13 Best Free Forecasting Software Reviewed in 2025
Best Free Forecasting Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best free forecasting software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Running a business is tough enough—especially when you’re juggling cash flow, forecasting revenue, and making smart financial decisions. The last thing you need is pricey software adding to your stress. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get powerful forecasting tools.
As a financial controller, I get the skepticism around free forecasting software—but honestly, many free (or free-tier) tools offer the same core features as paid ones. Think real-time forecasting, cash flow insights, and smart alerts—all without the hefty price tag.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my favorite free forecasting software that actually delivers. Whether you're just starting out or running lean, these picks can help you take control of your finances without breaking the bank.
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Best Free Forecasting Software Summary
While all of the forecasting software in my list have free offerings, they also have paid plans should you wish to upgrade. Here are the base costs for each of the tools that made it onto my shortlist:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for collaborative forecasting | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $6.46/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for data preparation tools | 30-day free trial | From $433/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for financial tracking | 14-day free trial | From $6/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for budgeting templates | 14-day free trial | From $83/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for AI-driven insights | 30-day free trial + free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for small business insights | 14-day free trial | From $35/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for scenario planning | Free plan available | From $76/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for task management integration | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for cash flow visualization | 14-day free trial | From $23/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for accounting integration | 30-day free trial | From $2/month (for 3 months, then $20/month) | 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 Free Forecasting Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best free forecasting software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, free offerings, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet application widely used by individuals and businesses. It allows users to create, edit, and share spreadsheets online, facilitating collaborative data management and financial forecasting.
Why I picked Google Sheets: If you have a Google account, you have access to Google Sheets, which enables collaborative forecasting with real-time editing and sharing capabilities. You can create complex spreadsheets with formulas and charts to visualize data. The tool also supports multiple users editing simultaneously, making it ideal for team collaboration.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include powerful data analysis with built-in functions and formulas. Additionally, the software’s conditional formatting highlights key data trends for your team.
Integrations include Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Forms, Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Meet, Gmail, Zapier, Slack, and Salesforce.
What's Free? Google Sheets offers a free-forever plan with no user limitations, allowing unlimited access to its core features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports real-time collaboration
- Allows complex data analysis
- Facilitates easy data visualization
Cons:
- Can be slow with large datasets
- Lack of advanced analytics tools
Alteryx is a data analytics and preparation platform designed for data analysts and business users. It simplifies data blending and advanced analytics, making it easier for teams to prepare, analyze, and visualize data.
Why I picked Alteryx: Alteryx offers key features like data blending and analytics, which are vital for data-driven decisions. The platform also supports visual workflows, helping your team streamline data processes. Overall, this central focus on data preparation tools makes it ideal for users who need efficient data management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced analytics capabilities to help your team gain insights from data. Plus, its data blending tools allow you to combine data from various sources effortlessly.
Integrations include Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI, AWS, Salesforce, Oracle, Google BigQuery, Teradata, IBM, and SAP.
What's Free? Alteryx offers a 30-day free trial, allowing users to experience its data preparation and analytics features without commitment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Allows easy data blending
- Offers detailed data insights
- Facilitates complex data tasks
Cons:
- High learning curve for beginners
- Not ideal for small datasets
Float is a cash flow forecasting and management tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps businesses track their cash flow, manage budgets, and create financial forecasts that align with their financial strategy.
Why I picked Float: Float stands out for its intuitive and accurate financial tracking capabilities. It syncs directly with your accounting software to pull in real-time data, giving you a live view of your cash position. Unlike traditional spreadsheets, Float automatically updates forecasts as transactions happen—so you’re never working with outdated numbers. Its visual layout also makes it easy to spot trends, anticipate shortfalls, and track performance against budgets.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include budget management tools that help your team allocate resources efficiently. Plus, its forecasting capabilities allow you to predict future cash flow scenarios accurately.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreeAgent.
What's Free? Float offers a 14-day free trial, allowing users to test its cash flow forecasting features without commitment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides real-time cash insights
- Supports accurate forecasting
- Allows budget management
Cons:
- May require financial knowledge
- Not ideal for large enterprises
PlanGuru is a financial planning and budgeting software aimed at small businesses, nonprofits, and their advisors. It specializes in budgeting, financial analytics, and strategic planning to improve profitability and decision-making.
Why I picked PlanGuru: PlanGuru offers you the chance to explore its budgeting templates without a financial commitment. It includes over 20 forecasting methods and allows importing historical data for comprehensive analysis. You can also use its integrated forecasting features for income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, making it ideal for users who need structured financial planning.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include scenario analysis tools that help you evaluate different financial outcomes. The software’s customizable budgeting options let you tailor financial plans to your needs, while its reporting capabilities provide insights into financial performance.
Integrations include QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
What's Free? PlanGuru offers a 14-day free trial with access to its core budgeting and forecasting features, enabling you to test its capabilities for your financial planning
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Allows historical data import
- Provides scenario analysis tools
- Supports strategic planning
Cons:
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Limited to small business focus
IBM's Planning Analytics is an advanced business planning and analytics tool designed for enterprises and large organizations. It supports budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to help inform business decisions with key metrics and insights.
Why I picked IBM: IBM's Planning Analytics software stands out for its powerful AI-driven insights, making it a top choice for businesses that rely on data to drive strategic decisions. Its AI capabilities go beyond surface-level forecasting—uncovering hidden patterns, predicting future trends, and recommending actions based on real-time data. It also automates complex planning workflows, allowing your team to spend less time on manual tasks and more time acting on intelligent insights.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include dynamic planning that adapts to changing business needs. Plus, its real-time analytics provide immediate insights into financial performance.
Integrations include SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Cognos Analytics, Workday, NetSuite, QuickBooks, and JD Edwards.
What's Free? IBM offers a 30-day free trial of its Planning Analytics tool, allowing users to experience its AI-driven features without commitment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes real-time analytics
- Automates complex processes
- Enhances forecasting accuracy
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Requires technical expertise
Futrli is a cash flow forecasting and reporting tool primarily for accountants, bookkeepers, and small businesses. It provides real-time financial insights and customizable reports to aid in decision-making and performance management.
Why I picked Futrli: Futrli allows you to explore real-time insights and forecasting without initial costs. Some of its key features, including daily cash flow forecasting and customizable reporting, allow businesses to gain a deeper knowledge of their financial health. You can also access HR forecasting, which enables you to predict future needs from employee numbers to required skills and more.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multi-scenario planning, letting you model best-case, worst-case, and most-likely financial outcomes to prepare for anything. It also includes KPI tracking to monitor performance against your goals.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage.
What's Free? Futrli offers a 14-day free trial that provides access to its core features, allowing you to test its capabilities for your small business needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers real-time insights
- Includes customizable reports
- Facilitates strategic planning
Cons:
- Complex for beginners
- Limited to small business focus
Finanscapes is an online cash flow forecasting tool aimed at businesses, universities, and accountants. It helps users visualize financial futures and create detailed profit and cash flow forecasts to enhance decision-making.
Why I picked Finanscapes: Finanscapes allows you to explore unlimited scenario modeling without complex calculations. You can create professional financial forecasts suitable for investors and lenders. Plus, the intuitive interface supports easy visualization of cash flow data, while its focus on scenario planning helps your team anticipate financial outcomes effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include insightful graphs that simplify financial data. Additionally, its professional financial forecasts provide detailed insights for stakeholders.
Integrations include popular accounting software.
What's Free? Finanscapes offers a free plan, allowing users to access its core functionality at no added cost.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers unlimited scenario modeling
- Provides professional forecasts
- Supports cash flow visualization
Cons:
- Limited detailed guidance
- Not ideal for very large enterprises
ClickUp is a versatile project management tool designed for teams of all sizes. It helps with task management, time tracking, and workflow automation, making it suitable for businesses looking to enhance productivity and collaboration.
Why I picked ClickUp: ClickUp’s free plan offers extensive task management features without any cost. You can create tasks, set priorities, and track time, all integrated into one platform. The tool's ability to integrate with calendars also helps your team stay organized, making it a valuable asset for improving team efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workflow automation that allows your team to streamline repetitive tasks. Additionally, its customizable dashboards provide a personalized view of your projects.
Integrations include Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, Outlook, GitHub, Evernote, Zendesk, Salesforce, and HubSpot.
What's Free? ClickUp offers a free-forever plan with unlimited tasks and users, 100MB of storage, whiteboards, and two-factor authentication. However, it is limited in its more advanced features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides customizable dashboards
- Includes time tracking
- Allows task prioritization
Cons:
- Initial setup might be complex
- May not support all project types
Cash Flow Frog is a cash flow management and forecasting tool aimed at businesses looking to manage their finances more effectively. It serves growth-focused companies by offering cash flow projections, different scenario planning, and customizable cash flow statements.
Why I picked Cash Flow Frog: Cash Flow Frog provides access to a free trial that allows you to visualize cash flow without manual data entry. The tool integrates with popular accounting software, offering real-time data synchronization. You can also create cash flow projections and analyze customer insights. However, its overall strength lies in its cash flow visualization, which can easily help your team make informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include cash flow projections that help you anticipate financial needs. The platform’s scenario planning lets your team explore different business outcomes. Additionally, its customizable cash flow statements offer insights tailored to your company's needs.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks.
What's Free? Cash Flow Frog offers a 14-day free trial with access to its core features, allowing you to test its capabilities without commitment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes scenario planning
- Visualizes cash flow effectively
- Supports multiple perspectives
Cons:
- May not suit very small businesses
- Advanced features could be complex
Xero is an online accounting software designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It provides essential accounting functions like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation to keep your finances organized.
Why I picked Xero: Xero is ideal for businesses looking to improve their financial reporting capabilities. It includes features like invoicing and bill management, tailored for small business needs. You can also access bank reconciliation, providing a complete view of your financial health. However, its strength lies in its accounting integrations, which, combined with its strong feature set, makes it a valuable tool for managing finances efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated payroll processing and multi-currency support. The platform also includes time-saving tools like recurring billing, payment reminders, and detailed financial dashboards.
Integrations include Gusto, Stripe, PayPal, HubSpot, Square, Shopify, and Mailchimp.
What's Free? Xero offers a 30-day free trial, letting you access its core accounting features without financial commitment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides real-time financial data
- Supports multiple currencies
- Facilitates easy collaboration
Cons:
- May require training for new users
- Complex for very small businesses
Other Free Forecasting Software
Here are some additional forecasting software options that also offer free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out:
- HubSpot
For CRM integration
- Odoo Accounting
For startup business accounting
- MoneyPatrol
For personal finance tracking
Free Forecasting Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best free forecasting software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like budget constraints 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:
- Create financial forecasts
- Track cash flow
- Manage budgets
- Generate reports
- Analyze financial data
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Scenario planning capabilities
- Integration with accounting software
- Real-time data integration
- Customizable dashboards
- AI-driven insights
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Ease of navigation
- Low learning curve
- Responsive design
- Customization options
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to templates
- User-friendly product tours
- Supportive chatbots
- Informative webinars
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Access to email support
- Response time for queries
- Comprehensive help center
- Quality of support documentation
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Comparison with competitor pricing
- Range of features offered
- Cost transparency
- Flexibility of pricing plans
- Availability of free trials
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
- Feedback on functionality
- Comments on ease of use
- Insights on customer support
- Opinions on value for money
How to Choose Free Forecasting Software
Complex feature lists and pricing structures can make it hard to figure out what you’re really getting from a free forecasting software. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Free Offer Scope | Determine what's included in the free version. Check for limitations on features, users, or integrations to ensure it meets your basic needs. |
| Scalability | Consider if the software can grow with your business. Look for options that offer easy upgrades to paid plans with more advanced features as you expand. |
| Integrations | Check if the software integrates with your existing systems like accounting or CRM tools. This ensures seamless data flow and saves your team time. |
| Ease of Use | Evaluate how intuitive the interface is. Choose a tool that your team can quickly learn and use without extensive training or support. |
| Customizability | Look for tools that allow you to tailor reports and dashboards to your specific needs, helping you get the insights that matter most to your business. |
| Security | Assess the software's security measures. Ensure it complies with industry standards to protect your financial data. |
| Support Resources | Check the availability of help resources like tutorials, FAQs, and customer support to assist you in resolving any issues that may arise. |
| User Feedback | Read user reviews to understand real-world experiences. Look for comments on reliability, feature effectiveness, and customer support quality. |
What Is Free Forecasting Software?
Free forecasting software is a tool that helps businesses predict future financial outcomes at no-added cost. They’re generally used by financial analysts, accountants, and business managers to plan budgets and make informed decisions.
Free forecasting software often only come with basic features with limitations on users or integrations. Some key features you may experience include data visualization, scenario planning, and integration capabilities to help with financial analysis and strategic planning.
Features of Free Forecasting Software
Below, I go over the features commonly found in forecasting software, and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.
Typically Free Forecasting Software Features
- Basic Forecasting Tools: Allows users to predict future financial outcomes using historical data, which is essential for budgeting and consolidation during FP&A.
- Data Visualization: Provides charts and graphs to help users easily understand and interpret financial data.
- Collaboration Capabilities: Enables multiple users to work on forecasts simultaneously, promoting teamwork and shared insights.
- Report Generation: Allows users to create financial reports that summarize data for decision-making and presentations.
- Scenario Planning: Lets users model different financial scenarios to understand potential impacts on business outcomes.
Typically Paid Forecasting Software Features
- Advanced Analytics: Offers deeper insights into financial data, helping users make more informed strategic decisions.
- Customizable Dashboards: Allows users to tailor their data view, providing a personalized and efficient user experience.
- Integration With Accounting Software: Facilitates seamless integration and data flow between systems, saving time ,and reducing errors in financial management.
- AI-Driven Insights: Provides predictive analytics that enhance accuracy and foresight in financial forecasting.
- Automated Data Syncing: Ensures that financial data is always up-to-date, improving the reliability of forecasts and reports.
Benefits of Free Forecasting Software
Implementing free forecasting software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost Savings: Provides essential forecasting tools without financial commitment, helping businesses manage budgets effectively.
- Accessibility: Offers cloud-based solutions that allow teams to work from anywhere, ensuring constant access to data and collaboration.
- Improved Decision-Making: Supports informed decisions with data visualization and scenario planning, giving insights into potential financial outcomes.
- Collaboration: Enables multiple users to work together on forecasts, fostering teamwork and shared understanding of financial goals.
- Flexibility: Allows users to test features and functionalities before committing to a paid plan, ensuring the tool fits their needs.
- Quick Setup: Often includes intuitive interfaces and easy onboarding, allowing teams to start forecasting without extensive training.
- Scalability: Provides basic tools that can be expanded with paid plans as business needs grow, offering a path for future growth.
Costs and Pricing of Free Forecasting Software
I realize you came to this article looking for the best forecasting software options that are available for free. However, since free plans only offer limited features, there's a good chance you'll need to scale your plan up in the future.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in forecasting software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Forecasting Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic forecasting tools, data visualization, and collaboration capabilities. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Advanced analytics, customizable dashboards, and basic integrations. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | AI-driven insights, enhanced security, and expanded integrations. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100+/user/month | Comprehensive automation, dedicated support, and extensive customization options. |
Free Forecasting Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free forecasting software:
Can free forecasting software handle large datasets?
Free versions may be limited in handling very large datasets, often due to restrictions on data import/export capabilities or storage limits. If your team frequently works with large data volumes, you might need to consider upgrading to a paid plan that supports more extensive data processing.
Is customer support available for free software users?
Typically, free software users have access to limited customer support, such as community forums or basic email support. If your team requires more comprehensive support, including phone or live chat, you might need to explore paid options that offer these services.
How secure is my data with free forecasting software?
Free versions usually offer basic security measures, but they may not have the same level of data protection as paid plans. Always review the security features and compliance standards of the software to ensure your data is adequately protected.
How customizable are free forecasting tools?
Customization options in free versions are generally limited to basic features like templates and dashboards. If your team requires more tailored reports or workflows, you may need to consider a paid plan that offers greater flexibility and customization.
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