Retreat vs Surf Office: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Retreat 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:
Retreat
Corporate retreat planning made easy
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need travel booking features specifically
- • Free venue sourcing and hotel negotiation
- • $1,500 for comprehensive planning
Surf Office
One-stop shop for company offsites
Best for you if:
- • You need corporate travel features specifically
- • Retreat agency for 15-600 people
- • 200+ destinations worldwide
| At a Glance |  Surf Office | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Travel Booking | Corporate Travel |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Retreat | 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 | Travel BookingCorporate Travel | Corporate TravelEvent Platforms |
Understanding the Differences
Both Retreat and Surf Office solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Retreat positions itself as "corporate retreat planning made easy" while Surf Officefocuses on "one-stop shop for company offsites". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Retreat
Retreat 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, Retreat lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Retreat
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 Retreat, 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 Retreat higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Surf Office more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Retreat 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 Retreat. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Retreat 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 Retreat or Surf Office better?
Based on our analysis, Retreat scores higher with high/100. Retreat 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 Retreat 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 Retreat and Surf Office offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Retreat is freemium with a free tier.Surf Office is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.