Choosing accounting software is no longer only the accountant's decision. Modern business owners need real-time data access, mobile invoicing, and above all, seamless integration with e-Invoice and e-Transport.
We analyze Romania's "Big 3": SAGA, SmartBill, and WinMentor.
1. SAGA Software
The uncrowned king of Romanian accounting, used by most accounting firms.
- PRO:
- Unbeatable pricing: very affordable license.
- Fast legislative updates: SAGA reacts quickly to legal changes.
- Huge community: the SAGA forum covers almost every issue.
- CON:
- Outdated interface (classic legacy desktop style).
- FoxPro-based database can be slower on large datasets.
[!TIP] > Best for: small businesses, sole traders, accounting offices.
2. SmartBill
Cloud leader in the Romanian market. SmartBill changed how entrepreneurs issue invoices.
- PRO:
- 100% Cloud: access from phone, tablet, laptop.
- Modern UX: clean, intuitive interface.
- Ecosystem: native integration with e-Invoice, banks, and online stores (eMAG, WooCommerce).
- CON:
- Monthly subscription costs can increase for advanced bundles (Inventory + Accounting).
[!TIP] > Best for: startups, online stores, freelancers.
3. WinMentor
The heavy-duty option. A true ERP capable of handling complex production and distribution workflows.
- PRO:
- Power: supports complex stock, production flows, and large payroll operations.
- Modular setup: buy only the modules you need.
- Stability: enterprise-grade database support (Oracle/Firebird in Enterprise version).
- CON:
- Steep learning curve.
- Higher implementation and maintenance costs.
[!TIP] > Best for: manufacturing companies, distributors, medium/large organizations.
Detailed Comparison 2025
| Feature | SmartBill (Cloud) | SAGA (Desktop/Hybrid) | WinMentor (Enterprise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Monthly subscription (5 EUR - 15 EUR) | Annual license (~100 EUR/year) | Perpetual license (+ maintenance) |
| Access | Anywhere (Browser/Mobile) | Local PC (or RDP/3rd-party cloud) | Local server / network |
| e-Invoice | Full automation | Manual (or paid automation add-ons) | Integrated in newer modules |
| Ease of use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very easy) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) | ⭐⭐ (Training required) |
| Best for | Services, E-commerce, Startups | Accountants, Small businesses | Manufacturing, Distribution, Retail |
Pricing Details (Estimated for 2025)
SmartBill
- Invoicing Silver: ~5.5 EUR/month (up to 30 invoices).
- Invoicing Gold: ~8 EUR/month (100 invoices + automatic e-Invoice).
- Inventory module: ~15 EUR/month (stock + basic production).
- Bonus: up to 50% discount in the first year for new companies.
SAGA Software
- SAGA C (Accounting): free for testing, then a low annual license fee.
- SAGA Web: browser-based option, still evolving for full parity.
WinMentor
- Start license: from ~400 EUR (one-time payment).
- Extra modules: Payroll, Fixed Assets, Production billed separately.
- Tip: watch year-end bundle offers.
Conclusion: What Should You Choose in 2025?
- If you are starting out and want simplicity + mobility -> SmartBill.
- If you want to keep costs low and your accountant already works in it -> SAGA.
- If you run a factory or large warehouse -> WinMentor.
No matter what you choose, make sure your deployed version is integrated with ANAF SPV for automated e-Invoice transmission.
