Pulley vs Brex: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pulley and Brex 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:
Pulley
Equity management for startups
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need entity management features specifically
- • Pulley is a cap table and equity management platform for startups
- • It manages stock options, 409A valuations, and equity transactions
Brex
Corporate cards and spend management for startups
Best for you if:
- • You need expense management features specifically
- • All-in-one corporate cards, banking, and expense management
- • No personal guarantee required - great for startups
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Entity Management | Expense Management |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Pulley | Brex |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Entity ManagementFinancial Planning | Expense ManagementFinancial Planning |
Understanding the Differences
Both Pulley and Brex solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Pulley positions itself as "equity management for startups" while Brexfocuses on "corporate cards and spend management for startups". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Pulley
Pulley makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Brex
Brex 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, Pulley lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Pulley
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Pulley handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Pulley
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: Pulley
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Pulley, 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 Pulley higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Brex more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Pulley Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Brex 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 Pulley (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Pulley scores higher in our analysis, but Brex 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 Pulley or Brex better?
Based on our analysis, Pulley scores higher with 86/100. Pulley isfreemium while Brex 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 Pulley to Brex 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 Pulley and Brex offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Pulley is freemium with a free tier.Brex is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.