Carta vs Pulley: Which is Better 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:
- • 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 |  Carta |  Pulley |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $299/monthStarter | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Finance | Finance |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.7/5 |
Choose Carta or Pulley?
Choose Carta if
Equity management and cap table software
- Cap table management leader
- 409A valuations
- Equity management
- Budget matters ($299/month vs Free)
Choose Pulley if
Equity management for startups
- Modern cap table management
- More affordable than Carta
- Good UX
| Feature | Carta | Pulley |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 285 reviews | ★4.7/5 146 reviews |
| Categories | FinanceEntity Management | FinanceEntity Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Carta
Equity management and cap table software
Strengths
- +Cap table management leader
- +409A valuations
- +Equity management
- +Investor relations
- +Industry standard
Weaknesses
- -Expensive
- -Per-stakeholder pricing
- -Overkill for small companies
- -Complex for simple needs
- -Migration difficult
Key features
Pulley
Equity management for startups
Strengths
- +Modern cap table management
- +More affordable than Carta
- +Good UX
- +409A valuations
- +Transparent pricing
Weaknesses
- -Smaller than Carta
- -Less features
- -Newer platform
- -Limited integrations
- -US focused
Key features
Pricing: Carta vs Pulley
| Plan | Carta | Pulley |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Launch | $1200 Starter |
| Tier 2 | $299 month Starter | Custom Growth |
| Tier 3 | Custom Growth | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Carta pricing and Pulley pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pulley has a free tier. Carta is paid only.
Go with: Pulley
Want the highest-rated option?
Carta: 4.3/5 (285 reviews). Pulley: 4.7/5 (146 reviews).
Go with: Pulley
Value user reviews?
Carta: 285 reviews (4.3/5). Pulley: 146 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Carta
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Carta is paid. Pulley is freemium. Pulley lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are finance tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Pulley is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Carta
- Larger review base (285 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Pulley
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.3/5
The Bottom Line
Carta is our pick. Pulley has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carta or Pulley better?
Carta is rated in our evaluation. Carta is paid and Pulley is freemium.
What are Carta and Pulley used for?
Carta: Equity management and cap table software. Pulley: Equity management for startups.
What does Carta cost vs Pulley?
Carta is a paid tool. Pulley is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.