Quick Overview
- 1#1: Float - Delivers real-time cash flow forecasting and scenario planning by integrating with popular accounting software for small businesses.
- 2#2: LivePlan - Enables small businesses to build comprehensive financial forecasts, budgets, and full business plans with easy-to-use templates.
- 3#3: Fathom - Offers financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting tools that connect to accounting data for actionable insights.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Online - Provides built-in forecasting, cash flow projections, and budgeting within its robust accounting platform for small businesses.
- 5#5: Xero - Cloud-based accounting software with forecasting reports and cash flow predictions tailored for small business growth.
- 6#6: PlanGuru - Specializes in advanced financial forecasting, budgeting, and analytics with over 20 forecasting methods for small businesses.
- 7#7: Dryrun - Creates customizable cash flow forecasts and what-if scenarios integrating directly with QuickBooks and Xero.
- 8#8: Futrli - Automates financial forecasting, KPIs, and scenario modeling by pulling data from accounting systems.
- 9#9: Causal - Builds interactive financial models and forecasts with a spreadsheet-like interface for small business planning.
- 10#10: Runway - AI-driven bookkeeping and forecasting tool that predicts cash flow and profitability for small businesses.
Tools were selected and ranked based on core features (accuracy, scenario modeling), usability (intuitive interface, integration with accounting systems), and overall value (alignment with small business needs and cost-effectiveness)
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps small business owners evaluate top forecasting tools, including Float, LivePlan, Fathom, QuickBooks Online, Xero, and more. It breaks down key features, pricing models, and ideal use cases to simplify choosing software that aligns with your business goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Float Delivers real-time cash flow forecasting and scenario planning by integrating with popular accounting software for small businesses. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | LivePlan Enables small businesses to build comprehensive financial forecasts, budgets, and full business plans with easy-to-use templates. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Fathom Offers financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting tools that connect to accounting data for actionable insights. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Online Provides built-in forecasting, cash flow projections, and budgeting within its robust accounting platform for small businesses. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 5 | Xero Cloud-based accounting software with forecasting reports and cash flow predictions tailored for small business growth. | other | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | PlanGuru Specializes in advanced financial forecasting, budgeting, and analytics with over 20 forecasting methods for small businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Dryrun Creates customizable cash flow forecasts and what-if scenarios integrating directly with QuickBooks and Xero. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Futrli Automates financial forecasting, KPIs, and scenario modeling by pulling data from accounting systems. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Causal Builds interactive financial models and forecasts with a spreadsheet-like interface for small business planning. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Runway AI-driven bookkeeping and forecasting tool that predicts cash flow and profitability for small businesses. | specialized | 1.2/10 | 0.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 0.8/10 |
Delivers real-time cash flow forecasting and scenario planning by integrating with popular accounting software for small businesses.
Enables small businesses to build comprehensive financial forecasts, budgets, and full business plans with easy-to-use templates.
Offers financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting tools that connect to accounting data for actionable insights.
Provides built-in forecasting, cash flow projections, and budgeting within its robust accounting platform for small businesses.
Cloud-based accounting software with forecasting reports and cash flow predictions tailored for small business growth.
Specializes in advanced financial forecasting, budgeting, and analytics with over 20 forecasting methods for small businesses.
Creates customizable cash flow forecasts and what-if scenarios integrating directly with QuickBooks and Xero.
Automates financial forecasting, KPIs, and scenario modeling by pulling data from accounting systems.
Builds interactive financial models and forecasts with a spreadsheet-like interface for small business planning.
AI-driven bookkeeping and forecasting tool that predicts cash flow and profitability for small businesses.
Float
specializedDelivers real-time cash flow forecasting and scenario planning by integrating with popular accounting software for small businesses.
Visual capacity forecasting that dynamically updates revenue projections based on drag-and-drop scheduling changes
Float is a resource scheduling and planning platform tailored for small businesses, enabling accurate forecasting of team capacity, project timelines, revenue, and profitability. It integrates project data with financial metrics to provide visual forecasts, helping owners predict workloads and cash flow based on real-time schedules. Ideal for project-based small businesses, Float turns scheduling into actionable financial insights without complex spreadsheets.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick scheduling and forecasting
- Powerful revenue and profitability forecasting tied to actual resource allocation
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and project tools like Asana
Cons
- Less suited for non-project-based businesses needing pure financial modeling
- Advanced forecasting requires setup and data integration
- Pricing scales with team size, which may add up for larger small businesses
Best For
Project-based small businesses like agencies, consultancies, and creative teams needing to forecast capacity and profitability.
Pricing
Starts at $6/user/month (Freelancer plan, billed annually); Team ($10/user), Business ($15/user), and custom Enterprise options.
LivePlan
specializedEnables small businesses to build comprehensive financial forecasts, budgets, and full business plans with easy-to-use templates.
Benchmarking tool that compares your forecasts against industry standards for realistic projections
LivePlan is a cloud-based business planning and forecasting software tailored for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. It enables users to build detailed financial projections including profit and loss, cash flow, and balance sheets using guided templates and automated calculations. The platform also facilitates full business plan creation, performance tracking against forecasts, and professional pitch decks for investors.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop forecasting with automatic financial statement linking
- Real-time performance dashboards for tracking actuals vs. plan
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and Google Sheets
Cons
- Pricing is relatively high for solo micro-businesses
- Advanced scenario modeling requires the Premium plan
- Limited free trial length (14 days) and no perpetual license option
Best For
Small business owners and startups seeking professional-grade forecasting and business planning tools with minimal financial expertise required.
Pricing
Standard plan at $20/month (billed annually); Premium at $40/month; Team at $50/month per user.
Fathom
specializedOffers financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting tools that connect to accounting data for actionable insights.
Unlimited what-if scenario modeling for collaborative budgeting and forecasting
Fathom is a cloud-based financial intelligence platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering automated reporting, customizable dashboards, and advanced forecasting tools. It seamlessly integrates with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and MYOB to pull in real-time data for KPI tracking, budgeting, and cash flow projections. Users can build scenario models, collaborate on forecasts, and generate professional reports without needing deep financial expertise.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks
- Powerful scenario planning and collaborative forecasting tools
- Intuitive dashboards with real-time KPIs and variance analysis
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for multiple companies or advanced features
- Limited native support for non-accounting data sources
- Steeper learning curve for complex multi-entity forecasting
Best For
Small business owners and finance managers using Xero or QuickBooks who need user-friendly forecasting and reporting without hiring a full-time analyst.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Essentials, billed annually) for one company, with Growth ($99/month) and Advanced ($199/month) tiers; additional companies $25-$50/month each.
QuickBooks Online
otherProvides built-in forecasting, cash flow projections, and budgeting within its robust accounting platform for small businesses.
Cash flow planner that automatically pulls from your bookkeeping data for instant, accurate forecasts
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software from Intuit that offers small business forecasting tools like cash flow projections, budgeting, and scenario planning integrated with real-time financial data. Users can create forecasts based on historical transactions, track budget vs. actuals, and generate customizable reports for financial planning. While primarily an accounting platform, its forecasting features provide a solid foundation for small businesses to anticipate cash needs and plan growth.
Pros
- Seamless integration of forecasting with live accounting data for accurate projections
- Real-time cash flow insights and budget tracking tools
- Customizable reports and scenario modeling in higher tiers
Cons
- Forecasting capabilities are basic compared to dedicated tools, lacking advanced AI or complex modeling
- Requires higher-tier plans (Plus or Advanced) for full forecasting features, increasing costs
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants to master forecasting setup
Best For
Small businesses already using QuickBooks for accounting who want integrated, straightforward forecasting without switching tools.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start); full forecasting in Plus ($90/month) or Advanced ($200/month), billed annually.
Xero
otherCloud-based accounting software with forecasting reports and cash flow predictions tailored for small business growth.
Live cash flow dashboard that automatically generates forecasts from connected bank accounts and invoices
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software platform with built-in forecasting capabilities designed for small businesses, enabling cash flow projections, scenario planning, and financial trend analysis directly from real-time accounting data. It integrates forecasting seamlessly with core accounting functions like invoicing, expenses, and bank feeds. While not a standalone forecasting tool, it provides practical insights for day-to-day financial planning and short-term projections.
Pros
- Seamless integration with accounting data for real-time forecasts
- Intuitive dashboard for cash flow projections and scenarios
- Mobile accessibility and automatic bank reconciliation support
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting for complex multi-year modeling
- Full features require higher-tier plans or add-ons
- Less customizable than dedicated forecasting tools
Best For
Small businesses already using Xero for accounting who need simple, integrated cash flow forecasting without switching platforms.
Pricing
Plans start at $15/month (Early) scaling to $78/month (Established) or $130/month (Ultimate); forecasting included in most plans but advanced analytics may need add-ons.
PlanGuru
specializedSpecializes in advanced financial forecasting, budgeting, and analytics with over 20 forecasting methods for small businesses.
21 built-in forecasting methods including ARIMA, regression, and seasonal analysis for sophisticated financial modeling
PlanGuru is a robust financial forecasting and budgeting software tailored for small to medium-sized businesses and financial professionals. It provides tools for creating detailed budgets, cash flow forecasts, and scenario planning using over 21 integrated forecasting methods. The platform supports data import from QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel, enabling accurate financial modeling and variance analysis.
Pros
- Extensive forecasting toolkit with 21 methods for precise projections
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for budgeting and variance tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring financial expertise
- Primarily desktop-based with limited mobile accessibility
- Pricing can be high for very small businesses without advanced needs
Best For
Small businesses with in-house accountants or financial teams needing advanced, customizable forecasting beyond basic tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $199/month (Pro); custom Enterprise pricing available.
Dryrun
specializedCreates customizable cash flow forecasts and what-if scenarios integrating directly with QuickBooks and Xero.
Real-time pipeline forecasting that visualizes future revenue from deals and projects synced from CRM/accounting tools
Dryrun is a cloud-based forecasting tool tailored for small businesses, agencies, and service providers to create accurate cash flow projections, budgets, and financial scenarios. It integrates seamlessly with over 20 accounting and invoicing platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks to automatically pull in real-time data for reliable forecasts. Users can visualize revenue pipelines, track variances, and model best/worst-case outcomes without needing advanced financial expertise.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major accounting tools for automatic data syncing
- Intuitive visual dashboards and scenario planning for quick insights
- Affordable pricing suitable for small teams and solopreneurs
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Customization options can feel restrictive for complex forecasts
- User interface appears somewhat dated despite functional simplicity
Best For
Service-based small businesses and agencies needing straightforward cash flow forecasting tied to invoicing pipelines.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month (Solo, 1 user) up to $129/month (Enterprise, unlimited users); 14-day free trial available.
Futrli
specializedAutomates financial forecasting, KPIs, and scenario modeling by pulling data from accounting systems.
Advisor-focused multi-client dashboard with unlimited client forecasting
Futrli is a cloud-based forecasting and planning tool primarily for accountants and advisors, integrating seamlessly with Xero and QuickBooks to automate cash flow forecasts, P&L projections, and balance sheet predictions based on real-time data. It enables scenario planning, KPI tracking, and collaborative dashboards for managing multiple clients. Small businesses benefit from its data-driven insights for budgeting and decision-making.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with Xero and QuickBooks for automated data import
- Powerful scenario modeling and what-if analysis for forecasting
- Multi-client dashboards ideal for accountants serving small businesses
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Limited reporting customization options
- Pricing scales with client volume, less ideal for solo users
Best For
Accountants and bookkeepers managing forecasts for multiple small business clients.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for basic plans, with advisor tiers from $99/month scaling by client numbers.
Causal
specializedBuilds interactive financial models and forecasts with a spreadsheet-like interface for small business planning.
Visual connected models that propagate changes across assumptions, metrics, and outputs in real-time
Causal is a no-code financial modeling platform designed for small businesses to build interactive forecasts, scenario plans, and dashboards without spreadsheets. It features a visual interface for connecting assumptions, data sources like QuickBooks or Stripe, and outputs for revenue, cash flow, and headcount planning. Users can collaborate in real-time and run what-if analyses to stress-test business plans efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive visual model builder faster than spreadsheets
- Strong scenario planning and what-if analysis
- Seamless integrations with accounting and payment tools
Cons
- Limited depth for very complex enterprise forecasting
- Pricing can add up for teams with multiple editors
- Reporting features less robust than dedicated BI tools
Best For
Startups and small businesses seeking collaborative, spreadsheet-free financial forecasting and planning.
Pricing
Free for individuals; Team plans start at $100/month for up to 3 editors, scaling to $400+/month for larger teams.
Runway
specializedAI-driven bookkeeping and forecasting tool that predicts cash flow and profitability for small businesses.
Text-to-video generation with Gen-3 Alpha, but useless for financial forecasting
Runway (runway.app) is an AI-powered platform specializing in generative video creation and editing tools. Users can generate videos from text prompts, images, or existing footage using models like Gen-2 and Gen-3, with features for motion brush, inpainting, and real-time editing. It targets filmmakers, marketers, and creators but offers no financial forecasting, cash flow analysis, budgeting, or reporting capabilities relevant to small business forecasting.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for video editing
- Fast AI generation speeds
- Cloud-based collaboration for creative teams
Cons
- No financial modeling or forecasting tools
- Irrelevant for business planning needs
- Subscription costs wasted on non-forecasting features
- Lacks data integration for accounting or sales projections
Best For
Creative professionals and video content creators, not small businesses needing forecasting software.
Pricing
Free plan limited; Standard at $15/user/month; Pro at $35/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse strengths, but Float stands out as the top choice, delivering real-time cash flow forecasting and seamless integration with accounting software. LivePlan impresses with its user-friendly templates for building comprehensive business plans, while Fathom excels in turning accounting data into actionable financial insights—both are strong alternatives depending on specific needs.
Ready to take control of your business's financial future? Float's robust features make it the ideal starting point; explore its capabilities today to forecast with confidence.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.