Rippling vs Carta: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Rippling and Carta 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:
Rippling
Workforce management platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.8/10)
Carta
Equity management and cap table software
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Finance | Finance |
Rating | 90/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Rippling | Carta |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Finance | Finance |
Understanding the Differences
Both Rippling and Carta solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Rippling positions itself as "workforce management platform" while Cartafocuses on "equity management and cap table software". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Rippling
Rippling makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 90/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Carta
Carta is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Carta
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Rippling handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Rippling
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Rippling is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Rippling
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Rippling—it scored higher.
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 Rippling higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Carta more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Rippling Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Carta 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 Rippling (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Rippling scores higher in our analysis, but Carta 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 Rippling or Carta better?
Based on our analysis, Rippling scores higher with 90/100. Rippling ispaid while Carta 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 Rippling to Carta 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 Rippling and Carta offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Rippling is paid with potential trial.Carta is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.