Quick Overview
- 1#1: Anaplan - Connected planning platform that enables collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across enterprises.
- 2#2: Workday Adaptive Planning - Cloud-based FP&A solution for agile budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and scenario planning integrated with Workday.
- 3#3: Planful - Comprehensive financial performance management platform for continuous planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
- 4#4: Vena - Excel-native platform that combines budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with native Excel integration for finance teams.
- 5#5: Cube - Headcount and financial planning software with real-time modeling, forecasting, and integrations for growing companies.
- 6#6: Centage - Budgeting and planning software offering driver-based forecasting, scenario analysis, and cash flow management for mid-market.
- 7#7: Prophix - Corporate performance management tool for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and profitability analysis.
- 8#8: Jedox - Integrated planning, consolidation, and reporting platform with AI-powered forecasting and Excel add-in.
- 9#9: OneStream - Unified corporate performance management platform for planning, consolidation, and close processes with advanced forecasting.
- 10#10: Pigment - Modern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and real-time analytics with flexible modeling.
We ranked these tools based on key factors, including comprehensive functionality (such as scenario planning, real-time analytics, and integration capabilities), user experience (ease of use, intuitive design), technical reliability, and overall value, ensuring a curated list that balances performance and practicality.
Comparison Table
In today's dynamic business environment, effective budgeting and forecasting are critical for informed decision-making. This comparison table explores top tools like Anaplan, Workday Adaptive Planning, Planful, Vena, Cube, and more, equipping readers with insights into key features, integration strengths, and practical suitability to align software with organizational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anaplan Connected planning platform that enables collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across enterprises. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Workday Adaptive Planning Cloud-based FP&A solution for agile budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and scenario planning integrated with Workday. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Planful Comprehensive financial performance management platform for continuous planning, budgeting, and forecasting. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Vena Excel-native platform that combines budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with native Excel integration for finance teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Cube Headcount and financial planning software with real-time modeling, forecasting, and integrations for growing companies. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Centage Budgeting and planning software offering driver-based forecasting, scenario analysis, and cash flow management for mid-market. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Prophix Corporate performance management tool for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and profitability analysis. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Jedox Integrated planning, consolidation, and reporting platform with AI-powered forecasting and Excel add-in. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | OneStream Unified corporate performance management platform for planning, consolidation, and close processes with advanced forecasting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Pigment Modern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and real-time analytics with flexible modeling. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
Connected planning platform that enables collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across enterprises.
Cloud-based FP&A solution for agile budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and scenario planning integrated with Workday.
Comprehensive financial performance management platform for continuous planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
Excel-native platform that combines budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with native Excel integration for finance teams.
Headcount and financial planning software with real-time modeling, forecasting, and integrations for growing companies.
Budgeting and planning software offering driver-based forecasting, scenario analysis, and cash flow management for mid-market.
Corporate performance management tool for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and profitability analysis.
Integrated planning, consolidation, and reporting platform with AI-powered forecasting and Excel add-in.
Unified corporate performance management platform for planning, consolidation, and close processes with advanced forecasting.
Modern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and real-time analytics with flexible modeling.
Anaplan
enterpriseConnected planning platform that enables collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across enterprises.
Hyperblock™ in-memory engine for ultra-fast calculations on billions of data points
Anaplan is a leading cloud-based connected planning platform designed for advanced budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modeling across enterprises. It enables finance teams to create highly flexible, no-code models that integrate data from sales, HR, supply chain, and more for real-time planning. With its in-memory Hyperblock engine, Anaplan handles complex calculations at scale, supporting driver-based forecasting and collaborative what-if analysis.
Pros
- Unmatched flexibility in building custom planning models without coding
- Lightning-fast performance for large-scale data and real-time collaboration
- Seamless integrations with ERP, CRM, and BI tools for connected planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for optimal use
- Enterprise-level pricing can be prohibitive for SMBs
- Initial model setup can be time-intensive
Best For
Large enterprises and mid-market companies needing integrated, scalable budgeting and forecasting across multiple departments.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $1,000+ per user per month for enterprise plans, with volume discounts.
Workday Adaptive Planning
enterpriseCloud-based FP&A solution for agile budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and scenario planning integrated with Workday.
Native, bi-directional integration with Workday Financials and HCM for continuous, enterprise-wide planning
Workday Adaptive Planning is a cloud-based enterprise planning platform that excels in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling for mid-to-large organizations. It supports driver-based planning, rolling forecasts, and scenario analysis with real-time collaboration features. Integrated natively with Workday's HCM and Financial Management suites, it unifies financial and operational planning data for more accurate insights.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Workday HCM and Financials for unified data
- Powerful scenario planning and what-if modeling tools
- Real-time collaboration and mobile accessibility for teams
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity for non-Workday users
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for SMBs
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Large enterprises using the Workday ecosystem seeking integrated, scalable budgeting and forecasting across finance and operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $75,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users and modules.
Planful
enterpriseComprehensive financial performance management platform for continuous planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
Planful Predict: AI-driven forecasting engine that automates scenario analysis and improves accuracy beyond traditional methods
Planful is a comprehensive cloud-based Financial Performance Platform designed for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial consolidation. It enables finance teams to perform driver-based planning, scenario modeling, and continuous forecasting with AI-driven insights. The platform integrates deeply with ERP systems like NetSuite and SAP, providing real-time collaboration and analytics for mid-market to enterprise organizations.
Pros
- Robust AI-powered forecasting and predictive analytics
- Seamless integrations with major ERPs and Excel-like interface
- Strong collaboration and workflow automation tools
Cons
- High implementation time and costs for complex setups
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with complex FP&A needs requiring scalable, collaborative budgeting and forecasting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000-$100,000 annually based on users, modules, and company size.
Vena
enterpriseExcel-native platform that combines budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with native Excel integration for finance teams.
Native Excel platform with enterprise guardrails, security, and automation for true spreadsheet-powered FP&A
Vena Solutions is a comprehensive FP&A platform designed for budgeting, forecasting, planning, and financial reporting, built natively on Microsoft Excel to leverage users' existing spreadsheet expertise. It offers enterprise-grade features like workflow automation, scenario modeling, data integration with ERPs such as NetSuite and SAP, and real-time collaboration. Vena transforms Excel into a secure, scalable tool for mid-market and enterprise finance teams, with dashboards powered by Power BI integration.
Pros
- Seamless native Excel integration for familiar budgeting and forecasting workflows
- Extensive integrations with ERPs, CRMs, and BI tools like Power BI
- Advanced automation, scenario planning, and collaborative templates
Cons
- Pricing is premium and quote-based, less ideal for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations despite Excel base
- Limited standalone mobile app; relies heavily on desktop Excel
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises with Excel-proficient finance teams seeking scalable FP&A without abandoning spreadsheets.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50-$100/user/month with minimums around $30,000-$50,000 annually for full deployments.
Cube
specializedHeadcount and financial planning software with real-time modeling, forecasting, and integrations for growing companies.
Infinite-dimensional modeling engine that supports complex scenarios without performance degradation
Cube is a cloud-based FP&A platform designed for budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling, offering a spreadsheet-like interface with enterprise-grade capabilities. It supports real-time collaboration, multi-dimensional data modeling, scenario planning, and automated reporting, integrating seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Salesforce. Finance teams use it to replace manual Excel processes with scalable, version-controlled workflows that handle complex forecasts efficiently.
Pros
- Powerful multi-dimensional modeling for flexible budgeting and forecasting
- Real-time collaboration and version control like Google Sheets but for finance
- Extensive integrations with ERPs, CRMs, and HRIS systems
Cons
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and expensive for small teams
- Steep learning curve for advanced modeling features
- Limited self-serve options; requires sales demo for full access
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise finance teams needing collaborative, scalable FP&A tools beyond basic spreadsheets.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $1,500/month for Growth plan (3 users), scaling to Enterprise tiers based on needs.
Centage
specializedBudgeting and planning software offering driver-based forecasting, scenario analysis, and cash flow management for mid-market.
Budget Maestro's driver-based planning engine that automates interconnected financial models
Centage is a cloud-based FP&A platform specializing in driver-based budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning without the need for spreadsheets. It offers tools like Budget Maestro for streamlined scenario modeling, real-time collaboration, and automated reporting integrated with ERP systems. Designed for mid-market companies, it replaces manual Excel processes with scalable, accurate planning capabilities.
Pros
- Intuitive, spreadsheet-free interface accelerates budgeting
- Strong driver-based modeling for accurate forecasts
- Excellent customer support and quick implementation
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller teams
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise rivals
- Customization options may fall short for highly complex needs
Best For
Mid-market finance teams looking to replace Excel with efficient, collaborative planning tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $40,000-$60,000 annually based on users and modules.
Prophix
enterpriseCorporate performance management tool for budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and profitability analysis.
Prophix One unified platform that combines budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and consolidation in a single, Excel-powered interface
Prophix is a robust Corporate Performance Management (CPM) platform specializing in budgeting, forecasting, financial consolidation, and reporting for mid-market and enterprise organizations. It enables driver-based planning, scenario modeling, and real-time collaboration through seamless Excel integration and workflow automation. The software streamlines FP&A processes, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy in financial planning.
Pros
- Advanced driver-based budgeting and rolling forecasts with scenario analysis
- Deep Excel integration for familiar spreadsheet workflows
- Comprehensive workflow automation and real-time collaboration tools
Cons
- Steep implementation and learning curve for non-technical users
- Custom quote-based pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive
- Limited native mobile app functionality compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large finance teams in enterprises seeking integrated CPM with strong budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $40,000-$60,000 annually for mid-market deployments, scaling with users and modules.
Jedox
enterpriseIntegrated planning, consolidation, and reporting platform with AI-powered forecasting and Excel add-in.
Patent-pending multidimensional spreadsheet interface that combines Excel usability with powerful OLAP capabilities
Jedox is a robust Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) platform specializing in budgeting, forecasting, planning, and reporting. It leverages an in-memory OLAP database combined with an Excel-like spreadsheet interface for intuitive model building and multidimensional analysis. The software supports real-time collaboration, advanced integrations, and scalable deployments for complex financial processes across organizations.
Pros
- Seamless Excel integration for familiar modeling
- High-performance OLAP engine for fast calculations
- Comprehensive support for driver-based planning and scenario modeling
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Complex initial setup and implementation
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring scalable, integrated budgeting and forecasting with advanced analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $30,000+ annually depending on users and modules, with quotes required.
OneStream
enterpriseUnified corporate performance management platform for planning, consolidation, and close processes with advanced forecasting.
Extensibility Fabric (XF) that allows no-code creation of custom budgeting and forecasting apps tailored to specific business needs
OneStream is a comprehensive corporate performance management (CPM) platform that provides robust budgeting and forecasting tools integrated with financial consolidation, reporting, and analytics. It supports driver-based planning, scenario modeling, rolling forecasts, and AI-powered predictive insights to help organizations create accurate budgets and adapt to changing conditions. The platform's unified architecture eliminates data silos, enabling seamless workflows across finance teams for continuous planning and what-if analysis.
Pros
- Unified platform integrates budgeting with consolidation and reporting for end-to-end visibility
- Advanced AI/ML-driven forecasting and driver-based modeling for precise predictions
- Highly scalable with extensibility for complex enterprise needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring skilled implementation
- High cost may not suit small or mid-sized businesses
- Lengthy deployment times compared to cloud-native planning tools
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-entity budgeting and forecasting requirements that demand integration with broader financial processes.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $100,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment size.
Pigment
specializedModern business planning platform for collaborative budgeting, forecasting, and real-time analytics with flexible modeling.
Multidimensional modeling engine for building interconnected, driver-based forecasts without spreadsheets
Pigment is a cloud-based FP&A platform specializing in budgeting, forecasting, and business planning with multidimensional modeling and real-time collaboration. It enables finance teams to build interconnected models, run scenarios, and create interactive dashboards without coding. The tool integrates with BI systems and ERPs for unified planning and analytics, supporting data-driven decision-making at scale.
Pros
- Powerful multidimensional modeling for complex budgeting and forecasting
- Real-time collaboration and scenario planning capabilities
- Seamless integrations with ERP, CRM, and BI tools
Cons
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and can be expensive for smaller teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced modeling features
- Limited out-of-the-box templates compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with FP&A teams seeking scalable, collaborative planning tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50-100/user/month, with enterprise plans scaling based on users and modules.
Conclusion
The top 10 budgeting and forecasting tools present diverse, robust solutions, with Anaplan emerging as the top choice for its powerful connected planning capabilities, fostering seamless enterprise-wide collaboration. Workday Adaptive Planning distinguishes itself with its agile, cloud-based FP&A integration, perfect for teams seeking flexibility, while Planful excels with continuous planning to keep strategies dynamic. Each tool offers unique strengths, catering to varied business needs.
Take the first step toward streamlined financial success—try Anaplan today to experience real-time forecasting, efficient collaboration, and scalable planning that grows with your goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison