Accounting Software: Lexware vs DATEV vs SevDesk 2026

Which Accounting Software Fits Your Business?

Choosing the right accounting software determines efficiency, compliance, and collaboration with your tax advisor. Lexware Office (formerly lexoffice), DATEV, and sevDesk dominate the German market — but for completely different target audiences. This comparison shows pricing, features, and the optimal choice for your setup.

• Lexware Office: Cloud-based, starting at €7.90/month, ideal for freelancers and small businesses working with a tax advisor
• sevDesk: Modern, starting at €8.90/month, best UI and invoice customization for freelancers
• DATEV: Industry standard for accounting firms, starting at €25/month (per module), maximum automation for professionals
• All: GoBD-compliant, e-invoicing (ZUGFeRD/XRechnung), ELSTER integration

Quick Comparison

Prices verified on May 7, 2026.

Feature Comparison

Detailed Analysis

Lexware Office (formerly lexoffice)

Strengths: Direct tax advisor connectivity without DATEV export, strong integrations with banks and payment service providers, optional payroll accounting, solid receipt recognition.

Weaknesses: Less modern interface than sevDesk, limited AI automation, full accounting features only in the Premium plan (€24.90).

Best for: Small businesses with a tax advisor seeking seamless collaboration without manual exports.

sevDesk

Strengths: Most modern user interface, best invoice customization, strong reporting and bank reconciliation, e-invoicing with photo upload and automatic recognition.

Weaknesses: Higher plan for full accounting features, inconsistent customer support, less AI-powered tax automation than DATEV.

Best for: Freelancers and solo self-employed who value usability and modern design.

DATEV

Strengths: Industry standard with maximum compliance, complete automation (SKR03/04, receipt matching), essential for accounting firms and larger GmbHs.

Weaknesses: High entry price, complex setup, not designed as a pure cloud solution for end users.

Best for: Tax advisors, accounting firms, and businesses with complex accounting structures.

Decision Matrix

• If you’re a solo freelancer: sevDesk — best user interface, most affordable entry at €8.90
• If you work with a tax advisor: Lexware Office — direct DATEV interface, no manual export needed
• If you run an accounting firm or GmbH: DATEV — maximum automation and compliance
• If you need payroll accounting: Lexware Office or DATEV — sevDesk offers only limited features here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Lexware Office or sevDesk more affordable?

In direct comparison, Lexware Office’s entry price of €7.90 is slightly cheaper than sevDesk’s €8.90. However, for the full accounting package including invoice and receipt management, Lexware costs €11.90 per month while sevDesk charges €17.90. Lexware also offers integrated payroll accounting, whereas sevDesk only provides limited payroll features. If your needs are limited to creating invoices and scanning receipts, both tools are affordable. For comprehensive accounting requirements, Lexware Office is generally the more cost-effective option.

2. Can I share data from sevDesk directly with my tax advisor?

Yes, sevDesk supports DATEV export, allowing you to transfer your accounting data to your tax advisor. However, the export process is not as seamless as with Lexware Office, which offers direct tax advisor connectivity without manual DATEV exports. If your tax advisor actively works with DATEV and you want the smoothest workflow, Lexware Office is the better choice — it transmits data directly into your tax advisor’s DATEV system without requiring manual export steps on your end.

3. When does it make sense to switch to DATEV?

DATEV is worth it for businesses with complex accounting needs that go beyond simplified profit-and-loss (EÜR): GmbHs, UGs, and mid-sized companies required to produce a full balance sheet. Businesses with high transaction volumes, multiple cost centers, or recurring payroll processing benefit from full automation (SKR03/04, receipt matching, automated VAT returns). However, the €25/month entry price per module is misleading — a complete accounting solution typically costs €100–200 per month. For sole proprietors and freelancers without balance sheet requirements, DATEV is generally overkill.

4. Are all three tools GoBD-compliant and e-invoicing ready?

Yes, all three providers — Lexware Office, sevDesk, and DATEV — are GoBD-compliant (the German principles for proper bookkeeping and document storage) and support e-invoicing formats like ZUGFeRD and XRechnung. Lexware and sevDesk operate as pure cloud solutions with automated ELSTER tax filing. DATEV offers a hybrid approach combining on-premise and cloud workflows. A key differentiator: sevDesk stands out with its built-in photo recognition for incoming paper invoices — simply scan with your smartphone and the system automatically books the expense.

Sources

The following sources were consulted for feature and pricing research:

• Lexware Office Pricing — official pricing and plan details from Lexware, accessed May 7, 2026
• sevDesk Official Pricing Page — current pricing structure and feature overview, accessed May 7, 2026
• DATEV Software Portfolio — module overview and pricing for DATEV solutions, accessed May 7, 2026
• Gründerküche: Accounting Software Comparison — independent comparison analysis of leading accounting programs

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• DATEV vs Lexware Office in Detail — direct comparison of the two tax advisor-centered solutions
• SevDesk vs FastBill: Alternatives for Freelancers — accounting software specifically for self-employed professionals

Methodology

Pricing and features are based on direct research of provider websites (lexware.de, sevdesk.de, datev.de) as well as comparison portals (gründerküche.de, papierskram.de, norman.finance). All prices are net per month, as of May 7, 2026. Ratings from aggregated user reviews and independent tests.

AI-generated content, reviewed and verified by Kenndaten Editorial Team.