As an IT service provider with high standards for automation and quality, it was important for me to find accounting software that not only meets legal requirements but also seamlessly integrates into our workflows. Over the past few years, we've tested various solutions in real-life operations – each for at least one year. Here's our experience report.
Lexoffice (2018–2020, active again since 2022)
We started using Lexoffice in 2018. At the time, it was available free for a year through a partnership with the "Founder Portal." This was ideal as we wanted a professional solution, not to fuss with Word templates.
However, Lexware Office lacked an API back then – a deal-breaker for us as a software house, leading us to leave the software in 2020. Since 2022, we've been using Lexoffice again because a public API was finally introduced, addressing our main concern.
What I particularly appreciate about Lexware Office:
- Outstanding Software Quality: I haven’t encountered a single bug thus far. Everything is well-thought-out, clearly communicated, and stable.
- Intelligent Validations: Incorrect tax rates or missing VAT IDs are instantly detected. The software actively helps in creating correct bookings.
- Helpful Guidance: Be it in the event of continued salary payments during illness or issues with the N26 bank connection – Lexoffice explains what's happening and how to handle it.
- AI Assignment: Lexoffice is truly advanced in receipt recognition and automatic linking with bank transfers. It even covers the costs of payment transfers. It's almost magical to see thousands of records automatically created and accurately assigned.
- Amazon Business Integration: For companies regularly ordering on Amazon, the direct integration with Amazon Business is extremely beneficial. Lexware Office automatically retrieves all expenses, including properly grouped invoices, which saves a lot of effort, especially with confusing Amazon documents.
This blend of user-friendliness, quality, and automation makes Lexoffice our best solution.
Packages and Prices (as of 2025):
- Package S: €6.90/month (Record expenses)
- Package M: €11.90/month (Invoices, offers, X-invoice, reminders)
- Package L: €19.90/month (Submit VAT returns, income statement, asset management)
- Package XL: €29.90/month (Public API, receipt via email, English and EU invoices)
All Lexware Office Prices and Versions
sevDesk (2020)
We actively used the alternative, sevDesk, for a year. The software is very flexible, offers an extensive API, and allows for custom booking accounts. This is a significant plus for developers. Nevertheless, this openness comes with its challenges.
- Bank Connection through Third-Party Providers: We faced frequent issues here, particularly with N26. This instability disrupted our workflow.
- Faulty Booking Logic: We encountered faulty income statement calculations on client projects or issues during document import with large datasets.
We had to intervene multiple times with our PHP scripts to fix errors. For those familiar with it, sevDesk can be highly effective – for everyone else, it's more of a liability.
Packages and Prices (as of 2025):
- Free: €0 – Permanently (3 invoices per month)
- Invoice: €8.90/month (Unlimited invoices, offers, payment reminders)
- Accounting: €19.90/month (Multiple reminder levels, AI document capture, income statement, link bank account)
- Accounting Pro: €27.90/month (API, BWA, cost centers)
All sevDesk Prices and Features
Papierkram (briefly tested, no permanent use)
Papierkram follows a very clear approach. I particularly liked:
- Integrated Time Tracking: Times can be invoiced directly.
- Customizable Templates with Liquid Syntax: Very helpful for individual automation.
- Structured Reminders: Much better handled compared to some other software.
Unfortunately, Papierkram was dropped because there was no API available at the time of testing (before June 2023). This was added later. However, it remains an interesting solution for freelancers or small entrepreneurs.
Packages and Prices:
- Free: €0.00 (Basic features, offers, invoices)
- S: €12.90 (Time tracking, income statement, bank account integration, document customization CSS, max 1 user)
- M: €24.90 (Customer portal, installment invoices, create data fields, max 5 users +€2.90 per user, API)
- L: €49.90 (Unlimited users, €2.90 per user, more API queries)
Data import from Lexoffice and sevDesk is possible, facilitating a switch.
Packages & Prices of the Online-Accounting Software Papierkram
Conclusion
We've returned to Lexoffice. The initially missing API is now available, the quality of the software is excellent, and the validation and assistance features significantly ease our daily operations. For us as an IT company focused on automation, Lexoffice is the ideal choice.
Note on the Listed Prices: All listed prices are monthly costs and were carefully researched at the time of publication. Special offers or limited-time promotions are not included. Despite regular updates, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of price information. Changes by providers are possible at any time.