The Best Banana Alternative for Swiss Freelancers
Banana Accounting has helped Swiss businesses since 1989. But it wasn't built for you. Magic Heidi is different—built by a Swiss freelancer, for Swiss freelancers.
Why Freelancers Look for a Banana Alternative
Banana Accounting serves small companies, NGOs, and educators. As a freelancer, you're using software designed for someone else's workflow—features you don't need, complexity you didn't ask for.
Magic Heidi vs Banana Accounting
Both tools handle Swiss-specific requirements. The difference is how you experience them.
| Feature | Magic Heidi | Banana.ch |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | ✓ Freelancers only | SMEs, NGOs, associations |
| Platform | ✓ Cloud + all apps | Desktop only |
| Mobile app | ✓ Full-featured | ✗ No |
| Data storage | Swiss servers (Zürich) | Local (your choice) |
| Bank integration | ✓ Automatic import | ✗ Manual only |
| Accounting knowledge | ✓ Not required | ✗ Required |
| Swiss QR invoices | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Support | ✓ Unlimited, 4 languages | ⚠ 3 cases/year |
| Pricing | ~CHF 299/year | Free–CHF 149/year |
First Invoice in 30 Seconds
No accounting degree required. Magic Heidi asks simple questions and handles the accounting logic automatically.
- ⚡30-Second Setup
No wizards, no tutorials required
- 🧾Swiss QR Invoices
November 2025 compliant
- 🤖AI Receipt Scanning
Snap, extract, categorize
- 🏦Bank Import
Automatic reconciliation
- Invoice #3
Magic Heidi
CHF 500
Jan 29
- Invoice #2
Webbiger LTD
CHF 2000
Jan 24
- Invoice #1
John Doe
CHF 600
Jan 20
Your Accounting Wherever You Are
Start an invoice on your laptop. Snap a receipt photo with your phone on the tram. Review your books on your tablet at a café. Magic Heidi syncs across all your devices—because freelancers work everywhere.
Built Specifically for
Swiss Freelancers
Every feature exists because Swiss freelancers need it—not because it was bolted on as an afterthought.
Swiss-First Design
Magic Heidi isn't a generic tool with Swiss features added. It's built from the ground up for Swiss requirements.
- QR-code invoices (Nov 2025 ready)
- Swiss VAT rates built in
- Currency conversion to CHF
- Data on Swiss servers in Zürich
AI-Powered Automation
Stop wasting time on manual data entry. Let AI handle the tedious work.
- Receipt photo scanning
- Automatic categorization
- Bank statement matching
- Smart expense extraction
Multi-Platform Access
Work from anywhere on any device. Your data syncs automatically.
- Web application
- iPhone & Android apps
- Mac & Windows desktop
- Real-time sync across devices
Unlimited Support
Questions? Get help immediately in your language. No case limits.
- German support
- French support
- Italian support
- English support
What Swiss Freelancers
Actually Need
Freelancing in Switzerland comes with specific challenges. Magic Heidi addresses each one because it was built by someone who lived them.
Track invoiced, paid, and outstanding
Seamless handling once you exceed CHF 100k
Avoid surprises with clear projections
Year-round organization, not tax-time panic
Pricing Comparison
Banana Accounting
- Free version: Limited to 70 entries per year—not practical for active freelancers
- Professional: CHF 89/year
- Advanced: CHF 149/year (required for current VAT settlement features)
Hidden cost: Time spent learning accounting concepts and troubleshooting without adequate support.
Magic Heidi
- Price: CHF 299/year (~CHF 25/month)
- Includes: Unlimited invoices, unlimited expenses, all features, unlimited support
- Free trial: Test everything before committing
Magic Heidi costs more upfront than Banana's Professional plan. But consider what you're getting:
- No accounting knowledge required (save hours of learning)
- Mobile apps (work from anywhere)
- Automatic bank imports (save hours of data entry)
- Unlimited support (solve problems immediately)
- AI receipt scanning (save hours of manual entry)
For most freelancers, the time savings pay for the difference within the first month.
Compared to Bexio (CHF 35-65/month), Magic Heidi is roughly 30% cheaper while focusing specifically on freelancer needs.
When Banana Might Still Make Sense
Let's be fair—Banana Accounting isn't bad software. Here's when it might be the right choice.
You Know Accounting
You have accounting knowledge and prefer traditional columnar methods.
Local Data Control
You want complete data control with local-only storage.
Association or NGO
You run an organization where Banana's flexibility shines.
Single Desktop User
You work exclusively from one computer, no mobile needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Magic Heidi better than Banana for Swiss freelancers?
For most freelancers, yes. Magic Heidi requires no accounting knowledge, works on all devices, includes unlimited support, and automates tedious tasks like receipt scanning and bank reconciliation. Banana offers more flexibility for users with accounting backgrounds who prefer desktop software.
How much does Banana Accounting cost?
Banana offers a free version limited to 70 entries per year. The Professional plan costs CHF 89/year. The Advanced plan, required for current VAT settlement features, costs CHF 149/year.
What is the best accounting software for Swiss freelancers?
For freelancers who want simplicity and modern features without accounting expertise, Magic Heidi is purpose-built for that use case. For those who prefer traditional accounting methods and desktop software, Banana remains a solid option.
Does Magic Heidi support Swiss QR invoices?
Yes. Magic Heidi generates QR-code invoices meeting all Swiss standards, including the November 2025 structured address requirement. QR invoices are available on all plans.
Can I switch from Banana to Magic Heidi?
Yes. You can export your data from Banana and start fresh in Magic Heidi. The Magic Heidi team can help with the transition, and the free trial lets you test everything before committing.
Where is my data stored with Magic Heidi?
Exclusively on Swiss servers in Zürich. Your data never leaves Switzerland.
Do I need an accountant with Magic Heidi?
Swiss law doesn't require freelancers to hire an accountant until you exceed 10 full-time employees. Magic Heidi handles standard bookkeeping automatically. For complex situations, Magic Heidi offers an in-house accounting service starting at CHF 99/month.
Simple Pricing. No Surprises.
One plan. All features. Cancel anytime.
Free Trial
- 3 invoices
- 3 expenses
- All features unlocked
- No credit card required
Annual
- Unlimited invoices
- Unlimited expenses
- AI expense scanning
- All platforms included
- Bank statement import
- Swiss VAT management
- Priority support
Monthly
- Unlimited invoices
- Unlimited expenses
- AI expense scanning
- All platforms included
- Bank statement import
- Swiss VAT management
Focus on Your Craft, Not Your Accounting
You became a freelancer to do work you love—not to wrestle with accounting software designed for someone else. Try Magic Heidi free and send your first invoice in 30 seconds.