The verdict
If you run a Dutch or Belgian business with client invoices, expenses and VAT to file, I'd pick Moneybird. If you sell software, subscriptions or usage-based services internationally and do not want a tax project before your first customer, I'd pick Polar.
A small software company in the Netherlands could use both. Polar collects and pays out, and Moneybird holds the books. Because Polar is the seller of record, check how its payouts and invoices reach your bookkeeping. Ask your accountant what they accept before you decide.
Side by side
| 6 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | €3/mo | $20/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| Dunning & churn recovery | Yes | Yes |
| Hosted self-serve checkout | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Moneybird
- Compact€4/mo
- Start€18/mo
- Growth€35/mo
- Complete€49/mo
Polar
- StarterFree
- Pro$20/mo
- Growth$100/mo
- Scale$400/mo
Who each is for
Choose Moneybird if…
Pick Moneybird if you are a Dutch or Belgian freelancer or small company who wants invoicing, bookkeeping and VAT returns in one simple product. VAT can be filed from inside it, and time tracking feeds invoices.
It has a documented REST API with sandbox administrations, webhooks and an official MCP server. It is not for multi-entity accounting, heavy inventory or complex international work. Plans are limited by processed bank transactions, and connectors for shops and payment providers are built by third parties. There is no free plan, but there is a trial.
Choose Polar if…
Pick Polar if you are a developer or small software team selling subscriptions, licences or usage-based services worldwide. Polar handles checkout, EU VAT and other tax, invoicing and payouts, with meters for API calls or tokens and benefits such as licence keys or repository access.
You can start on a free plan with SDKs, framework adapters, a sandbox and an official MCP server that uses OAuth. You pay a percentage plus a fixed amount per sale. As the seller of record, it has an acceptable use policy and account reviews. It is not bookkeeping, so you still need a tool like Moneybird.
Other options worth a look
Handle global subscriptions, payments and tax compliance without managing VAT registration across 300+ markets.
Acts as merchant of record for software and digital product sales, handling global tax compliance.
Manages subscription billing, invoicing and revenue recognition for recurring businesses with your own payment gateways.
Ties agency projects, time, budgets and profitability together in one place for managing client work.
