Two apps. One goal. Here's how they compare.
An honest, feature-by-feature look at Splitwise and Are We Even. What each does well. Where they differ. Which one fits how your group actually works.
This is for you if...
- ✓You're actively comparing expense-splitting apps and want real information
- ✓You've used Splitwise and are curious whether something else fits better
- ✓You want to understand pricing differences before committing
- ✓You care about features but also about simplicity
This isn't a sales pitch disguised as a comparison. Both apps work. The question is which one works better for your situation.
We'll be straight with you
Splitwise has been around since 2011. It has millions of users and a proven track record. Are We Even is newer and takes a different approach — particularly around pricing and simplicity.
We'll tell you where Splitwise does well. We'll tell you where we think we do better. You decide.
The real questions people have
How much does each one actually cost?
Splitwise uses per-user pricing. Free tier has limits and ads. Pro unlocks everything at $40/year per person. Are We Even charges one person — everyone else uses it free.
Which features require paying?
In Splitwise, receipt scanning, charts, currency conversion, and ad removal require Pro. In Are We Even, every feature is included in every plan.
How do they handle groups where participation is uneven?
Splitwise works best when everyone downloads the app and stays active. Are We Even is designed for one active organizer and varying levels of group engagement.
Is switching easy?
Are We Even supports importing Splitwise data via CSV export. Auto-detection of columns, duplicate flagging, and selective import make the transition straightforward.
Same goal, different philosophy
Both apps help groups split expenses. The difference is in the approach. Splitwise is a platform — social features, group dynamics, per-user accounts, and a mature ecosystem. Are We Even is a tool — one person manages it, everyone benefits, and the focus stays on tracking and settling expenses. Neither approach is wrong. They serve different types of groups.
- Clear pricing: one person pays, everyone uses
- All features included: no Pro tier
- Import from Splitwise: transition in minutes
How it works
Create a group or import from Splitwise
Start fresh or bring your existing data. CSV import handles the transition.
Add expenses your way
Manual entry, receipt scanning, or spreadsheet import. All methods available in every plan.
Split with flexibility
Equal, percentage, income-based, by item, or custom. Different methods for different expenses.
Settle with pre-filled links
Payment links for 6 digital wallets. Minimum transfers calculated automatically.
Side by side
Clean interface focused on the three things that matter: add expenses, see balances, settle up.
Features
Pricing model
Splitwise: free tier with ads + Pro at $40/year per user. Are We Even: $5/month or $40/year — one person pays, everyone else is free.
Receipt scanning
Splitwise: Pro only, basic OCR. Are We Even: included in all plans, edge detection, item-level extraction, confidence scoring.
Split methods
Splitwise: equal, exact amounts, percentages. Are We Even: equal, percentages, income-based, item-level, custom amounts.
Payment integration
Splitwise: no built-in payment links. Are We Even: pre-filled links for Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, Apple Cash, Google Pay.
Try the Fair Split CalculatorWhen each app makes more sense
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Method | The Problem |
|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes (limited, with ads) |
| Receipt scanning | Pro only ($40/yr) |
| Item-level splitting | Pro only |
| Income-based splits | Manual % only |
| Spreadsheet import | Pro only |
| Built-in payment links | No |
| Debt minimization | Yes |
| Ad-free | Pro only |
| Penny-perfect rounding | Standard |
| Social features | Yes (activity feed, comments) |
| User base size | Large |
| Are We Even | None. That's the point. |
The honest tradeoffs
**Choose Splitwise if:** You have a large group where everyone is engaged, you value social features like activity feeds and comments, and you don't mind per-user pricing. **Choose Are We Even if:** You're the organizer, you want all features without paying for Pro, and your group has uneven participation. Also if income-based splitting or item-level splitting matters to you. **The bottom line:** Splitwise is established and feature-rich. Are We Even is simpler and more affordable for groups. Both get the core job done — tracking shared expenses and helping you settle up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Are We Even trying to copy Splitwise?
- No. The apps share the same problem space but take fundamentally different approaches. Splitwise is a collaborative platform. Are We Even is an organizer-first tool. Different philosophies, different design decisions.
- Can I use both apps?
- Sure. Some people use Splitwise for long-running groups and Are We Even for trips and temporary events. The import feature makes moving data between them straightforward.
- Which one is cheaper for a group of 5?
- Splitwise free tier works but has ads and feature limits. Splitwise Pro for 5 people is $200/year. Are We Even for the same group is $40/year — one person pays, four people join free.
The best expense-splitting app is the one your group actually uses.
Try Are We Even free for 14 days. Import your data. See how it feels.