Flishbook vs Splitwise
Two ways to split a group's expenses: the mainstream app already on millions of phones, and the ledger you join with a simple QR scan.
Splitwise is an established leader in expense sharing. Its native iOS and Android app is mature and fast, and a huge community already uses it — if your whole group is there, that's a genuine advantage we won't downplay.
Its weak spot comes from a design choice: every participant has to create a Splitwise account to appear in a group. And on the free tier, some actions are capped and the app shows ads, with a subscription to lift those limits.
Flishbook takes the opposite stance: you join a shared pot by QR with no account, sign in with an email code and no password, there are no ads and no tracking, and you keep a real ledger — audit log, vaults, categories, dues, expense approval. Here's where each one shines.
| Flishbook | Splitwise | |
|---|---|---|
| Access & joining | ||
| Join without creating an account | Yes — by QR or link | No — account required for everyone |
| Passwordless sign-in | Yes — one-time email code | Partial — email and password |
| One treasurer can run it all | Yes — participants with no access, entered for them | No — everyone manages their own account |
| App & ecosystem | ||
| Native iOS / Android app | No — web (works on mobile) | Yes — iOS and Android |
| Large installed user base | No — newer product | Yes — large community |
| Multilingual | Yes — en, fr, de, es, it | Yes — several languages |
| A real ledger | ||
| Audit log of every entry | Yes — who, what, when | No |
| Vaults (reservation envelopes) | Yes | No |
| Expense approval by threshold | Yes — designated signatories | No |
| Categories, reports and CSV export | Yes — export included | Partial — export gated to paid |
| Association governance | Yes — dues, project close-out | No |
| Model & privacy | ||
| Ads in the app | No — never | Yes — on the free tier |
| Free tier | 1 pot, 10 participants, full core | Yes — some actions capped |
| Paid plan | flish+ at a price you choose | Fixed-price subscription |
| Published in | Switzerland | United States |
When Splitwise is still the better choice
If you want a mature native app, installed in one tap from the App Store or Google Play and polished by years of iteration, Splitwise is ahead. Flishbook is a web app: it works well on mobile, but it isn't (yet) a downloadable native app.
If your group is already on Splitwise, with expense history and habits in place, that inertia has value: everyone knows the tool and no one has to relearn anything.
Finally, its ecosystem and name recognition reassure people: many already have an account, which reduces invitation friction in that specific case. If those points matter most to you, Splitwise is an excellent choice.
Why switch to Flishbook
No one is forced to create an account. You join a pot by scanning a QR or opening a link, and record expenses right away. When you want a lasting session, you sign in with a code sent to your email — no password to remember.
One treasurer can run everything: add participants who have no access, enter on their behalf, and share only the statement. Ideal when a single person keeps the books for a flatshare, a team or an association.
It's a real ledger: an audit log for every entry, vaults to set money aside, categories with reports and CSV export, dues and receivables, approval of large expenses by signatories, and project close-out. The governance that's missing once the amounts matter.
No ads, no tracking, no data resale — published in Switzerland. And one pot is free for life (up to 10 participants); for more pots or participants, the flish+ subscription is priced how you choose: you pay what feels fair.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my data from Splitwise?
There is no automatic import from Splitwise today. Most groups settle their open balances in their current tool, then start a clean pot in Flishbook — often a good chance to reset on clear footing. If you have a large history to bring over, email us at hello@flishbook.com and we'll see how we can help.
Is Splitwise free?
Splitwise offers a free tier and a paid plan. The free tier caps certain actions and shows ads, with the subscription lifting those limits. The exact terms change and are set by Splitwise, so check their website before deciding. On our side, a Flishbook pot stays free for life, with no ads, and flish+ is priced how you choose.
Which one should I choose?
If you mainly want a native app and your group is already on Splitwise, stay there. If you want everyone to join without creating an account, no ads or tracking, a real ledger (audit, vaults, dues, approval, close-out) and a treasurer who can run it all alone, Flishbook is for you. Creating a pot is free and takes a minute.
This comparison is provided for information only, made in good faith from public information that may change; check current features and pricing with each vendor. Splitwise is a trademark of its owners, with no connection to Flishbook. Flishbook is not a payment service and moves no money.