Carta vs Pulley: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Carta and Pulley comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Carta
Equity management and cap table software
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • Carta is a platform for managing equity, cap tables, and valuations for startups
- • It handles 409A valuations, equity grants, and liquidity events
Pulley
Equity management for startups
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Pulley is a cap table and equity management platform for startups
- • It manages stock options, 409A valuations, and equity transactions
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Entity Management | Entity Management |
Rating | 88/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Carta | Pulley |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Entity ManagementFinancial Planning | Entity ManagementFinancial Planning |
Understanding the Differences
Both Carta and Pulley solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Carta positions itself as "equity management and cap table software" while Pulleyfocuses on "equity management for startups". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Carta
Carta makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Pulley
Pulley is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Pulley won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Pulley
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Carta handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Carta
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Carta is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Carta
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Pulley has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Carta higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Pulley more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Carta Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Pulley If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Carta (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Carta scores higher in our analysis, but Pulley might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carta or Pulley better?
Based on our analysis, Carta scores higher with 88/100. Carta ispaid while Pulley is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Carta to Pulley easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Carta and Pulley offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Carta is paid with potential trial.Pulley is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.