Pilot vs Mercury: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pilot and Mercury 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Pilot
Bookkeeping and CFO services for startups
Best for you if:
- • Pilot is an outsourced bookkeeping and tax service for startups
- • It handles accounting, CFO services, and tax prep for growing companies
Mercury
Banking for startups
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Banking built for startups
- • No monthly fees or minimums
| At a Glance |  Pilot |  Mercury |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Accounting | Accounting |
Rating | 84/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Pilot | Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 176 |
| Categories | AccountingExpense Management | AccountingExpense Management |
How Pilot and Mercury Compare
Pilot
Bookkeeping and CFO services for startups
Paid · 84/100 score
Mercury
Banking for startups
Free · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Mercury is free. Pilot is paid.
Go with: Mercury
Want the highest-rated option?
Pilot: 84/100. Mercury: 88/100.
Go with: Mercury
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mercury
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Pilot is paid. Mercury is free. Go with Mercury if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are accounting tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Mercury scores higher: 88/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Mercury
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 84
- More community upvotes (176)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Pilot
The Bottom Line
Mercury (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pilot or Mercury better?
Mercury scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Pilot is paid and Mercury is free.
What are Pilot and Mercury used for?
Pilot: Bookkeeping and CFO services for startups. Mercury: Banking for startups.
What does Pilot cost vs Mercury?
Pilot is a paid tool. Mercury is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.