Carta vs Runway: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Carta and Runway 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
Runway
Modern FP&A platform for financial planning and scenario modeling
Best for you if:
- • Collaborative FP&A platform for planning, forecasting, and reporting.
- • Simulate business decisions with flexible models and AI-powered analysis.
| At a Glance |  Carta |  Runway |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $299/monthStarter | Custom |
Best For | Finance | Finance |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
Choose Carta or Runway?
Choose Carta if
Equity management and cap table software
- Cap table management leader
- 409A valuations
- Equity management
Choose Runway if
Modern FP&A platform for financial planning and scenario modeling
- Financial planning
- Good for SaaS
- Visual modeling
| Feature | Carta | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 285 reviews | ★4.1/5 19 reviews |
| Categories | FinanceEntity Management | FinanceAnalytics |
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
Runway
Modern FP&A platform for financial planning and scenario modeling
Strengths
- +Financial planning
- +Good for SaaS
- +Visual modeling
- +Active development
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Limited features
- -Better alternatives exist
- -SaaS focused
- -Support varies
Key features
Pricing: Carta vs Runway
| Plan | Carta | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Launch | Custom Core |
| Tier 2 | $299 month Starter | Custom Growth |
| Tier 3 | Custom Growth | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Carta pricing and Runway pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Carta
Want the highest-rated option?
Carta: 4.3/5 (285 reviews). Runway: 4.1/5 (19 reviews).
Go with: Carta
Value user reviews?
Carta: 285 reviews (4.3/5). Runway: 19 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Carta
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are finance tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Carta is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Carta
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (285 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Runway
- Choose if you want modern FP&A platform for financial planning and scenario modeling
The Bottom Line
Carta is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carta or Runway better?
Carta is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Carta and Runway used for?
Carta: Equity management and cap table software. Runway: Modern FP&A platform for financial planning and scenario modeling.
What does Carta cost vs Runway?
Carta is a paid tool. Runway is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.