Navan vs Surf Office: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Navan and Surf Office 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 want to try before committing
- • Integrated platform for business travel and expense management.
- • Automates expense categorization, reporting, and reimbursements.
Surf Office
One-stop shop for company offsites
Best for you if:
- • Retreat agency for 15-600 people
- • 200+ destinations worldwide
| At a Glance |  Surf Office | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Corporate Travel | Corporate Travel |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Navan | Surf Office |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Corporate TravelExpense Management | Corporate TravelEvent Platforms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Navan and Surf Office solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Navan positions itself as "all-in-one platform for corporate travel and expense management." while Surf Officefocuses on "one-stop shop for company offsites". 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 Surf Office
Surf Office is worth considering if you need a professional-grade 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. Surf Office is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Surf Office
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Surf Office takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Surf Office
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 Surf Office more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Navan Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Surf Office 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 Navan. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Navan scores higher in our analysis, but Surf Office 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 Surf Office better?
Based on our analysis, Navan scores higher with high/100. Navan isfreemium while Surf Office 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 Navan to Surf Office 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 Surf Office offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Navan is freemium with a free tier.Surf Office is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.