20 Best Budgeting and Planning Software Reviewed in 2025
Best Budgeting and Planning Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best budgeting and planning software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
If you’re still using spreadsheets or rundown tools, you know how stressful budgeting season can be. Tracking down numbers, fixing broken files, and trying to get a clear view of your data—it slows everything down. And with so many budgeting and planning software options, it’s hard to tell what’s actually worth your time.
As a financial controller, I’ve dealt with all of it. I’ve worked through chaotic planning cycles and used software that made things harder instead of easier. Over time, I’ve learned what really helps—from clean user interfaces to tools that actually sync with your source data and make collaboration smoother.
Using this knowledge, I tested and reviewed a range of budgeting and planning software to help you start your search. The list below highlights the top solutions that’ll help you move faster, stay accurate, and take control of the planning process without the usual hassle.
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Best Budgeting and Planning Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top budgeting and planning software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for large enterprise scalability | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for automated reporting | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for data integration | 90-day free trial | From $36/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for unified financial planning | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for small business flexibility | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for financial consolidation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for startups | 14-day free trial | From $83/user/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for regulatory compliance | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for collaborative planning | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for visual analytics | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
Visit Website -
Vena
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best Budgeting and Planning Software Review
Below are my detailed summaries of the best budgeting and planning software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Anaplan is an AI-driven platform designed for scenario planning, analysis, and reporting, primarily serving large enterprises across industries like healthcare, retail, and technology. It enhances decision-making with features like integrated financial and operational workforce planning.
Why I picked Anaplan: Anaplan is a solid pick for large teams that need something powerful and flexible. It handles complex planning across finance, sales, supply chain, and HR—all in one connected platform. However, one standout feature is its CoPlanner tool, which uses generative AI to surface helpful insights from your data. This makes it great for big organizations with layered structures, but it still keeps the planning experience clear and easy to navigate.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include predictive insights that help your team anticipate market changes. The operational workforce planning feature also supports dynamic resource allocation, while its user-friendly planning experiences simplify complex financial processes.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Workday, Tableau, SAP, Oracle, ServiceNow, Slack, and AWS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Predictive insights for better decisions
- Scalable for large enterprises
- AI-driven scenario planning
Cons:
- Complex user interface
- Steep learning curve
Prophix is a corporate performance management software designed for budgeting, planning, and reporting. It serves mid-sized to large enterprises, offering automation to streamline financial processes.
Why I picked Prophix: Prophix stands out for automated reporting because it takes a lot of the manual work off your plate—especially during budgeting and planning cycles. With built-in workflows and customizable report templates, it lets you automate recurring tasks like monthly variance reports, forecast updates, and board-ready financial summaries. The software also pulls data directly from your source systems, so you’re not wasting time double-checking numbers or fixing broken links.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workflow automation that helps your team reduce manual tasks. The software also offers financial consolidation capabilities to bring together data from various sources, and scenario analysis, which allows for better decision-making by evaluating different business outcomes.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics 365, QuickBooks, Sage, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and IBM Cognos.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable reporting features
- Supports scenario analysis
- Automated financial consolidation
Cons:
- Complex data integration setup
- Limited mobile accessibility
SAP Analytics Cloud is a cloud-based analytics solution designed for enterprises needing comprehensive data analysis and visualization. It serves finance teams looking to integrate data across their organizations for enhanced decision-making.
Why I picked SAP Analytics Cloud: SAP Analytics Cloud’s strength in data integration allows your team to consolidate information from various sources. It offers features like data connectivity and live data access, ensuring your decisions are based on the latest information. The platform's interactive dashboards also enhance your ability to visualize complex data. These features, mixed with its integration capabilities, make it a valuable tool for organizations with diverse data needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include predictive analytics, helping your team forecast future trends. SAP Analytics Cloud also offers collaborative planning, letting you work closely with your team on financial strategies.
Integrations include SAP S/4HANA, SAP HANA, SAP BusinessObjects, Salesforce, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, IBM Cognos, and Tableau.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Interactive dashboards
- Collaborative planning features
- Live data access
Cons:
- May need IT support
- Limited offline functionality
OneStream is a corporate performance management (CPM) software aimed at large enterprises looking to unify their financial planning, reporting, and analysis. It provides a single platform to replace multiple legacy systems, enhancing efficiency across financial functions.
Why I picked OneStream: OneStream brings everything—budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analytics—into a single platform. Instead of juggling multiple disconnected tools, you get one system that keeps your data aligned and up to date across the board. That means fewer errors, faster closes, and better visibility into your numbers. It’s especially helpful for teams managing complex planning cycles or working across multiple entities, since everything lives in one place and updates in real time.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced data quality management that ensures your financial data is accurate and reliable. The platform's extensibility also allows you to customize solutions to fit your specific requirements. Additionally, OneStream offers predictive analytics, helping you forecast future financial outcomes.
Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Workday, Tableau, Power BI, QuickBooks, and JD Edwards.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable solutions
- Advanced data quality management
- Predictive analytics capabilities
Cons:
- Limited small business focus
- Complex configuration process
Centage offers a budgeting and planning tool tailored for small businesses seeking to improve financial forecasting and budgeting. It provides an intuitive platform that simplifies financial management and decision-making.
Why I picked Centage: Centage’s focus on small business flexibility allows your team to adapt financial plans as needed. You get solid features like automated budgeting, real-time reporting, and easy scenario planning—all without needing a full IT department to set it up. But what really makes it stand out is how quickly you can adjust plans, run what-if scenarios, and stay on top of cash flow, even as things shift.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include budgeting capabilities, which reduce the need for manual data entry and improve accuracy. Centage also provides customizable dashboards for a personalized view of your financial data.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, ADP, Paychex, BambooHR, and Google Sheets.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible for small business needs
- Automated forecasting capabilities
- Reduces manual data entry
Cons:
- May need technical support
- Complex for non-tech users
insightsoftware provides a budgeting and planning solution tailored for businesses in need of financial consolidation and reporting. It serves finance teams looking to streamline their budgeting processes and enhance financial accuracy.
Why I picked insightsoftware: insightsoftware streamlines complex, multi-entity reporting and ties it directly into your budgeting and planning process. It’s built to handle the messy parts—like currency conversions, intercompany eliminations, and compliance requirements—without the need for heavy manual work. What makes it especially strong is how seamlessly it connects actuals with plans and forecasts, giving you a clear, up-to-date view of performance across all entities.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated reporting that reduces manual entry and potential errors. insightsoftware also provides variance analysis, helping you understand differences between actuals and forecasts.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, Sage, QuickBooks, Salesforce, JD Edwards, Epicor, and Infor.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong financial consolidation capabilities
- Supports variance analysis
- Reduces manual data entry
Cons:
- Initial setup complexity
- Complex customization options
PlanGuru is a financial forecasting and budgeting software designed for startups and small businesses. It helps teams develop budgets, forecasts, and financial models to support strategic planning and decision-making.
Why I picked PlanGuru: PlanGuru’s designed for teams that don’t have a full finance department but still need solid planning tools to manage cash flow, build projections, and make smarter decisions early on. You can create detailed budgets, run what-if scenarios, and generate three-way forecasts (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow) without needing advanced technical skills. This makes the platform especially helpful for startups looking to present solid financials to investors or keep a close eye on burn rate.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multi-year forecasting that supports long-term planning. The platform also provides budget creation tools that help your team manage finances effectively, and financial modeling, enabling you to evaluate different business scenarios with ease.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Excel, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, MYOB, FreshBooks, Wave, Kashoo, and FreeAgent.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multi-year forecasting capabilities
- Supports financial modeling
- Ideal for long-term planning
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large enterprises
- Limited customization options
CCH Tagetik is a corporate performance management software focused on budgeting, planning, and forecasting, serving large enterprises with complex regulatory requirements. It helps finance teams ensure compliance while managing financial processes efficiently.
Why I picked CCH Tagetik: CCH Tagetik combines budgeting and planning with strong controls, audit trails, and built-in regulatory reporting features, making it easier to meet evolving standards without juggling separate systems. You can manage everything from IFRS 16 to ESG reporting in the same platform where you’re building budgets and forecasts, which keeps your data consistent and reduces compliance risk.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated compliance checks that help your team meet regulatory standards. CCH Tagetik also provides advanced financial reporting capabilities, allowing you to manage complex financial data effectively.
Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, JD Edwards, Infor, Workday, QuickBooks, and IBM Cognos.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated compliance checks
- Built-in controls and audit trails
- Advanced financial reporting
Cons:
- Requires significant training
- Can be resource-intensive
Pigment is a planning and forecasting platform designed for businesses that prioritize collaboration. It caters to finance teams looking to integrate planning across departments for more cohesive decision-making.
Why I picked Pigment: Pigment’s built to keep everyone on the same page—literally. With real-time updates, clear visual models, and an easy-to-use interface, teams across finance, HR, and operations can work together without stepping on each other’s toes. You can also build and adjust budgets, run scenarios, and share insights without waiting on version updates or chasing down changes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time data updates that keep your team informed of the latest changes. Pigment also offers scenario modeling, which helps you evaluate potential business outcomes.
Integrations include Salesforce, NetSuite, Slack, Google Sheets, Excel, Looker, Tableau, Snowflake, Workday, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Encourages departmental collaboration
- Real-time data updates
- Supports scenario modeling
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Not ideal for very small teams
Board is a business intelligence and corporate performance management software aimed at mid-sized to large enterprises. It combines budgeting, planning, and forecasting with advanced visual analytics to support strategic decision-making.
Why I picked Board: Board’s focus on visual analytics offers your team an intuitive way to interpret complex data. The software provides interactive dashboards that allow you to visualize performance metrics easily, while its drag-and-drop functionality makes it simple to create customized reports. In my experience, this visualization capability enhances understanding and supports more informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include scenario planning that helps your team anticipate future trends. The software's scorecarding feature also helps you to track performance against strategic goals.
Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Google Analytics, IBM Cognos, Qlik, Tableau, Alteryx, and JD Edwards.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop report creation
- Advanced scorecarding features
- Predictive analytics capabilities
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Complex customization options
Other Budgeting and Planning Software
Here are some additional budgeting and planning software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Sage Intacct
For mid-sized businesses
- Jedox
For flexible deployment options
- Productive
For agency management
- Workday Adaptive Planning
For continuous planning
- Vena
For Excel-based interface
- JustPerform
For process automation
- Oracle Enterprise Performance Management
For enterprise-level analytics
- IBM Planning Analytics
For AI-driven insights
- Phocas
For data discovery
- Kepion
For custom business rules
Budgeting and Planning Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best budgeting and planning software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like accurate forecasting and ease of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Budget creation and management
- Financial forecasting
- Variance analysis
- Financial reporting
- Multi-year planning
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time data integration
- Predictive analytics
- Scenario modeling
- Customizable dashboards
- Collaboration tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Ease of navigation
- Learning curve
- User experience design
- Accessibility of features
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars
- Use of templates
- Support from chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Responsiveness of email support
- Access to phone support
- Quality of support documentation
- Availability of a user community
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Feature set relative to price
- Availability of free trials
- Pricing transparency
- Flexibility of pricing plans
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Frequency of feature updates
- Quality of customer support
- Ease of implementation feedback
How to Choose Budgeting and Planning Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your business. Look for solutions that support increasing data volumes and user numbers without compromising performance. |
| Integrations | Check if the software integrates with your existing systems like ERP, CRM, and accounting tools to ensure smooth data flow across your organization. |
| Customizability | Choose a tool that lets you tailor features and reports to fit your business processes, enhancing relevance and efficiency for your team. |
| Ease of Use | Opt for software with an intuitive interface and straightforward navigation to minimize training time and enhance user adoption. |
| Budget | Align the software’s cost with your budget. Consider both upfront expenses and ongoing costs, ensuring no hidden fees surprise you later. |
| Security Safeguards | Look for strong security features like encryption and access controls to protect sensitive financial data and maintain compliance with regulations. |
| Support Services | Evaluate the availability and quality of customer support, including live chat, phone support, and online resources, to assist your team when needed. |
| Reporting Capabilities | Assess the software’s ability to generate detailed and customizable reports that aid in insightful financial analysis and decision-making. |
Trends in Budgeting and Planning Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different budgeting and planning software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Powered Insights: AI is increasingly used to deliver predictive analytics and actionable insights from the top-down. This helps businesses anticipate trends and make informed decisions. For example, vendors like IBM Planning Analytics have started to incorporate AI to enhance forecasting accuracy.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Tools are evolving to support real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work simultaneously on planning documents. This fosters better communication and faster decision-making, as seen in solutions like Pigment.
- Scenario Planning: More software now offers advanced scenario planning features, enabling users to model various business outcomes. This helps companies prepare for uncertainties and optimize strategies, a feature highlighted in Anaplan.
- Increased Data Visualization: Vendors are enhancing data visualization capabilities, making it easier for users to interpret complex data. Solutions like Board focus on providing intuitive visual analytics for better understanding.
- Cloud-First Solutions: The shift to cloud-first solutions is growing, offering flexibility and accessibility. This trend supports remote work and data sharing, with platforms like SAP Analytics Cloud leading the way.
What Is Budgeting and Planning Software?
Budgeting and planning software is a tool that helps organizations manage their financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes. These tools are typically used by finance professionals, accountants, and business analysts to improve financial accuracy and decision-making.
They often include key features like real-time collaboration, scenario planning, and data visualization capabilities that support businesses in anticipating trends and optimizing strategies. Overall, budgeting and planning software enhances efficiency, empowers the FP&A process, and provides valuable insights for financial management.
Features of Budgeting and Planning Software
When selecting budgeting and planning software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Financial Forecasting: Helps predict future financial outcomes by analyzing historical data sources, aiding in strategic planning while building annual budgets.
- Scenario Planning: Allows businesses to model different financial scenarios to prepare for uncertainties and optimize strategies for integrated business planning.
- Data Visualization: Provides intuitive charts and graphs to make complex financial data easier to understand and analyze for operational planning.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Enables multiple users to work on financial plans simultaneously, improving communication and decision-making. This can also aid in the approval process, allowing stakeholders and executives to assist in budgeting and planning.
- Automated Reporting: Reduces manual data entry by automatically generating reports, saving time and reducing errors.
- Customizable Dashboards: Allows users to tailor their view of financial data, improving relevance and efficiency.
- Predictive Analytics: Uses AI to offer insights on future trends, helping businesses make informed decisions.
- Data Integration: Ensures smooth data flow across different systems, maintaining consistency and accuracy.
- Budget Creation: Facilitates the development and management of financial budgets, ensuring financial control.
- Variance Analysis: Compares planned vs. actual performance, helping identify discrepancies and improve financial accuracy.
Benefits of Budgeting and Planning Software
Implementing budgeting and planning software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved Accuracy: Automated reporting and financial forecasting reduce manual errors, enhancing the precision of your financial data.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Predictive analytics and scenario planning provide insights that help your team make informed strategic decisions.
- Increased Efficiency: Real-time collaboration and data integration streamline processes, allowing your team to work more effectively.
- Better Financial Control: Budget creation and variance analysis ensure you maintain oversight and control over your financial resources.
- Time Savings: Features like automated reporting and customizable dashboards save time by reducing manual tasks and simplifying data access.
- Adaptability: Customizable dashboards and scenario planning allow your team to quickly adjust plans as business needs change.
- Clear Communication: Data visualization and real-time collaboration improve understanding and communication across departments.
Costs and Pricing of Budgeting and Planning Software
Selecting budgeting and planning software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in budgeting and planning software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Budgeting and Planning Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Limited reporting, basic budgeting, and single-user access. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Budget creation, financial forecasting, and data visualization. |
| Business Plan | $40-$70/user/month | Scenario planning, automated reporting, and multi-user collaboration. |
| Enterprise Plan | $80-$150/user/month | Advanced analytics, real-time data integration, and customizable dashboards. |
Budgeting and Planning Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about budgeting and planning software:
What mistakes should I avoid when evaluating budgeting software?
Avoid focusing solely on price without considering the software’s features and support. Don’t overlook scalability; ensure the software can grow with your business. Neglecting user feedback can lead to choosing a tool that doesn’t meet your team’s needs. Always test the software with a trial before committing.
How can budgeting software improve financial accuracy?
Budgeting software improves accuracy by automating data entry and calculations, reducing human error. It provides real-time data updates, ensuring your team works with the latest information. Features like variance analysis help pinpoint discrepancies, allowing for timely adjustments and more precise financial management.
Are there specific industries that benefit most from budgeting software?
While most industries can benefit, those with complex financial operations, like manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, often see significant advantages. These sectors require detailed budgeting, forecasting, and compliance, which budgeting software can handle efficiently, providing insights and improving financial planning.
What role does data visualization play in budgeting software?
Data visualization simplifies complex financial data into easy-to-understand charts and graphs. It helps your team quickly grasp key insights and trends, aiding in strategic planning. Visualization tools make it easier to communicate financial information, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
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