vs.
The lexoffice alternative without the subscription trap
Price, features, and automation in direct comparison — so you can make the right decision.
In short
lexoffice is the market leader with the broadest range of functions: payroll processing, the most integrations, and the largest community. It's the right choice if you need a mature ecosystem and prefer to handle your own bookkeeping.
Norman is the better choice if you want less manual work. The AI categorizes transactions, recognizes operating expenses, and submits tax returns directly to the tax office — and the entire accounting process (bank import, AI categorization, receipts, and e-invoices) is free. You only pay when you file tax returns.
Features at a glance
Price, features, and automation in direct comparison.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Free (complete bookkeeping); tax returns from €9/mo | From €7.90/mo; €21.90/mo for VAT return + EÜR |
| E-invoicing | Free, unlimited | From the M plan (€12.90) |
| Bank connection | With AI categorization | Automatic payment matching |
| AI categorization | Automatic, trained on German tax law | Manual assignment |
| Receipt capture | AI matching, scanner + archive | Scanner + archive |
| Tax optimization tips | Personalized saving tips | |
| VAT return | From the Pro plan (€21) | From the L plan (€21.90) |
| EÜR | From the Klein plan (€9) | From the L plan (€21.90) |
| Trade tax | Included in Klein | |
| Income tax | Included in Klein | Separate software required |
| DATEV integration | Full integration incl. booking data | Tax-advisor access |
| Kleinunternehmer support | Own plan | In the L tariff |
| Mobile app | iOS + Android | Receipt capture via app |
| Payroll | Add-on from €13 | |
| Languages | 7 languages available | German only |
What are you actually paying?
The initial price only tells half the story. Here you can see what you actually pay at each stage — and what you get for it.
What you need
Just accounting
Bank, receipts, categorization, e-invoices
€0
Free — no time limit
€7.90/mo
S tariff — only receipts and invoices, no e-invoices
Kleinunternehmer
EÜR + income tax + trade tax
€9/mo
Klein plan — ZM + income tax included
€21.90/mo
L tariff — no income tax (extra software needed)
Full tax filing
VAT + EÜR + income tax + trade tax
€21/mo
Pro plan — all tax types + AI categorization
€21.90/mo
L tariff — does NOT include income and trade taxes
What are the differences?
Tax filing
Both tools can submit the VAT return directly to the tax office. But what goes beyond that differs considerably.
VAT return, EÜR, income tax, and trade tax — all submitted directly to the tax office, without ELSTER. The AI continuously calculates your tax burden and shows you in real time what you can expect to pay. You don't need a tax advisor for your annual returns.
VAT return and EÜR from the L plan onwards. For income tax, you need a tax advisor or separate software like Norman, WISO, or Elster. lexoffice offers tax advisor access with DATEV export — ideal if you already work with a tax advisor.
AI and Automation
This is the biggest difference between the two tools.
Norman is built from the ground up around AI — not added later. The AI is specifically trained for German tax law and automatically categorizes transactions, recognizes business expenses, assigns receipts, and gives you personalized tax-saving tips. When you file your tax return, an AI assistant works with you, filling out and submitting the form.
lexoffice offers automatic payment reconciliation and receipt capture via app. However, categorizing transactions, assigning receipts, and recognizing business expenses remain your responsibility. Automation is limited to rule-based functions — no AI-powered recognition.
Integrations and ecosystem
Bank connection, receipt capture, e-invoicing, and a full DATEV integration including booking data — Norman covers the core, including an API and integrations like Stripe and Shopify. The ecosystem is deliberately leaner and focused on automation; there's no built-in payroll.
The broadest integration ecosystem in the German market. DATEV export, tax advisor access, payroll (add-on from €12.90/month), public API (XL tariff), and dozens of partner integrations. If you need an extensive toolset, lexoffice is hard to beat.
Language and support
Available in 7 languages — including German, English, Italian, Polish, and more. The user interface, support, and all tax forms are fully available. You can switch between languages at any time. Ideal for expats and international freelancers in Germany.
Exclusively in German. The interface, support, help articles, and all documentation are only available in German. lexoffice is not an option for freelancers who don't speak German.
Which tool suits you best?
Choose Norman if you …
Want to do as little manual labor as possible
Want to do your own taxes — without a tax advisor
Are a small business owner and want to join for free
Want income tax and trade tax in one tool
Are an international founder and need support in your language
Choose lexoffice if you …
Need payroll statements for employees
Already have an established setup with your tax advisor via DATEV
Need many integrations and an API
Speak German and have no problem with manual categorization
Prefer an established ecosystem with a large community
Built for anyone looking for a lexoffice alternative without a monthly subscription
Invoicing, quotes, receipt capture, bank matching, and EÜR/VAT-return prep run in Norman without a pricing tier — bookkeeping and invoicing are free, and only the finished tax return is paid.
Automated bank categorization (SKR03/04)
Norman continuously assigns bank movements to the right accounts and suggests matching SKR03/04 postings.
Bank feedSynced
Receipt
Team lunch · 84.20 €
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Transaction
Oberholz · Jul 1, 2026
Card payment
Smart receipt matching
Forward receipts via app or email. Norman extracts the data and matches them with transactions.
Real-time expense tracking
All expenses broken down by category, automatically updated, and available at any time.
InsightsActive 24/7
Profit margin is down 6%
Financial overview at a glance
Revenue, expenses, and open items in one dashboard that updates with every booking.
AI-powered insights
Norman identifies savings opportunities, flags unusual bookings, and gives you actionable recommendations.
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