Sphere vs VATlayer
Sphere
getsphere.comVATlayer
vatlayer.comSide by side
| Figure | Sphere | VATlayer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $100/mo | $9.99/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 8 |
| Spec score · VAT Software | 7.3 (#20) | 8.4 (#3) |
| Integrations | Listed integrations include Stripe, PayPal, Chargebee, QuickBooks, NetSuite, Xero and other billing and finance tools. | The maker presents the API as integrable anywhere through HTTP URL requests and does not publish named plug-in integrations on its product pages. |
| Intended users | Sphere presents the platform for global businesses, billing and commerce platforms, and accounting and tax advisory firms. | VATlayer describes itself as a VAT automation and validation tool for individuals, businesses, and merchants buying or selling goods in and around the EU. |
| Product | Sphere automates cross-border tax compliance across 130+ jurisdictions. | VATlayer is a REST-based JSON API for EU VAT number validation, VAT compliant price calculations, and VAT rates. |
| Support | The Growth plan includes a dedicated account manager, an on-demand tax team and 24/7 Slack support. | Paid subscriptions include unlimited and prioritized technical support; Platinum Support adds account management and priority bug review. |
Plans
Sphere
- Starter$100 a month
- E-invoicing add-onPriced on request
- GrowthPriced on request
- Input tax add-onPriced on request
VATlayer
- FreeFree
- Free PlanFree
- Basic$9.99 a month
- Basic Plan$9.99 a month
- Professional$29.99 a month
- Professional Plan$29.99 a month
- Enterprise$99.99 a month
- Enterprise Plan$99.99 a month
In their own words
VATlayer
VATlayer is a REST-based JSON API for checking EU VAT numbers, finding VAT rates, and calculating VAT-compliant prices. Its validation endpoint can return company information for a VAT number. The rate endpoint identifies a country from a two-letter code, a supplied IP address, or the client IP address. Price calculations can also work backward from an amount that already includes VAT. VAT information covers 28 EU member states and draws on multiple data sources, including European Commission databases. Results are provided in real time, with an average response time around 0.50 seconds. The API reports uptime around 99.9%, though public uptime statistics are not offered. The Free plan allows 100 requests per month for non-commercial use with limited functionality. Paid plans start at $9.99/mo and include commercial use. Usage notices arrive by email and dashboard at 75%, 90%, and 100% of the monthly allowance; overage fees apply after it is reached. Paid customers can access the API using 256-bit HTTPS encryption.