Splitwise vs. Tricount: Expense Tracking Comparison

Splitwise: Offers advanced features like receipt scanning, detailed analytics, and automatic currency conversion. Best for users who need robust tools and flexibility.
Tricount: Focuses on simplicity with a user-friendly interface and affordable premium plans. Ideal for short-term or straightforward expense tracking.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Splitwise	Tricount
Interface	Detailed and feature-rich	Simple and easy to use
Currency Handling	Automatic conversion	Manual in free version
Receipt Management	Scanning and storage (Pro)	Basic attachment (Premium)
Analytics	Detailed spending breakdowns	Basic stats (Premium)
Premium Cost	$3/month or $29.99/year	$2.49/month or $19.99/year
Best For	Advanced tracking and flexibility	Simplicity and affordability

If you need advanced tools for long-term use, go with Splitwise. For quick and simple expense tracking, Tricount is a great choice.

Main Features Compared

Splitwise has a simple and uncluttered interface with a sidebar menu that gives quick access to groups and settings. The dashboard prominently displays outstanding balances, making it easy to track expenses at a glance.

Tricount, on the other hand, uses a tab-based navigation system. Its main screen highlights active groups and total balances, offering a more straightforward but less polished experience compared to Splitwise.

Both apps also provide user-friendly methods for adding expenses, making cost tracking easy.

Adding Expenses

Keeping accurate expense records is crucial for managing group balances. Splitwise allows users to manually input expenses, complete with editable categories and the option to attach receipt photos for reference.

Tricount simplifies this process with a single "Add Expense" button. Clicking it opens a form where users can quickly enter the amount, choose participants, and add notes. This approach is especially handy for first-time users who want to start tracking expenses immediately.

Multi-Currency Features

Splitwise excels in handling multiple currencies. It offers real-time currency conversion, lets users set default currencies for specific groups, and provides the flexibility to view balances in any supported currency.

Tricount’s currency features are more basic but still functional. Users can assign a currency to each expense, but the app keeps calculations in the original currency without automatic conversion.

Debt Calculation Methods

The way each app handles debt resolution is another key difference:

Feature	Splitwise	Tricount
Method	Simplified debts algorithm	Direct balance calculation
Payment Options	Multiple settlement routes	Single optimal solution
Split Types	Equal, percentage, shares, exact amounts	Equal, unequal, by shares
Partial Payments	Supported	Not supported

Group Setup and Management

Splitwise stands out with its advanced group management tools. Users can create custom categories, set default split methods, control member permissions, and export group data.

Tricount keeps things simpler, offering features like member invitations via link, member removal, and group archiving.

Both apps support multiple groups, but Splitwise offers more control, making it ideal for ongoing use with regular groups. Tricount, with its straightforward setup, is better suited for short-term expense tracking.

Mobile Apps

Device Support

Splitwise is available on both iOS and Android, with apps designed to work smoothly on phones and tablets. The interface adapts well to different screen sizes, ensuring a consistent user experience.

Tricount also supports iOS and Android but is primarily optimized for smartphones, offering less focus on tablet compatibility.

Platform	Splitwise	Tricount
iOS	iPhone, iPad	iPhone
Android	Phones, Tablets	Phones
Web Access	Full functionality	Basic features
Minimum OS Version	iOS 13.0 / Android 8.0	iOS 12.0 / Android 7.0

Both apps also offer offline capabilities, allowing users to keep track of expenses even without an internet connection.

Working Without Internet

Splitwise stores recent data offline, letting users view and add expenses without internet access. Once connectivity is restored, the app automatically syncs changes.

Tricount supports offline use for basic tasks like viewing and adding expenses. However, features like currency conversion require an internet connection. The app saves critical data offline, but users need to manually sync updates when they go back online.

Both apps ensure users stay informed through their notification systems.

Alert Systems

Splitwise offers a wide range of customizable notifications, including:

Payment reminders at set intervals
Alerts for new or modified expenses
Notifications for settled debts
Monthly summary emails

Tricount focuses on essential alerts, such as:

Notifications for new expenses
Updates on group activity
Alerts when balances reach certain thresholds
Payment confirmation notifications

Users can adjust notification preferences in both apps, but Splitwise provides more detailed options for tailoring alert frequency and types.

Costs and Plans

Basic vs. Premium Features

Both Splitwise and Tricount offer free versions that handle basic expense tracking, but their premium features set them apart.

Here’s what you get for free:

Splitwise Free includes:

Unlimited groups and expenses
Basic expense categories
Simple debt tracking
Standard currency conversion
Email reminders

Tricount Free covers:

Unlimited groups
Basic expense tracking
Simple debt calculations
Manual currency conversion
Basic notifications

Premium features unlock additional tools for more advanced needs:

Splitwise Pro ($3/month or $29.99/year):

Receipt scanning and storage
Spending charts and trends
Automatic currency rate updates
Itemized cost splitting
Custom expense categories
Ad-free experience

Tricount Premium ($2.49/month or $19.99/year):

Cloud backup
Advanced statistics
Automatic currency updates
Receipt attachments
Ad-free experience

Price Comparison

Feature	Splitwise	Tricount
Free Version	Available	Available
Monthly Premium	$3.00	$2.49
Annual Premium	$29.99	$19.99
Annual Savings	17%	33%
Free Trial	30 days	14 days
Refund Policy	30-day money-back	7-day money-back
Group Size Limit	Unlimited	Unlimited

Tricount is easier on the wallet, while Splitwise offers extras like receipt scanning and detailed analytics. If you’re just looking for basic expense tracking, the free versions of both apps should do the job. Premium upgrades are optional, depending on your needs.

Tricount vs Splitwise - App comparison

Final Comparison

Here’s a quick summary of the key differences and recommendations based on our in-depth review.

Main Differences

Aspect	Splitwise	Tricount
Interface	Feature-rich, detailed design	Simple and easy-to-navigate layout
Currency Handling	Automatic updates for accuracy	Manual entries in free version
Receipt Management	Scanning and storage options	Basic attachment functionality
Analytics	Detailed spending breakdowns	Basic stats available in Premium
Learning Curve	Takes time to master	Easy to get started
Cost Structure	Higher premium pricing	More affordable premium plans

These differences can help you decide which app suits your group expense needs best.

Which App to Choose

Your choice should depend on what you value most in an expense tracking app:

Splitwise: A great pick if you need:

Advanced analytics and receipt management
Strong multi-currency support
Detailed expense tracking features

Tricount: Best for users who want:

Simple and straightforward expense tracking
Affordable premium options
An easy-to-use interface

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive tool that goes beyond expense tracking, consider BluKyte. It combines expense management with trip planning and coordination tools, making it a one-stop solution for group travel. Pricing starts at $5.99 per trip or $14.99 annually, offering a convenient alternative to juggling multiple apps.

BLUKYTE

Travel with love.