Lexware Office alternative

Billy vs. Lexware Office (lexoffice): what do you actually need?

Lexware Office — still known to many as lexoffice — is the accounting classic from the Haufe group: EÜR, ELSTER tax filing, receipt capture. Billy is an AI invoicing app: describe the invoice in one sentence, the assistant creates and sends it — then runs your dunning process.

If you want to do your full bookkeeping yourself, Lexware Office is a solid home. If what you mainly need is invoices, quotes and reminders — as fast as possible — Billy gives you more for the same money.

Why freelancers switch from Lexware Office to Billy

Lexware Office is dependable, but it is an accounting product: invoicing is one module among many, and "AI" means receipt capture with booking suggestions. Billy puts the invoice at the center — and automates everything around it.

  • Invoices from a prompt instead of a form — quotes, cancellations and reminders included
  • Automatic dunning: the AI assistant reminds and escalates late payers without you lifting a finger
  • Professionally designed templates with a live preview instead of standard accounting layouts
  • Germany AND Austria — Lexware Office is limited to Germany
  • Small-business (§19) wording and §13b reverse charge preconfigured

Billy vs. Lexware Office at a glance

Comparison of Billy and Lexware Office
BillyLexware Office
AI & automation
Create an invoice from an AI promptYescore featureNo
AI executes actions (send, update)Yescreates, sends, chasesNosuggestions you must accept
Automatic dunningYesfrom the entry planNovendor states there is no automatic function
AI receipt capture (OCR)Nodeliberately notYes
Design & interface
Ready-made invoice designsYeswith live previewPartially5 base layouts
Live preview while typingYesNopreview is a separate step
Custom brandingYeslogo, colors, layoutPartiallylogo, 5 fonts; no freely placed text fields
Invoicing from a mobile appPartiallyweb app, installableYesiOS & Android
Invoicing workflow
Recurring invoicesYesset up in one sentenceYesseries invoices
E-invoicing (XRechnung/ZUGFeRD)NoPDF invoicesPartiallysending from plan M
Countries, bookkeeping & price
Austria (§11 öUStG)Yessame accountNovendor states: Germany only
Bookkeeping (EÜR / VAT filing)Nodeliberately notYesplan L and up
Entry price (net/month)from €9 / monthfrom €12.90 (plan M) — plan S cannot invoice; no annual discount

Lexware Office pricing and feature claims per the vendor, verified on July 31, 2026. Prices net; subject to change.

When Lexware Office is the better choice

To be fair: Lexware Office ships ELSTER filing, EÜR and payroll add-ons — if you want all of that in one tool and only work in Germany, it is an established choice. Billy deliberately leaves the books to you or your tax advisor.

See all Lexware Office alternatives

Frequently asked questions

How much does Lexware Office cost?
The cheapest plan with invoicing (M) is €12.90 net per month (as of August 2026). Smaller plans only cover receipts; larger ones add accounting and payroll. Billy starts at €9 per month including the AI assistant and automatic reminders.
Is lexoffice the same as Lexware Office?
Yes — lexoffice was renamed Lexware Office in 2024. Product and vendor (Haufe group) are the same.
What is the main difference between Billy and Lexware Office?
Lexware Office is accounting software with an invoicing module and ELSTER filing, for Germany only. Billy is an AI invoicing app for Germany and Austria: invoices from prompts, automatic dunning, designed templates — without the accounting overhead.
Can I try Billy for free?
Yes — 7 days free, no credit card. There is no permanently free plan.

More invoicing, less bookkeeping

Try Billy free for 7 days — no credit card.