Navan vs Retreat: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Navan and Retreat 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:
Navan
All-in-one platform for corporate travel and expense management.
Best for you if:
- • You need corporate travel features specifically
- • Integrated platform for business travel and expense management.
- • Automates expense categorization, reporting, and reimbursements.
Retreat
Corporate retreat planning made easy
Best for you if:
- • You need travel booking features specifically
- • Free venue sourcing and hotel negotiation
- • $1,500 for comprehensive planning
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Corporate Travel | Travel Booking |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Navan | Retreat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Corporate TravelExpense Management | Travel BookingCorporate Travel |
Understanding the Differences
Both Navan and Retreat solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Navan positions itself as "all-in-one platform for corporate travel and expense management." while Retreatfocuses on "corporate retreat planning made easy". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Navan
Navan makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Retreat
Retreat is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Navan lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Navan
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Retreat is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Retreat
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Navan
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Navan, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Navan higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Retreat more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Navan Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Retreat If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Navan. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Navan scores higher in our analysis, but Retreat 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 Navan or Retreat better?
Based on our analysis, Navan scores higher with high/100. Navan isfreemium while Retreat is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Navan to Retreat 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 Navan and Retreat offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Navan is freemium with a free tier.Retreat is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.