CSRD software comparison 2025: The 4 best tools in the test

The topic in a nutshell

• Mandatory from 2025: The CSRD reporting obligation requires the documentation of over 1,100 data points in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
• CSRD report: Reporting software helps you to implement efficiently and in compliance with the law through structured processes and automation.‍
• Solution from PlantedThe Planted CSRD software is characterized, among other things, by TÜV-certified CO₂ accounting and a methodology developed by auditors.

What is CSRD software?

CSRD software is a specialized solution that supports your company in fulfilling its reporting obligations under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. In contrast to general sustainability solutions, it is specifically designed to automatically implement the CSRD Directive and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

The software takes on central tasks: 

• Structured recording and central storage of all relevant ESG key figures
• Automated generation of CSRD-compliant reports
• Management of the dual materiality analysis
• CO₂ balancing and decarbonization planning
• Objectives on the way to Net Zero
• Monitoring and reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals

Advantages of CSRD software

Professional CSRD software offers many advantages when implementing the new reporting obligations:

Support from a team of experts

Implementing a CSRD solution is a complex project that requires specialist expertise. Leading providers therefore not only provide the technical platform, but also offer comprehensive advice and support from an experienced team of sustainability experts. This is particularly important for companies that are subject to the reporting obligation for the first time. It is particularly important:

• Personal support from ESG's team of experts
• Onboarding support, workshops and regular appointments
• Regular updates on regulatory changes
• Best practice sharing and exchange of experience

Intelligent automation

The software automates time-consuming processes such as data acquisition, calculations and reporting. Integrated plausibility checks and validations minimize errors. Predefined workflows and automatic reminders optimize processes.

Interfaces and integrations

Your software must fit seamlessly into the existing IT landscape:

• Connection to ERP systems and other data sources
• Import of Excel files and other formats
• API interfaces for individual integrations
• Export to various report formats (PDF, XHTML, etc.)

An isolated solution leads to additional work and sources of error due to manual data entry. Modern CSRD software should therefore have flexible interfaces that enable automated data transfer from different source systems and avoid redundant work.

User friendliness

CSRD software should offer an intuitive user interface for:

• Clear navigation and menu navigation
• Comprehensible input masks and wizards
• Meaningful dashboards and reports
• Help and tooltips

The complexity of the CSRD requirements must not be reflected in the operation of the software. A good solution also enables your employees without specific sustainability expertise to record and manage relevant data. 

Data security and GDPR

The software meets the highest security standards with encrypted data transmission, role-based access rights and regular backups. All processes are GDPR-compliant. A comprehensive authorization concept protects sensitive data.

Sustainability data is sensitive company information whose protection must be a top priority. Your CSRD software must therefore not only be functionally impressive, but also offer a comprehensive security concept that meets European data protection standards.

Legal conformity

Regular updates ensure that the software always complies with the latest regulatory requirements. Predefined report formats and check routines guarantee a legally compliant sustainability report in accordance with CSRD standards. Changes to the requirements are implemented promptly. 

Workflow management and collaboration

Integrated workflow functions structure collaboration within the sustainability team. Tasks can be assigned, commented on and monitored. Approval processes are clearly defined and comprehensibly documented. Team members can work together from any location.

CSRD requirements will continue to evolve in the coming years. Future-proof software must be able to accompany this development not only technically, but also in terms of content. You should therefore rely on providers who continuously invest in the further development of their solutions.

Best CSRD software: criteria for selecting a reporting solution

The market for CSRD software is characterized by a high level of dynamism and a lack of transparency. According to market analyses, there are currently over 60 relevant providers for your sustainability reporting in German-speaking countries. The following criteria will help you to systematically select the right solution:

References and industry expertise

There are several important aspects to consider when selecting your CSRD software. The provider should have demonstrable experience with companies of a similar size and industry and a successful history of implementation projects.

Price-performance ratio

The investment costs for CSRD software vary greatly. The actual costs depend on various factors, such as company size, number of locations and required modules. It is important to consider not only the license costs, but also the ROI through increased efficiency and avoided risks.

Technical integration

Various aspects are crucial when it comes to the technical integration of CSRD software. You should first decide whether a cloud-based or on-premise solution is the right choice, which standard interfaces are available and which data migration options exist. Performance and scalability also play an important role. The technical integration of your CSRD software is a critical success factor - a good solution should fit seamlessly into the existing IT landscape and enable the secure exchange of data.

Project management and support

Successful project management and reliable support are of central importance when implementing your CSRD software. A structured implementation process, dedicated contact persons, fast response times in support and the availability of training courses play an important role here. CSRD software is more than just a technical tool - it also requires organizational changes.

CSRD software comparison: the 4 leading providers compared

Based on current market analyses and customer evaluations, we present the four leading providers that stand out for their innovative functions, tried-and-tested methodology and reliable support. We look not only at features and prices, but also at the specific strengths and potential weaknesses of each solution.

Planted

Planted has established itself on the market as an all-in-one ESG management platform. It impresses with its combination of AI-supported software, expert advice and audit preparation. With a strong focus on customer orientation and the "customer first" approach, Planted puts the sustainability requirements of your company at the center.

Most important features:

• Double materiality: analysis with AI support
• TÜV-certified CO₂ balance sheet according to GHG protocol
• ESRS-compliant data point acquisition
• Automated CSRD reporting
• Climate Academy for employee training

‍Rating: 4.8/5

leadity

The company leadity has been on the market since 2019 and was developed in collaboration with the sustainability consultancy fjol and the Center for Sustainable Corporate Governance (ZNU). The solution is characterized by a particularly structured design and guides companies step by step to a CSRD-compliant report.

Most important features:

• Flexible all-in-one software
• Comprehensive stakeholder integration with stakeholder matrix
• AI-supported report generation
• Complete status overview of all process steps
• Certified according to IDW PS 880

Rating: 4.5/5

CodeGaia

Code Gaia, founded in Munich in 2020, impresses with methodical excellence and a well thought-out combination of software and personal consulting. As part of the Going Beyond Group, the company focuses on self-financed, sustainable growth.

Most important features:

• AI-supported data acquisition
• Automated ESG indicator calculation
• Integrated document management
• EU taxonomy mapping
• Real-time collaboration

Rating: 4.3/5

cubemos

The provider cubemos has established itself as one of the largest CSRD software providers in the German-speaking world. The provider impresses with its complete support throughout the entire CSRD process and presents this particularly clearly and concisely in the software.

Most important features:

• Complete CSRD process support
• Industry-specific IRO lists
• ISO 27001 certified
• Integrated status displays

Rating: 4.2/5

CSRD software: Who is a reporting tool suitable for?

The need for CSRD software arises primarily from legal requirements. The following groups of companies are particularly affected:

Reporting obligation for FY 2024 (in 2025)

• Capital market-oriented companies
• Public Interest Entities (PIE)
• More than 500 employees

Companies subject to reporting requirements from FY 2025 (in 2026)

This applies to companies that meet at least two of the following three criteria:

• Balance sheet total over 25 million euros
• Net sales over 50 million euros
• More than 250 employees

A professional software solution is practically indispensable for this group, as the complex reporting obligations can hardly be managed manually.

Companies with a reporting obligation from FY 2026 (in 2027)

From 2026, further capital market-oriented companies that meet two of the following criteria will be required to report:

• Balance sheet total over € 450,000
• Net sales over € 900,000
• More than 10 employees

These companies should start implementing CSRD software at an early stage in order to establish the necessary processes.

Third-country companies with EU activities

Not only EU companies have to comply with the CSRD requirements. Companies with subsidiaries in the EU, companies with a net turnover of more than 150 million euros in the EU and companies with branches in the EU are also affected by the regulation. This group needs solutions that meet both local and international requirements.

Voluntary users

More and more companies are using CSRD software to strategically anchor sustainability in their business model - even if they are not yet required to report. They use it to prepare for future obligations, to improve their ESG rating, to respond to the requirements of business partners or to strengthen their market position. CSRD software can serve as a strategic tool for positioning your company in a competitive environment.

How to choose the right CSRD software

Choosing the right CSRD software is a strategically important process that you should prepare well. We explain how to select the right CSRD software for your company:

1. needs analysis and objectives

Clarify the basic requirements in advance:

• Which modules are absolutely necessary?
• How many users should work with the software?
• What budget is available?
• What is the timetable for implementation?

Careful analysis of your specific requirements helps to focus the selection process and find a tailor-made solution.

2. market research and pre-selection

Get an overview:

• Create a longlist of potential providers
• Check references in your industry
• Evaluate the market experience of the providers
• Consider local support options

3. detailed evaluation

Check the shortlist candidates carefully:

• Request individual demos
• Test the user-friendliness
• Check the technical requirements
• Obtain binding offers

Involve all relevant stakeholders, from the specialist department to IT. A structured catalog of criteria helps with an objective evaluation.

4. proof of concept

With the final candidates you should:

• Arrange a test account
• Import real data
• Run through core processes
• Test performance and usability

A proof of concept with real data and use cases provides important insights into the practical usability of the software.

5 Contractual protection

Pay attention to the final agreement:

• Clearly defined service level agreements
• Defined scope of support
• Data protection and compliance aspects
• Scaling options and pricing models

The contract should also take future developments and possible expansions into account.

Conclusion: CSRD software comparison - the best solution for your company

The implementation of a CSRD tool is practically indispensable for affected companies in view of the complex reporting obligations. While large companies benefit from comprehensive enterprise solutions such as Planted or leadity, medium-sized companies will find a suitable alternative in scalable solutions such as CodeGaia. In addition to the budget, the specific requirements of the company, the existing IT infrastructure and the industry experience of the provider are decisive for the selection.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

What does a CSRD report cost?

The cost of a CSRD report using software depends heavily on various factors: Size of the company, the industry, modules used and previous internal know-how. Make an appointment for a demo and let Planted advise you. 

What is CSRD simply explained?

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is an EU directive that obliges companies to provide standardized sustainability reporting. It covers areas such as the environment, social affairs and corporate governance and aims to create transparency about companies' sustainability performance.

Who is required to report under CSRD?

Companies are required to report if they fulfill at least two of the following criteria:

• Balance sheet total > 25 million euros
• Net sales > 50 million euros
• Average > 250 employees 
• From 2026, extended criteria will apply for smaller companies.

When will CSRD come into force in Germany?

The CSRD comes into force in stages:

• Since 2025: Large companies of public interest
• From 2026: Large companies that do not fall under the first phase
• From 2027: Listed SMEs - The first reporting period is the previous financial year.