP software offering robust features for mid-sized companies with real-time reporting.
- 4#4: H&B Lohn + Gehalt - Specialized payroll software tailored for medium enterprises with advanced collective agreement support.
- 5#5: Buhl Perfect Lohn & Gehalt - Affordable cloud-based payroll tool for small businesses featuring easy setup and German payroll compliance.
- 6#6: Personio - All-in-one HR platform with integrated payroll processing optimized for German labor laws.
- 7#7: Addison Lohn - Flexible payroll system supporting complex wage structures and international payroll needs.
- 8#8: BÖS LohnGePa - Reliable payroll software with strong focus on data security and electronic declarations.
- 9#9: WinHellmig Lohnsoftware - Customizable payroll solution for diverse industries with extensive customization options.
- 10#10: Lohnmeister - Simple online payroll calculator for freelancers and small teams with quick gross-to-net computations.
We ranked these tools based on key factors including regulatory compliance, feature depth, user experience, and overall value, ensuring each entry delivers exceptional performance tailored to specific business requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines key features and practical applications of leading Lohnabrechnung Software tools, such as DATEV, Lexware lohn + gehalt, Sage 50 Lohnabrechnung, H&B Lohn + Gehalt, Buhl Perfect Lohn & Gehalt, and others. Readers will discover critical details like functionality, integration options, and user-friendliness, enabling them to identify the right tool for their payroll management requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DATEV Leading German payroll and accounting software ensuring full compliance with local tax and social security regulations. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Lexware lohn + gehalt User-friendly payroll solution for small and medium-sized businesses with automated wage calculations and ELSTER integration. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Sage 50 Lohnabrechnung Integrated payroll and ERP software offering robust features for mid-sized companies with real-time reporting. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | H&B Lohn + Gehalt Specialized payroll software tailored for medium enterprises with advanced collective agreement support. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Buhl Perfect Lohn & Gehalt Affordable cloud-based payroll tool for small businesses featuring easy setup and German payroll compliance. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Personio All-in-one HR platform with integrated payroll processing optimized for German labor laws. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Addison Lohn Flexible payroll system supporting complex wage structures and international payroll needs. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | BÖS LohnGePa Reliable payroll software with strong focus on data security and electronic declarations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | WinHellmig Lohnsoftware Customizable payroll solution for diverse industries with extensive customization options. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Lohnmeister Simple online payroll calculator for freelancers and small teams with quick gross-to-net computations. | other | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Leading German payroll and accounting software ensuring full compliance with local tax and social security regulations.
User-friendly payroll solution for small and medium-sized businesses with automated wage calculations and ELSTER integration.
Integrated payroll and ERP software offering robust features for mid-sized companies with real-time reporting.
Specialized payroll software tailored for medium enterprises with advanced collective agreement support.
Affordable cloud-based payroll tool for small businesses featuring easy setup and German payroll compliance.
All-in-one HR platform with integrated payroll processing optimized for German labor laws.
Flexible payroll system supporting complex wage structures and international payroll needs.
Reliable payroll software with strong focus on data security and electronic declarations.
Customizable payroll solution for diverse industries with extensive customization options.
Simple online payroll calculator for freelancers and small teams with quick gross-to-net computations.
DATEV
enterpriseLeading German payroll and accounting software ensuring full compliance with local tax and social security regulations.
DATEV Update Service for real-time, automatic adaptation to legal changes in German payroll regulations
DATEV Lohn und Gehalt is a leading German payroll software solution designed for tax advisors, accountants, and businesses handling Lohnabrechnung (payroll accounting). It automates wage calculations, tax withholdings, social insurance contributions, and ELSTER submissions while ensuring full compliance with constantly evolving German labor laws. The software integrates seamlessly with DATEV's accounting and tax modules, providing end-to-end financial management for professional users.
Pros
- Unrivaled compliance with German tax, social security, and labor regulations via automatic updates
- Seamless integration with DATEV accounting, tax, and HR modules for holistic workflows
- Comprehensive reporting, analytics, and electronic interfaces like DATEV LohnK1 and ELSTER
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for non-experts
- High pricing suitable mainly for professionals, not small solo operations
- Primarily Windows-based with limited cloud flexibility compared to international alternatives
Best For
Tax advisors, accounting firms, and medium to large German enterprises needing precise, compliant payroll processing at scale.
Pricing
Subscription-based with annual licenses starting at ~€500-€2,000 depending on users, modules, and firm size; additional training and support fees apply.
Lexware lohn + gehalt
specializedUser-friendly payroll solution for small and medium-sized businesses with automated wage calculations and ELSTER integration.
The intelligent Buchungsassistent for automated, error-free postings to accounting ledgers
Lexware lohn + gehalt is a robust payroll software designed specifically for German businesses, automating complex Lohnabrechnung processes including wage calculations, social security contributions, and tax withholdings. It generates payslips, annual statements, and electronic declarations like ELStAM and DM, ensuring full compliance with current German labor laws. The software integrates seamlessly with DATEV and other accounting tools, making it ideal for small to medium-sized enterprises handling payroll efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance with German payroll regulations and automatic updates
- Seamless DATEV integration and electronic reporting capabilities
- Intuitive interface with guided wizards for payroll processing
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count, less ideal for very large firms
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom configurations
- Primarily focused on German market, limited multi-language support
Best For
Small to medium-sized German businesses with 5-100 employees seeking reliable, compliant payroll automation.
Pricing
Subscription starts at €24.50/month for up to 5 employees (Lohn + Gehalt mini), scales to €49+/month for larger teams; annual discounts available.
Sage 50 Lohnabrechnung
enterpriseIntegrated payroll and ERP software offering robust features for mid-sized companies with real-time reporting.
Automatic adaptation to changing German payroll legislation via regular legal updates
Sage 50 Lohnabrechnung is a robust payroll accounting software tailored for German small and medium-sized businesses, automating salary calculations, social insurance contributions, and tax withholdings in full compliance with local regulations like ELStAM and DATEV exports. It integrates seamlessly with the Sage 50 accounting suite for end-to-end financial management. The solution supports bulk processing for up to 500 employees and offers detailed reporting for audits and financial planning.
Pros
- Strong compliance with German payroll laws and automatic updates for regulatory changes
- Seamless integration with Sage 50 accounting for unified bookkeeping
- Comprehensive reporting and export options including DATEV and ELSTER
Cons
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud mobility compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Steep learning curve for users new to Sage ecosystem
- Higher pricing for full feature set and additional modules
Best For
Small to medium German businesses seeking integrated payroll and accounting with strong regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Starts at €29/month per user for basic payroll module; full Sage 50 suite from €49/month with annual contracts and volume discounts.
H&B Lohn + Gehalt
specializedSpecialized payroll software tailored for medium enterprises with advanced collective agreement support.
Direct ELSTER connectivity for electronic tax and social security submissions without manual exports
H&B Lohn + Gehalt from hb-software.de is a specialized payroll software for German businesses, automating Lohnabrechnung processes including wage calculations, deductions, and social insurance contributions. It ensures compliance with current German tax laws via integrated ELSTER interfaces and supports exports to DATEV for accounting integration. The software is tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises handling employee payroll efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance with German payroll regulations and automatic updates
- Seamless integration with DATEV and ELSTER for declarations
- Reliable support for variable payroll elements like bonuses and overtime
Cons
- Primarily Windows-based, limiting cross-platform use
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud solutions
- Advanced features may require additional modules at extra cost
Best For
Small to medium-sized German companies needing robust, regulation-compliant payroll processing without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at around €250-€500 annually for basic licenses, scaling with employee count and modules; perpetual licenses with update fees also available.
Buhl Perfect Lohn & Gehalt
specializedAffordable cloud-based payroll tool for small businesses featuring easy setup and German payroll compliance.
Automatic DATEV-Beleg export for instant, error-free transfer to accounting software
Buhl Perfect Lohn & Gehalt is a robust payroll software solution from Buhl Data Service, designed specifically for German SMEs to handle Lohnabrechnung (payroll accounting) compliant with local tax laws and social security regulations. It automates wage calculations, manages employee data, generates payslips, and supports electronic submissions via ELSTER. The software integrates seamlessly with popular accounting tools like DATEV, making it ideal for streamlined financial workflows.
Pros
- Strong compliance with German payroll regulations and automatic updates for legal changes
- Seamless DATEV integration for easy accounting handoff
- User-friendly interface with comprehensive reporting tools
Cons
- Higher pricing for smaller teams with minimal needs
- Limited customization for highly specialized industries
- Desktop-heavy focus may feel less modern than full-cloud competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized German businesses seeking reliable, regulation-compliant payroll processing with strong accounting integrations.
Pricing
Modular subscription starting at €29/month for basic license, plus €2-5 per employee/month; one-time setup fees apply.
Personio
enterpriseAll-in-one HR platform with integrated payroll processing optimized for German labor laws.
Unified HR-payroll ecosystem with automated data flow from time tracking directly into compliant payroll runs
Personio is an all-in-one HR software platform with integrated payroll (Lohnabrechnung) capabilities designed specifically for the German market, automating wage calculations, tax deductions, and social security contributions. It ensures full compliance with local regulations like ELSTER and DATEV interfaces, while linking payroll data to HR processes such as time tracking and absence management. This makes it a scalable solution for mid-sized businesses transitioning from manual or fragmented payroll systems.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payroll with HR modules like time tracking and employee self-service
- Strong compliance with German payroll laws and automated DATEV/ELSTER exports
- Intuitive interface with mobile app for approvals and oversight
Cons
- Payroll is an add-on module, increasing costs beyond core HR pricing
- Limited depth in advanced payroll customizations compared to specialized tools
- Initial setup and data migration can take several weeks
Best For
Mid-sized German companies (50-500 employees) seeking an integrated HR-payroll platform to streamline operations without multiple vendors.
Pricing
Core HR from €1.50-€4 per employee/month (min. €99/month); Payroll add-on €2.50-€5 per employee/month, billed annually.
Addison Lohn
enterpriseFlexible payroll system supporting complex wage structures and international payroll needs.
Seamless DATEV export and ELSTER certification for direct electronic submissions to tax authorities
Addison Lohn from addison.de is a robust payroll software solution tailored for German businesses, automating Lohnabrechnung processes including wage calculations, social insurance contributions, and income tax withholdings. It supports full compliance with German labor laws, offers HR modules for personnel management, and integrates seamlessly with DATEV for accounting. The software also includes time tracking and reporting tools for efficient payroll administration.
Pros
- Excellent compliance with German regulations and ELSTER/DATEV integrations
- Scalable for mid-sized companies with comprehensive HR and time modules
- Reliable automated reporting and updates for legal changes
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to traditional interface
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to cloud-native competitors
- Pricing can be higher for smaller teams
Best For
Mid-sized German companies requiring deep regulatory compliance and DATEV integration for payroll processing.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around €40-€60 per employee/month, with on-premise options available.
BÖS LohnGePa
specializedReliable payroll software with strong focus on data security and electronic declarations.
Advanced DATEV-Unternehmensberatung export for effortless financial and tax reporting
BÖS LohnGePa is a comprehensive on-premise payroll software solution tailored for German SMEs, specializing in accurate Lohnabrechnung with full compliance to local regulations like ELStAM-V and DATEV standards. It handles wage calculations, social insurance contributions, tax deductions, and personnel data management in one integrated system. The software also supports time tracking and reporting, making it suitable for businesses with complex payroll needs.
Pros
- Excellent compliance with German payroll laws and regulations
- Seamless DATEV interface for accounting integration
- Robust handling of complex payroll scenarios for SMEs
Cons
- Outdated user interface compared to modern cloud competitors
- On-premise installation requires IT setup and maintenance
- Steeper learning curve for new users without training
Best For
Medium-sized German companies seeking reliable, regulation-compliant payroll processing with strong DATEV integration.
Pricing
Per-employee licensing model starting at €5-10 per employee/month, with custom quotes and one-time setup fees.
WinHellmig Lohnsoftware
specializedCustomizable payroll solution for diverse industries with extensive customization options.
Seamless, error-free DATEV-Rechnungswesen export for direct accounting integration
WinHellmig Lohnsoftware is a specialized payroll solution for German businesses, focusing on accurate Lohnabrechnung including wage calculations, social insurance contributions, and tax deductions compliant with current DATEV and ELSTER standards. It supports employee master data management, automated payroll runs, and generation of mandatory reports for authorities like the Minijob-Zentrale. Ideal for small to medium enterprises, it emphasizes reliability and legal updates over advanced features.
Pros
- Strong compliance with German payroll regulations and automatic law updates
- Reliable DATEV and ELSTER export functions
- Affordable for small businesses with good local support
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited integration options with other ERP or HR systems
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Small to medium-sized German companies handling basic to standard payroll without needing extensive automation or cloud mobility.
Pricing
Starts at €25/month for basic version (up to 10 employees), scaling to €50+/month for larger setups with add-ons; one-time installation fees apply.
Lohnmeister
otherSimple online payroll calculator for freelancers and small teams with quick gross-to-net computations.
Automatic adaptation to annual German payroll law changes (e.g., minimum wage, social security rates) with one-click updates.
Lohnmeister (lohnmeister.de) is a German-focused payroll software (Lohnabrechnung) tailored for small businesses and freelancers, automating wage calculations, social insurance contributions, tax withholdings, and statutory reporting. It ensures compliance with current German labor laws, including ELStAM and DMAN updates, and supports features like time tracking integration and employee self-service portals. The tool emphasizes simplicity for users without dedicated HR teams, generating payslips and annual statements efficiently.
Pros
- Strong compliance with German payroll regulations and automatic updates
- Affordable pricing suitable for SMEs and freelancers
- Reliable DATEV export for accounting integration
Cons
- Limited advanced features like multi-company support or international payroll
- User interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive for beginners
- Customer support primarily in German with slower response times
Best For
Small German businesses or freelancers needing straightforward, compliant payroll processing without complex HR requirements.
Pricing
Starts at €9.90/month for basic plans, scaling to €29.90/month for advanced features; pay-per-employee options available.
Conclusion
The top 3 tools demonstrate distinct strengths, with DATEV leading as the premium choice, renowned for its rigorous compliance with local regulations. Lexware lohn + gehalt stands out as a user-friendly solution for small and medium-sized businesses, while Sage 50 Lohnabrechnung excels for mid-sized companies through integrated ERP features. Together, they represent the best in the field, catering to varied needs, yet DATEV remains the unrivaled top pick for seamless, compliant payroll management.
Embrace DATEV to simplify payroll processes and ensure regulatory accuracy—your key to stress-free, efficient payroll operations. For specific business sizes or requirements, Lexware and Sage 50 also offer exceptional alternatives to explore.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison