Pennylane vs Tiime: accounting software in France
Tiime is the sensible start for a French freelancer or very small company: it is free, handles quotes, invoices, receipts and bank sync, and many accounting firms already give it to their clients. Pennylane suits a growing SME that wants live figures, since you and your expert-comptable keep the books together in real time and you see cash and margins as they move. Both are registered approved platforms for France's e-invoicing reform, so the choice comes down to size and to what your accountant uses.
Which one to pick
Your company has supplier bills to approve and wants live cash and margin figures, and your expert-comptable is happy to close the books inside the same tool.
You are an auto-entrepreneur or small company that needs free quotes, invoices and receipt capture, especially if your accountant already works with Tiime.
Side by side
Questions
Is Tiime really free?
Yes, our data lists Tiime as a free app for French freelancers and small companies. Our data shows no free Pennylane plan, and we do not quote its price because we could not confirm it. Pennylane does offer its e-invoicing service free to micro-businesses, according to its own website.
Are both ready for the 2026 e-invoicing reform?
Yes. Both are registered approved platforms on the tax administration's list. Tiime covers issuing, receiving and e-reporting; Pennylane issues Factur-X invoices. Since 1 September 2026 every business must be able to receive e-invoices, and small businesses must issue them from 1 September 2027.
Which works better with my expert-comptable?
Pennylane is built for working side by side: your accountant closes the books from the same live data you use every day. Tiime shares everything directly with your accountant too, and many firms provide it to their clients. Ask your accountant first, because the tool they already run will cost you the least effort.
Can an auto-entrepreneur use Pennylane?
You can, but it is aimed at small and medium businesses with supplier bills and an accountant in the loop. A micro-entreprise with simple sales usually needs quotes, invoices and receipts, which Tiime covers for free. Move to Pennylane if your activity grows into a company with more bookkeeping.
Do they connect to my bank?
Both sync your bank accounts, so transactions come in without manual entry. In Tiime you match them with the receipts you snap on your phone. Pennylane uses the bank feed for real-time bookkeeping and live cash figures.