Running a successful freelance business in Switzerland requires staying on top of invoices, expenses, and bookkeeping—whether you're at your desk, meeting clients, or traveling.
Cross-platform accounting software that works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices has become essential for modern Swiss freelancers who need to manage their finances anytime, anywhere.

This comprehensive guide explores the Swiss accounting software landscape, highlighting the best cross-platform solutions that let you handle invoicing and bookkeeping from Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and web browsers.

Why Cross-Platform Accounting Software Matters

For Swiss freelancers, having access to your financial data across multiple devices isn't just convenient—it's transformative. Here's why cross-platform solutions have become indispensable:

Flexibility and Mobility

Create invoices while meeting clients, scan receipts on the go, or check your financial status from anywhere. Modern freelance work demands tools that move with you.

Real-Time Synchronization

Changes made on your phone instantly sync to your desktop and vice versa, ensuring your financial records are always current and accessible.

Swiss Compliance Built-In

The best Swiss solutions automatically handle QR-invoicing requirements, VAT calculations according to Swiss regulations, and integrate seamlessly with Swiss banks.

Time Savings Through Automation

Mobile apps with AI-powered receipt scanning and automated data entry dramatically reduce manual bookkeeping work. Instead of collecting paper receipts and entering data later, you can snap photos and let the software extract the information automatically.

Professional Image

Send polished, compliant invoices to clients immediately after completing work, without waiting to return to your office.

Cloud Security

Your financial data is encrypted and backed up automatically, with Swiss or EU-based servers ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Key Features to Look For 🔍

When evaluating cross-platform accounting software for your Swiss freelance business, prioritize these essential features:

Swiss-Specific Requirements

QR-Invoice Support: Since the mandatory introduction of QR-bills in Switzerland, your software must generate compliant QR-invoices with Swiss QR codes for easy payment processing.

Multi-Language Capabilities: Create invoices in German, French, Italian, and English to serve clients across Switzerland and internationally.

Swiss VAT Management: Automated VAT calculations supporting both effective and net tax rate methods, with proper settlement types (collected or agreed) for seamless Federal Tax Administration reporting.

Swiss Banking Integration: Direct connections to Swiss banks via eBanking standards, automatic bank reconciliation, and support for Swiss payment systems.

Cross-Platform Essentials

Native Mobile Apps: Dedicated iOS and Android apps offering smooth performance, offline capabilities, and device-specific features like camera integration for receipt scanning.

Web Accessibility: Browser-based access from any device ensures you're never locked out of your financial data.

Desktop Applications: Native Mac and Windows apps for power users who need full-featured accounting capabilities.

Automatic Cloud Sync: Real-time synchronization across all devices without manual file transfers.

Freelancer-Friendly Functionality

Quick Invoicing: Create and send professional invoices in minutes, with templates, recurring invoices, and automatic numbering.

Expense Management: Photograph receipts, automatically extract data using OCR/AI technology, and categorize expenses.

Time Tracking: Record billable hours directly from mobile apps and convert them into invoices.

Client Management: Maintain detailed client databases accessible from any device.

Financial Reporting: Generate profit/loss statements, balance sheets, and tax reports automatically.

Complete Overview

Swiss Cross-Platform Accounting Software

Swiss Accounting Software Platform Availability

Based on comprehensive research of the Swiss accounting software market, here is an updated and expanded comparison of platform availability for freelancers and SMEs. This table includes 24 accounting solutions available in Switzerland, verified for accuracy.

Software	Mac	Windows	iOS	Android	Web	Notes
Magic Heidi	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Windows and MacOS native applications, mobile (Android / IOS) and web apps. available (invoicing, expenses, accounting features)
Bexio	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Web-based, accessed via browser on Mac/Windows. Full mobile app (bexioGo) for iOS and Android with scanning, time tracking, contact management
Banana Accounting Plus	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⚠️ Missing	Native desktop apps for Mac/Windows/Linux. Full mobile apps for iOS and Android, optimized for tablets
KLARA	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Web-based. myKLARA app available for iOS and Android with scanning, posting, time tracking, contact management
SmallInvoice	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Web-based with free iOS and Android apps (full invoicing and time tracking features)
MILKEE	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Web-based. Android app available for simple accounting, document scanning, time tracking. No iOS app
Accounto	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Web-based only, no native desktop or mobile apps
CashCtrl	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Web-based. Mobile browsers not officially supported but functional
Quitto	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Web-based with mobile browser access, no dedicated mobile apps
AbaNinja (Swiss21)	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Web-based. AbaClik 3 companion app for iOS/Android (expense scanning, time tracking, absences)
Crésus	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited	⚠️ Limited	✅ Yes	Native desktop apps for Mac/Windows/Linux. Crésus Pay companion app for iOS/Android (QR invoice scanning only)
Proffix	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited	⚠️ Limited	✅ Yes	Native desktop apps. Proffix Scan companion app for iOS/Android (QR invoice scanning only)
Flexina	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Web-based. Full mobile apps for iOS and Android (invoicing, client management)
MacCompta	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	Native desktop software for Mac and Windows. No mobile or web access
WinBiz	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cloud-based (WinBiz Cloud) with web access. Mobile app included for smartphone access
pebe Live	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Web-based cloud software. No dedicated mobile apps currently available
Run my Accounts	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Web-based service with automated bookkeeping. No mobile apps
ClickBook	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Web-based online accounting software. No mobile apps mentioned
Pesaris	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes	Web-based cloud software for SMEs. No mobile apps
Sage	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cloud-based with web access. Mobile apps available for iOS and Android
Xero	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cloud-based with web access. Full mobile apps for iOS and Android
Zoho Books	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cloud-based with web access. Mobile apps available for iOS and Android
Odoo Accounting	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Web-based with full mobile apps for iOS and Android. Swiss localization available
FreeAgent	⚠️ Web	⚠️ Web	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Cloud-based with web access. Mobile apps for iOS and Android (invoicing, expenses, banking)

Legend:

✅ Yes: Full native application available with comprehensive features
⚠️ Warning: Limited availability (web-only via browser, or companion app with restricted features such as scanning only)
❌ No: Not available on this platform

Key Findings:

Native Desktop Support: Only 2 solutions offer true native Mac/Windows applications (Magic Heidi and Banana). The majority are web-based, accessed through browsers.

Mobile Apps: 14 solutions have iOS apps and 15 have Android apps. However, many are companion apps with limited functionality (primarily QR invoice scanning).

Full-Featured Mobile Apps: Bexio, Banana Accounting Plus, KLARA, Magic Heidi, SmallInvoice, Flexina, WinBiz, Sage, Xero, Zoho Books, Odoo, and FreeAgent offer comprehensive mobile apps.

Web Access: 23 out of 24 solutions are accessible via web browsers, reflecting the industry trend toward cloud-based accounting.

Swiss-Specific Solutions: Magic Heidi, Milkee, Bexio, Banana, KLARA, Crésus, Proffix, MacCompta, WinBiz, and Swiss21 are Swiss-made and optimized for Swiss regulations.

International Solutions: Sage, Xero, Zoho Books, Odoo, and FreeAgent are international platforms adapted for the Swiss market.

Detailed Software Reviews

Magic Heidi: Modern Freelancer Solution ✨

Best for: Swiss freelancers seeking modern design and simplicity

Magic Heidi represents a new generation of Swiss accounting software built specifically for freelancers with modern technology and excellent design.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Native Windows & MacOS + Web version
Mobile: Native apps for iOS and Android
Sync: Automatic synchronization across all devices

Pricing: Freemium model with paid tiers for advanced features

Strengths: Beautiful, intuitive interface, AI-powered expense scanning, multi-language and multi-currency invoicing, QR-code support, VAT management, one-click accounting export with receipt links, excellent mobile experience

Mobile Excellence: Full invoicing, expense management, and accounting capabilities on mobile, with automatic data pre-filling from scanned receipts

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Bexio: The Swiss SME Favorite

Best for: Small businesses and freelancers wanting comprehensive business management.
Bexio has become one of Switzerland's most popular business software solutions, serving over 80,000 customers. Its cross-platform approach ensures freelancers can manage their entire business from any device.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Web-based (Mac & Windows via browser)
Mobile: bexio Go app for iOS and Android
Key Features: The mobile app offers document scanning with AI-powered data extraction, QR-invoice processing, time tracking, contact management, and viewing quotes/orders/invoices

Pricing: From CHF 35-125/month depending on features and user count

Strengths: Modern interface, comprehensive features, strong Swiss banking integration, excellent mobile app functionality, integrated trustee collaboration

Mobile Limitations: Some advanced features remain desktop-only, but core freelancer needs are fully supported on mobile

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Banana Accounting: The Cross-Platform Pioneer

Best for: Freelancers and small businesses wanting full accounting capabilities everywhere

Banana Accounting was the first software company to offer complete accounting functionality on mobile devices, and their commitment to cross-platform availability remains unmatched.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Native apps for Mac, Windows, and Linux
Mobile: Full Banana Accounting Mobile for iOS and Android
File Compatibility: 100% compatible files across all platforms

Pricing: CHF 89/year (Professional) or CHF 179/year (Advanced)

Strengths: Excel-like interface, works offline, very affordable, complete double-entry accounting on mobile, extensive Swiss templates, multi-currency support

Mobile Limitations: Optimized for tablets and desktop mode; small phone screens offer limited experience but remain functional

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KLARA: AI-Powered Simplicity

Best for: Freelancers without accounting knowledge who want automation

KLARA focuses on making accounting accessible to non-accountants through intelligent automation and AI-powered features.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Web-based access via browser
Mobile: myKLARA app for iOS and Android
Key Features: Scan and post receipts directly in the app with AI assistance, time tracking, project management, appointment booking, contact management

Pricing: From CHF 35/month (Business BASIC package)

Strengths: No accounting knowledge required, AI automatically posts receipts, modern interface, strong automation features, integrated legal information service

Mobile Features: The myKLARA app allows scanning, automated posting with AI, time recording, and contact management—new July 2024 feature enables direct mobile posting

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SmallInvoice: Free Invoicing Foundation

Best for: Freelancers starting out with basic invoicing needs

SmallInvoice offers a genuinely free tier that makes it attractive for freelancers just starting their business or with low revenue.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Web-based access
Mobile: iOS and Android apps available

Pricing: Free up to CHF 70,000 annual revenue, then paid plans for additional features

Strengths: Free tier, Swiss QR-bill support, contact management, project module, expense tracking, time recording, automated dunning, data stored in Switzerland with 256-bit encryption

Cross-Platform: Available on desktop and mobile platforms with invoicing, time tracking, and expense management

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CashCtrl: Fiduciary-Friendly Solution

Best for: Self-employed, SMEs, and fiduciaries wanting flexibility

CashCtrl emphasizes fast navigation, few predefined workflows, and fair pricing with a completely free tier.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Web-based cloud software
Mobile: Mobile browsers not officially supported, though functional

Pricing: CashCtrl FREE (permanent) or PRO at CHF 340/year

Strengths: Swiss-made, 100% Swiss hosting and support, API access, customizable to many industries, direct community feedback integration, FREE version includes financial accounting and VAT

Mobile Consideration: While a mobile app exists (CashControl for personal finance), the business version CashCtrl doesn't have dedicated mobile apps and isn't officially optimized for mobile browsers

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Quitto: Web-First Simplicity

Best for: Self-employed wanting simple, platform-independent access

Quitto delivers a straightforward accounting solution accessible from any device through web browsers.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Web-based (Windows, MacOS)
Mobile: Web browser access on iPhone/iPad and Android

Pricing: CHF 90 (Starter), with Business tier adding features

Strengths: Simple accounting, customer management, invoicing, QR-bills, time tracking, VAT accounting, annual reports, platform independent

Mobile Access: While no dedicated app, the web interface works on mobile browsers providing full functionality

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AbaNinja with AbaClik 3: Enterprise Features for Freelancers

Best for: Freelancers wanting enterprise-grade Swiss software from Abacus

AbaNinja brings Abacus's enterprise expertise to the SME and freelancer market, with the AbaClik 3 mobile app providing powerful mobile capabilities.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Web-based AbaNinja platform
Mobile: AbaClik 3 app for iOS and Andrioid

Pricing: From CHF 18/month for AbaNinja

Strengths: Backed by established Swiss software company Abacus, AI-powered expense recognition, automatic booking from scanned receipts, OCR technology, integration with full Abacus ERP for growth

Mobile Innovation: AbaClik 3 uses deep technology and AI to scan invoices (including QR codes), automatically extract data, and book expenses directly from smartphones

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Cresus: The Swiss Veteran

Best for: Small companies, associations, and users comfortable with desktop software

Cresus has been serving the Swiss market since 1990, offering proven accounting, payroll, and invoicing solutions.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Native Mac, Windows, and Linux applications
Mobile: Crésus Pay companion app (iOS & Android) for QR-invoice scanning only

Pricing: From CHF 20/month depending on modules

Strengths: Long Swiss market history, user-friendly design similar to Excel, adaptable to specific needs, separate modules for accounting, payroll, and invoicing, trusted by Swiss fiduciaries

Mobile Limitation: The Crésus Pay app only scans QR-invoices and sends payment info to desktop software—not a full mobile accounting solution.

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Proffix: Modular ERP Approach

Best for: Growing businesses wanting scalable, modular solutions

Proffix offers a comprehensive Swiss-made ERP system with modular pricing that can scale with business growth.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Windows-based with various deployment options
Mobile: Proffix Scan app for iOS and Android (limited to QR-invoice scanning)

Pricing: Modular from CHF 4/module or CHF 47/month for basic accounting package

Strengths: Highly modular design, ready-made solutions for various sectors, strong Swiss SME focus, extensive automation possibilities

Mobile Limitation: Proffix Scan app focuses solely on scanning QR-invoices and transmitting them to the desktop system

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Flexina: Multi-Language Invoicing

Best for: Businesses with international clients needing multi-language invoicing

Flexina specializes in online invoicing with strong multi-language and multi-currency capabilities.

Platform Availability:

Desktop: Web-based platform
Mobile: iOS and Android apps

Pricing: Various tiers available

Strengths: Multi-language documents, multi-currency support, QR-invoice compliance, stock management, payment tracking, document conversion (quote to invoice), AI-powered scanning and recognition

Mobile Excellence: Full commercial document management on mobile, including creating/editing invoices, managing clients and suppliers, payment processing, inventory tracking

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Making the Right Choice for Your Freelance Business 🎯

Choosing the right cross-platform accounting software depends on your specific needs, technical comfort level, and budget.

Here's a decision framework:

▶ For Freelancers Just Starting Out

Recommended: SmallInvoice (free tier), Quitto, or Magic Heidi

Start with solutions offering free or low-cost entry points. SmallInvoice's free tier up to CHF 70,000 revenue gives you time to establish your business before committing to paid software.

▶ For Mobile-First Freelancers

Recommended: Magic Heidi, Bexio, KLARA, or SmallInvoice

If you do most of your work on mobile devices or frequently invoice on the go, prioritize software with excellent native mobile apps offering full functionality, not just viewing capabilities.

▶ For Traditional Bookkeepers

Recommended: Banana Accounting or Cresus

If you understand accounting principles and prefer working with desktop software that resembles Excel, these veteran solutions offer powerful features at reasonable prices.

▶ For Non-Accountants

Recommended: KLARA or Bexio

These solutions automate much of the complexity, with KLARA's AI automatically posting receipts and Bexio providing guided workflows designed for non-accountants.

▶ For Budget-Conscious Freelancers

Recommended: CashCtrl FREE, Banana Accounting, or SmallInvoice

CashCtrl's permanent free tier, Banana's reasonable annual fee, and SmallInvoice's generous free allowance offer excellent value.

▶ For Growth-Oriented Businesses

Recommended: Bexio, Proffix, or AbaNinja

Choose platforms that can scale with your business, offering additional modules, multi-user access, and integration with other business systems.

Essential Tips for Cross-Platform Success 💡

✔️ Start with the Mobile App: Install the mobile app first and test core workflows like creating an invoice or scanning a receipt. If the mobile experience feels awkward or limited, the software won't serve you well on the go.

✔️ Verify Swiss Compliance: Ensure the software generates compliant QR-invoices, handles Swiss VAT correctly, and integrates with Swiss banks. This isn't just convenience—it's essential for legal compliance.

✔️ Test Synchronization: Create a test invoice on mobile, then check if it appears immediately on desktop. Cross-platform means nothing if sync is slow or unreliable.

✔️ Check Offline Capability: Some apps work offline and sync when reconnected—crucial if you frequently work in areas with poor connectivity.

✔️ Evaluate AI Features: Modern solutions use AI to extract data from receipts and invoices automatically. This saves enormous time compared to manual entry.

✔️ Consider Fiduciary Integration: If you work with an accountant or trustee, choose software they already use or that offers seamless export options.

✔️ Read the Mobile App Reviews: App store reviews specifically mention mobile functionality, sync reliability, and real-world usage—extremely valuable insights.

Conclusion 🌟

The Swiss accounting software market offers excellent cross-platform solutions for freelancers who need to manage their finances from anywhere. From comprehensive platforms like Bexio and KLARA to specialized solutions like Magic Heidi and MILKEE, Swiss freelancers have access to world-class tools that combine Swiss regulatory compliance with modern mobile capabilities.

The era of being chained to a desktop for accounting is over. Today's Swiss freelancers can photograph receipts at restaurants, create invoices during client meetings, track time from job sites, and maintain complete financial oversight—all from their smartphones, with data syncing seamlessly to their desktop computers.

When selecting your accounting software, prioritize genuine cross-platform functionality (native mobile apps, not just mobile web access), Swiss-specific features (QR-invoices, VAT compliance, Swiss banking integration), and a user interface that matches your technical comfort level. Most importantly, take advantage of free trials to test the mobile experience yourself—because the best accounting software is the one you'll actually use consistently, whether you're at your desk or on the move.

The investment in quality accounting software pays dividends through time saved, errors prevented, and the professional image you project to clients. Choose wisely, and your accounting will become a competitive advantage rather than an administrative burden. 🚀