Best accounting software 2026
Accounting software compared for freelancers, small businesses and SMEs: automation, chartered-accountant collaboration, banking integrations and e-invoicing. Editorial ranking scored out of 100 according to our methodology.
- Indy targets freelancers (non-commercial professions, liberal professions) who keep their accounts on their own; Tiime and Pennylane bank on collaboration with the chartered accountant.
- The e-invoicing reform makes receiving electronic invoices mandatory for all businesses from 1 September 2026, then issuing becomes widespread by 2027: check the software's compatibility.
- Indicative pricing: from a free plan (Indy, Tiime) to a quote-based subscription (Pennylane) depending on size and scope.
- ⚠️ Pricing and features change — check the up-to-date offer with the vendor.
Choosing accounting software depends above all on the level of autonomy you want and your relationship with the chartered accountant. Some solutions target the freelancer who keeps their books alone, others the SME supported by a firm. A common point of attention in 2026: the e-invoicing reform, whose first deadline (mandatory receipt for all businesses) falls on 1 September 2026. This comparison is an editorial ranking scored out of 100 according to an identical grid, weighing automation, collaboration and integrations, to help you choose by company size and organisation.
Our methodology
Each option is scored out of 100 against weighted criteria, using the same grid for all.
| Criterion | What we look at | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Automation & data entry | Bank reconciliation, categorisation, OCR | 30 |
| Chartered-accountant collaboration | Sharing, export, validation workflow | 25 |
| Integrations | Banks, invoicing, payroll, business tools | 20 |
| Reporting & steering | Dashboards, VAT, forecasting | 15 |
| Support & pricing | Assistance, features-to-price ratio | 10 |
The 2026 ranking
Indy
Tiime
Pennylane
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Comparison table
| Software | Target | Firm link | Integrations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indy | Freelancers | Optional | Banking | 92 |
| Tiime | Small businesses / freelancers | Strong | Extensive | 90 |
| Pennylane | SMEs | Strong | Extensive | 88 |
Frequently asked questions
Which accounting software for a freelancer?
A freelancer prefers a solution that automates bank reconciliation and makes declarations easier. Our "Automation & data entry" criterion carries 30% of the score to reflect this time saving. For liberal professions under the non-commercial regime, managing the 2035 return is a point to check.
Are the software packages ready for 2026 e-invoicing?
The reform makes receiving electronic invoices mandatory for all businesses from 1 September 2026, ahead of a widespread roll-out of issuing by 2027. Check that the vendor is connected to or compatible with an approved platform (PDP) and ask about its timeline.
Can you share your accounts with your chartered accountant?
Most modern solutions offer a collaborative space or exports suited to firms. We assess this point through the "Chartered-accountant collaboration" criterion; check compatibility with your firm.
Does accounting software replace a chartered accountant?
It makes bookkeeping and monitoring easier, but does not replace the advice and responsibility of a finance professional. Many businesses combine software with the support of a firm.
🗓️ Update history
- 05/08/2026 — Verification of players and facts, 2026 update.
- 12/06/2026 — Updated the panel and 2026 automation criteria.
- 05/03/2026 — Comparison created.
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