Cegid vs Sage: two titans of business management, one winner?
ERP, payroll, accounting, tax... Management software has become the right-hand man of SMEs and large companies alike. But it's hard to decide between Cegid and Sage, the two long-established players in the market. Both promise performance, automation and compliance. But their approaches, their UX and their prices differ, sometimes widely.
In 2025, choosing the right tool is no longer an option. It's a strategic lever for saving time, reducing errors and better managing your business. So which one really ticks all the boxes for your business?
We've analysed their offerings, tested their interfaces, compared their prices and their integrations.
Cegid or Sage? Let's get to the heart of the matter.
What is Cegid?
General presentation of Cegid
Cegid is a bit of a veteran in the field of management software made in France... but with a nice facelift. Today, it has established itself as a key player in SaaS solutions for business: finance, accounting, payroll, HR, retail and tax.
The target market? A broad one. From very small businesses to multinationals, not forgetting accountancy firms. Cegid can be found in demanding sectors where compliance, traceability and data reliability are non-negotiable.
In terms of use cases, we're thinking of multi-company management, financial performance management, payroll automation and point-of-sale digitalisation for retail chains. In short, a well-honed Swiss Army knife for administrative and financial departments.
What makes it different? A clear positioning in the cloud, a modular approach, and a strong ability to adapt to business needs. As a result, Cegid is just as likely to be found in a 10-strong accountancy practice as in a listed group that needs to manage its international flows.
Cegid's main features
- Accounting & tax: automated data entry, closing, tax returns, electronic declarations, etc. Cegid ticks all the boxes for straightforward financial management.
- ERP & commercial management: management of purchases, sales, stocks, projects, with a real unified flow logic.
- Payroll & HR: production of payslips, social security returns, time management, annual interviews, payroll monitoring.
- BI & steering: interactive dashboards, customised indicators, multi-entity consolidation... Cegid focuses on useful data.
- Specialised business solutions: retail, healthcare, industry, accountancy... with dedicated modules and customised settings.
- Collaborative portal: customer access, employee extranet, digital safe, paperless documents.
Advantages and disadvantages of Cegid
What we like
Cegid stands out for its functional robustness. The modules are rich, well thought-out and, above all, interconnected. The sector-based approach is a real plus for complex businesses, and the cloud ecosystem encourages fluid management, even remotely.
What we don't like
Its wealth of features can be a hindrance. The interface sometimes lacks a modern edge, and getting to grips with it requires some serious coaching. Pricing is also bespoke, so there's little immediate visibility.
What is Sage?
General presentation of Sage
Sage is the other heavyweight in the sector. Born in the UK, the software has become a global benchmark in accounting, financial and HR management. With more than 2 million customers worldwide, it speaks the language of SMEs fluently, but doesn't say no to larger organisations.
His target market? Companies of all sizes, but with a strong focus on very small businesses. Sage appeals to managers who want a solution that is both comprehensive and accessible, without sacrificing performance.
In terms of use cases, we're thinking accounting, cash management, invoicing, payroll and ERP. Sage supports both small businesses looking to simplify customer reminders and growing companies looking to industrialise their internal processes.
Sage's positioning is clear: it offers flexible, modular tools that are quick to learn, often via packaged offers. With a dense network of resellers and partners, Sage remains a safe bet for companies that want to evolve without drowning in complexity.
Main Sage functionalities
- Accounting & finance: automated data entry, bank reconciliations, balance sheets, fixed asset management.
- Invoicing & sales management: creation of quotes, invoices, purchase orders, customer and supplier follow-up.
- Payroll management: drawing up pay slips, DSN, social security declarations, integration of collective bargaining rules.
- Business management: financial indicators, dashboards, customisable reporting.
- Modular ERP: management of stocks, purchasing, sales, production, etc., with options that can be scaled to suit the size of your business.
- Cloud & mobile solutions: remote access, multi-device synchronisation, compatibility with collaborative tools.
Sage 100
Advantages and disadvantages of Sage
What we like
Sage has the advantage of simplicity. The solutions are quick to deploy, well documented and designed to be intuitive to use. Ideal for SMEs that want to move fast, without sacrificing reliability.
What we don't like
Sage sometimes shows its limitations as soon as you step outside the standard framework. The range can seem fragmented, with several software packages depending on your needs, and some advanced functions require additional modules. When it comes to support, experience varies from one partner to another.
Cegid vs Sage: compare functionalities
Before making a decision, you need to compare like with like. Cegid and Sage cover similar areas, but their approach differs. Here's a summary table to help you see clearly:
| Key functionality | Cegid | Sage |
| Accounting & tax | Very comprehensive, business-oriented approach | Efficient, more standardised |
| Payroll & HR | Powerful, customisable modules | Quick and easy for SMEs |
| ERP | Highly modular, multi-company oriented | More packaged, SME-oriented |
| Automation | Strong workflow logic | More limited except for paid options |
| Customisation | Very advanced (but complex to deploy) | Limited but quick to configure |
Focus 1: Accounting & tax
This is the core business of both solutions.
Cegid 's approach is comprehensive: multi-company accounting management, analytical and tax management, direct integration of French legal standards. Ideal for firms and demanding finance departments. Sage, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and speed, with a user-friendly approach designed for SMEs: simplified bank reconciliation, automated entries, integrated invoicing tools.
👉 To remember
Cegid for powerful accounting, Sage for day-to-day efficiency for small teams.
Focus 2: Payroll management
Cegid offers ultra-customisable payroll modules, adapted to collective agreements, multi-site management, exports to social security bodies, etc. A must for groups or highly regulated sectors.
Sage is lighter, with a solution designed to produce pay slips quickly and ensure compliance, without getting too complex.
👉 To remember
Cegid gains in flexibility, Sage gains in speed of implementation.
Focus 3: ERP and business management
Cegid offers a complete ERP suite, focusing on sales management, purchasing, sales, inventory, projects, etc., all interconnected with its other modules (payroll, finance, etc.).
Sage offers several ERP packages (such as Sage 100), often packaged, with a simpler but sometimes less adaptable logic.
👉 To remember
Cegid offers broader functional coverage, while Sage focuses on rapid deployment.
Focus 4: Task automation
Cegid is pushing hard for automation via workflows, integration of supporting documents, automatic reconciliations, reminders, etc. Everything is done to limit manual actions. Sage also offers automation, but often via optional modules or third-party integrations.
👉 To remember
Cegid wins if the aim is to reduce the manual workload as much as possible.
Focus 5: Customisation & configuration
Cegid allows very detailed customisation: management rules, user profiles, displays, KPIs, etc. But this requires time and sometimes a consultant.
Sage remains more packaged: less customisable, but easier to configure on its own.
👉 To remember
Cegid, for complex organisations; Sage, for structures that want to get straight to the point.
Cegid vs Sage: compare prices
| Offer or range | Cegid XRP Flex | Sage 100 Cloud |
| Entry-level | 0/month 'Free' version (limited functionality) | Not available - no free offer or extended trial |
| Standard / SME offer | From €350/month (Express offer) | Around €10,000/year (depending on partners) |
| Advanced package / Industry | Up to €1,570/month (Advanced or Industry version) | Prices on quotation - depending on modules and users |
| Billing method | Monthly or annual subscription, depending on publisher | Annual licence + options; SaaS or On-Premise |
| Modules included | ERP, sales management, accounting, finance, payroll (depending on package) | Accounting, sales, payroll, cash management, CRM (depending on licence) |
| User pricing | Varies according to offering, number of users and business needs | Limited to 10 users (beyond that: personalised offer) |
| Customised quote | Recommended for 2 or more modules or business configuration | Mandatory in most cases |
👉 To remember
- Cegid XRP Flex offers a free trial version, followed by an upgrade via modular packages. Ideal for organisations looking for a progressive ERP solution.
- Sage 100 Cloud is more rigid in its pricing, with a more expensive entry-level package but a proven, packaged approach for SMEs.
- In both cases, costs can change rapidly with the number of users, the modules activated and the level of customisation.
Cegid vs Sage: which interface is more intuitive?
Software can be powerful, but if it takes 3 days of training to create an invoice, you've lost the match. Ergonomics, navigation and ease of configuration have become key criteria for decision-makers, especially in SMEs.
Here's a visual comparison of the main UX criteria:
| Criterion | Cegid | Sage |
| User-friendly | Fairly technical | Fast, intuitive |
| Navigation | Well-structured modules | Fluid, guided interface |
| Customisation | Very extensive (depending on modules) | Limited but effective |
| Aesthetics | Sober, sometimes dated | Modern, responsive |
| Learning curve | Medium to long | Short to medium |
Cegid relies on a modular interface, with customisable dashboards and a strong business vision. The environment is dense, sometimes too dense. Some users report that the interface is a little dated, depending on the product, but the business consistency is there. It often takes time to adapt... and sometimes the help of an integrator.
Sage, especially in its cloud versions, gets straight to the point. Streamlined menus, fluid navigation, self-explanatory icons, simplified workflows: it's designed for teams with little technical knowledge. The settings are less advanced, but the software is still pleasant to use on a day-to-day basis, especially for standard functions.
👉 To remember
- If you're looking for a fast, efficient user experience, Sage scores highly, especially for SMEs.
- If you need a more customisable, business-oriented environment, Cegid is the obvious choice... as long as you accept the longer learning curve.
Cegid vs Sage: compare integrations
Good management software doesn't live in a vacuum. It needs to integrate easily into the company's digital ecosystem. Open APIs, native connectors, possible automations: we have compared the two platforms on the basis of the essential criteria.
| Type of integration | Cegid | Sage |
| Accounting & finance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Excellent integration with tax and banking tools; connectors available to accountancy software. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Native integration with Sage Payroll, Sage 100, banking solutions and automatic reconciliation tools. |
| CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.) | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ - Existing connectors but often reserved for large offerings or require an integrator. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Native connectors available depending on version (Sage Active, Sage 100), open APIs. |
| Collaborative tools (Office, Google, Teams...) | ⭐⭐⭐☆ - Integration possible, but rarely native, requires manual configuration. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Perfect compatibility with Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, Google Drive. |
| E-commerce (Prestashop, Shopify...) | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ - Integration via partners or third-party modules. Often requires a service provider. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Ready-to-use modules on certain offerings (Sage 100 Gestion Co), well-documented APIs. |
| Payroll & HR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Seamless integration with its own modules (Cegid HR, Payroll), optimised inter-module data exchange. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Native integration with Sage Payroll, automated DSN, easy export/import to HR. |
| ERP & business solutions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Very good level of interconnection between in-house modules, and APIs available depending on the offering. | ⭐⭐⭐☆ - Sage 100 ERP connected but more limited for third-party extensions. |
| Automation & API | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Powerful workflows, APIs available (depending on offering), but documentation sometimes technical. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Open APIs, connectors with Zapier, IFTTT, good interoperability with external apps. |
Cegid has a solid integration ecosystem, particularly for companies with specific needs: interfacing with business software, third-party accounting solutions, or extended ERP. But these integrations sometimes require a technical intermediary.
Sage, on the other hand, offers ready-to-use connectors, well-documented APIs and a strong interoperability philosophy. Integrations with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Prestashop or Zapier are easy to set up, especially with Sage Active.
👉 To remember
- Do you work in an SME with off-the-shelf tools (Microsoft, CRM, ecommerce)? Sage offers a seamless plug & play experience.
- Do you have complex workflows and specialised business rules? Cegid will take you further, with a little more technical effort.
When should you choose Cegid or Sage?
The right software is first and foremost the one that fits in with your daily life, not the one that shines on paper. So, should you choose Cegid or Sage? Here are two scenarios to help you decide, depending on your profile.
If you're a company with complex needs, choose Cegid
Do you manage several entities? Are you in a regulated sector (health, industry, accountancy)? Do you need a solid ERP, ultra-parametric payroll or cutting-edge tax solutions?
Cegid is just what you need.
- Do you manage a multi-site or multi-company structure?
- You need highly customisable processes
- Your teams have the resources (or the support) to manage a rich tool
- You're looking for a partner who can grow with you over the long term
- You have strong constraints in terms of compliance, audit, legal reporting, etc.
Our verdict: Cegid takes time and a bit of method, but once it's up and running, it's a machine for automating, structuring and making your management more reliable.
If you're an SME looking for efficiency without the headaches, choose Sage.
Do you want to move fast, with a tool that's simple to deploy and easy to adopt? Is your priority day-to-day management (invoicing, accounting, payroll) with a controlled budget?
Then Sage is for you.
- You are a growing SME or VSE
- You have a small administrative team
- You're looking for a turnkey solution, with native connectors
- Your needs are standard but evolving
- You want to remain autonomous in terms of configuration
Our verdict: Sage ticks all the boxes for companies that want a solid solution that can be implemented quickly, without the need for an army of consultants.
Key points from the Cegid vs Sage battle
Cegid and Sage do not have the same DNA. Cegid plays the card of power and business adaptability. The latter relies on simplicity and rapid deployment. Both have their strengths, but the choice depends above all on your needs, your team and your level of functional requirement.
To help you decide, here's an ultra-practical table:
| Business needs | Our recommendation |
| Managing several companies, with complex rules | Cegid |
| Quickly set up simple accounting and payroll systems | Sage |
| Customise business workflows (finance, HR, retail) | Cegid |
| An intuitive interface, little training required | Sage |
| Easily connect the software to Office, Google, CRM, etc. | Sage |
| Centralise all management in a scalable ERP platform | Cegid |
| Control costs from the outset, with no nasty surprises | Sage |
| Manage complex legal and tax obligations | Cegid |
👉 Our opinion
- Sage is the ally of agile SMEs: quick to learn, flexible, and formidable when it comes to the basics.
- Cegid is the tool for companies that want to structure, scale and professionalise their management.
FAQ on Cegid vs Sage
1. Which software is easier to learn between Cegid and Sage?
Sage. Its interface is more intuitive, especially with the cloud offerings. It's designed for SMEs that want to get up and running quickly, without the need for lengthy training. Cegid, on the other hand, is denser but more powerful once you've mastered it.
2. Which is best suited to a multi-site or multi-company business?
Cegid. Its modular structure and advanced consolidation functions make it a benchmark choice for complex organisations.
3. Can you manage payroll with Sage and Cegid?
Yes, both offer complete payroll modules. Cegid stands out for its ability to manage complex collective agreements, while Sage remains highly effective for more standard requirements.
4. Do both software packages work in cloud mode?
Yes, both publishers have migrated their offerings to the SaaS cloud, with a strong emphasis on mobility and accessibility. Sage has a number of ready-to-use cloud offerings, while Cegid offers a more 'business-specific' cloud.
5. Is it easy to connect Cegid or Sage to other tools?
Sage has a point here. It offers native connectors with Office, Salesforce, Prestashop and so on. Cegid also offers APIs and connectors, but their deployment is sometimes more technical.
6. Which software is the most economical for a small business?
Sage, without hesitation. Its entry-level plans are clear and accessible. Cegid offers powerful modular solutions, but at quoted prices, which are often higher.
7. Is it possible to customise functionalities?
Yes, but there are differences: Cegid offers very advanced customisation (management rules, dashboards, automation, etc.), while Sage is more packaged, with a simple configuration logic.
8. Which customer support is the most responsive?
That depends on the offering and the channel chosen. Feedback from users is mixed for both: it all depends on whether you go through a reseller partner or directly through the publisher. A word of advice: test the support right from the demo phase.
Article translated from French