Quick Overview
- 1#1: Anaplan - Connected planning platform for end-to-end budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling across finance and operations.
- 2#2: Workday Adaptive Planning - Cloud-based FP&A solution delivering collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning capabilities.
- 3#3: Planful - Continuous planning platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and close processes for finance teams.
- 4#4: Vena Solutions - Excel-native corporate performance management software for budgeting, forecasting, and financial consolidation.
- 5#5: Prophix - One-platform CPM solution for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and reporting with workflow automation.
- 6#6: Jedox - Integrated BI and performance management platform for agile planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
- 7#7: Cube - FP&A platform that unifies data for real-time budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with AI insights.
- 8#8: Pigment - Modern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
- 9#9: Centage - Planning and analytics platform offering rolling forecasts, budgeting, and what-if scenario modeling for mid-market.
- 10#10: Datarails - Excel-based FP&A platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis from multiple data sources.
We ranked these tools by evaluating functionality (e.g., scenario modeling, data unification), user experience, and value, ensuring they balance advanced capabilities with accessibility for diverse teams.
Comparison Table
Budgeting and forecasting software play a vital role in modern financial management, and this comparison table evaluates top tools like Anaplan, Workday Adaptive Planning, Planful, Vena Solutions, Prophix, and more. It compares their key features, ease of use, integration capabilities, and performance to help readers identify the best fit for their organization’s specific needs. By examining these platforms side-by-side, users gain clarity on how each enhances financial accuracy, collaboration, and adaptability in planning processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anaplan Connected planning platform for end-to-end budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling across finance and operations. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Workday Adaptive Planning Cloud-based FP&A solution delivering collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning capabilities. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Planful Continuous planning platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and close processes for finance teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Vena Solutions Excel-native corporate performance management software for budgeting, forecasting, and financial consolidation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Prophix One-platform CPM solution for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and reporting with workflow automation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Jedox Integrated BI and performance management platform for agile planning, budgeting, and forecasting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Cube FP&A platform that unifies data for real-time budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with AI insights. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Pigment Modern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Centage Planning and analytics platform offering rolling forecasts, budgeting, and what-if scenario modeling for mid-market. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Datarails Excel-based FP&A platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis from multiple data sources. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Connected planning platform for end-to-end budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling across finance and operations.
Cloud-based FP&A solution delivering collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning capabilities.
Continuous planning platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and close processes for finance teams.
Excel-native corporate performance management software for budgeting, forecasting, and financial consolidation.
One-platform CPM solution for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and reporting with workflow automation.
Integrated BI and performance management platform for agile planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
FP&A platform that unifies data for real-time budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with AI insights.
Modern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
Planning and analytics platform offering rolling forecasts, budgeting, and what-if scenario modeling for mid-market.
Excel-based FP&A platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis from multiple data sources.
Anaplan
enterpriseConnected planning platform for end-to-end budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling across finance and operations.
Hyperblock in-memory engine for instantaneous recalculations on billions of data cells
Anaplan is a cloud-native connected planning platform that excels in budgeting and forecasting by enabling dynamic, multidimensional modeling across finance, sales, HR, and supply chain functions. It leverages a patented in-memory Hyperblock engine for real-time calculations on massive datasets, supporting driver-based planning, scenario analysis, and rolling forecasts without traditional spreadsheets. Finance teams can integrate disparate data sources for collaborative, accurate predictions that adapt to business changes instantly.
Pros
- Scalable for enterprise-level complexity with unlimited users and data
- Real-time collaboration and what-if scenario modeling
- Extensive integrations with ERP, CRM, and BI tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training or consultants
- High implementation costs and time
- Pricing opaque and expensive for SMBs
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, cross-functional budgeting and forecasting needs demanding real-time accuracy and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $1,000/user/month or $100,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments.
Workday Adaptive Planning
enterpriseCloud-based FP&A solution delivering collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning capabilities.
Native continuous planning engine with AI-powered insights and deep operational integration beyond traditional spreadsheets
Workday Adaptive Planning is a cloud-based enterprise planning platform specializing in budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance management. It supports collaborative, driver-based planning with real-time data integration from ERP systems like Workday, enabling rolling forecasts, scenario modeling, and what-if analysis. The tool excels in connecting financial plans to operational drivers, helping organizations achieve agile, continuous planning across finance, HR, and sales teams.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Workday ERP and third-party systems for unified data
- Powerful driver-based modeling and scenario planning for accurate forecasting
- Real-time collaboration tools that support cross-functional team planning
Cons
- High cost makes it less accessible for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations and setups
- Pricing is opaque and requires custom quotes
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex planning needs and existing Workday infrastructure seeking integrated, scalable budgeting and forecasting.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on users, modules, and planning volume; typically starts at $1,000+ per month for basic setups.
Planful
enterpriseContinuous planning platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and close processes for finance teams.
Continuous Planning platform with Signal AI for real-time anomaly detection and automated forecasting
Planful is a cloud-based Financial Performance Management (FPM) platform designed for budgeting, forecasting, planning, reporting, and financial consolidation. It enables finance teams to create driver-based budgets, run scenario analyses, and generate real-time forecasts using AI-powered insights. With seamless integrations to ERPs like NetSuite and SAP, it replaces spreadsheets with collaborative, scalable tools for mid-to-enterprise organizations.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven forecasting and predictive analytics
- Excel-like interface for easy adoption
- Robust integrations with major ERPs and real-time collaboration
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller businesses
- Initial setup and implementation may require consulting
- Customization options limited for highly complex needs
Best For
Mid-market to enterprise finance teams needing scalable, collaborative FP&A tools beyond spreadsheets.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment.
Vena Solutions
enterpriseExcel-native corporate performance management software for budgeting, forecasting, and financial consolidation.
Excel-native architecture that governs spreadsheets as secure enterprise applications
Vena Solutions is an Excel-native corporate performance management (CPM) platform designed for budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis (FP&A). It transforms familiar spreadsheets into a secure, scalable enterprise solution with workflow automation, real-time collaboration, and integrations to ERPs like NetSuite, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics. Vena also supports advanced reporting via Power BI and scenario modeling for accurate financial predictions.
Pros
- Seamless Excel integration for familiar, flexible planning
- Robust integrations with ERPs and data sources
- Advanced workflow automation and real-time collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-Excel experts
- Higher pricing suited for enterprises
- Limited native mobile capabilities
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with Excel-proficient finance teams needing scalable FP&A tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50-$100/user/month for core modules, with annual contracts from $100K+ for mid-sized deployments.
Prophix
enterpriseOne-platform CPM solution for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and reporting with workflow automation.
Native Excel add-in for driver-based planning directly in spreadsheets
Prophix is a cloud-based Corporate Performance Management (CPM) platform designed for budgeting, forecasting, planning, reporting, and financial consolidation. It empowers finance teams with driver-based modeling, scenario planning, rolling forecasts, and real-time collaboration tools. The software integrates deeply with ERPs like NetSuite and Sage, while its Excel add-in enables familiar spreadsheet workflows backed by enterprise-grade security and automation.
Pros
- Powerful driver-based budgeting and advanced forecasting with scenario modeling
- Seamless Excel integration for spreadsheet users
- Comprehensive workflow automation and real-time dashboards
Cons
- High cost may deter small businesses
- Implementation often requires professional services
- Performance can lag with very large datasets
Best For
Mid-market to enterprise finance teams needing integrated FP&A tools for complex budgeting and forecasting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments with modules and users.
Jedox
enterpriseIntegrated BI and performance management platform for agile planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
Native Excel add-in that transforms spreadsheets into a full-fledged, multi-dimensional planning engine
Jedox is an integrated Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) platform specializing in budgeting, forecasting, planning, and financial consolidation. It leverages an in-memory OLAP engine for high-performance data processing, combined with seamless Microsoft Excel integration and a web-based interface for collaborative planning. The solution supports advanced scenario modeling, driver-based planning, and AI-assisted forecasting, making it suitable for complex enterprise needs.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft Excel for familiar spreadsheet-based planning
- Powerful in-memory OLAP for real-time calculations and scenario analysis
- Comprehensive EPM capabilities including consolidation, reporting, and AI forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users and complex implementations
- High enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small businesses
- Limited pre-built templates requiring customization
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with Excel-proficient finance teams needing scalable, integrated budgeting and forecasting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing for cloud and on-premise; typically starts at $20,000-$50,000 annually for small teams, scaling with users and modules.
Cube
enterpriseFP&A platform that unifies data for real-time budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with AI insights.
Spreadsheet-native multi-dimensional data modeling with real-time multiplayer editing
Cube is a spreadsheet-native FP&A platform designed for budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, allowing teams to leverage familiar tools like Google Sheets or Excel with enterprise-grade backend capabilities. It enables real-time collaboration, scenario planning, and automated data syncing from sources like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Snowflake. Cube transforms spreadsheets into powerful, scalable planning tools without requiring users to learn a new interface.
Pros
- Seamless integration with spreadsheets for familiar workflows
- Advanced multi-dimensional modeling and scenario forecasting
- Real-time collaboration and data automation across 100+ integrations
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small teams or startups
- Reporting relies on external BI tools rather than fully native options
- Initial setup for complex models requires some technical configuration
Best For
Mid-sized finance teams at growing companies who want powerful budgeting and forecasting without abandoning spreadsheet-based workflows.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $1,500–$3,000 per month based on users, data volume, and features.
Pigment
enterpriseModern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
Hypercube data engine for instantaneous computations on massive, multidimensional datasets without performance lag
Pigment is a cloud-based business planning platform specializing in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A) for enterprises. It unifies data from multiple sources into a single model, enabling real-time collaboration, scenario modeling, and driver-based planning. The tool offers interactive dashboards, AI-powered insights, and what-if analysis to support agile decision-making across finance teams.
Pros
- Powerful multidimensional modeling with Hypercube engine for fast, complex calculations
- Seamless real-time collaboration and integrations with ERP, CRM, and BI tools
- AI-driven forecasting and scenario planning for agile budgeting
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for small businesses
- Initial setup and model building require expertise
- Customization options limited compared to code-heavy alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with finance teams needing scalable, collaborative FP&A tools for strategic planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $50-100/user/month (billed annually); tiers based on users, data volume, and features—contact sales for quote.
Centage
enterprisePlanning and analytics platform offering rolling forecasts, budgeting, and what-if scenario modeling for mid-market.
Driver-based planning that automatically links operational drivers to full financial statements for accurate, what-if scenario modeling
Centage, through its Planning Maestro platform, delivers cloud-based budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning software tailored for mid-market organizations. It excels in driver-based planning, enabling users to model P&L, balance sheets, and cash flows with interconnected assumptions and real-time updates. The tool supports rolling forecasts, scenario modeling, and ERP integrations, moving companies away from manual spreadsheets while maintaining an Excel-like interface for familiarity.
Pros
- Powerful driver-based planning with integrated financial statements
- Seamless Excel integration via Office Connector for familiar workflows
- Robust collaboration tools and real-time reporting for teams
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller businesses
- Initial setup and complex customizations require expertise
- Advanced analytics and visualizations lag behind some enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-sized companies seeking scalable, spreadsheet-free budgeting and forecasting with strong ERP connectivity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $40,000-$60,000 annually for mid-market deployments, with tiers based on users and modules.
Datarails
enterpriseExcel-based FP&A platform that automates budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis from multiple data sources.
Excel-native FP&A engine that automates spreadsheets into scalable, collaborative financial models
Datarails is a financial planning and analysis (FP&A) platform designed to automate budgeting, forecasting, and reporting by integrating directly with Excel and multiple data sources like ERPs and CRMs. It allows finance teams to maintain their familiar Excel workflows while gaining enterprise-grade automation, real-time collaboration, and AI-driven insights. The software excels in consolidating disparate data into unified models for accurate forecasting and scenario planning.
Pros
- Seamless Excel integration preserves familiar workflows
- Powerful automation for data consolidation and real-time reporting
- AI-powered forecasting and scenario analysis tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams
- Initial setup requires technical integration expertise
- Limited appeal for teams preferring non-Excel interfaces
Best For
Mid-sized finance teams reliant on Excel who want to automate budgeting and forecasting without learning new software.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $10,000-$20,000 annually for basic plans, with enterprise tiers scaling higher based on users and features.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 budgeting and forecasting tools, Anaplan stands as the leading choice, providing a connected platform for end-to-end planning across finance and operations. Workday Adaptive Planning and Planful follow, with the former offering collaborative cloud-based FP&A and the latter excelling in continuous automation—each offering distinct benefits to diverse user needs.
Take the first step toward more efficient planning: explore Anaplan to streamline your budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison