Spendesk vs Recurly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Spendesk and Recurly 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:
Spendesk
Centralized spend management for businesses, offering control, efficiency, and real-time insights.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need expense management features specifically
- • Centralizes spend management, procurement, and payments on one platform.
- • Offers smart corporate cards, automated invoice processing, and real-time budget tracking.
Recurly
Automate exceptional digital subscription experiences to grow recurring revenue and improve retention.
Best for you if:
- • You need subscription billing features specifically
- • Automates subscription management and recurring billing for digital businesses.
- • Offers advanced churn mitigation, revenue recovery, and global payment capabilities.
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Expense Management | Subscription Billing |
Rating | 87/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Spendesk | Recurly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Expense ManagementPayment Processing | Subscription BillingPayment Processing |
Understanding the Differences
Both Spendesk and Recurly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Spendesk positions itself as "centralized spend management for businesses, offering control, efficiency, and real-time insights." while Recurlyfocuses on "automate exceptional digital subscription experiences to grow recurring revenue and improve retention.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Spendesk
Spendesk makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Recurly
Recurly 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: Recurly
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Spendesk handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Spendesk
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Spendesk is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Spendesk
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Spendesk—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 Spendesk higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Recurly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Spendesk Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Recurly 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 Spendesk (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Spendesk scores higher in our analysis, but Recurly 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 Spendesk or Recurly better?
Based on our analysis, Spendesk scores higher with 87/100. Spendesk ispaid while Recurly 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 Spendesk to Recurly 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 Spendesk and Recurly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Spendesk is paid with potential trial.Recurly is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.