Comparing invoicing software: which one fits your business?

Choosing invoicing software is one of the first decisions you make as an entrepreneur. But with dozens of options on the Dutch market, it's hard to pick the right one. In this article, we compare the most popular invoicing solutions and help you determine which one best fits your situation.

Moneybird — the popular choice for starters

Moneybird is by far the most popular invoicing tool among Dutch freelancers and small businesses. The interface is modern and intuitive, and a free plan is available with basic functionality.

• ✅ User-friendly interface
• ✅ Free starter plan available
• ✅ Good bank integration
• ✅ Automatic VAT returns
• ❌ Limited functionality in free version
• ❌ No customization possible
• 💰 Free — €34.95/month (depending on plan)

e-Boekhouden — more depth for accounting

e-Boekhouden targets entrepreneurs who want more control over their accounting. The tool offers more extensive accounting features than Moneybird, but the interface feels more traditional.

• ✅ Extensive accounting features
• ✅ Suitable for BVs and multiple administrations
• ✅ Good reporting
• ❌ Less intuitive interface
• ❌ No free plan
• 💰 €16.95 — €23.95/month

Exact Online — for growing businesses

Exact Online is the choice for businesses looking for a complete ERP solution. Beyond invoicing, Exact offers modules for inventory, project management, and CRM. The complexity and price make it less suitable for freelancers.

• ✅ Complete ERP functionality
• ✅ Suitable for larger teams
• ✅ Extensive integration options
• ❌ Steep learning curve
• ❌ High costs
• ❌ Overkill for small businesses
• 💰 From €40/month per user

Custom-built portal — ultimate flexibility

When standard software no longer suffices, a custom-built customer portal with integrated invoicing is the logical next step. You decide exactly which features you need, and the system grows with your business.

• ✅ Fully tailored to your workflow
• ✅ Invoicing, customer portal, and payments in one system
• ✅ Online payments via iDEAL (Mollie)
• ✅ No monthly per-user license fees
• ✅ You own your code and data
• ❌ Higher one-time investment
• 💰 From €1,499 (one-time) + €49/month hosting

Which solution fits you?

The best choice depends on your situation. For starting freelancers, Moneybird is often the best first step. Growing businesses with more complex accounting needs may want to consider e-Boekhouden or Exact Online.

But if you find yourself hitting the limitations of standard software — for example, because you want to integrate invoicing with a customer portal, or because you want clients to pay directly online — then a custom-built solution is the smartest investment.

Standard invoicing software is good for standard situations. But your business isn't standard — and your software doesn't have to be either.

Need help choosing?

At 2beeonline.com, we help businesses that need more than what standard software offers. We build customer portals with integrated invoicing, online payments, and professional PDF invoices — delivered within 2 weeks. Schedule a free consultation and discover which solution best fits your business.