Traxpend vs a shared spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are flexible and free, and they work until someone forgets to update one, breaks a formula, or can’t open it on their phone.
Side-by-Side Feature Matrix
| Capability | Traxpend | Spreadsheets |
|---|---|---|
| Free to use | Free plan | ✓ Included |
| Add an expense in seconds from your phone | ✓ Included | Fiddly on mobile |
| Splits and balances update automatically | ✓ Included | If the formulas hold |
| Fewest-payment settle-up | ✓ Included | Manual |
| Recurring bills log themselves | ✓ Included | — Not listed |
| Reminders before bills are due | ✓ Included | — Not listed |
| Budgets with alerts at 80% | ✓ Included | Manual |
| Receipts attached to expenses | ✓ Included | Separate files |
| AI that explains your month | Pro | — Not listed |
| Unlimited custom layouts | — | ✓ Included |
Credit where it’s due
Google Sheets and Excel offer complete customizability and are unmatched for financial modeling, custom macros, and one-off budget templates.
The Verdict: When to choose which tool
When to choose Spreadsheets
Stick with a spreadsheet if one person happily does all the admin and you enjoy building formulas.
When to choose Traxpend
Choose Traxpend if you want everyone to add their own expenses in seconds and the maths to do itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I export my data back to a spreadsheet?
Yes, export your full ledger as a CSV file any time, on every plan, and open it in any spreadsheet.
Do my flatmates need to install anything?
No. Traxpend works in any browser and installs to the home screen like an app.
What about our old spreadsheet history?
Keep it for reference and start fresh in Traxpend from the next month, most groups find that easiest.