Monarch Money vs Carta: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Monarch Money and Carta 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:
Monarch Money
Track, budget, plan, and do more with your money all in one app.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.8/10)
- • You need financial planning features specifically
- • All-in-one platform for tracking, budgeting, and planning finances.
- • Connects all financial accounts, including investments and real estate, for a complete financial picture.
Carta
Equity management and cap table software
Best for you if:
- • You need entity management features specifically
- • Carta is a platform for managing equity, cap tables, and valuations for startups
- • It handles 409A valuations, equity grants, and liquidity events
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Financial Planning | Entity Management |
Rating | 89/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Monarch Money | Carta |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 89 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Financial PlanningExpense Management | Entity ManagementFinancial Planning |
Understanding the Differences
Both Monarch Money and Carta solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Monarch Money positions itself as "track, budget, plan, and do more with your money all in one app." while Cartafocuses on "equity management and cap table software". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Monarch Money
Monarch Money makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 89/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Carta
Carta is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Carta
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Monarch Money handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Monarch Money
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Monarch Money is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Monarch Money
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Monarch Money—it scored higher.
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 Monarch Money higher (89/100). But the community has upvoted Carta more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Monarch Money Does Better
- Higher overall score (89/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Carta If
- 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 Monarch Money (89/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Monarch Money scores higher in our analysis, but Carta 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 Monarch Money or Carta better?
Based on our analysis, Monarch Money scores higher with 89/100. Monarch Money ispaid while Carta is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Monarch Money to Carta 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 Monarch Money and Carta offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Monarch Money is paid with potential trial.Carta is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.