CRM, billing, accounting: the 9 best alternatives to Axonaut in 2026
Axonaut is winning over many French SMEs with its promise to centralize CRM, invoicing, accounting and project management in a single tool. On paper, it looks perfect. But in practice, users find its interface a little rigid, its functionalities limited for certain professions and its integrations sometimes capricious... In short, sometimes Axonaut doesn't tick all the boxes.
So what do you do when your needs change, your team grows or you're looking for a simpler, more flexible... or more powerful tool?
👉 We've sifted through the 9 best alternatives to Axonaut, to help you find THE right business management software for your day-to-day needs. Whether you're looking for a simple CRM, a complete invoicing-accounting solution or a truly fluid all-in-one tool, this guide is here to save you time.
What is Axonaut?
Axonaut is an all-in-one business management software designed primarily for French VSEs and SMEs. Its objective? To simplify the day-to-day work of business managers by bringing together, in a single interface, the tools they need to manage their business:
- CRM ;
- invoicing ;
- quotations;
- expense tracking ;
- accounting ;
- HR ;
- or project management.
🎯 It is aimed at both freelancers and organizations with 5 to 50 employees, looking to structure their processes without blowing their budget. Designed for teams who want to save time without getting lost in complex software, Axonaut relies on a simple interface, practical functionalities and automation of administrative tasks.
Why consider an alternative to Axonaut?
Functionalities too basic for certain business needs
Axonaut offers a range of generalist functionalities: CRM, invoicing, simplified accounting, quotation management, expense tracking, etc. On paper, it's a complete solution. In practice, these modules can quickly lack depth.
Take CRM, for example: it tracks contacts, opportunities and sales. But as soon as you want to :
- automate follow-ups;
- create dynamic sales scenarios;
- or analyze the performance of your sales pipeline ;
... you quickly reach the tool's limits.
The same applies to project management or cash flow monitoring, where functionalities remain limited to very standard, even academic, use.
This may be fine for a small start-up company, but as soon as you have more complex processes, structured teams or sector-specific needs, Axonaut can become more of a hindrance than a help.
A simple interface... but not very scalable and sometimes frustrating
Axonaut relies heavily on a streamlined, accessible interface. This is one of its marketing arguments: to enable everyone to find their way around, even without training. But this simplicity sometimes comes at the expense of customization and ergonomics.
User feedback points in particular to :
- unintuitive menus, requiring several clicks to access basic functions ;
- fixed views, impossible to adapt according to one's priorities or role in the team;
- an aging design, out of step with modern application standards.
So what was supposed to save time ends up losing it, especially when several team members have to collaborate on the tool.
Integrations too limited for connected businesses
One of Axonaut's main criticisms concerns its integration capabilities. In an increasingly rich SaaS ecosystem, where each company uses between 5 and 15 business tools (accounting, marketing, e-commerce, HR, communication...), it is crucial to be able to easily connect these applications.
Axonaut offers a limited number of native integrations. Most external connections require either manual manipulation (CSV exports, copy and paste of data, etc.), or specific development via APIs or third-party gateways. This considerably hampers productivity gains, and increases the risk of errors or duplicated data.
For a company seeking to centralize its activity without multiplying re-entries, this rapidly becomes a critical issue. All the more so if customer relations, marketing campaigns or sales management rely on external tools that don't interact well with Axonaut.
A solution struggling to keep pace with business growth
Axonaut is an excellent entry point for young companies. But as soon as the structure grows, teams specialize or flows become more complex, the tool shows its limits in terms of scalability.
📌 For example:
- multi-user access remains basic, with little fine-grained rights management ;
- dashboards and reports are not very customizable, which complicates performance management;
- it lacks advanced functionalities for growing companies: fine-tuned role management, workflow automation, financial analyses, etc.
For many, this means replatforming after a few months or years: migrating to a more robust solution, with better scalability support and analysis or automation tools adapted to an evolving structure.
Comparative table of the 9 best alternatives to axonaut
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 Pipedrive |  Dolibarr |  Odoo |  Oracle NetSuite |  Pennylane |  Xero |  Freshsales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 1 to 5000 employees | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For companies with 1 to 250 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Pipedrive | Learn more about Dolibarr | Learn more about Odoo | Learn more about Oracle NetSuite | Learn more about Pennylane | Learn more about Xero | Learn more about Freshsales |
Our selection of all-in-one software alternatives to Axonaut
Dolibarr
Dolibarr is an open source business management solution, popular with VSEs, SMEs and associations looking for a comprehensive, customizable tool with no fixed subscription costs. Unlike Axonaut, Dolibarr offers great freedom of configuration: you choose which modules to activate according to your needs (CRM, quotations, invoices, inventory, HR, projects...).
Although the interface isn't as modern as that of recent cloud solutions, Dolibarr's flexibility, rich functionality and low-cost business model make it an attractive choice. It's an ideal alternative for organizations looking for a centralized, autonomous and 100% controllable management tool, especially if they have an IT team or technical service provider to support them.
⚒️ Here's why Dolibarr can replace Axonaut in a flexible and comprehensive business management logic:
- modular ERP: activate only the functionalities you need (sales, purchasing, HR, CRM, etc.) ;
- open source code: you can host and modify the software to suit your needs;
- extensive community and documentation available free of charge;
- extensive functionalities: sales management, accounting, project management, inventory, etc. ;
- extensive customization at no license cost;
- multi-user access with fine-grained rights management;
- local or cloud hosting, depending on your infrastructure.
Dolibarr
Odoo
Odoo is a behemoth of enterprise management software. This modular, open-source ERP allows you to manage all your operations via a single platform: CRM, invoicing, accounting, inventory management, HR, projects, e-commerce, marketing... Whereas Axonaut is limited to small and medium-sized businesses, Odoo is scalable and can be used by start-ups and SMEs alike.
Odoo's strength? Its modularity. You activate only the applications you need, without paying for the rest. And thanks to its extreme flexibility, the tool can be adapted to both growing companies and structures with specific needs, thanks to numerous integrations and a robust API.
⚒️ Here's why Odoo is a serious alternative to Axonaut for companies that want to centralize everything:
- more than 40 modules that can be activated as needed: CRM, sales, accounting, etc. ;
- unified, modern, responsive interface;
- advanced customization of workflows and user roles;
- integrated analysis tools, with powerful dashboards;
- multilingual and multi-currency support, for international structures;
- open source, with a large community of developers;
- cloud or private server hosting, depending on IT policy.
Odoo
Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is a high-end international cloud ERP designed for fast-growing or well-structured companies. Much more than just management software, NetSuite integrates all vital business functions: accounting, finance, CRM, inventory management, e-commerce, human resources, etc. Where Axonaut is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, NetSuite is aimed at medium-sized companies, scale-ups or multi-entity groups.
What sets NetSuite apart is its functional depth, its ability to centralize all company data, and its strong focus on financial performance and process optimization. It's a robust solution, but requires a certain level of operational maturity to realize its full potential.
⚒️ Here's why Oracle NetSuite can replace Axonaut for global, strategic management:
- unified ERP covering finance, CRM, purchasing, logistics, e-commerce, HR... ;
- powerful real-time reporting and financial analysis;
- multi-entity, multi-currency, multi-country management;
- automation of complex business processes;
- extensive customization and scalability;
- Oracle cloud infrastructure: security, performance, availability;
- expert support and assistance during deployment.
Oracle NetSuite
Sellsy
Sellsy is a French sales management software that integrates CRM, invoicing and quotation, marketing and cash flow modules. It's a natural alternative to Axonaut for companies looking to manage both customer relations and invoicing in the same tool, without the need for an ERP.
Its main strength? A clear, consistent interface, well-thought-out functionalities for sales staff and a real customer follow-up logic, from first contact to invoice. Sellsy has positioned itself as a complete sales management solution, particularly appreciated by sales teams who want to work quickly and efficiently (with a high degree of automation!).
⚒️ Here's what makes Sellsy a solid alternative to Axonaut for CRM and customer management:
- CRM connected to billing, for commercial continuity;
- visual sales pipeline, customizable according to your processes;
- marketing automation functions, with targeted e-mail and SMS campaigns;
- online invoice payment and automated reminders;
- integration of artificial intelligence, to analyze and summarize information, or to write texts;
- compatibility with e-billing reform ( Plateforme Agréée registration ) ;
- practical mobile application for field teams.
Our selection of alternatives to Axonaut for your accounting and billing needs
Sage 50
Sage 50 is a long-standing accounting and financial management solution used by thousands of SMEs. Unlike Axonaut, which aims for simplicity with a range of generalist functions, Sage 50 is positioned as a comprehensive, robust accounting tool, designed for structures with more advanced financial, invoicing and reporting needs. This platform is particularly appreciated by companies that work in collaboration with a chartered accountant or that internalize their accounting.
Sage 50's strengths? Genuine functional power, great configuration flexibility and functionalities tailored to financial management, well beyond Axonaut's capabilities. It's a more demanding solution, but also a richer one, ideal for structured SMEs.
⚒️ Here's why Sage 50 may be right for companies looking for a more robust accounting management tool:
- customizable chart of accounts, compliant with French standards ;
- multi-currency and multi-company management, for international structures;
- advanced financial dashboards and customized reports;
- cash flow, fixed assets and automatic dunning functionalities;
- integration with Sage payroll, CRM and sales management tools;
- solid track record and proven reliability, with dedicated support;
- cloud or on-premise hosting, according to preference.
Pennylane
Pennylane has established itself as one of the new leaders in augmented accounting, with a clear promise: to reconcile managers and accountants around a common tool. Where Axonaut is limited to entering and exporting accounting data, Pennylane offers a truly collaborative environment in real time, designed to streamline exchanges and automate as much as possible.
Targeting fast-growing SMEs and startups, Pennylane offers a high level of analysis and automation, with native integration of banking, purchasing, sales and even business tools (Stripe, Shopify, Qonto...). Its modern interface and dynamic reports make it an ideal solution for managers who want to control their business without waiting for the annual closing.
⚒️ Here's what sets Pennylane apart from software like Axonaut, and why it's winning over more and more finance teams:
- direct connection with your accounting firm, with no re-keying ;
- automatic bank imports with intelligent categorization;
- real-time visualization of cash flow and income statement;
- automation of customer and supplier invoices;
- expense tracking and validation ;
- dynamic dashboards, with analysis by item or project;
- native integrations with the main SaaS apps used in business.
Pennylane
Xero
Xero is a cloud accounting solution of New Zealand origin, which in just a few years has become a global reference for freelancers, startups and small businesses. Ultra-flexible and 100% online, it is positioned as a modern, international alternative to Axonaut, with a strong focus on invoicing, banking and accounting collaboration.
Xero's appeal lies in the quality of its interface, its rich ecosystem of third-party apps and its ability to adapt to different business contexts and countries. Although the tool is mainly used in English-speaking countries, it is also suitable for French structures operating internationally or accustomed to working with English-speaking accountants.
⚒️ Here's what makes Xero a credible alternative to Axonaut for fluid, modern financial management:
- customizable invoicing with integrated automatic reminders ;
- real-time bank synchronization with over 100 institutions;
- simplified management of estimates, expenses and expense reports ;
- seamless collaboration with certified accountants;
- over 1,000 available integrations : CRM, payment, e-commerce... ;
- powerful mobile application , so you can track your data anywhere;
- active support and an international community of users.
Xero
Our selection of CRM alternatives to Axonaut
Freshsales
Freshsales, developed by Freshworks, is a simple yet powerful CRM designed to streamline the prospecting, sales and customer management process, without unnecessary complexity. Where Axonaut integrates a rather basic CRM, Freshsales relies on a modern interface, advanced automation functionalities and a real capacity to structure the sales cycle from A to Z.
Ideal for SMEs looking to accelerate their sales development, Freshsales offers scoring tools, interaction tracking, automated e-mailing and even an integrated telephone. Its excellent price/performance ratio and gradual ramp-up make it a strategic choice for ambitious sales teams.
⚒️ Here's what Freshsales has to offer to boost customer relations and sales:
- customizable visual pipeline, with real-time opportunity tracking ;
- automation of sales tasks: reminders, e-mails, reminders ;
- intelligent, behavior-based lead scoring;
- native VOIP phone integration, including call tracking;
- complete history of customer interactions: e-mails, calls, meetings;
- 360° view of the customer, with centralized data per contact;
- multiple integrations with marketing, support and finance tools.
Freshsales
Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a CRM designed for sales performance. Created by salespeople for salespeople, it focuses on a single objective: to convert more leads into customers, with an ultra-visual interface, a crystal-clear pipeline and a logic of concrete actions. If Axonaut's CRM seems too rigid or too generalized, Pipedrive offers a user experience focused on efficiency.
This CRM will appeal to start-ups and ambitious SMEs alike, thanks to its ease of use, its ability to integrate easily with other tools, and its results-oriented approach. In short, it's all about getting deals done fast.
⚒️ Here's why Pipedrive is often preferred to Axonaut by sales teams:
- ultra-clear, drag-and-drop visual pipeline;
- automation of recurring tasks, e-mails and reminders;
- precise tracking of conversions and sales performance;
- ultra-fluid mobile interface, for efficiency on the move;
- fine-tuned management of contacts and companies, with powerful filters;
- rich marketplace, with over 300 integrations: Slack, Trello, etc. ;
- customizable, goal- and results-oriented reports.
Pipedrive
Summary table of the best alternatives to Axonaut
| Software | Target user | Key benefits | Entry price |
| Dolibarr | VSEs, SMEs, associations, technical structures |
|
From €16/month |
| Freshsales | Small business |
|
Free offer |
| Odoo | Companies of all sizes |
|
Free offer |
| Oracle NetSuite | ETI, scale-ups, international groups |
|
On quotation |
| Pennylane | SMEs, scale-ups |
|
From €14/month |
| Pipedrive | Results-oriented sales teams |
|
From €14/month |
| Sage 50 | Structured SMB |
|
From €20/month |
| Sellsy | French SMEs, sales teams |
|
From €29/month |
| Xero | Self-employed, small international companies |
|
From €5/month |
Criteria to consider when choosing an alternative to Axonaut
Before changing tools, it's essential to assess your priorities and check that the solution you've chosen will really simplify the management of your business. Here are the main criteria to consider
- functionalities essential to your business: CRM, invoicing, accounting, HR management... ;
- ease of use: the tool must be intuitive, quick to learn and easy to use without extensive training;
- integration: check compatibility with your other software (banking, accounting, e-commerce, marketing, etc.);
- value for money: compare included features, hidden costs and potential time savings;
- scalability: the tool must be able to evolve with your structure, without forcing you to change in 6 months' time;
- data centralization: a single platform to avoid re-entries and loss of information;
- mobility: if you often work on the move, the mobile application must be reliable and complete;
- customer support: a responsive service is essential to quickly resolve any technical bottlenecks or problems.
No more compromises: find the right tool to manage your business
Axonaut remains a good business management solution for getting started, but it's not necessarily the best choice for the long term. Too rigid? Not powerful enough? Ill-suited to your processes? Today, there are much more targeted, more fluid and sometimes even more economical alternatives, depending on your business, your team and your ambitions.
Whether you're looking for a simple CRM, a fast invoicing tool, an automated accounting solution, or scalable all-in-one software, there's bound to be a platform made for you.
💡 The most important thing is to choose software that:
- meets your real needs;
- saves your team time;
- integrates perfectly with your environment.
It's this kind of tool that transforms an administrative constraint into a performance lever.
Article translated from French