Expensify vs Airbase: Which Is Worth It for a 10–50 Person Team?

TL;DR

Expensify and Airbase are two popular expense management solutions, but they cater to different needs, with Expensify being more suitable for smaller teams and Airbase being more comprehensive for mid-sized companies. For managers running 10-50 person teams, Expensify is a better starting point due to its ease of use and affordability, saving managers around $10,900/year by reducing receipt approval time by 4+ hours/week.

The Core Difference

Expensify was built for startups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) needing basic expense tracking and reporting with a mobile-first approach, making it easy to use and set up in just 1 day. On the other hand, Airbase is a more comprehensive spend management platform that includes virtual cards, AP automation, and tight budget control, but it can be more complex to set up and manage, taking several weeks.

Contrary to the common perception that Airbase is only suitable for large enterprises, it can also be a good fit for smaller businesses that require more advanced features and are willing to invest time in setting it up. However, Expensify's simplicity and affordability make it a more attractive option for smaller teams, with pricing starting at around $5/active user/month and a free plan available, whereas Airbase's custom pricing can be more expensive, especially for smaller businesses.

The Manager's Verdict

As a manager running a 10-50 person team, I need an expense management solution that is easy to use, affordable, and saves me time on receipt approvals. Expensify meets these needs, but I also consider Airbase for its comprehensive features, although its complexity and cost can be prohibitive. With Expensify, I can save around 4+ hours/week, which translates to $10,900/year, and its direct integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero make it a convenient option.

After evaluating both options, I found that BlissNeat is a logical conclusion, offering AI-powered expense management that saves me 4+ hours/week and integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero. With a 30-day free trial and no credit card required, BlissNeat is a viable alternative that meets my needs, and its bilingual English and Japanese support is a significant advantage for my team. By choosing BlissNeat, I can streamline my expense management process, reduce costs, and focus on growing my business, all while avoiding the complexity and high costs associated with Airbase and the limitations of Expensify.