The best alternatives to Holded in 2026
Holded is a good generalist ERP, but VeriFactu is not its core — and a lot of people are looking for something simpler, cheaper in total cost, or built for accounting firms. Here are 6 real alternatives, with their strengths and their documented drawbacks on Trustpilot and Capterra (2026).
What to look for before choosing an alternative
Not all alternatives are right for the same thing. These four criteria separate the ones that actually solve your problem from the ones that just swap your provider.
Real VeriFactu, not "in development"
It becomes mandatory from January 2027 (companies) and July 2027 (self-employed). Verify that AEAT submission is active TODAY, not promised. Holded was still without active submission as of May 2026, with Error 4124 blocking invoicing.
No "gems" that multiply the bill
Holded's base fee looks cheap until you add Inventory, POS, OCR, and an extra €50 to talk to a human. Calculate the real cost with EVERYTHING you need, not the entry price.
Native multi-client if you're an accounting firm
A firm with 50-200 clients can't onboard client by client. Look for parent-child hierarchy, 1-click switching, and batch operations — not a separate "partner program".
Human support with no paywall and no post-acquisition surprises
Several alternatives removed human chat or raised prices after being acquired (TeamSystem, Cegid). Check the pricing history and whether you can talk to a person without paying extra.
The 6 best alternatives to Holded
Ranked by fit for the Spanish electronic invoicing market. We start with Cofactu — but we'll tell you honestly when another option fits you better.
1. Cofactu Recommended
From €9/month · 30 days free, no cardVeriFactu compliance-first invoicing + files all 7 AEAT forms
The good · VeriFactu is the core, not a module: real submission to AEAT from day 1, pre-submission validation with 14 cataloged errors, and the only Spanish SaaS that files 303/111/130/115/190/347/349 from the app. Native multi-client for accounting firms, and everything included with no "gems".
The catch · It's new (2026) — fewer reviews than the veterans, and full analytical accounting still doesn't match a 15-year-old ERP.
Best for · Multi-client accounting firms, small businesses that need the AEAT forms, and self-employed people who want to comply without learning XML.
Try free →2. Quipu
From ~€13/month · forms from the Business plan at €36Invoicing for the self-employed with solid receipt OCR
The good · Mature expense OCR and a clean experience for self-employed users digitizing lots of receipts.
The catch · No 2FA on a financial product (recurring complaint on Capterra), a split mobile OCR that forces you to open the laptop, and phone support behind a €49 Premium paywall.
Best for · Self-employed people with a high volume of receipts who don't need multi-client.
Cofactu vs Quipu →3. Sage 50
From ~€30/month + annual renewalVeteran desktop accounting
The good · Consolidated accounting depth after decades and a wide network of partners/distributors.
The catch · Legacy desktop with local SQL Server, a 45-day phone cancellation, and an annual renewal that works like a new purchase. Cloud-native isn't its territory.
Best for · Companies with an accountant who already works in the Sage ecosystem and prioritizes accounting over modern invoicing.
Cofactu vs Sage 50 →4. Billin
From ~€6/monthSimple small-business invoicing (TeamSystem group)
The good · Very easy interface for issuing basic invoices quickly.
The catch · Documented TicketBAI silent-fail on Trustpilot and human chat removed after the TeamSystem acquisition.
Best for · Self-employed people who only need to issue simple invoices outside the Basque Country.
Cofactu vs Billin →5. Contasimple
From ~€9/month (rising)Invoicing + basic accounting (Cegid group)
The good · Covers invoicing and basic accounting at a low entry price.
The catch · +141% price increase in 6 years after the Cegid acquisition, signing with a Cegid certificate (not the client's), and no 2FA.
Best for · Whoever is after the lowest entry price and isn't worried about the post-acquisition direction.
Cofactu vs Contasimple →6. FacturaDirecta
From free / ~€10/monthInvoicing for self-employed and micro businesses
The good · A real free plan for low volume and a straightforward UI.
The catch · 1 tax ID = 1 separate account (you get redirected to Abaq, another product) and no phone support; two active UIs after the Feb-2026 redesign.
Best for · Self-employed people with a single tax ID and minimal needs.
Cofactu vs FacturaDirecta →Comparison at a glance
| Alternative | Real VeriFactu today | AEAT forms in the app | Multi-client for firms | Human support with no extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cofactu | Yes — day 1 | Yes — all 7 | Yes — native | Yes — included |
| Holded | In development | File / gems | Partner program | +€50 |
| Quipu | Yes | From Business plan | No | Premium €49 |
| Sage 50 | Yes | Partial | Via partner | Per contract |
| Billin | Yes | No | No | Chat removed |
| Contasimple | Yes | Partial | No | Limited |
| FacturaDirecta | Yes | No | 1 tax ID = 1 account | No phone |
Data from public comparisons + Trustpilot/Capterra reviews (2026). Verify each tool's current status before deciding — tax software changes fast.
Which one should I choose for my case?
I'm an accounting firm with 50+ clients
Cofactu. It's the only one with native parent-child hierarchy, magic onboarding (036 + invoices + bank in minutes), and batch form filing. The rest force you in client by client.
I'm self-employed with lots of receipts
Cofactu or Quipu. Quipu has mature OCR; Cofactu adds active VeriFactu, 2FA, and a €9 plan. If you already use Quipu and like the OCR, compare the total cost with forms included.
I'm a small business and need to file forms
Cofactu. The only SaaS that files 303/111/130/115/190/347/349 from the app. The rest give you a file that you upload yourself to the AEAT portal.
I want an all-in-one ERP with inventory
Holded still makes sense if you need inventory, projects, and CRM in a single suite and don't mind the add-ons. For invoicing + compliance without friction, a compliance-first tool wins.
Preguntas frecuentes
The most common questions when looking for a Holded alternative.
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Try Cofactu for 30 days, no card
The compliance-first alternative to Holded. If you prefer another tool afterward, you take your data with you in a ZIP. No minimum commitment.