This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute purchasing or legal advice. Prices and features may change at any time. Check the respective provider's website for the latest information.
Why a Comparison Matters
There are plenty of invoicing tools on the market. Some are full accounting suites, others focus purely on quotes and invoices. Depending on what you need, a different tool fits best. This comparison puts six solutions side by side that are widely used in Germany: sevDesk, lexoffice, Billomat, FastBill, Papierkram, and revoBill.
The goal: give you an honest overview so you can pick the tool that matches your workflow and budget.
What to Look For
Before comparing, it helps to know the key criteria:
- Invoices and quotes: Can the tool create, number, and send invoices and quotes as PDF?
- Small business rule: Does it support invoices without VAT using the §19 UStG notice?
- Accounting: Do you need income-expense reports (EÜR), VAT returns, or DATEV export? Or is pure invoicing enough?
- Client management: Contact details, invoice history, and open balances per client.
- Ease of use: How fast can you get started? How many clicks does an invoice take?
- Price: Monthly cost, contract commitment, free tiers.
- GoBD compliance: Does the software meet German requirements for digital record-keeping?
The Six Tools at a Glance
sevDesk
sevDesk is one of the best-known accounting solutions in Germany. It covers the full workflow: quotes, invoices, expenses, banking, income-expense reports (EÜR), and DATEV export.
Strengths:
- Full accounting including EÜR and VAT returns
- Automatic bank reconciliation
- DATEV interface for tax advisors
- OCR receipt scanning
- Comprehensive feature set
Weaknesses:
- Higher price, especially on more advanced plans
- Feature depth can feel like overkill if you only need invoicing
- Learning curve for the full feature set
Best for: Self-employed professionals and small teams who want accounting and invoicing in one tool.
Wondering if something leaner would do? We compare sevDesk and revoBill in detail in sevDesk alternative 2026.
lexoffice
lexoffice is part of Haufe-Lexware and offers a broad range: invoicing, accounting, banking, payroll. It positions itself as an all-in-one solution for small businesses.
Strengths:
- Accounting, payroll, and invoicing on one platform
- Strong DATEV export
- Integrated banking
- Large customer base and mature software
Weaknesses:
- Many features that freelancers don't need
- Can feel complex if you only want to write invoices
- Mid-range to higher pricing
Best for: Small businesses with employees who want payroll and accounting in one place.
Billomat
Billomat is an established invoicing tool focused on quotes, invoices, and client management. It also offers an API for custom integrations.
Strengths:
- Solid invoicing and quoting features
- REST API for custom integrations
- Automatic payment reminders
- Basic CRM functionality
Weaknesses:
- Interface feels less modern than newer alternatives
- Accounting features less comprehensive than sevDesk or lexoffice
- Some features only available on higher-tier plans
Best for: Small businesses looking for a proven solution with API access.
FastBill
FastBill originally focused on simple invoicing and has since added receipt capture and accounting features.
Strengths:
- Originally built for straightforward invoicing
- Good receipt capture
- Banking integration
- Clean interface
Weaknesses:
- Feature set has grown, making it less lean than it used to be
- Some features only on higher-tier plans
- Positioned between simple invoicing and full accounting
Best for: Freelancers who want invoicing plus receipt management and basic accounting.
Papierkram
Papierkram offers a free starter plan and covers invoicing, time tracking, and basic accounting. Popular with freelancers for its low entry price.
Strengths:
- Free basic plan
- Built-in time tracking
- EÜR and VAT returns on higher plans
- Good value for money
Weaknesses:
- Free plan is functionally limited
- Fewer integrations than sevDesk or lexoffice
- Less suited for larger teams
Best for: Freelancers on a tight budget who need invoicing and time tracking in one tool.
revoBill
revoBill focuses on the essentials: quotes, invoices, and payment tracking. No accounting module, no payroll, just a fast, clear workflow.
Strengths:
- Fast creation of quotes and invoices
- Kleinunternehmerregelung support built in
- One-click quote-to-invoice conversion
- Payment tracking included
- Clean interface without unnecessary complexity
Weaknesses:
- No built-in accounting (EÜR, VAT returns)
- No bank reconciliation
- Younger product
Best for: Freelancers and solopreneurs who want a simple invoicing tool and handle accounting separately with their tax advisor.
Comparison Table
| Criterion | sevDesk | lexoffice | Billomat | FastBill | Papierkram | revoBill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invoices & quotes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Small business (§19) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EÜR / accounting | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes (Pro+) | No |
| DATEV export | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | No |
| Banking integration | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Time tracking | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Free plan | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Target audience | SMB | SMB + teams | SMB | Freelancers | Freelancers | Freelancers |
As of April 2026. Check the respective provider's website for current features and pricing.
Which Tool Fits You?
The decision depends on what you need:
You want everything in one tool: invoicing, accounting, banking, DATEV? sevDesk or lexoffice are the obvious choices. Both offer a large feature set. sevDesk stands out for usability, lexoffice for payroll integration.
You need a proven invoicing tool with an API? Billomat is the solid pick, especially if you need custom integrations.
You want invoicing plus receipt capture? FastBill combines both in a clean interface.
You want to start as cheaply as possible? Papierkram offers a free entry point with basic features and built-in time tracking.
You just want to write quotes and invoices, fast and without clutter? revoBill is the direct path. Create a quote, convert it to an invoice, and track whether you've been paid. No time spent learning accounting features you don't need.
Handling Accounting Separately Is Not a Disadvantage
Many freelancers handle accounting with their tax advisor. In that case, you don't need a tool with EÜR, VAT returns, and DATEV export built in. You need a tool that sends invoices quickly and shows you who has paid.
That's exactly the approach behind revoBill: make invoicing as simple as possible and leave the rest where it belongs.
For more on the required fields on your invoices, see the complete invoicing guide. If you're looking for templates, check out quote and invoice templates for freelancers.
Want to write invoices without clicking through accounting features? Try revoBill, the simple invoicing tool for freelancers and small businesses.