DATEV vs Lexoffice (2026): Which Accounting Software for Your German Business?
Prices last verified: May 6, 2026 | Verified by: Kenndaten Redaktion
Quick Overview
- Best for tax advisor integration: DATEV — market standard, 80%+ of German tax offices use it
- Best for freelancers: Lexoffice — simpler, more modern, cheaper
- Best value for money: Lexoffice M (€30/month)
Quick Price Comparison
| Plan | DATEV | Lexoffice | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | ~€50/month | €0 (Free, limited) | Lexoffice has free tier |
| Standard | ~€80-120/month | €30/month (M) | Lexoffice 3-4× cheaper |
| Premium | ~€200-300/month | €50/month (XL) | Lexoffice significantly cheaper |
Feature Matrix
| Feature | DATEV | Lexoffice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoBD-compliant (German accounting standards) | Both certified | ||
| E-invoicing (E-Rechnung) | Mandatory since 2025 | ||
| Tax advisor access (Steuerberater-Zugang) | (native) | (login-based) | DATEV is market leader |
| ELSTER integration (German tax filing) | Direct to tax office (Finanzamt) | ||
| DATEV interface | (native) | (export) | DATEV for tax office handover |
| Payroll (Lohnabrechnung) | (LODAS) | (Lohn) | DATEV has more features |
| Mobile app | Lexoffice has a more modern UI |
Decision Matrix
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Work with a DATEV-using tax advisor | DATEV |
| Are a freelancer/solopreneur | Lexoffice |
| Run a small GmbH (1-10 employees) | Lexoffice |
| Need complex payroll processing | DATEV |
| Have a budget under €50/month | Lexoffice |
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Lexoffice if my tax advisor works with DATEV?
Yes. Lexoffice offers a direct DATEV export feature that lets you transfer your accounting data in DATEV format to your tax advisor. This is one of Lexoffice’s main advantages for freelancers working with a tax consultancy firm. The export covers chart of accounts (SKR03/SKR04), posting batches, and open-item lists through the integrated DATEV interface.
How do DATEV and Lexoffice prices really compare?
DATEV is substantially more expensive. Entry-level plans start at around €50/month, with standard packages ranging from €80-120/month. Lexoffice starts at €0 (Free tier), with its most popular Plan M at only €30/month. For the premium XL plan, Lexoffice charges €50/month, while DATEV charges €200-300/month. DATEV often also charges one-time setup and training fees.
Is Lexoffice GoBD-compliant?
Yes, Lexoffice is fully GoBD-compliant, meeting German requirements for proper bookkeeping and electronic record-keeping. It also fully supports e-invoicing (XRechnung/ZUGFeRD). In independent tests, Lexware Office (Lexoffice) scores 1.2 (“Very Good”), ranking it among the top accounting solutions for German small businesses.
Who should choose DATEV despite the higher price?
DATEV is worth the investment for businesses that: (1) already work with a tax advisor using DATEV, (2) need complex multi-employee payroll, (3) require deep integration into the DATEV ecosystem as a mid-sized company, or (4) manage multiple legal entities. For freelancers and solo self-employed professionals, Lexoffice is typically the more economical choice.
Related Comparisons
- Lexware vs DATEV vs SevDesk (2026): Accounting Software Compared — the big three-way comparison of leading German accounting tools
- SevDesk vs Fastbill (2026) — alternative accounting software for freelancers compared in detail
Sources
- Für-Gründer.de: Accounting Software Comparison 2026 — 12 Best Tools Tested — independent test with over 140 criteria, Lexware Office scores 1.2 (“Very Good”)
- boring.tax: DATEV vs. lexoffice Comparison — detailed feature, target audience and compliance comparison
- mySoftware.de: Datev vs. Lexware Office — Benefits, Costs and Features — direct feature comparison with usability, scope and GoBD compliance ratings
Methodology
Prices verified via official websites on May 6, 2026. GoBD compliance confirmed via BMF (German Federal Ministry of Finance) documentation. Third-party test and comparison sources cited to ensure objectivity.
How we work
- All prices verified directly with providers
- Feature set verified through official documentation
- Performance comparisons validated via developer community
- No paid placements – independent analysis