Quick Overview
- 1#1: Workiva - Cloud-based platform for creating, validating, and filing XBRL-compliant financial reports with SEC and other regulators.
- 2#2: Certent Disclosure Management - Integrated disclosure management solution that automates XBRL tagging and financial reporting workflows.
- 3#3: CoreFiling Xi - Advanced XBRL processing platform for validation, rendering, and regulatory filing compliance.
- 4#4: IRIS GoXBRL - Comprehensive XBRL software for tagging, validation, and iXBRL/ESG reporting submissions.
- 5#5: Altova MissionKit - Suite of XML tools including XBRL validation, viewing, and conversion capabilities for developers.
- 6#6: Arelle - Open-source XBRL platform for parsing, validating, viewing, and generating XBRL instances.
- 7#7: TagniFi - XBRL tagging and taxonomy management tool that streamlines financial statement mapping.
- 8#8: Calcbench - XBRL analytics platform for extracting, comparing, and visualizing financial data from filings.
- 9#9: MultiGaap - XBRL and ESEF reporting software for automated tagging and regulatory compliance in Europe.
- 10#10: Adrenalin XBRL - XBRL creation and validation tool focused on ESEF and financial reporting standards.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver robust regulatory compliance, streamline workflows via automation, offer intuitive user experiences, and provide tangible value, ensuring they excel in a market driven by functionality and reliability.
Comparison Table
This comparison table assesses top XBRL software tools, such as Workiva, Certent Disclosure Management, CoreFiling Xi, IRIS GoXBRL, and Altova MissionKit, to guide users in choosing the right solution for financial reporting needs. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, integration options, and scalability, helping them evaluate each tool’s strengths for streamlined compliance and data efficiency. By breaking down functionality across tools, the table simplifies the selection process for businesses and professionals working with XBRL requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workiva Cloud-based platform for creating, validating, and filing XBRL-compliant financial reports with SEC and other regulators. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | Certent Disclosure Management Integrated disclosure management solution that automates XBRL tagging and financial reporting workflows. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | CoreFiling Xi Advanced XBRL processing platform for validation, rendering, and regulatory filing compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | IRIS GoXBRL Comprehensive XBRL software for tagging, validation, and iXBRL/ESG reporting submissions. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Altova MissionKit Suite of XML tools including XBRL validation, viewing, and conversion capabilities for developers. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 6 | Arelle Open-source XBRL platform for parsing, validating, viewing, and generating XBRL instances. | other | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.7/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 7 | TagniFi XBRL tagging and taxonomy management tool that streamlines financial statement mapping. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Calcbench XBRL analytics platform for extracting, comparing, and visualizing financial data from filings. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | MultiGaap XBRL and ESEF reporting software for automated tagging and regulatory compliance in Europe. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | Adrenalin XBRL XBRL creation and validation tool focused on ESEF and financial reporting standards. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
Cloud-based platform for creating, validating, and filing XBRL-compliant financial reports with SEC and other regulators.
Integrated disclosure management solution that automates XBRL tagging and financial reporting workflows.
Advanced XBRL processing platform for validation, rendering, and regulatory filing compliance.
Comprehensive XBRL software for tagging, validation, and iXBRL/ESG reporting submissions.
Suite of XML tools including XBRL validation, viewing, and conversion capabilities for developers.
Open-source XBRL platform for parsing, validating, viewing, and generating XBRL instances.
XBRL tagging and taxonomy management tool that streamlines financial statement mapping.
XBRL analytics platform for extracting, comparing, and visualizing financial data from filings.
XBRL and ESEF reporting software for automated tagging and regulatory compliance in Europe.
XBRL creation and validation tool focused on ESEF and financial reporting standards.
Workiva
enterpriseCloud-based platform for creating, validating, and filing XBRL-compliant financial reports with SEC and other regulators.
Dynamic linked reporting that maintains a single source of truth, automatically updating XBRL tags and disclosures across all interconnected documents.
Workiva is a leading cloud-based platform for financial reporting, compliance, and regulatory filings, specializing in XBRL tagging and validation for SEC EDGAR submissions. It streamlines the creation, review, and filing of 10-K, 10-Q, and other XBRL-enabled documents through collaborative tools and automated workflows. The platform ensures data accuracy with inline XBRL (iXBRL) support, real-time validation, and integration with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
Pros
- Comprehensive XBRL tagging, validation, and iXBRL generation with SEC pre-certification
- Real-time collaboration, audit trails, and dynamic data linking across documents
- Robust integrations with Excel, ERP systems, and other enterprise tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex workflows
- High cost may not suit small firms
- Customization options limited for niche requirements
Best For
Large public companies and enterprises handling high-volume SEC filings and multi-jurisdictional XBRL reporting.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, modules, and filing volume.
Certent Disclosure Management
enterpriseIntegrated disclosure management solution that automates XBRL tagging and financial reporting workflows.
Bi-directional Excel integration for real-time XBRL tagging and validation without leaving spreadsheets
Certent Disclosure Management is a cloud-based platform specializing in financial reporting automation, with advanced XBRL tagging and validation for SEC filings like 10-Ks and 10-Qs. It streamlines the creation, review, and submission of iXBRL and AIXBR reports through integration with Microsoft Excel and Word. The software ensures compliance with global standards such as US-GAAP, IFRS, and ESEF via automated mapping, error checking, and audit trails.
Pros
- Seamless bi-directional XBRL tagging directly in Excel for efficient authoring
- Comprehensive validation against SEC and ESEF rules with detailed error reporting
- Robust collaboration tools and workflow management for team-based reporting
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced XBRL customization
- Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for smaller firms
- Occasional performance lags with very large datasets
Best For
Large public companies and enterprises managing complex multi-jurisdictional XBRL filings and regulatory disclosures.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually for enterprise deployments based on users and modules.
CoreFiling Xi
enterpriseAdvanced XBRL processing platform for validation, rendering, and regulatory filing compliance.
Ultra-fast validation engine that processes millions of XBRL instances per day without compromising accuracy
CoreFiling Xi is a comprehensive XBRL platform designed for high-volume creation, validation, rendering, and filing of XBRL reports, supporting standards like XBRL 2.1, Inline XBRL, and multiple taxonomies including IFRS and US-GAAP. It serves both filers and regulators with modular components for processing, analytics, and compliance checking. The platform excels in scalability and performance, powering systems for organizations like the FCA and HMRC.
Pros
- Exceptional performance with the world's fastest XBRL validator
- Modular architecture for customization and scalability
- Proven reliability in regulatory environments worldwide
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Enterprise-focused pricing limits accessibility for SMBs
- Primarily API-driven, requiring development expertise for full integration
Best For
Regulators, large financial institutions, and enterprises handling high-volume XBRL filings and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing with modular subscriptions; pricing upon request, typically starting in the tens of thousands annually.
IRIS GoXBRL
specializedComprehensive XBRL software for tagging, validation, and iXBRL/ESG reporting submissions.
One-click direct submission to Companies House from iXBRL-tagged accounts
IRIS GoXBRL is a cloud-based platform tailored for UK accountants, enabling the preparation, validation, and direct submission of XBRL filings to Companies House. It excels at converting iXBRL-tagged financial statements from IRIS Accounts Production into compliant XBRL format, with built-in validation against UK GAAP and IFRS taxonomies. The service supports both dormant and full accounts, streamlining compliance for small to medium-sized practices.
Pros
- Seamless integration with IRIS Accounts Production for quick iXBRL to XBRL conversion
- Direct one-click filing to Companies House with high reliability
- Comprehensive validation tools ensuring 100% compliance with UK regulations
Cons
- Limited to UK filings, lacking broad international XBRL support
- Pay-per-use pricing can become costly for high-volume users
- Fewer advanced customization options compared to enterprise-level tools
Best For
UK accountancy practices already using IRIS software that prioritize simple, reliable XBRL submissions for Companies House.
Pricing
Pay-per-filing model starting at £9.99 per dormant company return and £19.99 for full accounts, with bundle discounts for higher volumes.
Altova MissionKit
specializedSuite of XML tools including XBRL validation, viewing, and conversion capabilities for developers.
StyleVision's drag-and-drop graphical designer for XBRL taxonomies and instances
Altova MissionKit is an integrated suite of desktop development tools from Altova, featuring robust XBRL capabilities via its StyleVision and XMLSpy components for creating, editing, validating, and viewing XBRL taxonomies and instances. It supports graphical design of XBRL reports, validation against official taxonomies like US-GAAP or IFRS, and conversion to output formats such as HTML, PDF, and Word. The suite excels in handling complex financial reporting workflows alongside XML, JSON, and database integrations.
Pros
- Powerful graphical XBRL taxonomy editing and instance creation
- Comprehensive validation against global XBRL taxonomies
- Seamless integration with XML tools and report generation to multiple formats
Cons
- High upfront licensing costs with mandatory annual maintenance
- Steep learning curve due to feature-rich, complex interface
- Desktop-only deployment limits cloud collaboration
Best For
Enterprise teams managing intricate XBRL financial disclosures within broader XML-based reporting ecosystems.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $1,999 for MissionKit Professional Edition; Enterprise Edition higher, plus annual maintenance (~20% of license cost).
Arelle
otherOpen-source XBRL platform for parsing, validating, viewing, and generating XBRL instances.
Reference-quality XBRL processors with full support for advanced validation rules, formulas, and custom taxonomy extensions
Arelle is a free, open-source XBRL platform designed for viewing, validating, editing, and processing XBRL financial reports and taxonomies. It supports XBRL 2.1, Inline XBRL, XBRL 3.0, and global taxonomies like US-GAAP, IFRS, and ESEF, with tools for DTS discovery, formula validation, and rendering. Available as a GUI application, command-line interface, and web services API, it serves regulators, filers, and developers in XBRL ecosystems.
Pros
- Comprehensive XBRL validation and processing for complex taxonomies
- Fully open-source with extensible plugins and APIs
- Supports global standards including Inline XBRL and formulas
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to technical interface
- GUI lacks modern polish and intuitive workflows
- Limited built-in visualization and reporting tools
Best For
Developers, regulators, and technical XBRL professionals needing customizable, standards-compliant processing.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source under Apache 2.0 license.
TagniFi
specializedXBRL tagging and taxonomy management tool that streamlines financial statement mapping.
Proprietary Link software for automated tagging and linking of financial statements to XBRL taxonomies
TagniFi is a specialized XBRL software platform designed for financial reporting and SEC compliance, offering tools for tagging financial statements, validating calculations, and generating inline XBRL (iXBRL) filings. It provides a comprehensive taxonomy library, mapping services, and API integrations to streamline the XBRL creation process for public companies. The solution combines software with professional services to ensure accuracy in complex disclosures.
Pros
- Extensive XBRL taxonomy database with precise mappings
- Robust validation tools for calculations and disclosures
- Strong integration with accounting software and APIs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and opaque
- Limited self-service options compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large public companies with dedicated compliance teams handling frequent SEC filings.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically annual subscriptions starting at $15,000+ depending on usage and services.
Calcbench
specializedXBRL analytics platform for extracting, comparing, and visualizing financial data from filings.
Standardized financial metrics that automatically adjust XBRL data for cross-company comparability
Calcbench is a financial analytics platform specializing in XBRL data extraction and standardization from SEC filings, enabling users to access comparable financial metrics across thousands of public companies. It provides tools for benchmarking, trend analysis, peer comparisons, and disclosure reviews, transforming raw XBRL filings into actionable insights. The platform excels in adjusting GAAP metrics for consistency, making it ideal for in-depth financial research.
Pros
- Comprehensive XBRL data standardization and historical coverage
- Powerful benchmarking and peer analytics tools
- Advanced disclosure search and visualization capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for individual users or small firms
- Learning curve for advanced querying features
- Limited integration options compared to enterprise XBRL tools
Best For
Financial analysts, investors, and research teams at institutions needing standardized XBRL insights for company comparisons.
Pricing
Free tier with limited data; Pro plans start at $99/month; Enterprise custom pricing for full access.
MultiGaap
specializedXBRL and ESEF reporting software for automated tagging and regulatory compliance in Europe.
Simultaneous preparation and tagging of financials across multiple GAAP standards in a single platform
MultiGaap is a cloud-based platform designed for preparing financial statements compliant with multiple GAAP standards, including IFRS, US GAAP, and various local regulations. It offers automated XBRL and iXBRL tagging, validation, and rendering to facilitate regulatory filings across jurisdictions. The software emphasizes collaborative workflows and document management for finance teams handling complex reporting needs.
Pros
- Strong multi-GAAP support with automated XBRL/iXBRL tagging
- Cloud-based collaboration for teams
- Regulatory validation and rendering tools
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics or AI features compared to top competitors
- Steep learning curve for complex multi-jurisdiction setups
- Pricing lacks transparency without a demo
Best For
Mid-sized accounting firms and multinational companies needing flexible multi-GAAP XBRL reporting.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around €500/month for basic plans, with enterprise tiers based on users and jurisdictions.
Adrenalin XBRL
specializedXBRL creation and validation tool focused on ESEF and financial reporting standards.
Advanced ESEF block validation engine that simulates authority checks pre-submission
Adrenalin XBRL is a specialized software solution from adrenalin.eu focused on XBRL reporting for European markets, enabling users to create, tag, validate, and submit financial reports compliant with ESEF and other EU regulations. It supports iXBRL and XHTML formats, taxonomy management, and automated validation against official taxonomies. Primarily aimed at accountants and compliance teams, it streamlines the preparation of annual financial reports for listed companies.
Pros
- Strong support for ESEF and EU taxonomies
- Reliable validation tools with detailed error reporting
- Customizable tagging workflows for complex reports
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Limited cloud-based collaboration features
- Fewer integrations with accounting software compared to competitors
Best For
EU-based mid-sized listed companies and compliance teams handling ESEF filings who need robust taxonomy support.
Pricing
Subscription starts at around €4,500 per year for basic license, with enterprise plans up to €15,000+ including support and custom services.
Conclusion
The reviewed XBRL tools present varied solutions, but the top three rise as clear leaders. Workiva stands out as the top choice, offering a cloud-based platform for seamless creation, validation, and filing of SEC-compliant reports. Certent Disclosure Management follows, streamlining workflows with automated XBRL tagging, while CoreFiling Xi excels in advanced processing and regulatory compliance. Each top tool caters to distinct needs, with Workiva setting a strong benchmark for excellence.
Explore Workiva to experience its end-to-end XBRL capabilities—from drafting to filing—and discover how it can simplify your reporting processes and ensure compliance with ease.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
