Leaving QuickBooks? Here's everything you need
Compare 4 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
QuickBooks is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
sevDeskRecommended This German software provides intuitive accounting and invoicing solutions for SMBs, featuring automated bookkeeping and real-time financial insights. With its open-source capabilities, sevDesk allows businesses to customize their financial management processes while ensuring compliance with local regulations. | 🇩🇪Germany | Contact | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Lexoffice Lexoffice simplifies accounting and invoicing for SMBs with its intuitive German platform. It offers automated bookkeeping, real-time financial insights, and easy invoice management. A key differentiator is its direct integration with German banks, ensuring seamless financial transactions and updates. | 🇩🇪Germany | Contact | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Holded Holded offers a Spanish cloud-based platform designed for SMBs, providing intuitive accounting and invoicing solutions. It enables users to manage finances with features like automated bank reconciliation and real-time financial reporting. A standout feature is its integration with popular e-commerce platforms, enhancing business operations. | 🇪🇸Spain | Contact | Medium | 2-4 hours | |
Exact Online Exact Online is a Dutch cloud-based accounting and invoicing solution tailored for SMBs, offering real-time financial insights and automated tax compliance. It stands out with its integration capabilities, seamlessly connecting with CRM and ERP systems to streamline business operations. | 🇳🇱Netherlands | Contact | Varies | Varies |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
This German software provides intuitive accounting and invoicing solutions for SMBs, featuring automated bookkeeping and real-time financial insights. With its open-source capabilities, sevDesk allows businesses to customize their financial management processes while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Certifications:
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
This German software provides intuitive accounting and invoicing solutions for SMBs, featuring automated bookkeeping and real-time financial insights. With its open-source capabilities, sevDesk allows businesses to customize their financial management processes while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures data protection in the EU.
- Custom workflow automation for tailored processes.
- Local regulation compliance simplifies EU operations.
- EU server location enhances regional data security.
Trade-offs
- Migration from QuickBooks may disrupt operations.
- Missing integrated payroll processing feature.
- Learning curve for sevDesk's unique interface.
Lexoffice simplifies accounting and invoicing for SMBs with its intuitive German platform. It offers automated bookkeeping, real-time financial insights, and easy invoice management. A key differentiator is its direct integration with German banks, ensuring seamless financial transactions and updates.
Advantages
- GDPR compliance ensures data privacy in the EU.
- Direct German bank integration simplifies transactions.
- Automated bookkeeping reduces manual entry time.
- Real-time insights help with immediate financial decisions.
Trade-offs
- Migration from QuickBooks can be time-consuming.
- Lexoffice lacks integrated payroll processing.
- Learning curve for users familiar with QuickBooks.
Holded offers a Spanish cloud-based platform designed for SMBs, providing intuitive accounting and invoicing solutions. It enables users to manage finances with features like automated bank reconciliation and real-time financial reporting. A standout feature is its integration with popular e-commerce platforms, enhancing business operations.
Advantages
- EU servers ensure GDPR compliance for data security
- Integration with e-commerce platforms enhances sales tracking
- Cloud-based platform offers easy access for SMBs
- Automated bank reconciliation simplifies account management
Trade-offs
- Migration from QuickBooks may require time and resources
- Learning curve for users familiar with QuickBooks interface
- Lacks integrated payroll processing found in QuickBooks
Exact Online is a Dutch cloud-based accounting and invoicing solution tailored for SMBs, offering real-time financial insights and automated tax compliance. It stands out with its integration capabilities, seamlessly connecting with CRM and ERP systems to streamline business operations.
Before You Switch
Export your data from QuickBooks before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
General Data Export Steps
- 1Log into your QuickBooks account and navigate to Settings or Privacy.
- 2Look for "Download your data", "Export", or "Data portability" options.
- 3Select all data you want to export and choose a standard format (ZIP, CSV, JSON).
- 4Wait for the export to complete — large accounts may take hours or days.
- 5Download and verify the export before proceeding with migration.
Under GDPR Article 20, you have the right to data portability. QuickBooks is required to provide your data in a structured, commonly used format upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to QuickBooks?
There are 4 European alternatives to QuickBooks. sevDesk, Lexoffice, Holded are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from QuickBooks?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from QuickBooks?
Yes, most services including QuickBooks allow you to export your data. Check the settings or privacy section of your QuickBooks account for data export options. GDPR also grants you the right to data portability.
Is switching from QuickBooks to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from QuickBooks first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your QuickBooks subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from QuickBooks to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.