Indy vs Dougs: who wins the online accountants match?
When you're launching a new business or running a growing company, accounting quickly becomes a central issue... and sometimes a headache. Fortunately, online solutions such as Indy and Dougs promise to simplify the lives of entrepreneurs, with smooth, digitalized accounting support designed for the uninitiated.
- But which of these two new-generation accountants should you choose?
- Which one will save you time while guaranteeing rigorous management of your accounts?
- What are the differences in terms of functionality, pricing, customer support and integration?
👉 In this comprehensive Indy vs Dougs comparison, we'll help you make sense of it all. Our aim: to help you choose the best accounting solution for your profile, your needs and your type of business.
What is Indy?
Indy overview
Indy is the Swiss army knife of online accounting for the self-employed. Initially designed for self-employed professionals such as doctors, lawyers and consultants, the software has expanded its scope to become an all-in-one accounting management solution. It offers the promise of a tool that automates everything that can be automated, while providing real human support via an integrated accounting firm.
Unlike a traditional accountant, Indy works entirely online. It connects your bank account, automatically categorizes your transactions, generates your tax return, your VAT return, and even your Urssaf return. All this, without complex jargon.
In other words, Indy is a simple, effective and time-saving tool for sole traders or managers who want to manage their accounting themselves.
Indy's main features
Before choosing an accounting software package, it's essential to know what it actually offers. Here are the key Indy features that appeal to many users, particularly for their automation and clarity:
- automatic bank connection to synchronize your operations in real time ;
- intelligent categorization of income and expenses;
- automatic generation of tax returns (2035, 2033, VAT, etc.);
- real-time cash flow monitoring ;
- clear dashboard with summary of expenses, revenues and profits;
- support from partner accountants;
- tax reminders and accounting calendar monitoring;
- simple invoicing module for creating and sending customer invoices;
- chat and email support, often praised in user reviews.
Advantages and disadvantages of Indy
Indy has won over thousands of freelancers and small businesses thanks to its clear positioning and intuitive interface. But like any solution, it's not perfect for everyone.
Before you get started, let's take a look at what works so well... and what might hold back certain profiles.
✅ What we often hear in Indy customer reviews? Simplicity, automation, and a real relief in the day-to-day management of accounting. Here are the platform's main strengths:
- very easy to learn, even without any accounting knowledge ;
- transparent pricing, with no nasty surprises ;
- significant savings compared to a conventional accounting firm;
- massive time savings thanks to automation (categorization, declarations);
- responsive, informative customer support;
- modern, clear interface tailored to the needs of the self-employed.
❌ But Indy isn't the ideal solution for everyone. Certain limitations may weigh on your business or your need for support:
- only available for sole proprietorships and companies subject to corporation tax;
- not suitable for structures with complex management or payroll;
- no physical presence or appointments in the office: everything is done online;
- very basic invoicing functions ;
- no full accounting export for easy change of tool.
What is Dougs?
Dougs overview
Dougs is a new-generation online accounting firm, designed to support entrepreneurs from A to Z, from business start-up to day-to-day accounting management. Unlike Indy, which is primarily a software tool with support options, Dougs is first and foremost a 100% online accounting firm... with integrated software.
The promise? To offer the same level of service as a traditional chartered accountant, with the advantages of digital technology: automation, real-time monitoring, price transparency. Dougs caters for freelancers as well as VSEs, startups, SAS, SASU and SARLs, making it more versatile in terms of the legal structures it covers.
With over 20,000 customers in France and growing rapidly, Dougs has established itself as a solid alternative to traditional law firms for companies seeking agility and clarity.
Dougs key features
Before choosing an online accounting firm, it's crucial to understand what's included. Dougs relies on an intelligent mix of personalized support and software automation:
- complete accounting support: balance sheets, annual accounts, tax returns ;
- unlimited access to chartered accountants for legal, tax and accounting advice;
- real-time monitoring of finances via a connected dashboard;
- free company start-up with legal support;
- bank synchronization and entry categorization;
- payroll preparation;
- mobile application to keep track of your accounts at all times;
- integrated electronic signature for official documents;
- customer support via chat, email and telephone.
Advantages and disadvantages of Dougs
Dougs appeals to companies that want to outsource their accounting without sacrificing responsiveness or transparency. Its model appeals to start-ups and seasoned executives alike.
But what about feedback? Let's see what users appreciate... and what they point out as limitations.
✅ Dougs doesn't just provide software, it's a complete firm that supports its customers on a daily basis. Here's what frequently comes up in positive customer reviews;
- personalized support, with dedicated experts;
- legal and tax advice included in all packages;
- broad legal compatibility: SAS, SARL, holding, SCI, etc. ;
- all-in-one solution, ideal for growing companies;
- simplified company formation, with formalities taken care of;
- payroll function available, unlike Indy ;
- team available and proactive, according to customer feedback.
❌ Even though Dougs is one of the leaders in online public accounting, there are some points that may hold back depending on profiles or specific expectations;
- higher rates than 100% software tools such as Indy ;
- annual commitment required to benefit from the best prices;
- less suitable for self-employed people with a BNC or micro-entrepreneurs;
- interface sometimes considered dense for novices;
- no comprehensive free test.
Indy vs Dougs: compare features
Feature comparison table
| Features | Indy | Dougs |
| Automatic bank connection | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic categorization | Yes | Yes |
| Automated tax returns | Yes (2035, VAT, etc.) | Yes (VAT, corporation tax, balance sheet, etc.) |
| Balance sheet and annual accounts | ❌ No | Included |
| Payroll and employee management | ❌ No | Optional |
| Personalized legal and tax advice | ❌ Limited | Yes, included |
| Company start-up | ❌ No | Free (subject to conditions) |
| Financial dashboard | Simple and visual | Complete and customizable |
| Expert accountant support | Optional (with partner) | Included in all offers |
| Mobile application | Responsive Web App | Dedicated application |
Focus on accountant support
Indy offers optional support via partner accountants. This hybrid model is ideal for freelancers or self-employed professionals. But beware: if you need legal verification, advice on your structure, or precise answers to tax questions, Indy quickly reaches its limits.
Dougs, on the other hand, integrates human expertise into its DNA. Every customer has access to a real accounting firm, with a dedicated team. This is a considerable asset for company directors or those anticipating rapid growth, hiring or more complex set-ups.
👉 O ur verdict: for tax, legal or strategic advice, Dougs is the clear winner.
Focus on tax return management
Indy stands out for its ultra-intuitive interface: in just a few clicks, your declarations (2035, VAT, Urssaf...) are automatically generated from bank movements. There's no need to understand accounting in detail, as the tool guides you along just fine.
Dougs, for its part, offers a complete takeover: it's not the users who generate the declarations, it's the chartered accountants who take care of them. Convenient, but you're a bit more of a spectator to the process.
👉 O ur opinion: if you want to understand and stay in control, Indy is more educational. For "zero stress" and 100% delegated management, Dougs is more suitable.
Focus on invoicing
Indy integrates a simple invoicing module, sufficient for freelancers or consultants:
- quote creation,
- invoices,
- payment tracking...
But the functionalities remain basic.
Dougs, on the other hand, does not make invoicing its core business. It offers integrations with other specialized tools (such as Quickbooks, Sellsy, etc.), but does not provide a very advanced native module.
👉 O ur opinion: for integrated invoicing, Indy is more practical. For a more complete solution, you'll have to go with a third-party tool, whichever you choose.
Focus on payroll management
This is one of Indy's major weaknesses: it doesn't integrate any payroll management functions. No payslip, no DSN, nothing.
Dougs, on the other hand, offers a complete payroll module: ideal for companies with employees. The Dougs team even takes care of social compliance and declarations.
👉 O ur verdict: for any company with employees, Dougs is indispensable. Indy remains limited to structures with no HR needs.
Focus on business start-ups
Dougs offers comprehensive support for business start-ups, including :
- legal formalities,
- drafting of articles of association,
- and filing with the clerk's office.
It's free if you become a customer, which can save an entrepreneur several hundred euros.
Indy, on the other hand, doesn't include a business start-up service. You have to go through an external service provider.
👉 O ur opinion: for a business start-up project, Dougs is a real asset, especially if you want legal and tax support from the outset.
Indy vs Dougs: compare prices
| Plan | Indy | Dougs |
| Free | " Essential:
|
" Business start-up + accounting :
|
| Entry plan | - | " Pack Essentiel" - from €49/month :
|
| Intermediate plan | " Plus - from €9/month :
|
" Pack Liberté" - from €79/month :
|
| Company standard plan | - | " Exclusive Pack - from €129/month :
|
| Advanced plan | " Premium - from €12/month :
|
" SME Pack - from €159/month :
|
Indy vs Dougs: which interface is the most intuitive?
When it comes to online accounting software, ergonomics make all the difference. A well thought-out interface saves time, reduces errors and, above all, allows you to remain autonomous in the management of your business. Let's take a look at Indy and Dougs.
| Criteria | Indy | Dougs |
| Easy to use | Intuitive, highly visual | More dense, useful learning |
| Mobile interface | Mobile web responsive | Dedicated mobile application |
| Dashboard customization | Not very customizable | Adjustable dashboards |
| Overall design | Modern, uncluttered | More classic, functional |
| Accessibility for non-accountants | Designed for novices | More suitable for structured companies |
🧠 Comparative analysis
Indy impresses from the outset with its minimalist, clear and fluid interface. The user is guided step by step, and even without any basic accounting knowledge, it's easy to find your way around. The dashboard presents the essentials:
- sales,
- expenses,
- profits,
- tax deadlines.
It's clear that the tool has been designed for freelancers who want to manage their accounting themselves without getting lost in the figures.
Dougs, on the other hand, offers a denser interface, with more data displayed and functions accessible right from the dashboard. This may be intimidating at first, but the wealth of information is a real plus for company directors or users who want more detailed financial management. Bonus: the Dougs mobile app is highly rated and enables mobile monitoring, which Indy does not yet offer natively.
Indy vs Dougs: compare integrations
The better an accounting solution integrates with your other tools (CRM, invoicing, banking, payroll...), the more time it saves you. For entrepreneurs, VSEs or law firms, connectivity has become a real productivity lever: fewer re-entries, more automation, greater data reliability.
👉 Number of available integrations
- Indy: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Indy remains a stand-alone solution, with few native integrations to date. The tool automatically connects to bank accounts, which is already a plus, but it doesn't offer a marketplace or a public API for creating custom integrations. Nor are there any direct connectors to CRM or sales management tools. The approach is deliberately all-in-one and closed.
- Dougs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Dougs offers broader connectivity, notably with platforms such as Stripe, Shopify, PayFit, Qonto, Pennylane and Quickbooks. There's also a (limited) API and on-demand integrations via the technical team. It's not an open ecosystem like the SaaS giants, but Dougs is clearly moving towards greater interoperability with enterprise management tools.
👉 Ease of configuration
- Indy: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The advantage of having few integrations is that everything is very simple. The banking connection is made in a few clicks, without any technicalities. The logic is "plug & play", designed for users with no technical background. No complex settings, but also no extensive customization.
- Dougs: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
The integrations offered sometimes require support, particularly when it comes to connecting payment or e-commerce platforms. However, the Dougs team provides dedicated support and step-by-step guides. Advanced options (APIs, specific automations) may require the intervention of a technician or support.
👉 Customization and automation
- Indy: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Little inter-tool automation. Indy automates internally (categorization, declaration, due date reminders), but you can't trigger external actions from within the tool. No Zapier, no workflows. It's effective for those who want a "closed" solution, but limited for complex environments.
- Dougs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Dougs integrations can feed dashboards, trigger accounting synchronizations (notably with Stripe or PayFit), and facilitate imports/exports between tools. Certain automations are possible, notably in the processing of financial flows or accounting entries. The potential is interesting, but remains less "no code" than an open solution like Zapier or Make.
💡 Conclusion
- Indy relies on simplicity: few integrations, but a fluid, frictionless experience. Ideal if you want to centralize your accounting in a single tool without worrying about connectors.
- Dougs has the edge when your company uses several business tools. It offers more out-of-the-box integrations and better compatibility with your existing stack, especially for e-tailers, startups or companies with external HR tools.
When to choose Indy or Dougs?
Indy and Dougs are not aimed at the same type of customer. One focuses on simplicity and automation, the other on expert accounting support. Depending on your legal form, your level of autonomy, the complexity of your accounting management or your growth phase, one will often be more suitable than the other.
Typical use cases for Indy
Indy has been designed for freelancers and sole traders who want to do their own bookkeeping while relying on an automated tool. If you have a simple accounting activity, Indy is often the fastest, most economical and ergonomic choice .
📌 Here are the profiles for which Indy is particularly suited:
- freelancers or self-employed professionals: doctors, lawyers, consultants, etc. ;
- sole traders or micro-businesses without employees;
- business creators looking for an intuitive tool without accounting jargon;
- self-employed people who want to save time without having to pay for a full practice;
- autonomous users with no need for legal or tax advice;
- entrepreneurs who want to manage their accounting on their own, without outsourcing too much;
- structures without payroll or complex VAT management.
Typical use cases for Dougs
Dougs is designed for structured companies that need an online accounting firm capable of managing everything: payroll, tax, legal, growth. The tool is particularly suited to companies in a structuring or development phase, who wish to completely outsource their accounting while retaining a clear view of their performance.
📌 Here are the profiles that will benefit most from Dougs:
- manager of a SAS, SASU, SARL or holding company;
- company with one or more employees (payroll management needs);
- company founders looking for legal support right from the start;
- entrepreneurs looking for personalized tax advice;
- start-ups or SMEs with complex business flows (e-commerce, international...);
- structures requiring solid accounting documents for investors;
- companies looking to save time by outsourcing all their accounting.
Indy or Dougs: the accounting tool that will (really) save you time?
Choosing between Indy and Dougs isn't simply a question of budget or features. Above all, it's a matter of entrepreneurial profile, level of autonomy, and the type of relationship you want to have with your accounting.
💡 Indy is an excellent online accounting solution for freelancers who want to stay in control of their management, without drowning in paperwork or depending on a firm. Its clear interface, advanced automation and highly competitive price make it a formidable tool for sole traders.
💡 Dougs, on the other hand, is aimed more at structured businesses looking for expert support, comprehensive accounting services, and the ability to keep up with growth (hiring, tax, holding, fund-raising, etc.). Its integrated cabinet and numerous functions make it a modern alternative to traditional chartered accountants.
| If you're a freelancer, a self-employed professional or a micro-entrepreneur and you don't have an employee | 👉 Indy will be smoother, faster and more economical. |
| If you have a company subject to corporation tax (SAS, SARL, etc.), are planning to hire new staff or need regular tax and legal advice | 👉 Dougs is your best long-term ally. |
| If you're starting up a business and want support in setting it up + all-in-one follow-up | 👉 Dougs, without hesitation. |
| You're comfortable with digital tools, but you want to keep on top of your accounting without complex jargon | 👉 Indy, for its radical simplicity. |
In short, Indy is a tool, Dougs is a practice. And depending on your level of maturity, your support needs and the complexity of your business, the right choice quickly becomes obvious.
FAQ - Indy vs Dougs
Is Indy a certified accountant?
No. Indy is not an accounting firm; it's online accounting software. It automates bookkeeping, tax declarations and document generation, but it doesn't replace a chartered accountant if you need legal or tax advice, or an official signature. It does, however, offer optional partnerships with chartered accountants.
Is Dougs compatible with all legal forms?
Almost. Dougs handles the vast majority of legal forms: SAS, SASU, SARL, EURL, SCI, LMNP... including IS companies. We also support self-employed professionals with BNC status. On the other hand, micro-businesses and certain associative structures are not always covered by the basic formulas. It's best to check according to your status.
Can I easily change software or practice if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, but with some nuances. With Indy, you can cancel at any time (unless you've paid in advance), and get your accounting documents back. With Dougs, the commitment is often annual, so changing during the year may involve charges or loss of access to services. Be sure to check the contractual conditions before committing yourself.
Can I manage payroll with Indy?
No. Indy does not offer a payroll module, nor any option for managing pay slips, social declarations or DSNs. If you have one or more employees, it's best to turn to Dougs, which offers an optional payroll service with full management of social obligations.
Article translated from French