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Expensify vs Pleo: Which Expense Management Tool is Right for Your Business?

If you're looking for an expense management software for your business, you might have come across Expensify and Pleo. 

Both platforms offer features that can help you manage your expenses effectively, but which one is the better option for you? In this article, we will compare Expensify vs Pleo and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

When comparing Expensify and Pleo, we will take a closer look at their features, user interface and ease of use, setup and deployment, pricing and payment options, training and customer support, API access and integrations, alternatives to Expensify and Pleo, and user reviews and feedback.

We will also answer some frequently asked questions about these two platforms. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of which platform is the better option for your business.

Key Takeaways

  • Expensify and Pleo are both popular expense management software options for businesses.
  • Expensify has a wider range of features and integrations, while Pleo is more user-friendly and easier to set up.
  • Your choice between Expensify and Pleo will depend on your specific business needs and preferences.

Expensify vs Pleo

When it comes to expense management software, both Expensify and Pleo are popular options. Both products offer features such as receipt scanning, expense tracking, and reimbursement management. However, there are some differences between the two products that may make one a better fit for your business than the other.

Company Details

Expensify was founded in 2008 and is based in San Francisco, California. The company has over 10 million users and offers integrations with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero.

Pleo, on the other hand, was founded in 2015 and is based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company has over 17,000 customers and offers integrations with popular accounting software such as Sage and Microsoft Dynamics.

Product Features

Expensify offers a range of features including receipt scanning, automatic categorisation of expenses, and integrations with popular accounting software. The product also offers a mobile app for on-the-go expense tracking.

Pleo offers similar features to Expensify, including receipt scanning and automatic categorisation of expenses. However, Pleo also offers a prepaid debit card that employees can use to make company purchases, making it easier to keep track of expenses in real-time.

Vendor Details

Expensify offers a range of pricing plans, starting from $4.99 per user per month for the Team plan, up to $18 per user per month for the Corporate plan. The company also offers a free trial for new users.

Pleo offers a similar range of pricing plans, starting from £6 per user per month for the Starter plan, up to £12 per user per month for the Pro plan. The company also offers a free trial for new users.

Conclusion

Both Expensify and Pleo offer a range of features that can help businesses manage their expenses more efficiently. However, the decision of which product to use will depend on the specific needs of your business. Consider factors such as integrations with your existing accounting software, the ability to track expenses in real-time, and the availability of a prepaid debit card when making your decision.

Features Comparison

When comparing Expensify and Pleo, it's essential to consider the features that each platform offers. Here's a breakdown of the key features of each platform:

Expense Tracking

Both Expensify and Pleo offer excellent expense tracking features. With Expensify, you can easily track expenses by taking a photo of a receipt or forwarding an email receipt. Pleo also allows you to track expenses via photo or email, and you can also use their virtual cards to make purchases, which will automatically be tracked in the platform.

Credit Card Management

Expensify and Pleo both offer credit card management features. With Expensify, you can connect your credit card to the platform, and expenses will be automatically imported and categorised. Pleo also allows you to connect your credit card, and you can also issue virtual cards to employees to make purchases.

Reporting and Analytics

Expensify and Pleo both offer reporting and analytics features. With Expensify, you can generate custom reports and view analytics on spending patterns. Pleo also offers reporting and analytics features, including the ability to track spending by department or employee.

Mobile App Capabilities

Both Expensify and Pleo have mobile apps that allow you to manage expenses on-the-go. With Expensify's mobile app, you can track expenses, submit reports, and even book travel. Pleo's mobile app allows you to track expenses, issue virtual cards, and manage your account.

Overall, both Expensify and Pleo offer strong expense management features. The choice between the two platforms will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

User Interface and Ease of Use

When it comes to user interface and ease of use, both Expensify and Pleo are highly intuitive and easy to navigate. However, there are some differences between the two platforms that you should be aware of.

Expensify has a sleek and modern interface that is easy to use. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, and it offers a range of features that make managing expenses a breeze. One of the standout features of Expensify is its SmartScan technology, which allows you to scan receipts with your smartphone and automatically import the data into the platform. This feature can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you have a lot of receipts to manage.

On the other hand, Pleo also has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The platform is designed to be simple and straightforward, and it offers a range of features that make managing expenses a breeze. One of the standout features of Pleo is its ability to issue virtual cards to employees, which can be used for business expenses. This feature can help you keep track of expenses more easily, and it can also help you control spending.

Overall, both Expensify and Pleo are highly intuitive and easy to use. However, if you are looking for a platform that offers a range of advanced features, such as SmartScan technology, then Expensify may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a platform that is simple and straightforward, and that offers the ability to issue virtual cards to employees, then Pleo may be the better choice for you.

Setup and Deployment

Both Expensify and Pleo offer cloud-based solutions, which means that you don't need to install any software or hardware to get started. This makes setup and deployment quick and easy, and you can access your account from anywhere with an internet connection.

Expensify offers a range of integrations with popular accounting software, such as QuickBooks and Xero, which can make the setup process even smoother. You can also import your existing data from spreadsheets or other expense management tools.

Pleo also offers integrations with accounting software, including Xero and Sage, and you can import data from your bank account or other sources. However, Pleo also provides a unique feature that can make setup even easier: virtual and physical debit cards that you can issue to your employees. These cards are linked to your Pleo account, and any expenses made with them are automatically recorded in your expense reports.

Both Expensify and Pleo offer mobile apps that you can use to manage your expenses on the go. With Expensify, you can scan receipts and track mileage using your smartphone's camera. Pleo's app allows you to view your balance, manage your cards, and track your expenses in real-time.

In terms of deployment, both Expensify and Pleo offer cloud-based solutions, which means that you don't need to worry about maintaining any hardware or software. However, if you prefer to keep your data on-premise, Expensify also offers an on-premise solution that you can install on your own servers.

Overall, both Expensify and Pleo offer easy setup and deployment, with cloud-based solutions that are accessible from anywhere. Pleo's virtual and physical debit cards can make setup even easier, and both platforms offer integrations with popular accounting software.

Pricing and Payment Options

Pricing Details

When it comes to pricing, both Expensify and Pleo offer flexible options that can cater to the needs of different businesses. Expensify offers a free plan, which is suitable for small businesses with basic expense management needs. However, for more advanced features such as SmartScan OCR, customised policies, and integrations with accounting software, users will need to upgrade to one of Expensify's paid plans.

On the other hand, Pleo's pricing is based on a per-user, per-month model. The pricing starts at £9.99 per user per month and includes features such as virtual and plastic company cards, automatic expense categorisation, and receipt capture. Pleo also offers a free trial, which allows users to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Both solutions offer transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. However, it's important to note that the final cost will depend on the number of users and the specific needs of your business.

Payment Options

Both Expensify and Pleo offer multiple payment options to make it easy for businesses to pay for their services. Expensify accepts payments via credit card, PayPal, and bank transfer. Pleo, on the other hand, accepts payments via credit card and bank transfer.

It's worth noting that both solutions require users to enter their payment information when signing up for a paid plan. However, users can cancel their subscription at any time, and they will only be charged for the month or year they have used the service.

In conclusion, both Expensify and Pleo offer flexible pricing options and multiple payment methods, making it easy for businesses to manage their expenses. However, it's important to carefully evaluate the specific needs of your business and compare the features and pricing of each solution before making a decision.

Training and Customer Support

Both Expensify and Pleo offer various resources for training and customer support to help you get the most out of their software.

Expensify

Expensify offers a wide range of resources for training and customer support. They have a comprehensive Help Center that provides articles, tutorials, and guides on how to use their software. They also offer live chat support, email support, and phone support to help you with any questions or issues you may have. Additionally, they offer training webinars and in-person training sessions for larger teams or companies.

Pleo

Pleo also offers a range of resources for training and customer support. They have a Help Center with articles and guides on how to use their software, as well as email support and live chat support. They also offer training sessions for new users and have a dedicated account manager for larger teams or companies.

Comparison

When it comes to training and customer support, both Expensify and Pleo offer similar resources. However, Expensify offers phone support, which Pleo does not. On the other hand, Pleo offers a dedicated account manager for larger teams, which Expensify does not. Ultimately, both companies provide sufficient resources to help you get started and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.

API Access and Integrations

Both Expensify and Pleo offer API access and integrations with other software applications. Expensify provides detailed documentation for their API, which can be accessed on their website. The API allows developers to build custom integrations with Expensify, enabling users to connect their expense data with other software applications.

Pleo also offers API access, allowing developers to build custom integrations with their software. The API documentation is available on their website and provides details on how to connect to the Pleo API and retrieve data.

Expensify offers a wide range of integrations with other software applications, including accounting software, payment systems, and travel management tools. Some of the popular integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and Salesforce. Expensify also offers a Chrome extension that allows users to capture receipts and expenses directly from their browser.

Pleo also offers integrations with accounting software, including Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage. In addition, Pleo integrates with payment systems such as Stripe and PayPal, allowing users to easily reconcile payments with expenses.

Both Expensify and Pleo offer mobile apps, which allow users to capture receipts and expenses on-the-go. The mobile apps can be used to upload receipts, categorize expenses, and submit expense reports.

Overall, both Expensify and Pleo offer robust API access and integrations with other software applications. The choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and the software applications you use in your business.

Alternatives to Expensify and Pleo

While Expensify and Pleo are both popular options for expense management, there are other alternatives available in the market. Here are a few options that you may want to consider:

1. Zoho Expense

Zoho Expense is a cloud-based expense tracking software that offers features such as receipt scanning, mileage tracking, and expense reporting. It also integrates with other Zoho products such as Zoho Books and Zoho CRM. Zoho Expense offers a free plan for up to three users and paid plans starting at £2.50 per user per month.

2. Xpenditure

Xpenditure is a mobile expense management app that allows users to scan receipts, track mileage, and create expense reports. It also integrates with accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage. Xpenditure offers a free trial and paid plans starting at £4.99 per user per month.

3. Moss

Moss is a digital expense management tool that uses AI to automate expense tracking and categorisation. It also offers features such as receipt scanning, mileage tracking, and expense reporting. Moss offers a free plan for up to three users and paid plans starting at £5 per user per month.

4. Rydoo

Rydoo is an expense management software that offers features such as receipt scanning, mileage tracking, and expense reporting. It also integrates with accounting software such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics. Rydoo offers a free trial and paid plans starting at £6 per user per month.

When considering alternatives to Expensify and Pleo, it's important to evaluate your business needs and choose a software that best fits your requirements. Each of these options offers different features and pricing plans, so take the time to compare and choose the right one for your business.

Other popular comparisons and alternative expense report softwares are:

Pleo vs Spendesk

Pleo vs Soldo

Brex vs Pleo

Expensify vs Quickbooks

User Reviews and Feedback

When it comes to user reviews and feedback, both Expensify and Pleo have received positive ratings from their users. Expensify has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 with 51 reviews on Gartner Peer Insights, while Pleo has a rating of 5 stars out of 5 with 1 review. On Software Advice, Expensify has 1057 reviews and a rating of 4.44 out of 5 stars, while Pleo has 192 reviews and a rating of 4.86 out of 5 stars.

Users of both Expensify and Pleo have praised the ease of use of the software, as well as the ability to track expenses and manage corporate spending. Many users have also noted the convenience of virtual cards offered by both platforms, which allow employees to make purchases without the need for a physical card.

However, some users have noted that Expensify can be slow to load, and that the mobile app can be buggy at times. On the other hand, some users have found Pleo's reporting capabilities to be limited, and have suggested that the software could benefit from more customization options.

Overall, both Expensify and Pleo have received positive feedback from users, with many praising the platforms for their ease of use and convenience. If you're looking for an expense management software, it's worth checking out user reviews and feedback for both platforms to see which one is the best fit for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pleo compare to Expensify in terms of pricing?

When it comes to pricing, both Pleo and Expensify offer flexible plans based on the number of users and features required. However, Pleo's pricing is more transparent and straightforward, with a monthly fee per user, while Expensify's pricing can be more complex, with additional charges for features such as SmartScan and ACH reimbursement. Overall, Pleo may be a more cost-effective option for smaller businesses, while Expensify may be a better fit for larger enterprises with more complex expense management needs.

What are the main features that set Expensify apart from Pleo?

Expensify is known for its advanced features such as SmartScan, which uses OCR technology to automatically extract data from receipts, and ACH reimbursement, which allows for direct deposit of employee reimbursements. Expensify also offers more integrations with other software and accounting platforms, making it a more versatile tool for businesses with complex workflows. Pleo, on the other hand, focuses more on ease of use and simplicity, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive features that make it easy for employees to manage their expenses.

Can Expensify and Pleo be integrated with accounting software?

Yes, both Expensify and Pleo offer integrations with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite. These integrations make it easy to sync expenses and financial data between the two platforms, streamlining the accounting process and reducing the risk of errors.

Which platform offers better mobile app functionality, Expensify or Pleo?

Both Expensify and Pleo offer mobile apps that allow employees to submit expenses and manage their accounts on-the-go. However, Expensify's app is generally considered to be more robust and feature-rich, with advanced features such as GPS mileage tracking and automatic categorisation of expenses. Pleo's app is more streamlined and user-friendly, making it a better fit for businesses with simple expense management needs.

What level of customer support can users expect from Expensify and Pleo?

Both Expensify and Pleo offer comprehensive customer support options, including email, phone, and chat support, as well as extensive online resources such as knowledge bases and user forums. However, Expensify's customer support is generally considered to be more responsive and helpful, with faster response times and more personalised support options.

Are there any notable differences in the reporting capabilities of Expensify and Pleo?

Yes, there are some differences in the reporting capabilities of Expensify and Pleo. Expensify offers more advanced reporting features such as customisable report templates, real-time expense tracking, and analytics dashboards. Pleo's reporting features are more basic, with standard reports such as expense reports and spending summaries. However, Pleo's reports are more user-friendly and easier to understand, making them a better fit for businesses with non-financial employees who need to access and understand expense data.