vs.
CRM, projects, and invoices – in one tool.
ClickUp is powerful for project management. bestdesq connects what ClickUp keeps separate: DE-compliant invoicing and client management with CRM features.
Invoicing directly from your project.
bestdesq includes complete document capture for incoming and outgoing invoices and their accounting – project hours flow straight into the invoice.
Connect your own AI via MCP.
bestdesq uses MCP: Claude, ChatGPT, or any other AI of your choice accesses your projects and finances directly. Access-protected and at no extra charge.
ZUGFeRD, XRechnung, DATEV.
E-invoicing has been mandatory since January 2025: XRechnung for public-sector clients, ZUGFeRD for B2B, DATEV export for your tax adviser. All of this is standard in bestdesq.
All modules in every plan — or tiered by level
All modules are included in every plan. From the very first user. No tiers.
- ✓ Project management (Kanban, list, calendar)
- ✓ Tasks with sub-tasks, dependencies, checklists
- ✓ CRM, target group lists, and lead pipeline
- ✓ Time tracking with timer
- ✓ Invoicing with ZUGFeRD, XRechnung, DATEV
- ✓ Incoming invoices and supplier quotes
- ✓ MCP server for your own AI integration
Comprehensive project management, but with a steep learning curve – even industry observers speak of "feature bloat". Features tiered by plan, no invoicing.
- ✓ Project management (very comprehensive, including Gantt)
- ✓ Tasks, sub-tasks, dependencies
- — CRM only via custom board, no standalone CRM
- ✓ Time tracking
- — No invoicing, no incoming invoices
- — AI as a paid add-on ($9 to $28 per user)
Feature comparison at a glance
| Feature | bestdesq | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| Project management (Kanban, list, calendar) | Yes | Yes, with Gantt |
| CRM and lead pipeline | Standalone | Custom board only |
| Invoicing | Yes | No |
| German compliance (ZUGFeRD, XRechnung, DATEV) | Full | No |
| Incoming invoices | Yes | No |
| Time tracking with timer | Yes | Yes |
| AI integration | MCP included | Add-on $9–$28 |
| Hosting | DE, GDPR | USA, EU only on the Enterprise plan |
| Accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA) | Yes | Partial |
| Gantt chart | No | Yes |
| Resource planning | Workload | Workload |
Five-user agency, monthly billing
Paid annually in advance, ClickUp Business costs $60 (5 × $12). bestdesq includes: invoicing, incoming invoices, German compliance, and MCP AI. With ClickUp, depending on your needs, an invoicing tool (sevdesk Rechnung, €11.90 a month) and an AI add-on ($9 to $28 per user per month) come on top. Prices as listed on clickup.com and sevdesk.de, as of September 2026.
Which tool is right for you?
Not every tool suits every team. Here is our honest assessment – so you don't end up testing the wrong one.
- you're a freelancer or agency and want to manage projects and invoices in one tool
- German invoicing standards (XRechnung, ZUGFeRD, DATEV) are a requirement
- you want a focused, uncluttered interface – without feature overload and without weeks of onboarding
- you want hosting in Germany, not in the USA
- you want to connect your own AI models without a per-user surcharge
- you need all features from the very first user, with no tiering
- you run a global team with extensive project management needs (Gantt, workload)
- you need deep customisation and automations – and are prepared to invest time in onboarding
- you rely on many integrations with US tools (Slack, Notion, Zapier)
- invoicing runs in a separate system and you only need project management
- an overwhelming feature set is not a problem for you – ClickUp is widely regarded as complex to roll out, even in the trade press
Curious? Try it risk-free.
30 days free. Full feature set. Demo data included. After the trial, you decide whether bestdesq stays.
Set up in under 3 minutes · German support · Cancel any time