Indy vs Dougs: who wins the online accountants match?

When you're starting up a business or running a fast-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 by providing seamless, digital accounting support designed for the uninitiated.

• But which of these two tools, which claim to be next-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 features, pricing, customer support and integration?

👉 In this comprehensive comparison of Indy vs Dougs, we'll help you to see things clearly. Our aim: to help you choose the best accounting solution for your profile, your needs and your type of business.

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What is Indy?

General presentation of Indy

Indy is the Swiss army knife of online accounting for the self-employed. Initially designed for self-employed people with taxable income, such as doctors, lawyers and consultants, the software has broadened 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 accountancy firm.

Unlike a traditional accountant, Indy works entirely online. It connects your bank account, automatically categorises your transactions, generates your tax return, your VAT return, and even your Urssaf returns. All without complex jargon.

In short, Indy is a simple, effective tool designed to save time for sole traders or managers who want to manage their accounts themselves.

Indy's main features

Before choosing an accounting software package, it's essential to know what it actually offers. Here are the key features of Indy that appeal to many users, particularly for their automation and clarity:

• automatic bank connection to synchronise your transactions in real time ;

• intelligent categorisation of income and expenditure

• automatic generation of tax returns (2035, 2033, VAT, etc.);

• real-time monitoring of your cash flow;

• clear dashboard with summary of expenses, income and profits;

• support from partner accountants;

• tax reminders and monitoring of the accounting calendar;

• 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 really well... and what might hold some people back.

✅ What do we often hear in customer reviews about Indy? 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 rates, with no nasty surprises

• significant savings compared with a traditional accountancy firm;

• massive time savings thanks to automation (categorisation, 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. There may be certain limitations depending on your activity or your need for support:

• only available for sole traders 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 accountancy firm, designed to support entrepreneurs from A to Z, from setting up a business right through 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 accountancy 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 and transparent pricing. Dougs caters for freelancers as well as VSEs, start-ups, SAS, SASU and SARLs, making it more versatile in terms of the legal structures it covers.

With more than 20,000 customers in France and strong growth, Dougs has established itself as a solid alternative to traditional law firms for companies looking for agility and clarity.

Key features of Dougs

Before choosing an online accountancy firm, it's crucial to understand what's included. Dougs relies on an intelligent mix of personalised 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 business start-up with legal support;

• bank synchronisation and categorisation of entries;

• pay slip preparation;

• mobile application for keeping 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 equally to business start-ups and seasoned managers.

But what about feedback? Let's take a look at what users like about it... and what they see as its 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;

• personalised support, with dedicated experts ;

• legal and tax advice included in the 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 can hold people back depending on their 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 who are self-employed 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 categorisation	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
Personalised legal and tax advice	❌ Limited	Yes, included
Company formation	❌ No	Free (subject to conditions)
Financial dashboard	Simple and visual	Comprehensive and customisable
Accountant support	Optional (with partner)	Included in all packages
Mobile application	Responsive Web App	Dedicated application

Focus on accountant support

Indy offers optional support via accountant partners. 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, has built human expertise into its DNA. Every customer has access to a real accountancy practice, with a dedicated team. This is a considerable advantage for company directors or those anticipating rapid growth, recruitment 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 tax returns (2035, VAT, Urssaf, etc.) are generated automatically from bank transactions. You don't need to understand the accounting in detail, the tool guides you very well.

Dougs, for its part, offers complete support: it's not the users who generate the returns, it's the accountants who take care of that. Practical, 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 better suited.

Focus on invoicing

Indy includes a simple invoicing module that's good enough for freelancers and consultants:

• quote creation,
• invoices
• track payments, etc.

But the features are still basic.

Dougs does not make invoicing its core business. It offers integrations with other specialist tools (such as Quickbooks, Sellsy, etc.), but does not provide a very advanced native module.

👉 O ur verdict: for integrated invoicing, Indy is more practical. For a more comprehensive 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 include 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 creation

Dougs offers complete support for setting up a business, including :

• legal formalities,
• drafting of articles of association
• and filing the application with the Registrar.

It's free if you become a customer, which can save entrepreneurs several hundred euros.

Indy, on the other hand, does not offer a business start-up service. You have to go through an external service provider.

👉 O ur view: 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: Automated accounting Limited support Pro account, Mastercard and unlimited transfers Quotes and invoicing	" Setting up a business + accounting : Tax optimisation meeting with your dedicated lawyer Tailor-made articles of association and registration with the Registrar's Office Guaranteed anti-rejection insurance Accounting support Unlimited advice from chartered accountants, lawyers and tax specialists Web and mobile application Invoicing software
Entry plan	-	" Essential Pack - from €49/month : Balance sheet and tax return sent to the tax office Performance table and monitoring of your key indicators in real time Unlimited advice from chartered accountants, company lawyers, tax specialists and employment lawyers
Intermediate plan	" Plus - from €9/month : Personalised support Advanced invoicing module Pro account with 3 sub-accounts Threshold monitoring Export of accounting documents	" Freedom Pack - from €79/month : Balance sheet certified by a chartered accountant Follow-up and preparation of your returns (VAT, CFE) Performance table and real-time monitoring of your indicators Unlimited advice from our chartered accountants, legal experts and tax specialists
Standard company plan	-	" Exclusive Pack - from €129/month : Dedicated accountant Direct access to your accountant's diary Priority balance sheet upon receipt of your balance sheet questionnaire
Advanced plan	" Premium - from €12/month : Priority, personalised support VAT returns & remote transmission Urssaf declaration of turnover Book of receipts Help with tax returns Business property tax Declaration of fees	" SME Pack - from €159/month : Management of commitment accounting Dedicated chartered accountant and bookkeeper for all your companies

Indy vs Dougs: which interface is the most intuitive?

When it comes to online accounting software, usability makes all the difference. A well-designed interface saves time, reduces errors and, above all, allows you to manage your business independently. Let's take a look at what Indy and Dougs have to offer in this area.

Criteria	Indy	Dougs
Easy to use	Intuitive, highly visual	More dense, useful learning
Mobile interface	Responsive mobile web	Dedicated mobile application
Dashboard customisation	Not very customisable	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 grounding in accounting, it's easy to find your way around. The dashboard presents the essentials:

• turnover
• expenses
• profits
• tax deadlines.

It's clear that the tool has been designed for self-employed people who want to manage their accounts themselves without getting lost in the figures.

Dougs, on the other hand, offers a denser interface, with more data displayed and more functions accessible from the dashboard. This may seem 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, etc.), the more time it saves you. For entrepreneurs, VSEs or firms, connectivity has become a real productivity lever: less re-keying, more automation, greater data reliability.

👉 Number of integrations available

• Indy: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
  Indy remains a standalone 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 to create 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 is 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 done 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 customisation.

• 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.

👉 Customisation and automation

• Indy: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
  Little inter-tool automation. Indy automates internally (categorisation, declaration, deadline 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 synchronisations (notably with Stripe or PayFit), and facilitate imports/exports between tools. Certain automations are possible, notably for processing financial flows or accounting entries. The potential is interesting, but remains less 'no code' than an open solution like Zapier or Make.

💡 Conclusion

• Indy focuses on simplicity: few integrations, but a fluid, frictionless experience. Ideal if you want to centralise 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, start-ups or companies with external HR tools.

When to choose Indy or Dougs?

Indy and Dougs are not aimed at the same types 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 appropriate than the other.

Typical use cases for Indy

Indy has been designed for self-employed people and sole traders who want to do their own bookkeeping using an automated tool. If you have a simple accounting activity, Indy is often the quickest, cheapest and most ergonomic choice .

📌 Here are the profiles for which Indy is particularly suited:

• freelance or liberal profession in BNC: doctor, lawyer, consultant, etc. ;

• sole traders or micro-businesses without employees;

• business start-ups looking for an intuitive tool that avoids accounting jargon;

• self-employed people who want to save time without having to pay for a full practice;

• independent users with no need for legal or tax advice;

• entrepreneurs who want to manage their accounting on their own, without outsourcing too much;

• organisations with no payroll or complex VAT management.

Typical use cases for Dougs

Dougs is designed for structured businesses that need an online accounting firm capable of managing everything: payroll, tax, legal and growth. The tool is particularly suited to companies in a structuring or development phase, who want to completely outsource their accounting while retaining a clear view of their performance.

📌 Here are the profiles that will benefit most from the Dougs offering:

• manager of a SAS, SASU, SARL or holding company;

• company with one or more employees (need for payroll management) ;

• business start-ups looking for legal support from the moment they are set up;

• entrepreneurs looking for personalised tax advice;

• start-ups or SMEs with complex business flows (e-commerce, international, etc.);

• structures needing 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 is not simply a question of budget or functionality. 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 the self-employed, liberal professions or freelancers who want to remain 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 practice and wide range of functions make it a modern alternative to traditional chartered accountants.

If you're a freelancer, self-employed professional or micro-entrepreneur and don't have an employee	👉 Indy will be smoother, faster and cheaper.
If you have a company subject to corporation tax (SAS, SARL, etc.), are planning to take on new staff or need regular tax and legal advice	👉 Dougs is your best long-term ally.
You're starting up a business and want support in setting it up + all-in-one monitoring	👉 Dougs, without hesitation.
You're comfortable with digital tools, but you want to keep on top of your accounts 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.

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FAQ - Indy vs Dougs

Is Indy a chartered accountant?

No. Indy is not a firm of chartered accountants, it's online accounting software. It automates bookkeeping, tax returns and document generation, but it does not replace a chartered accountant if you need legal or tax advice or an official signature. It does, however, offer partnerships with chartered accountants as an option.

Is Dougs compatible with all legal forms?

Almost. Dougs handles the vast majority of legal forms: SAS, SASU, SARL, EURL, SCI, LMNP... including companies subject to corporation tax. It also assists self-employed professionals in the BNC sector. However, micro-businesses and certain associations are not always covered by the basic packages. It's best to check according to your status.

Can I easily change software or practice if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, but with a few nuances. With Indy, you can cancel at any time (unless you've paid in advance), and get your accounting documents back. At Dougs, the commitment is often annual, so changing during the year may involve charges or loss of access to services. Remember to check the contractual conditions before committing yourself.

Can I manage my payroll with Indy?

No. Indy does not offer a payroll module, nor an 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.