Surf Office vs Retreat: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Surf Office and Retreat 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  Surf Office | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Corporate Travel | Travel Booking |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Surf Office | Retreat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Corporate TravelEvent Platforms | Travel BookingCorporate Travel |
Understanding the Differences
Both Surf Office and Retreat solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Surf Office positions itself as "one-stop shop for company offsites" while Retreatfocuses on "corporate retreat planning made easy". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Surf Office
Surf Office makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Retreat
Retreat is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Retreat won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
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. Retreat is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Retreat
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Surf Office is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Surf Office
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Retreat has a free tier to get you started.
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 Surf Office higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Retreat more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Surf Office Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Retreat 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 Surf Office. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Surf Office scores higher in our analysis, but Retreat 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 Surf Office or Retreat better?
Based on our analysis, Surf Office scores higher with high/100. Surf Office ispaid while Retreat 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 Surf Office to Retreat 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 Surf Office and Retreat offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Surf Office is paid with potential trial.Retreat is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.