FreeSplitz vs Splitwise
An honest comparison to help you choose the right expense splitting app
TL;DR – Quick Summary
FreeSplitz is 100% free forever with no ads, no premium tiers, and strong privacy protections. It offers equal, custom, and itemized splits with modern features like settle-all and expense analytics.
Splitwise is a mature freemium app with extensive features, mobile apps, and integrations. Some features require a paid Pro subscription ($2.99-$5.99/month).
Choose FreeSplitz if: You want a completely free solution with no ads and strong privacy.
Choose Splitwise if: You need native mobile apps and don't mind paying for premium features.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | FreeSplitz | Splitwise |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free Forever | Free with Pro ($2.99-5.99/mo) |
| Advertisements | No Ads | Yes (Free tier) |
| Equal Split | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Split | ✓ | ✓ |
| Itemized Split | ✓ | ✓ |
| Group Expenses | ✓ | ✓ |
| Public Group Sharing | ✓ (Anonymous View) | ✓ |
| Settle-All Feature | ✓ (One-click) | ✓ |
| Expense Analytics | ✓ | ✓ (Pro only) |
| Expense History | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Unlimited |
| Edit History Tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web App | ✓ (PWA) | ✓ |
| Native Mobile Apps | PWA (installable) | ✓ iOS & Android |
| Offline Support | Limited (PWA) | ✓ |
| Receipt Scanning | ✗ | ✓ (Pro only) |
| Currency Conversion | ✗ | ✓ |
| Notifications | ✓ Email & In-app | ✓ Push & Email |
| Data Export | ✓ | ✓ |
| Privacy & Data | No data selling, minimal tracking | See privacy policy |
| Third-Party Integrations | ✗ | ✓ (Venmo, PayPal, etc.) |
| Technology Stack | React, Node.js, PostgreSQL | Proprietary |
Detailed Comparison
FreeSplitz Advantages
- Completely free forever – no hidden costs
- No advertisements ever
- Analytics included for free
- Modern, clean user interface
- Strong privacy commitment
- Open about technology stack
- One-click settle-all with preview
- Lightweight and fast
FreeSplitz Limitations
- No native mobile apps (PWA only)
- No receipt scanning
- No currency conversion
- No third-party payment integrations
- Smaller user base (newer app)
- Limited offline functionality
Splitwise Advantages
- Mature product with large user base
- Native iOS and Android apps
- Currency conversion built-in
- Receipt scanning (Pro)
- Payment integrations (Venmo, PayPal)
- Extensive features and settings
- Better offline support
Splitwise Limitations
- Ads on free tier
- Key features locked behind Pro paywall
- Monthly subscription cost ($2.99-5.99)
- More complex interface
- Data sharing practices less transparent
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose FreeSplitz if you:
- Want a completely free solution with no ads
- Value privacy and minimal data collection
- Primarily use web browsers or PWAs
- Don't need currency conversion or receipt scanning
- Prefer a simple, focused feature set
- Want analytics without paying for Pro
- Are budget-conscious and refuse to pay subscriptions
Choose Splitwise if you:
- Need native mobile apps for iOS/Android
- Travel internationally and need currency conversion
- Want receipt scanning (and can pay for Pro)
- Need payment integrations with Venmo, PayPal, etc.
- Don't mind ads or are willing to pay for Pro
- Prefer a well-established app with a large community
Our Honest Recommendation
For most casual users splitting expenses with friends and roommates, FreeSplitz offers everything you need for free. The core functionality (equal/custom/itemized splits, balance tracking, settlements) is identical, but FreeSplitz gives you analytics and an ad-free experience at no cost.
If you're a frequent international traveler or heavily rely on mobile apps, Splitwise's native apps and currency features may justify the subscription cost. However, for domestic use and web-first users, FreeSplitz is the smarter choice.
Try FreeSplitz FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Splitwise to FreeSplitz?
Yes! While we don't have an automated import tool yet, you can manually recreate your groups and add past expenses. Both apps allow data export, so you can reference your Splitwise history while setting up FreeSplitz.
Is FreeSplitz really free forever?
Yes. FreeSplitz is committed to being free forever with no ads, no premium tiers, and no hidden costs. We believe expense splitting should be accessible to everyone without financial barriers.
Why doesn't FreeSplitz have mobile apps?
FreeSplitz uses Progressive Web App (PWA) technology, which means you can install it on your phone like a native app directly from your browser. This allows us to maintain a single codebase and keep the service free. Native apps may come in the future.
How does FreeSplitz make money if it's free?
Currently, FreeSplitz operates as a passion project with minimal infrastructure costs. We may explore ethical monetization in the future (like optional donations), but we'll never introduce ads or lock core features behind paywalls.