Logbook app: The three best programs for Android and iOS

You need a logbook if you are traveling with your company car for business and pleasure and want to separate the respective routes. So you can save some taxes. Nowadays there are apps that do such a complicated job for you. In this practical tip, we present three logbook apps for Android and iOS.

Lexware: Electronic logbook against excessive taxes

Lexware offers an electronic logbook that you can easily and conveniently install and operate via an app. Instead of using the 1 percent method, in which taxation is based on the gross list price of the vehicle, you can save an average of up to 2, 785 euros per year with a logbook. Read more here: Try the electronic logbook and test whether you save.

This is how the logbook app from Lexware works

• If you decide to use Lexware, you will receive a connector free of charge by post, which you can attach in the car. You can now download the associated logbook app from cooperation partner Vimcar onto your smartphone. You can find the download for Android and iOS here. The logbook can also be used as a web app.
• This way, every journey you make with your company car is recorded and automatically transferred to the app. After the trip, all you have to do is determine the purpose of the trip. And that is quick and easy with one click: simply choose whether you have driven privately or professionally.
• The data can then be exported as a PDF document. So they can be handed over to the tax office. And this is a particular advantage of the program: the electronic logbook including app is recognized by the tax office.
• You can test Lexware's electronic logbook with a 100 day money back guarantee. So you can return the package free of charge within 100 days. If you like the product, you will receive an invoice for EUR 15.90 per month.
• You need a functional OBD interface for the logbook connector. According to the EU regulation, this is standard in all petrol engines from 2001 and diesels from 2004. The device is simply plugged into the interface, a complicated installation is not necessary.
• For BMWs from 2014, VW Tiguan from 2016 and Porsche 991 Targa from 2017 you need a special configuration. You can contact the Lexware support team for this and any other ambiguities. By phone on 0800 539 80 11 or via email to
• Electric cars as well as hybrids and the Jaguar F-Type are not compatible.

Logbook iPhone app: an alternative with minor weaknesses

An alternative to the Lexware product without additional hardware is the logbook iPhone app from Stefan Meyer for 7.99 euros. The operation of the two apps is similar, but there are some minor differences.

• While you get precise recording from Lexware thanks to the supplied plug, this app records your data using Google Maps: and this can lead to fluctuations. You must also check the kilometers traveled here.
• You can export the logbook free of charge as PDF, CSV and fahrtenbuch.cloud. Formats such as INtex or DATEV and WISO are available as in-app purchases.
• For this app you need iOS 3.1 or higher, since version 9.3.7 it is also optimized for iOS 12.

Tour logbook: the free alternative

The logbook app "Tour logbook" is available for free download from CHIP, for iOS and Android. Here you also have a similar user interface. However, you have to accept some drawbacks.

• All routes are recorded automatically: whether on foot or by car. You can then categorize the kilometers traveled.
• Additional effort: You have to start the app in the morning and stop it in the evening.
• You need at least Android OS 4.4 or iOS 9.0 or higher.

• Reading tip: Why an electronic logbook makes your life easier.