Quick Overview
- 1#1: SAP Concur - Comprehensive travel and expense management platform with automated multi-level approval workflows and policy compliance.
- 2#2: Navan - All-in-one corporate travel platform offering real-time booking, approvals, and expense tracking with AI-driven insights.
- 3#3: TravelPerk - Business travel management software with customizable approval flows, policy enforcement, and 24/7 support.
- 4#4: Expensify - Mobile-first expense management tool that automates travel receipt scanning and approval routing.
- 5#5: Emburse - Unified spend platform integrating travel bookings, expenses, and approvals across global teams.
- 6#6: Coupa - Cloud-based spend management suite with robust travel expense approval and procurement controls.
- 7#7: Zoho Expense - Affordable expense tracking software with multi-level approvals tailored for travel reimbursements.
- 8#8: Ramp - Corporate card and spend management platform enforcing travel policies through automated approvals.
- 9#9: Brex - Financial operations platform for startups with built-in travel booking and approval workflows.
- 10#10: Payhawk - European spend management tool streamlining travel expenses with real-time approvals and integrations.
We selected these tools based on a blend of robust features (including automated approval systems and cross-functional integrations), user-friendly design, reliability, and exceptional value, ensuring they stand out in a competitive market.
Comparison Table
This comparison table compares top travel approval software tools, including SAP Concur, Navan, TravelPerk, Expensify, Emburse, and more, to help readers assess options tailored to their organizations' needs for streamlined workflows, integration, and cost control. It outlines key features and functionalities, simplifying the selection of a solution to enhance travel planning and approval efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAP Concur Comprehensive travel and expense management platform with automated multi-level approval workflows and policy compliance. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Navan All-in-one corporate travel platform offering real-time booking, approvals, and expense tracking with AI-driven insights. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | TravelPerk Business travel management software with customizable approval flows, policy enforcement, and 24/7 support. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Expensify Mobile-first expense management tool that automates travel receipt scanning and approval routing. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Emburse Unified spend platform integrating travel bookings, expenses, and approvals across global teams. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Coupa Cloud-based spend management suite with robust travel expense approval and procurement controls. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Zoho Expense Affordable expense tracking software with multi-level approvals tailored for travel reimbursements. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Ramp Corporate card and spend management platform enforcing travel policies through automated approvals. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Brex Financial operations platform for startups with built-in travel booking and approval workflows. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Payhawk European spend management tool streamlining travel expenses with real-time approvals and integrations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive travel and expense management platform with automated multi-level approval workflows and policy compliance.
All-in-one corporate travel platform offering real-time booking, approvals, and expense tracking with AI-driven insights.
Business travel management software with customizable approval flows, policy enforcement, and 24/7 support.
Mobile-first expense management tool that automates travel receipt scanning and approval routing.
Unified spend platform integrating travel bookings, expenses, and approvals across global teams.
Cloud-based spend management suite with robust travel expense approval and procurement controls.
Affordable expense tracking software with multi-level approvals tailored for travel reimbursements.
Corporate card and spend management platform enforcing travel policies through automated approvals.
Financial operations platform for startups with built-in travel booking and approval workflows.
European spend management tool streamlining travel expenses with real-time approvals and integrations.
SAP Concur
enterpriseComprehensive travel and expense management platform with automated multi-level approval workflows and policy compliance.
Intelligent policy engine with AI-powered pre-approval checks that automatically flags violations and suggests compliant alternatives in real-time.
SAP Concur is a comprehensive enterprise-grade platform specializing in travel and expense management, with robust travel approval workflows that automate pre-trip requests, enforce policies, and integrate seamlessly with booking systems. It enables managers to review, approve, or reject trips in real-time via mobile or web, ensuring compliance with company guidelines and budgets. The solution provides end-to-end visibility from approval to expense reconciliation, reducing manual errors and processing times significantly.
Pros
- Highly configurable approval workflows with multi-level routing and policy enforcement
- Deep integrations with SAP ERP, airlines, hotels, and expense tools for seamless data flow
- Real-time reporting and analytics for travel spend visibility and forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced customizations
- Premium pricing that may be prohibitive for small businesses
- Occasional performance lags in high-volume enterprise environments
Best For
Large enterprises and mid-market companies requiring scalable, policy-driven travel approval integrated with global expense management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription starting at $10-20 per user/month, scaling with modules, users, and advanced features like AI analytics.
Navan
specializedAll-in-one corporate travel platform offering real-time booking, approvals, and expense tracking with AI-driven insights.
AI-driven Smart Approve engine that automatically approves compliant requests in seconds while flagging violations instantly
Navan is a comprehensive corporate travel management platform that excels in streamlining travel approval processes through customizable workflows, real-time policy enforcement, and automated approvals. It integrates bookings, expenses, payments, and reimbursements into a single dashboard, ensuring compliance and cost control for businesses. With AI-driven insights and mobile accessibility, Navan helps teams manage travel requests efficiently from submission to settlement.
Pros
- Highly customizable approval workflows with multi-level routing and auto-approvals
- Real-time policy compliance checks and AI-powered spend visibility
- Seamless integrations with major ERPs, expense tools, and virtual cards for end-to-end control
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for small businesses or low-travel volumes
- Initial setup and policy configuration can require significant customization time
- Limited standalone use without adopting the full travel management suite
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex travel policies and high-volume business trips seeking an integrated approval and management solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on users and travel volume; typically starts at $15-25 per active traveler/month with annual contracts.
TravelPerk
specializedBusiness travel management software with customizable approval flows, policy enforcement, and 24/7 support.
Smart approval engine that auto-approves low-risk trips instantly while flagging exceptions for human review
TravelPerk is an all-in-one corporate travel management platform that excels in streamlining travel approval workflows alongside booking, expenses, and reimbursements. It offers customizable multi-level approval processes that automatically enforce company travel policies, ensuring compliance and reducing manual oversight. With real-time visibility, integrations like Slack and Google Workspace, and 24/7 support, it provides end-to-end control for business travel.
Pros
- Robust automated approval workflows with policy enforcement
- Seamless integrations for notifications and expense tracking
- 24/7 global support with fast response times
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit very small teams
- Complex setups require initial configuration time
- Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise companies with high-volume business travel needing integrated approval and management tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $12-20 per active traveler per month, with enterprise plans scaling up.
Expensify
specializedMobile-first expense management tool that automates travel receipt scanning and approval routing.
SmartScan OCR technology that instantly digitizes and categorizes receipts from photos
Expensify is a leading expense management platform that automates receipt scanning, expense tracking, and reimbursement processes, with built-in approval workflows suitable for travel-related expenses. It supports mileage logging, per diem calculations, and integration with corporate cards for real-time spend visibility and approvals. While strong in post-travel expense handling, its travel approval features focus more on reimbursements than comprehensive pre-trip itinerary approvals or policy enforcement.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick receipt capture and submission
- Robust approval workflows with multi-level routing
- Seamless integrations with banks, cards, and accounting tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Limited pre-travel request and itinerary approval capabilities
- Not a full-fledged travel management system, lacking booking or compliance tools
- Advanced features require higher-tier paid plans
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing simple, mobile-first expense approval for travel reimbursements without complex pre-trip planning.
Pricing
Free for basic individual use; Collective plan at $5/user/month, Control at $9/user/month for approvals and cards.
Emburse
enterpriseUnified spend platform integrating travel bookings, expenses, and approvals across global teams.
AI-powered Policy Copilot for real-time violation detection and suggestions during approvals
Emburse is a comprehensive spend management platform that excels in travel approval workflows, enabling organizations to automate policy enforcement, multi-level approvals, and pre-trip budgeting. It integrates seamlessly with travel booking tools like TripActions and Concur alternatives, allowing employees to submit requests via mobile app or web portal for quick manager reviews. The system provides real-time visibility into travel spend, flagging violations before bookings occur to ensure compliance and cost control.
Pros
- Configurable multi-level approval workflows
- Automated policy compliance checks
- Strong integrations with travel and ERP systems
Cons
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency
- Admin setup requires expertise
- Limited standalone travel focus compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises needing integrated travel approvals within broader expense management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $10-20 per user/month depending on features and scale.
Coupa
enterpriseCloud-based spend management suite with robust travel expense approval and procurement controls.
Intelligent Policy Orchestration for real-time, automated travel policy checks and approvals
Coupa is a comprehensive Business Spend Management (BSM) platform that includes robust Travel and Expense (T&E) management for handling travel approvals, policy enforcement, and expense reimbursements. It streamlines workflows by automating pre-trip approvals, integrating with travel suppliers like airline and hotel partners, and ensuring compliance through configurable rules and real-time visibility. Ideal for enterprises, Coupa's travel module provides end-to-end control from request to reconciliation, with analytics for spend optimization.
Pros
- Enterprise-scale policy enforcement and compliance automation
- Deep integrations with ERP systems and travel providers
- AI-driven spend analytics and forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High costs for implementation and customization
- Less intuitive for small teams compared to dedicated T&E tools
Best For
Large enterprises needing integrated procurement and travel approval workflows with strong compliance controls.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $50-100+ per user/month plus implementation fees.
Zoho Expense
specializedAffordable expense tracking software with multi-level approvals tailored for travel reimbursements.
AI-driven OCR for automatic receipt scanning and data extraction
Zoho Expense is a comprehensive cloud-based expense management tool designed to track, approve, and reimburse business expenses, with strong capabilities for handling travel-related costs through customizable workflows. It supports multi-level approvals, policy compliance checks, and automated receipt processing to streamline post-travel expense submissions. While not a full-fledged travel management platform, it excels in integrating travel expense data with accounting systems for efficient approvals and reporting.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small teams
- Seamless mobile app for real-time expense capture during travel
- Robust integration with Zoho suite and third-party apps like QuickBooks
Cons
- Limited pre-trip travel request and itinerary approval features
- No native travel booking or policy simulation tools
- Advanced customizations require familiarity with Zoho ecosystem
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in the Zoho ecosystem seeking cost-effective post-travel expense approval workflows.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 users; Standard at $4/user/month, Premium at $6/user/month, Enterprise at $9/user/month (billed annually).
Ramp
enterpriseCorporate card and spend management platform enforcing travel policies through automated approvals.
Infinite virtual and physical corporate cards with programmable spend limits and instant approvals
Ramp is a spend management platform that offers corporate cards, expense tracking, and integrated travel booking with approval workflows. It enables companies to enforce travel policies, require pre-approvals for bookings, and manage reimbursements seamlessly through its app. While versatile for overall spend control, its travel approval features shine in policy compliance and real-time visibility tied to card spend.
Pros
- Seamless integration of corporate cards with approval workflows for instant policy enforcement
- Unlimited virtual cards for granular travel spend controls
- Automated receipt matching and real-time expense tracking
Cons
- Travel approvals are tied to card ecosystem, less ideal for non-card bookings
- Lacks advanced travel management features like duty of care or complex group itineraries
- Better suited for finance teams than dedicated travel managers
Best For
Growing mid-market companies seeking an all-in-one spend platform with efficient travel approval workflows.
Pricing
Free core platform (earns via card interchange); premium features and enterprise plans custom-priced.
Brex
enterpriseFinancial operations platform for startups with built-in travel booking and approval workflows.
Virtual cards with predefined merchant locks and spend limits for secure travel vendor payments
Brex is a spend management platform offering corporate cards and expense tracking with built-in approval workflows suitable for managing travel expenses. It enables companies to set custom policies, automate approvals for bookings and reimbursements, and gain real-time visibility into travel spend. While versatile for general expenses, its travel approval features integrate seamlessly with card controls and accounting tools, making it effective for controlled business travel management.
Pros
- Customizable approval workflows with real-time notifications
- Seamless integration with corporate cards for instant controls
- Strong analytics and reporting for travel spend tracking
Cons
- Lacks dedicated travel booking and itinerary management
- Primarily geared toward US-based companies with limited global support
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans or significant card spend
Best For
Growing tech and startup companies seeking integrated spend management with straightforward travel expense approvals.
Pricing
Free basic plan available; premium tiers start at custom quotes based on spend volume, typically $0-$49/user/month equivalents via card rewards.
Payhawk
specializedEuropean spend management tool streamlining travel expenses with real-time approvals and integrations.
AI-driven automated approval routing and policy compliance checks for travel expenses
Payhawk is an all-in-one spend management platform that streamlines expense tracking, corporate card issuance, and approval workflows, including those for travel expenses. It enables real-time submission and multi-level approvals for travel-related costs with automated policy enforcement and receipt matching. While not a dedicated travel booking tool, it excels in post-trip expense approvals and integrates with accounting systems for seamless reconciliation.
Pros
- Robust multi-level approval workflows for travel expenses
- Real-time receipt capture and AI-powered matching
- Strong integrations with accounting and ERP systems
Cons
- Lacks native travel booking and pre-trip approval features
- Better suited for general spend management than pure travel
- Custom pricing can be opaque for smaller teams
Best For
Mid-sized companies seeking integrated spend management with reliable travel expense approval capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10-20 per user/month depending on features and scale.
Conclusion
The review of top travel approval software showcases tools that address varied needs, with SAP Concur leading as the top choice, offering comprehensive automated workflows and strict policy compliance. Navan and TravelPerk stand out as strong alternatives—Navan for its AI-driven insights and all-in-one platform, and TravelPerk for customizable approval flows and 24/7 support. Whether seeking simplicity, global integration, or tailored flexibility, these tools deliver efficient solutions.
Dive into SAP Concur to experience streamlined approvals and enforce policies effectively, or explore Navan or TravelPerk to find the perfect fit for your team's unique workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
