Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lexoffice - Cloud-based accounting software for German small businesses and freelancers, handling invoicing, bookkeeping, and DATEV exports with full GoBD compliance.
- 2#2: SevDesk - All-in-one online platform for invoicing, expense management, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to German tax regulations.
- 3#3: FastBill - Automated invoicing and simple accounting tool designed for freelancers and SMEs with seamless bank integration and ELSTER support.
- 4#4: DATEV - Professional-grade accounting and tax software suite used by German accountants for comprehensive bookkeeping and compliance.
- 5#5: Sage 50 - Established desktop and cloud accounting software offering ERP features for mid-sized German businesses with strong inventory and payroll modules.
- 6#6: Billomat - Web-based invoicing and basic accounting system for small teams, focusing on recurring billing and customer management.
- 7#7: easybill - Digital invoicing platform with accounting integration, ZUGFeRD support, and automation for German SMBs.
- 8#8: BuchhaltungsButler - AI-assisted bookkeeping service that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for sole proprietors.
- 9#9: Odoo Accounting - Open-source ERP system with modular accounting features customizable for German invoicing and multi-currency compliance.
- 10#10: QuickBooks - Cloud accounting solution with German localization for invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting suitable for small businesses.
Tools were selected and ranked based on their alignment with German regulatory standards (including DATEV, GoBD, and ZUGFeRD), usability for varied user profiles (small businesses, accountants, sole proprietors), depth of automation, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that balance functionality with practicality.
Comparison Table
Rechnungswesen Software simplifies invoicing, accounting, and financial tasks for diverse business needs. This comparison table showcases tools like Lexoffice, SevDesk, FastBill, DATEV, Sage 50, and more, offering a clear view of features, usability, and value. Readers will gain insights to identify the best fit for their operational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexoffice Cloud-based accounting software for German small businesses and freelancers, handling invoicing, bookkeeping, and DATEV exports with full GoBD compliance. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | SevDesk All-in-one online platform for invoicing, expense management, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to German tax regulations. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | FastBill Automated invoicing and simple accounting tool designed for freelancers and SMEs with seamless bank integration and ELSTER support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | DATEV Professional-grade accounting and tax software suite used by German accountants for comprehensive bookkeeping and compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Sage 50 Established desktop and cloud accounting software offering ERP features for mid-sized German businesses with strong inventory and payroll modules. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Billomat Web-based invoicing and basic accounting system for small teams, focusing on recurring billing and customer management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | easybill Digital invoicing platform with accounting integration, ZUGFeRD support, and automation for German SMBs. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | BuchhaltungsButler AI-assisted bookkeeping service that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for sole proprietors. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Odoo Accounting Open-source ERP system with modular accounting features customizable for German invoicing and multi-currency compliance. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Cloud accounting solution with German localization for invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting suitable for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software for German small businesses and freelancers, handling invoicing, bookkeeping, and DATEV exports with full GoBD compliance.
All-in-one online platform for invoicing, expense management, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to German tax regulations.
Automated invoicing and simple accounting tool designed for freelancers and SMEs with seamless bank integration and ELSTER support.
Professional-grade accounting and tax software suite used by German accountants for comprehensive bookkeeping and compliance.
Established desktop and cloud accounting software offering ERP features for mid-sized German businesses with strong inventory and payroll modules.
Web-based invoicing and basic accounting system for small teams, focusing on recurring billing and customer management.
Digital invoicing platform with accounting integration, ZUGFeRD support, and automation for German SMBs.
AI-assisted bookkeeping service that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for sole proprietors.
Open-source ERP system with modular accounting features customizable for German invoicing and multi-currency compliance.
Cloud accounting solution with German localization for invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting suitable for small businesses.
Lexoffice
enterpriseCloud-based accounting software for German small businesses and freelancers, handling invoicing, bookkeeping, and DATEV exports with full GoBD compliance.
AI-driven document capture and categorization for receipts and invoices via mobile app
Lexoffice is a leading cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for German small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed professionals. It streamlines invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting while ensuring full compliance with GoBD, Elster, and DATEV standards. The platform offers automated document processing, real-time insights, and seamless integrations to simplify Rechnungswesen tasks.
Pros
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
- Full automation including AI-powered receipt recognition and bank imports
- Robust compliance with German tax laws (GoBD, Elster, DATEV export)
Cons
- Limited advanced features for complex enterprise needs
- Pricing scales up quickly for higher tiers and additional users
- English support and interface are secondary to German
Best For
German freelancers, small businesses, and tax advisors seeking compliant, user-friendly bookkeeping without IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at 7.90€/month (Starter), 12.90€/month (Plus), 19.90€/month (Premium); annual discounts available, no free tier.
SevDesk
enterpriseAll-in-one online platform for invoicing, expense management, payroll, and financial reporting tailored to German tax regulations.
AI-powered automatic bank reconciliation and receipt scanning for effortless categorization
SevDesk is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed professionals in Germany, offering comprehensive tools for invoicing, expense management, bookkeeping, and CRM. It automates financial processes with features like bank synchronization, DATEV exports, and GoBD-compliant archiving to meet strict German tax standards. The platform also includes time tracking, inventory management, and a mobile app for seamless access across devices.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with excellent mobile support
- Seamless German bank integration and DATEV compatibility
- GoBD-compliant automation for invoices, expenses, and reporting
Cons
- Pricing escalates with add-ons and higher tiers
- Limited advanced features for large enterprises
- Primarily German-focused with less international support
Best For
German freelancers, small businesses, and self-employed professionals needing compliant, all-in-one bookkeeping.
Pricing
Starts at €9/month (Mini plan) up to €29/month (Pro plan), with additional fees for extras like payroll.
FastBill
specializedAutomated invoicing and simple accounting tool designed for freelancers and SMEs with seamless bank integration and ELSTER support.
Seamless DATEV interface for direct export to tax advisors, ensuring effortless compliance handoff.
FastBill is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and agencies, primarily in German-speaking markets. It enables users to create professional invoices, manage expenses, track time, handle recurring billing, and generate compliant financial reports with full GoBD and Elster integration. The platform also offers bank synchronization, project management, and API access for automation, streamlining the entire Rechnungswesen workflow.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Strong German compliance (GoBD, DATEV export, Elster)
- Excellent bank integration and automation tools
Cons
- Limited scalability for very large enterprises
- Free plan restricted to 100 documents/year
- Advanced reporting requires higher tiers
Best For
German freelancers, small businesses, and agencies seeking user-friendly, compliant invoicing and basic accounting without complexity.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 documents/year; paid plans from €9/month (Basic) to €49/month (Enterprise), billed annually.
DATEV
enterpriseProfessional-grade accounting and tax software suite used by German accountants for comprehensive bookkeeping and compliance.
Standardized DATEV data format for seamless, error-free exchange with tax offices, banks, and partners
DATEV is a leading German accounting software suite specializing in Rechnungswesen (bookkeeping), payroll, invoicing, and financial reporting, designed primarily for tax advisors, accountants, and SMEs. It offers both desktop and cloud-based solutions like DATEV Unternehmen Online, ensuring full compliance with German tax regulations such as GoBD and ELSTER integration. The platform excels in automated data exchange via the standardized DATEV format, supporting complex financial workflows for professional users.
Pros
- Exceptional compliance with German tax laws and authorities
- Powerful integrations with banks, ELSTER, and DATEV ecosystem
- Scalable modules for comprehensive financial management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Higher pricing compared to simpler alternatives
- Primarily German-market focused with limited multilingual support
Best For
German tax advisors, accountants, and mid-sized enterprises requiring robust, regulation-compliant bookkeeping.
Pricing
Modular subscription starting at €25-€50/user/month, scaling up to €200+ for full suites based on modules and company size.
Sage 50
enterpriseEstablished desktop and cloud accounting software offering ERP features for mid-sized German businesses with strong inventory and payroll modules.
Native DATEV interface export for effortless tax authority submissions
Sage 50 is a robust desktop-based accounting software tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the German market, handling core Rechnungswesen tasks like invoicing, bookkeeping, VAT management, and inventory control. It offers seamless integration with DATEV for tax reporting and compliance, along with modules for payroll and CRM. While it supports cloud synchronization via Sage 50cloud, it remains primarily an on-premise solution with strong data security features.
Pros
- Excellent DATEV integration for German tax compliance
- Comprehensive features including inventory, payroll, and multi-currency support
- Reliable performance and data security for on-premise use
Cons
- Dated interface compared to modern cloud competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Subscription model can become costly for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized German businesses needing robust, compliant accounting with DATEV export and on-premise reliability.
Pricing
Subscription starts at €29/month for Standard edition, up to €59/month for Premium; perpetual licenses also available from €1,200 one-time.
Billomat
specializedWeb-based invoicing and basic accounting system for small teams, focusing on recurring billing and customer management.
Seamless DATEV export for automatic data transfer to tax software and advisors
Billomat is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly in German-speaking regions. It streamlines the creation of quotes, invoices, recurring bills, and dunning letters, while offering full double-entry bookkeeping compliant with GoBD standards. The platform also includes time tracking, basic CRM, and seamless integrations with tools like DATEV for tax advisors.
Pros
- Comprehensive invoicing and bookkeeping automation
- GoBD-compliant and DATEV integration for German users
- User-friendly interface with mobile app support
Cons
- Limited multi-language and international features
- Advanced accounting requires higher plans
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
Best For
German freelancers and SMEs seeking compliant, all-in-one invoicing and basic accounting without needing separate tools.
Pricing
Starts at €6.90/month (Starter) up to €49.90/month (Unlimited), billed annually with a 30-day free trial.
easybill
specializedDigital invoicing platform with accounting integration, ZUGFeRD support, and automation for German SMBs.
Advanced invoice designer with unlimited templates and real-time preview for pixel-perfect, brand-compliant documents
easybill is a cloud-based invoicing software tailored for German small businesses and freelancers, specializing in creating professional invoices, quotes, delivery notes, and receipts. It features customizable templates, automated recurring billing, payment reminders, and seamless integrations with tools like DATEV for accounting export. The platform ensures GoBD-compliant archiving and focuses on simplicity for Rechnungswesen tasks without full ERP complexity.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice designer for professional outputs
- Strong compliance with German standards like GoBD and DATEV integration
- Generous free tier and straightforward automation for recurring tasks
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive accounting features beyond invoicing
- Pricing scales with document volume, costly for high-output users
- Primarily German-language interface limits broader appeal
Best For
German freelancers and small businesses seeking simple, compliant invoicing without needing advanced bookkeeping.
Pricing
Free for up to 5 documents/month; paid plans from €4.50/month (20 documents) to €29+/month (unlimited), plus per-extra-document fees.
BuchhaltungsButler
specializedAI-assisted bookkeeping service that automates categorization and prepares DATEV exports for sole proprietors.
AI-powered automatic categorization and direct DATEV export for hassle-free compliance.
BuchhaltungsButler is a cloud-based bookkeeping software tailored for German freelancers, small businesses, and self-employed professionals. It automates invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and VAT declarations with AI-driven categorization of transactions. The platform excels in DATEV integration for seamless data export to tax advisors and authorities, ensuring compliance with German regulations.
Pros
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface suitable for non-accountants
- Strong DATEV integration for easy tax advisor handoff
- Affordable pricing with unlimited invoices and clients
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting for complex enterprises
- Customer support primarily via email with slower response times
- Mobile app functionality is basic compared to desktop
Best For
Freelancers and small German businesses seeking simple, compliant bookkeeping with minimal manual effort.
Pricing
Starts at 9€/month (Basic), 19€/month (Pro), 29€/month (Business), billed annually with a 30-day free trial.
Odoo Accounting
enterpriseOpen-source ERP system with modular accounting features customizable for German invoicing and multi-currency compliance.
Deep integration across the entire Odoo app suite for real-time accounting synced with sales, inventory, and operations.
Odoo Accounting is a robust module within the open-source Odoo ERP platform, designed for comprehensive financial management including invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support. It offers automated accounting entries, financial reporting like profit & loss statements and balance sheets, and compliance features for VAT and international standards. As part of a modular ERP system, it integrates seamlessly with sales, inventory, and CRM modules for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Highly customizable with extensive automation for invoicing and reconciliations
- Strong integration with Odoo ecosystem for end-to-end business management
- Free community edition provides core accounting functionality without upfront costs
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to modular ERP complexity
- Advanced reporting and support require paid Enterprise upgrade
- Performance can lag with very large datasets in self-hosted setups
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking scalable, integrated ERP accounting with room for growth.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise cloud plans start at €24.90/user/month (billed annually).
QuickBooks
enterpriseCloud accounting solution with German localization for invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting suitable for small businesses.
Intelligent bank feeds with AI-powered transaction matching and categorization
QuickBooks is a cloud-based accounting software from Intuit, tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with features for invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, VAT management, and financial reporting. The German version (quickbooks.intuit.com/de) ensures compliance with local standards like GoBD and supports DATEV exports for seamless integration with tax authorities. It automates repetitive tasks such as recurring invoices and provides real-time dashboards for better financial oversight.
Pros
- Robust invoicing and multi-currency support
- Automatic bank transaction imports and categorization
- Extensive app integrations and mobile access
Cons
- Higher costs for advanced plans and add-ons
- Learning curve for complex reporting
- Customer support can be slower for non-English queries
Best For
Small to medium German businesses needing scalable, automated accounting with strong integration capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at €12/month (Simple Start) up to €65/month (Advanced), with annual discounts and payroll add-ons extra.
Conclusion
The reviewed rechnungswesen software provides tailored solutions for German businesses, with standout performers leading the pack. Lexoffice secures the top spot, offering seamless cloud-based invoicing, bookkeeping, and GoBD compliance for small businesses and freelancers. SevDesk follows as a versatile all-in-one platform, ideal for those needing payroll and tax alignment, while FastBill impresses with automation and ELSTER support for freelancers and SMEs. Each tool suits distinct needs, but Lexoffice stands out as the best choice for its balanced blend of functionality and user-friendliness.
For streamlining your accounting processes, start with Lexoffice—its robust features and German localization make it the ultimate pick for businesses seeking efficiency and compliance.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison