Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner or a financial manager, the right accounting software will not only help you keep track of your finances, but also enable you to manage your business with a clear, real-time view. In this article, discover our selection of the 8 best accounting software packages, innovative, high-performance tools adapted to all entrepreneurial profiles.
What is accounting software?
A accounting software is a digital tool that automates and centralizes a company’s financial operations: accounting entry, invoicing, VAT declarations, banking management and annual balance sheet preparation.
Today, these solutions go much further: they integrate artificial intelligence, bank synchronization, cash management and collaborative modules to streamline exchanges with chartered accountants. The result: fewer errors, more time saved and always up-to-date accounting.
The 8 best accounting software 2026
Indy has established itself as an essential reference for freelancers, self-employed professionals and micro-entrepreneurs. Its approach is clear: make accounting intuitive, understandable and jargon-free. The interface is fluid, colorful and designed so that even users with no accounting training can find their way around easily.
One of Indy’s greatest assets is its intelligent banking connection. The software automatically imports your transactions, categorizes them and generates the corresponding accounting entries. Tax declarations, VAT, balance sheets… everything is automated, making it the ideal companion for self-employed people seeking greater autonomy.
Key features
- Tax and social security returns
- Banking synchronization
- Intuitive dashboards
- Rates from €0/month excl.
Benefits
- Ideal for freelancers and the self-employed
- Smooth, user-friendly interface
- Excellent value for money
Disadvantages
- No multi-company management
- Not suitable for SMEs with employees
Pennylane is a collaborative accounting software that has won over thousands of companies and accounting firms. Its strength lies in its ability to centralize all financial data – invoicing, expenses, cash flow, expense reports – on a single platform.
Beyond accounting automation, Pennylane relies on transparency and collaboration: managers can access their figures in real time, while their chartered accountant can intervene directly on the same space. It’s a modern, fluid solution that’s particularly well-suited to growing structures.
Key features
- Real-time cash flow monitoring
- Accounting and banking synchronization
- Intuitive, high-performance interface
- Rates from €39/month excl.
Benefits
- Ideal for growing SMEs
- 360° view of financial health
- Integrated collaboration with the chartered accountant
Disadvantages
- Dense interface for beginners
- High prices for freelancers
LegalPlace is first and foremost a legal platform, but it has enhanced its offering with an intelligent accounting module, perfectly suited to auto-entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses. The idea is to simplify the lives of business creators by grouping all administrative aspects in one place.
In addition to accounting, LegalPlace manages invoicing, contracts, legal statutes and legal formalities. Its integrated approach makes it an ideal solution for those who want to centralize their administrative and accounting management without multiplying tools.
Key features
- Automated accounting
- Personalized invoicing and quotations
- Simple, visual dashboard
- Rates from €39/month excl.
Benefits
- Company formation and deregistration
- Complete tool: legal + accounting
- Excellent customer support
Disadvantages
- Limited functionality for SMEs
- Less customizable tool
Dougs is much more than software: it’s an online accounting firm that combines human support with technology. Users benefit from a modern platform for keeping track of their finances, with the support of a dedicated accountant.
This dual approach – human and automated – is one of Dougs’ great strengths. In just a few clicks, you can manage your invoices, track your expenses, prepare your tax returns and put your questions to an expert. Dougs is particularly well-suited to small business owners and freelancers who want to delegate the technical side of their business while retaining control.
Key features
- Human expertise and technology
- Simple, visual dashboard
- Premium support
- Rates from €99/month excl.
Benefits
- Firm-controlled online accounting
- Automated social security and tax declarations
- Personalized accounting advice
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for large companies
- Higher prices
Tiime is a solution designed for freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs who want to manage their business with ease. Accessible on both mobile and PC, the tool combines invoicing, banking and accounting in a clear, colorful interface.
The application stands out for its ease of use: take a photo of your receipts, and Tiime’s AI will categorize and integrate them automatically. You can also track your payments, generate invoices in seconds and anticipate your tax returns. Tiime is without doubt one of the most pleasant tools to use on a daily basis.
Key features
- Invoicing, quotations and payment tracking
- Automated accounting
- Categorizing expenses
- Rates from €0/month excl.
Benefits
- Perfect for mobile freelancers
- Invoicing, quotations and payment tracking
- Automated accounting
Disadvantages
- Less comprehensive for companies
- Few reporting functions
Keobiz offers a hybrid approach between online software and an accounting firm. Users benefit from an intuitive management interface, while having a
The software lets you track your finances, manage invoices, prepare tax returns and access personalized advice. Keobiz is particularly well-suited to small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for a trusted partner for comprehensive, worry-free accounting management.
Key features
- Precise accounting dashboard
- Automated accounting
- Payroll and legal management
- Rates from €89/month excl.
Benefits
- Automation of administrative tasks
- Human support + technology
- Complete solution for VSEs
Disadvantages
- Less suitable for freelancers
- Prices vary according to options
Axonaut is not just accounting software: it’s an all-in-one management solution combining CRM, invoicing, accounting, treasury and sales management. Developed in France, it is aimed above all at SMEs and VSEs who want to centralize all their data in a single environment.
The interface is clear, efficient and well-structured. You can track your quotes, reminders, payments and expenses, while automatically generating your accounting entries. Axonaut stands out for its global vision of the business, combining simplicity and functional power.
Key features
- Integrated billing and accounting
- Cash flow monitoring and auto dunning
- Rates from €69/month excl.
Benefits
- An all-in-one tool for VSEs and SMEs
- Fluid, ergonomic interface
- Excellent value for money
Disadvantages
- Requires time to adapt
- Less sharp for pure accounting
Karlia is an accounting and management software designed to help French entrepreneurs take control of their finances. Modern and ergonomic, it combines the power of automation with an approach focused on the user experience.
One of Karlia’s strong points is its versatility: invoicing, bank reconciliation, cash flow monitoring, automatic reminders, as well as sales management and activity management. It’s a complete solution for both the self-employed and SMEs looking to professionalize their accounting.
Key features
- Integrated billing and accounting
- Automated accounting
- Automated follow-up and reporting
Benefits
- Excellent balance between simplicity and power
- Intuitive, customizable dashboard.
- A complete French solution
Disadvantages
- Less suitable for freelancers
- Some integrations still limited
FAQ
Indy and Tiime are the most suitable thanks to their simplicity and automation.
Pennylane, Keobiz or Axonaut offer advanced features for complete management.
Yes, certain tools simplify management, but a chartered accountant remains essential for validation and tax advice.
Yes, all the software listed complies with French tax and accounting standards.
