Bexio Pricing 2026: What Changed, What It Costs, and 8 Swiss Alternatives Compared
Quick Answer
Bexio pricing 2026 and honest comparison of 5 Swiss alternatives: Abacus, Banana, Sage 50, Runmyaccounts, Topal – with side-by-side CHF pricing table for SMEs.
Early 2026 brought an unwelcome letter for many Swiss businesses. Bexio – Switzerland's most widely used accounting platform – raised subscription prices by roughly 20%. For the more than 200,000 Swiss businesses that depend on it, the increase triggered an obvious question: is the software still worth the cost, and what else is out there? This guide answers both. We break down the new pricing tier by tier, weigh up Bexio's genuine strengths against its gaps, and give you a straight assessment of eight credible alternatives.
What Is Bexio and Why Does It Matter for Swiss SMEs?
Bexio is a cloud-based business management platform built specifically for Switzerland. It covers invoicing, accounting and payment management, payroll, expense tracking, and VAT reporting – all delivered through a Swiss-German interface that handles QR-bills, IBAN formats, and MWST rules natively.
Accounting Services Switzerland: What Swiss SMEs Get Wrong About Their Books
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Mobiliar – Switzerland's largest insurer – owns Bexio, which explains why the platform became the default choice for Swiss micro and small businesses. Its tight integration with Swiss banks, local payroll requirements, and MWST reporting made switching feel genuinely risky. The price rise changes that equation. Alternatives have matured, and a flat CHF increase is enough reason to look properly at the market.
Bexio Pricing 2026: What Changed?
Bexio restructured its pricing in early 2026. Entry-level plans took the steepest percentage hit. While Bexio has not confirmed an official figure, users across the country report increases of 15-25% depending on their plan.
The current approximate pricing (billed monthly, per company, VAT excluded):
- Bexio Small: ~CHF 35/month – core invoicing, basic accounting, up to 2 users
- Bexio Medium: ~CHF 59/month – full accounting, payroll for up to 5 employees, multi-user access
- Bexio Large: ~CHF 109/month – advanced reporting, multi-currency, up to 15 users
Annual billing reduces the monthly rate by a typical 10-15%. Extra users, additional payroll seats, and the e-banking connection module each carry a separate charge.
Here is what that looks like in real money. A small business that paid ~CHF 29/month for the Small plan in 2024 now pays ~CHF 35 – an extra CHF 72 each year. At the Large tier the gap widens: from ~CHF 89 to ~CHF 109 adds over CHF 240 annually. Stack that across a full software suite and the cumulative cost matters.
Is Bexio Still Worth It?
For many Swiss SMEs, the short answer is still yes – but the margin is tighter than it was. Here is a clear-eyed assessment.
Where Bexio earns its keep:
- Swiss-first design with QR-bill, IBAN, MWST, and Swiss payroll all built in from day one
- Seamless bank connections with most Swiss institutions: Raiffeisen, PostFinance, UBS, ZKB, and CS legacy accounts
- A strong ecosystem: connects with Payrexx, Shopify, WooCommerce, and major Swiss HR tools
- Active product development – AI receipt scanning launched in 2025 has meaningfully improved bookkeeping speed
- Swiss-German support staff, which matters considerably for owners who do not work in English
Where the gaps show:
- The price increase is hard to justify for solo operators or businesses under CHF 100K revenue
- Financial forecasting and reporting tools remain basic alongside ERP-class alternatives
- Multi-entity and consolidation support is limited – growing companies regularly outgrow it
- No native project accounting or job costing capabilities
Our team's view: if your business has fewer than 5 employees and straightforward bookkeeping, Bexio remains a sound platform. If you are scaling quickly, managing multiple entities, or need meaningful financial analytics, now is a sensible time to compare alternatives properly.
8 Swiss Alternatives to Bexio in 2026
Eight credible alternatives for Swiss businesses, evaluated on price, Swiss compliance, ease of use, and scalability.
1. Abacus ERP
The premium Swiss choice. Abacus is a full-featured ERP system developed in St. Gallen. It covers accounting, payroll, HR, project management, and document management. Pricing is modular, starting around CHF 80-150/month for core modules, and usually requires implementation support. Best for: growing SMEs with CHF 2M+ revenue, multi-entity structures, or industry-specific compliance needs.
2. Run my Accounts
A Swiss-based managed accounting service: the provider handles your bookkeeping rather than handing you software to run yourself. Monthly fees start around CHF 250-500/month depending on transaction volume. Best for: owners who want accounting fully off their plate. Pairs well with the Scalemetrics team's outsourced CFO services when you want a complete finance function without in-house headcount.
3. Accounto
An AI-powered Swiss accounting platform that automates bookkeeping through receipt scanning and bank-feed categorisation. Aimed at micro-businesses and freelancers. Pricing from ~CHF 29/month. Best for: very small businesses with low transaction volume that want to minimise manual entry time.
4. Sage 50 (Swiss Edition)
An established European SME accounting suite with full Swiss localisation covering MWST, Swiss payroll, and QR-bills. Desktop-based, with cloud add-ons available. One-time licence cost plus annual maintenance of roughly CHF 500-900/year. Best for: businesses that prefer on-premise software and want strong reporting available from the start.
5. Banana Accounting
A straightforward, affordable Swiss accounting tool for micro-businesses and NGOs. Available as a desktop app (~CHF 49/year) or as a cloud version. Extremely lightweight – no payroll, no invoicing, just clean double-entry bookkeeping. Best for: freelancers, associations, or businesses that need basic accounts only.
6. Taxomat
Swiss-built invoicing and VAT management platform aimed at simplicity for self-employed professionals. Strong MWST handling with direct ESTV integration. Pricing from ~CHF 19/month. Best for: consultants and freelancers whose primary need is invoicing and VAT compliance support.
7. Vertec
Swiss CRM and project accounting software, popular among service firms such as consultancies, agencies, and law firms. Handles time tracking, project billing, and financial reporting in one system. Pricing varies by module. Best for: professional service firms that need project-based billing alongside their accounting function.
8. BusPRO
A Swiss SME management platform that combines CRM, project management, invoicing, and basic accounting. Less accounting-focused than Bexio but notably stronger on client and project management. Pricing from ~CHF 39/month. Best for: service businesses that need CRM and invoicing more than deep accounting compliance depth.
How to Choose the Right Accounting Software for Your Swiss SME
Before committing to a switch – or deciding against one – five questions deserve honest answers:
1. What is your transaction volume? High volume (100+ invoices per month) demands automation. Low volume can live with simpler tools. 2. Do you run payroll in-house? If yes, Swiss payroll compliance is non-negotiable. Check that any platform handles AHV, pension, and cantonal withholding tax correctly. 3. Do you need multi-currency? Invoicing internationally or paying suppliers in EUR or USD rules out several entry-level options immediately. 4. Who does the bookkeeping? If your accountant or CFO drives the software, their preference carries real weight. If you do it yourself, ease of use matters most. 5. What do you need for business monitoring? Real-time dashboards and KPI tracking require either built-in reporting or clean integration with BI tools.
A practical note: do not switch based on price alone. A CHF 20/month saving disappears fast if it costs 5 hours of data migration and an extra 2 hours per month resolving reconciliation issues. Calculate total cost of ownership, not just subscription fees.
The CFO Perspective: Software Is a Tool, Strategy Is the Game
Here is what the Scalemetrics team tells every client: accounting software is the foundation, not the strategy. Whether you use Bexio, Abacus, or Accounto, the platform only organises historical data. What your business actually needs is forward-looking financial intelligence – forecasting, scenario modelling, cash flow management, and tax planning.
A fractional CFO adds that layer. Our team works with whichever accounting tool you already have, pulls out the numbers that matter, and translates them into strategic decisions: when to hire, when to expand, how to structure financing, what your EBITDA trajectory looks like across different growth assumptions.
The Bexio price increase is a useful prompt to run a broader finance stack review. Which tools are you actually paying for? Which ones drive real decisions? And what is the real cost of running without a financial strategy – one that goes well beyond software fees?
If you would like a no-obligation review of your current finance setup, get in touch with our team.
Should you run bexio yourself or outsource your accounting?
For a very small business with simple transactions, bexio on its own can be enough. Once you add payroll, VAT, multi-currency, or investor reporting, the software still needs someone who understands Swiss accounting to operate it correctly. The Scalemetrics team provides outsourced accounting and payments for Swiss SMEs, using bexio or any of the alternatives above, so you keep the tool and gain the expertise.
The 5 Best Bexio Alternatives for Swiss SMEs in 2026
1. Abacus ERP (AbaNinja) – Abacus is the benchmark for Swiss-made enterprise resource planning, and their AbaNinja platform brings that capability to SMEs starting from CHF 29/month. Where Bexio prioritises simplicity, AbaNinja offers a direct bridge into the full Abacus ecosystem – critical for companies approaching CHF 5M in revenue. It is fully ESTV-certified and handles multi-currency and complex project accounting with ease. If your growth path requires deep ERP integration and professional-grade fiduciary connectivity, AbaNinja is the logical step up from Bexio's more streamlined interface.
2. Banana Accounting – Banana Accounting remains a fixture for Swiss micro-businesses and sole traders who prefer a low-cost annual licence over monthly subscriptions. At approximately CHF 149/year (roughly CHF 12.50/month), it costs significantly less than Bexio. Payroll capabilities are limited compared to higher-tier platforms, but its Swiss-first design ensures full alignment with local VAT and bookkeeping standards. The familiar spreadsheet-style interface makes it a practical stepping stone for businesses moving away from Excel but not yet ready for a full cloud-managed ERP.
3. Sage 50 – Sage 50 Extra occupies a solid position in the Swiss mid-market, typically costing between CHF 100 and CHF 200 per month. Its primary advantage over Bexio is a more capable payroll engine and deeper financial reporting. Sage 50 is particularly well-suited to multi-entity businesses that need consolidated reporting and granular ledger control. The learning curve is steeper and the interface more traditional than Bexio's, but the reliability and depth make it the go-to for established SMEs with complex HR requirements.
4. Runmyaccounts – Runmyaccounts takes a different approach by pairing cloud-based software with a managed accounting service model. Pricing is often transaction-based rather than flat, which makes it highly scalable for Zürich-based SMEs and service providers. The done-for-you model suits founders who want to hand off bookkeeping entirely while keeping real-time visibility into their finances. Its automation exceeds Bexio's standard reconciliation features, and the Swiss banking integration is seamless.
5. Topal – Topal is the platform that Swiss Treuhand offices tend to recommend. Designed with the accountant-client relationship at its core, standalone licences start around CHF 600/year. Topal handles high-volume data entry and complex financial structures that can strain Bexio's simpler database. Modular architecture lets businesses add payroll or asset management as they grow. For Swiss companies that work closely with a professional fiduciary and need a rock-solid local accounting core, Topal is a highly dependable option.
Bexio vs Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Software | Monthly Cost | Free Trial | Swiss VAT | Payroll | API/Integrations | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bexio | From CHF 49 | 30 Days | Yes (ESTV) | Integrated | Extensive | SMEs <CHF 5M revenue |
| AbaNinja | From CHF 29 | Yes | Yes (ESTV) | Modular | Abacus Ecosystem | Growing SMEs |
| Banana | ~CHF 12.50 | Yes | Yes (ESTV) | Basic | Limited | Sole Traders |
| Sage 50 | From CHF 100 | No | Yes (ESTV) | Advanced | Strong | Mid-market Firms |
| Runmyaccounts | Per Trans. | Demo | Yes (ESTV) | Managed | Specialized | Outsourced Focus |
| Topal | ~CHF 50 | Demo | Yes (ESTV) | Modular | Fiduciary-grade | High-volume SMEs |
Selecting the right platform comes down to your growth stage and internal resources. A modern UI and a large app marketplace are real reasons to stay on Bexio for SMEs at an early stage. Once complex payroll needs or multi-entity reporting become part of daily life, a move toward Sage 50 or Abacus often makes more sense. For teams that want to focus entirely on running the business rather than managing the books, Runmyaccounts offers a compelling service-heavy model. If you are unsure which path fits your 2026 financial roadmap, the Scalemetrics CFO services team can provide an independent recommendation tailored to your specific Swiss operations.
Need senior financial guidance for your Swiss SME? Learn how our outsourced CFO services can help your business respond to change faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Bexio raise its prices in 2026?
Bexio increased subscription prices by approximately 15-25% in early 2026 depending on the plan. Entry-level plans saw the largest percentage increase. Annual billing offers a discount that partially offsets the rise.
What is the cheapest Swiss accounting software in 2026?
Banana Accounting (~CHF 49/year desktop) and Accounto (~CHF 29/month) rank among the most affordable options for Swiss micro-businesses. Taxomat offers VAT-focused invoicing from ~CHF 19/month. Each carries limitations compared to full-featured platforms like Bexio or Abacus.
Can I export my Bexio data to switch to another platform?
Yes. Bexio allows export of your chart of accounts, transaction history, customer and supplier lists, and invoices in standard formats including CSV and PDF. Most modern Swiss accounting platforms include an import wizard. The migration is manageable, though our team recommends doing it at the start of a new financial year to keep data separation clean.
Is Abacus worth the higher price for a Swiss SME?
Abacus makes financial sense once your business complexity justifies it – typically when you have multiple legal entities, need project accounting, or require deep payroll and HR integration. For straightforward bookkeeping needs, Abacus is more than most businesses require. A fractional CFO can help you assess whether your current stage warrants that level of investment.
Does my accounting software choice affect my CFO or accountant relationship?
Yes, to a degree. Most Swiss accountants and fractional CFOs work comfortably with Bexio, Abacus, and Sage. If you use a niche tool, verify that your finance team supports it before switching. The Scalemetrics team works across all major Swiss accounting platforms and can advise on the right fit for your stage and goals.
What does outsourced accounting for Swiss SMEs include?
Outsourced accounting for Swiss SMEs covers OR-compliant bookkeeping under Arts. 957-963b, monthly bank reconciliation, accounts payable and receivable management, payroll runs with AHV/BVG/UVG deductions, quarterly MWST filings, and monthly financial statement preparation – delivered by an external specialist without the fixed cost of an in-house team.
Which Swiss accounting standards apply to SMEs?
Swiss SMEs must maintain accounts under the Code of Obligations (OR), Arts. 957-963b, using accrual-basis bookkeeping with a balance sheet and income statement. Companies with turnover above CHF 500,000 or 10+ employees require a statutory limited audit (eingeschränkte Revision) unless all shareholders formally opt out.
Is bexio enough, or do I need an accountant?
Bexio handles the mechanics of bookkeeping, but it does not decide VAT treatment, close the year to Swiss standards, or interpret the numbers for you. Most growing Swiss SMEs keep the software and outsource the judgement. The Scalemetrics team runs the books inside bexio or your chosen tool as part of outsourced accounting.
Sources & References
What Changed in Bexio Pricing in 2025 and What It Means Now
Bexio, the dominant cloud accounting platform for Swiss SMEs, restructured its pricing substantially in 2025, moving from a relatively simple three-tier model to a more granular module-based structure with higher entry prices across most tiers. The changes were driven by Bexio's move to invest heavily in AI features — automated transaction matching, intelligent invoice recognition, predictive cash flow — and the accompanying need to monetise a user base that had grown rapidly on lower-cost legacy plans.
The practical impact for existing Bexio customers is that many have seen their annual licence cost increase by 20–40% when renewing or upgrading. New customers evaluating Bexio in 2026 need to build in the full current pricing, which ranges from approximately CHF 59 per month for the basic invoicing-only plan to CHF 199+ per month for the comprehensive accounting, payroll, and reporting tier. At CHF 2,388 per year for the most capable tier, Bexio is no longer a "cheap" option — it sits between free-tier tools and Abacus in cost terms, which means the evaluation against alternatives has become more economically meaningful.
8 Swiss Alternatives to Bexio: Who They Are Best For
1. Abacus. The Swiss enterprise standard. Superior for multi-entity, complex payroll, and management reporting. Significantly higher cost and implementation complexity. Best for businesses above 30 employees with dedicated finance staff.
2. Banana Accounting. The lowest-cost compliant Swiss accounting tool. CHF 149–199 per year. Excellent for micro-enterprises and fiduciary-managed accounts. Limited collaboration and banking integration features.
3. Sage Business Cloud (Switzerland). Well-established mid-market accounting platform with strong MWST compliance and Swiss payroll modules. Approximately CHF 50–120 per month. Good for 10–50 employee businesses looking for a Bexio alternative with more reporting depth.
4. Crésus. Popular in French-speaking Switzerland. Strong SME accounting and payroll features, competitive pricing (CHF 40–90 per month), and good MWST handling. Less well-known in German-speaking Switzerland but worth evaluating for Romand businesses.
5. sevDesk. German-origin cloud accounting tool with Swiss MWST support and an increasingly complete Swiss feature set. Approximately CHF 15–40 per month. Best for freelancers and very small businesses below CHF 1 million in revenue.
6. Xero (Swiss configuration). The global cloud accounting platform has strong integrations and a large partner ecosystem, with Swiss MWST configurations available. Approximately CHF 40–80 per month. Best for businesses with international operations that need a platform that travels across jurisdictions.
7. Klara. Swiss-built platform focused specifically on payroll and HR, with accounting as a secondary feature. Best for labour-intensive Swiss SMEs where payroll complexity (Quellensteuer, BVG, AHV reporting) is the primary pain point.
8. Custom ERP (SAP Business One, Dynamics 365). For Swiss SMEs above CHF 20 million in revenue with complex inventory, multi-entity, or international requirements. High implementation cost (CHF 30,000–150,000+) but delivers capabilities not available in cloud SME tools.
Bexio vs. Key Alternatives: Cost and Capability 2026
| Platform | Annual Cost (mid-tier) | Swiss Payroll | Best Company Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bexio | CHF 1,428–2,388 | Yes (add-on) | 5–50 employees |
| Abacus | CHF 5,000–25,000 | Excellent | 30–500 employees |
| Banana Accounting | CHF 149–199 | Limited | 1–10 employees |
| Sage Business Cloud | CHF 600–1,440 | Yes | 10–50 employees |
| Xero | CHF 480–960 | Via partner | International SMEs |
Selecting and correctly configuring accounting software is a foundational financial infrastructure decision. Getting it wrong at the growth stage creates rework, migration costs, and data quality issues that compound over time. A financial controlling engagement includes an accounting systems review as a standard deliverable, ensuring your technology choice matches your current needs and growth trajectory.
Pascal Stämpfli leverages over a decade of expertise in corporate finance and venture capital to scale and optimize businesses. A CFA charterholder with a Master's in Economics from the University of St. Gallen, Pascal specializes in market & company assessments, strategy, and business value creation. Having assessed more than 1,000 companies for financial and strategic investors provides him with a sophisticated understanding of investor rationale and capital allocation. As the Managing Director of Scalemetrics and Managing Partner at COREangels Big Data & AI Europe, Pascal operates at the intersection of financial discipline and technological innovation.