Top Expense Management Software Comparison
By Sheila Morgan | Published: 2024-07-26 | Category: Expense Management Software
About Expense Management Software
Expense management software helps businesses track, approve, and reimburse employee-initiated expenses efficiently. It automates processes like receipt capture, policy enforcement, and accounting integration.
Scoring Criteria
- → Ease of Use
- → Feature Set
- → Integration Capabilities
- → Mobile App Experience
- → Pricing & Value
- → Customer Support
The Best Expense Management Software
#10
Spendesk
By Spendesk
All-in-one spend management platform combining corporate cards, invoice payments, and expense reimbursements.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: SMBs, Mid-Market, Spend Control, European Businesses
Key Features
- ✓Company Cards: Physical and virtual cards with pre-approved budgets. (Core)
- ✓Invoice Management: Submit, approve, and pay invoices. (Integrated)
- ✓Expense Reimbursements: Manage out-of-pocket expenses. (Standard)
- ✓Approval Workflows: Customizable workflows for different spend types. (Flexible)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with accounting software (Xero, NetSuite, Datev). (Good)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Starter
Contact Vendor
- Basic spend management
- Limited users/features
Limitations: May have transaction fees
Essentials
Contact Vendor
- Core platform features
- Integrations
Limitations: Pricing requires quote
Scale
Contact Vendor
- Advanced controls
- ERP integrations
- Dedicated support
Limitations: Pricing requires quote
Pros
- + Unified platform for cards, invoices, and expenses
- + Strong controls and approval workflows
- + Good user experience
- + Good for European businesses
Cons
- - Pricing not publicly available
- - Requires using their platform for full benefits
- - Can be more complex than basic expense tools
Verdict
"A comprehensive spend management solution ideal for SMBs and mid-market companies wanting unified control over cards, invoices, and expenses."
#9
Pleo
By Pleo
Smart company cards paired with expense management software, popular in Europe.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: SMBs, European Businesses, Spend Control, Integrated Card & Expense
Key Features
- ✓Smart Company Cards: Physical and virtual cards with spending limits. (Core)
- ✓Automated Expense Tracking: Real-time expense capture via card use, receipt upload. (Automated)
- ✓Receipt Management: Mobile app 'Fetch' feature for automatic receipt finding. (Unique)
- ✓Accounting Integrations: Connects with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, European accounting systems. (Good (Europe-focused))
- ✓Bill Payments (Pleo Invoices): Process and pay invoices. (Integrated)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essential
Contact Vendor
- Basic cards
- Expense tracking
Limitations: Feature restricted, Pay-per-use for some actions
Advanced
$10.00 / Per User/Month (Approx. EUR)
- Unlimited cards
- Advanced controls
- Integrations
- Reimbursements
Limitations: Pricing varies by region
Custom
Contact Vendor
- Tailored solutions
- Premium support
Limitations: For larger/complex needs
Pros
- + Excellent user experience and mobile app
- + Strong integration between card and software
- + Good automation features (Fetch)
- + Transparent pricing tiers
Cons
- - Primarily focused on European markets
- - Requires using Pleo cards
- - Free tier is quite limited
Verdict
"A top choice for European SMBs seeking a modern, user-friendly solution that tightly integrates smart cards with expense management."
#8
Navan (formerly TripActions)
By Navan
Modern travel, corporate card, and expense management platform built for global enterprises.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Enterprise, Mid-Market, Global Travel & Expense, Integrated T&E
Key Features
- ✓Travel Booking: Extensive inventory and user-friendly travel booking. (Core)
- ✓Expense Management: Automated expense reporting, often linked to travel bookings. (Integrated)
- ✓Navan Cards: Smart corporate cards with policy controls. (Integrated)
- ✓Global Support: 24/7 support for travelers worldwide. (Strong)
- ✓Sustainability Features: CO2 tracking for travel. (Unique)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Platform Fee
Contact Vendor
- Integrated travel, card, and expense
- Reporting
- Policy controls
Limitations: Usage-based fees or transaction fees may apply, Requires custom quote
Pros
- + Seamless integration of travel, card, and expense
- + Excellent user experience, especially for travelers
- + Strong global capabilities and support
- + Modern platform
Cons
- - Can be more expensive than expense-only solutions
- - Best suited for companies with significant travel spend
- - Pricing requires consultation
Verdict
"A leading choice for companies seeking a unified, modern platform for managing corporate travel, cards, and expenses globally."
#7
Emburse Certify
By Emburse
Easy-to-use expense management software for businesses of all sizes, part of the Emburse suite.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: SMBs, Mid-Market, Ease of Use Focus, Travel & Expense
Key Features
- ✓ReceiptParse OCR: Automated receipt data extraction. (Accurate)
- ✓Certify Mobile: Full-featured mobile app for on-the-go expensing. (Comprehensive)
- ✓Integrated Travel Booking: Optional travel booking integration. (Available)
- ✓Reporting & Analytics: Standard and custom reports on spending. (Good)
- ✓Policy Controls: Configurable rules and alerts. (Standard)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Certify Now!
$8.00 / Per User/Month
- For up to 25 users
- Core expense features
- Mobile app
Limitations: User limit, Fewer features than Professional
Professional
Contact Vendor
- Full feature set
- ACH reimbursement
- Integrations
- Custom reporting
Limitations: Requires custom quote
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Advanced integrations
- API access
- Dedicated support
Limitations: Requires custom quote
Pros
- + Very easy to learn and use
- + Strong mobile application
- + Good customer support
- + Scalable plans available
Cons
- - Interface looks slightly dated compared to newest platforms
- - Pricing for professional/enterprise requires contacting sales
- - Some desired features might be add-ons
Verdict
"A user-friendly and reliable expense management solution, particularly strong for companies prioritizing ease of use and mobile access."
#6
Rydoo
By Rydoo
Expense management solution focused on user experience and efficiency, often used by mid-market and enterprise clients.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Mid-Market, Enterprise, Global Teams, Streamlined Approvals
Key Features
- ✓Receipt Scanning: Mobile and email receipt capture with OCR. (Strong)
- ✓Approval Flow: Customizable and streamlined approval processes. (Flexible)
- ✓Per Diem Management: Handles allowances and per diems easily. (Built-in)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with ERP (NetSuite, SAP) and accounting systems. (Good)
- ✓Analytics: Real-time reporting on spending. (Standard)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Essentials
$8.00 / Per Active User/Month (Annual)
- Core expense management
- Mobile app
- Basic approvals
Limitations: Minimum user count may apply
Pro
$10.00 / Per Active User/Month (Annual)
- Advanced policies
- Custom fields
- Mileage tracking
- Per diems
Limitations: Minimum user count may apply
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Custom integrations
- API access
- Dedicated support
Limitations: Custom quote required
Pros
- + Clean and intuitive user interface
- + Efficient receipt capture and approval process
- + Good for managing per diems and mileage
- + Scalable for larger teams
Cons
- - Pricing based on active users can fluctuate
- - Fewer native integrations than some competitors
- - Some advanced features only in higher tiers
Verdict
"A solid choice focusing on user experience and core expense management efficiency, particularly suitable for mid-market companies."
#5
Brex
By Brex
Financial operating system for startups and scaled companies, combining corporate cards, expense management, and cash management.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Startups, Tech Companies, Venture-Backed Businesses, Integrated Finance Stack
Key Features
- ✓Corporate Cards: Cards designed for startups with tailored rewards and limits. (Core)
- ✓Expense Management: Automated receipt matching, expense tracking, and policies. (Integrated)
- ✓Bill Pay: Domestic and international bill payments. (Included)
- ✓Cash Management Account: Business account features. (Integrated)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite. (Standard)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Brex Platform
Contact Vendor
- Core card and expense features
- Cash management
- Basic integrations
Limitations: Requires Brex card usage, Certain features may have fees or require minimum balances
Enterprise
Contact Vendor
- Custom pricing
- Dedicated support
- Advanced features
- Global capabilities
Limitations: Tailored for larger organizations
Pros
- + Modern interface and user experience
- + Strong offering for startups and tech companies
- + Integrated financial stack (card, expense, cash)
- + Good automation
Cons
- - Primarily targeted at venture-backed or scaled companies
- - Feature set might be overkill for very small businesses
- - Requires using Brex cards/accounts
Verdict
"A sleek, integrated financial platform ideal for tech startups and scaling companies looking for more than just expense management."
#4
Zoho Expense
By Zoho
Part of the Zoho suite, offering affordable and comprehensive expense management for SMBs.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Best For: SMBs, Zoho Ecosystem Users, Budget-Conscious Businesses
Key Features
- ✓Receipt Autoflow: Automated scanning of receipts from emails and mobile. (Efficient)
- ✓Policy Compliance: Set spending limits and enforce policies. (Standard)
- ✓Card Integration: Connect corporate cards for transaction matching. (Good)
- ✓Analytics: Dashboards and reports for expense insights. (Comprehensive)
- ✓Zoho Suite Integration: Seamless integration with Zoho Books, CRM, People. (Strong)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.2 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Up to 3 users
- Basic expense tracking
- Limited storage
Limitations: User limit, feature restrictions
Premium
$5.00 / Per User/Month (Annual Billing)
- Autoscan
- Approval workflows
- Policy enforcement
- Accounting integration
Limitations: Lower price requires annual commitment
Enterprise
$8.00 / Per User/Month (Annual Billing)
- Advanced analytics
- Custom functions
- Travel module integration
Limitations: Most expensive tier
Pros
- + Very affordable pricing
- + Generous free tier
- + Excellent integration within the Zoho ecosystem
- + Comprehensive feature set for the price
Cons
- - Interface can feel less modern than some competitors
- - Customer support responsiveness can vary
- - Best value when using other Zoho products
Verdict
"An outstanding value proposition, especially for SMBs already invested in the Zoho ecosystem, offering robust features at a low cost."
#3
Expensify
By Expensify
Popular expense management focusing on receipt scanning and automation for individuals and businesses of all sizes.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Individuals, SMBs, Mid-Market, Receipt Automation
Key Features
- ✓SmartScan OCR: Unlimited receipt scanning with high accuracy. (Core)
- ✓Automatic Reporting: Automatically creates and submits expense reports. (Automated)
- ✓Company Card Reconciliation: Imports and reconciles corporate card transactions. (Streamlined)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with major accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage). (Good)
- ✓Expensify Card: Optional corporate card program with cashback. (Integrated)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Limited SmartScans
- Manual export
Limitations: Limited features, manual processes
Collect
$10.00 / Per User/Month
- Unlimited SmartScans
- Next-day reimbursement
- Accounting sync
Limitations: Based on active users
Control
$18.00 / Per User/Month
- Advanced policy enforcement
- Custom reporting
- Card reconciliation
Limitations: Higher cost for full features
Pros
- + Excellent receipt scanning (SmartScan)
- + User-friendly mobile app
- + Good automation features
- + Scales from individual to business use
Cons
- - Pricing can be confusing (pay-per-use options)
- - Customer support experiences vary
- - Interface can feel busy
Verdict
"A strong contender known for its best-in-class receipt scanning, suitable for individuals and businesses prioritizing mobile experience and automation."
#2
Ramp
By Ramp
Combines corporate cards with expense management, bill payments, and accounting automation, focusing on saving businesses money.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: SMBs, Startups, Mid-Market, Spend Control, Integrated Card & Expense
Key Features
- ✓Corporate Cards: Physical and virtual cards with built-in spend controls. (Core)
- ✓Expense Management: Automated receipt matching via SMS/email/app. (Automated)
- ✓Bill Payments: Manage and pay vendor bills. (Integrated)
- ✓Accounting Sync: Direct integration with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage. (Seamless)
- ✓Savings Insights: Identifies duplicate subscriptions and potential savings. (Unique)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Ramp
Contact Vendor
- Core platform
- Unlimited cards
- Expense management
- Bill pay
- Basic integrations
Limitations: Requires use of Ramp cards
Ramp Plus
$12.00 / Per User/Month
- Advanced controls
- Custom roles
- Procurement
- Global Subsidiaries
Limitations: Paid tier for advanced features
Pros
- + Excellent user experience
- + Integrated card and expense management
- + Strong focus on cost savings
- + Generally free core platform
Cons
- - Primarily focused on US businesses (expanding)
- - Requires using Ramp corporate cards
- - Advanced features require paid tier
Verdict
"Top choice for modern businesses seeking an integrated card, expense, and bill pay solution with a focus on usability and savings."
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#1
SAP Concur
By SAP
Comprehensive travel, expense, and invoice management solution for mid-market and enterprise businesses.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Best For: Enterprise, Mid-Market, Global Operations, Travel & Expense Management
Key Features
- ✓Expense Reporting: Automated expense report creation and submission. (Core)
- ✓Receipt Capture: Mobile receipt scanning and automatic data extraction (OCR). (Advanced)
- ✓Approval Workflows: Customizable multi-level approval processes. (Flexible)
- ✓Policy Enforcement: Automated flagging of out-of-policy expenses. (Robust)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with SAP ERP, other ERPs, accounting systems, and HRIS. (Extensive)
- ✓Travel Booking: Integrated travel booking capabilities (Concur Travel). (Optional Module)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Concur Expense Standard
Contact Vendor
- Core expense management
- Mobile app
- Basic reporting
Limitations: Limited features compared to Professional
Concur Expense Professional
Contact Vendor
- Advanced features
- Custom integrations
- Full reporting suite
Limitations: Pricing requires custom quote
Pros
- + Highly scalable
- + Extensive features and integrations
- + Robust reporting and analytics
- + Global capabilities
Cons
- - Can be complex to implement and use
- - Generally more expensive
- - User interface perceived as dated by some
Verdict
"A powerful, feature-rich solution ideal for large organizations with complex requirements and existing SAP ecosystems."
Final Thoughts
The expense management market offers diverse solutions, from comprehensive enterprise platforms like SAP Concur to modern integrated card/expense systems like Ramp and Brex, and value-focused options like Zoho Expense. Key differentiators include the breadth of features (travel, invoice management), integration depth, mobile experience, pricing models, and target market (SMB vs. Enterprise, regional focus). Integrated card solutions are gaining popularity for their automation and control benefits.