Pleo vs QuickBooks Online: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pleo and QuickBooks Online 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:
Pleo
Transform business spending into success with smart company cards and automated expense management.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
QuickBooks Online
Small business accounting software
Best for you if:
| At a Glance |  QuickBooks Online | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Finance | Finance |
Rating | 75/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Pleo | QuickBooks Online |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 75 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | ★★★★★3.6 |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 84 |
| Categories | Finance | FinanceProductivity |
Understanding the Differences
Both Pleo and QuickBooks Online solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Pleo positions itself as "transform business spending into success with smart company cards and automated expense management." while QuickBooks Onlinefocuses on "small business accounting software". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Pleo
Pleo makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 75/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Pleo lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Pleo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Pleo handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Pleo
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. QuickBooks Online takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: QuickBooks Online
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Pleo, 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 Pleo higher (75/100). But the community has upvoted QuickBooks Online more (84 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Pleo Does Better
- Higher overall score (75/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider QuickBooks Online 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 Pleo (75/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Pleo scores higher in our analysis, but QuickBooks Online 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 Pleo or QuickBooks Online better?
Based on our analysis, Pleo scores higher with 75/100. Pleo isfreemium while QuickBooks Online 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 Pleo to QuickBooks Online 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 Pleo and QuickBooks Online offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Pleo is freemium with a free tier.QuickBooks Online is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.