Float vs Relay: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Float and Relay 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: Float wins this matchup. BILL ranks #1 on our Finance list. Wise is our free Finance pick. Pick Relay if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Float
Unlock cash visibility and make confident financial decisions with visual cash flow forecasting.
Best for you if:
- • You want cash flow forecasting
- • You want good integration
Relay
Online business banking for clear cash flow, meticulous organization, and financial control.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want good for small business
- • You want no hidden fees
| At a Glance | Float | Relay |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $50/moEarly | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Finance | Finance |
Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Float or Relay?
Choose Float if
Unlock cash visibility and make confident financial decisions with visual cash flow forecasting.
- You want cash flow forecasting
- You want good integration
Choose Relay if
Online business banking for clear cash flow, meticulous organization, and financial control.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want good for small business
- You want no hidden fees
| Feature | Float | Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 45 reviews | ★4.2/5 31 reviews |
| Categories | FinanceAnalytics | FinanceAccounting |
In-Depth Analysis
Float
Unlock cash visibility and make confident financial decisions with visual cash flow forecasting.
Float is a solid cash flow forecasting tool for small businesses using Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent, with pricing that scales by both plan tier and annual revenue.
Watch out
Revenue-based pricing slider means your actual cost may be much higher than the advertised starting price, a $10M+ revenue business pays several times the base rate even on the Early plan
Strengths
- +Cash flow forecasting
- +Good integration
- +Active development
- +Good features
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -Learning curve
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Feature gaps
- -Support varies
Key features
Relay
Online business banking for clear cash flow, meticulous organization, and financial control.
Relay's pricing is quite generous, especially with a robust free 'Starter' tier offering 20 checking accounts and 1.03% APY on savings.
Strengths
- +Good for small business
- +No hidden fees
- +Multiple accounts
- +Profit First friendly
- +Good mobile app
Weaknesses
- -Fewer features than Mercury
- -Limited integrations
- -No interest on checking
- -Smaller startup focus
- -Some limitations
Key features
Pricing: Float vs Relay
| Plan | Float | Relay |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $50 Early | Free Starter |
| Tier 2 | $85 Growing | $30 Grow |
| Tier 3 | $115 Scaling | $90 Scale |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Float pricing and Relay pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Relay has a free tier. Float is paid only.
Go with: Relay
Want the highest-rated option?
Float: 4.8/5 (45 reviews). Relay: 4.2/5 (31 reviews).
Go with: Float
Value user reviews?
Float: 45 reviews (4.8/5). Relay: 31 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: Float
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Float is paid. Relay is freemium. Relay lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are finance tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Float is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Float
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (45 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Relay
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Float wins this matchup. BILL ranks #1 on our Finance list. Wise is our free Finance pick. Relay has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Float or Relay better?
Float is rated in our evaluation. Float is paid and Relay is freemium.
What are Float and Relay used for?
Float: Unlock cash visibility and make confident financial decisions with visual cash flow forecasting.. Relay: Online business banking for clear cash flow, meticulous organization, and financial control..
What does Float cost vs Relay?
Float is a paid tool. Relay is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.