Firstbase vs Found: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Firstbase and Found 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.
Bottom line: Found wins this matchup. efile4Biz is our overall Accounting pick. Ramp is our free Accounting pick. Pick Firstbase if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Firstbase
Form US companies and manage compliance, all in one place
Best for you if:
- • You want the Start package is listed as a one-time fee
Found
Smarter banking, bookkeeping, and tax management for small businesses and freelancers.
Best for you if:
- • You want consolidates banking, bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax management in one platform
| At a Glance | Found | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Finance Legal & Compliance | Finance Accounting |
Rating | n/a | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 6 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | State annual report and franchise tax fees paid separately (Registered Agent) | n/a |
Choose Firstbase or Found?
Choose Firstbase if
- You want the Start package is listed as a one-time fee
- You want free tools are listed on the site, including a business name search and incorporation checklist
Choose Found if
- You want consolidates banking, bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax management in one platform
- You want automates tax savings and expense tracking, simplifying tax preparation
In-Depth Analysis
Firstbase
Form US companies and manage compliance, all in one place
The $299/year registered agent is reasonable but state fees add up.
Watch out
State annual report and franchise tax fees paid separately (Registered Agent)
Strengths
- Pro: The Start package is listed as a one-time fee.
- Pro: Free tools are listed on the site, including a business name search and incorporation checklist.
- Pro: Formation, registered agent, mailroom, accounting and tax filing are all priced on one pricing page.
- Pro: A partner program, Firstbase for Partners, is offered for firms that form companies for clients.
Weaknesses
- Con: State fees are paid separately, as the Start and Registered Agent listings state.
- Con: The formation price is shown as an offer beside a higher struck-through price.
- Con: Accounting and Sales Tax are priced by expense or revenue tier, and some tiers are custom-priced.
Key features
Found
Smarter banking, bookkeeping, and tax management for small businesses and freelancers.
Found offers a very generous free tier, making it highly accessible for new freelancers and small businesses.
Strengths
- Pro: Consolidates banking, bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax management in one platform.
- Pro: Automates tax savings and expense tracking, simplifying tax preparation.
- Pro: Offers a free tier with essential business banking and bookkeeping features.
- Pro: Provides tools for contractor management, including W-9 collection and 1099 e-filing.
- Pro: AI assistant helps with financial queries and automates administrative tasks.
Weaknesses
- Con: Advanced features like higher APY, cash back, and unlimited custom rules are only available in paid plans.
- Con: Found Assistant is in beta and may make mistakes, requiring professional consultation for critical advice.
- Con: Found is a financial technology company, not a bank, with banking services provided by a partner bank.
Key features
Pricing: Firstbase vs Found
| Plan | Firstbase | Found |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $99 Start | $0/mo Found |
| Tier 2 | $199 Firstbase One | $19.99/mo Found Plus |
| Tier 3 | $299 Registered Agent | $80/mo Found Pro |
| Tier 4 | $1799 Tax Filing | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Firstbase pricing and Found pricing.
Key Takeaways
Found
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Firstbase
- Choose if you want form US companies and manage compliance, all in one place
The Bottom Line
Found wins this matchup. efile4Biz is our overall Accounting pick. Ramp is our free Accounting pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firstbase or Found better in 2026?
Found wins this matchup. efile4Biz is our overall Accounting pick. Ramp is our free Accounting pick. Pick Firstbase for finance workflows (main strength: the Start package is listed as a one-time fee). Pick Found for finance workflows (main strength: consolidates banking, bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax management in one platform).
What are Firstbase and Found used for?
Firstbase: Form US companies and manage compliance, all in one place. Found: Smarter banking, bookkeeping, and tax management for small businesses and freelancers.
What does Firstbase cost vs Found?
Firstbase's paid plans start at Free (Start). Found's paid plans start at Free (Found Plus).
What's the main difference between Firstbase and Found?
Firstbase's main strength: the Start package is listed as a one-time fee. Found's main strength: consolidates banking, bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax management in one platform.