GoEven vs Splitwise: Which Expense Splitter is Right For You?
Splitwise has been the default bill‑splitting app for a decade. With recent paywalls, expense limits, and intrusive ads, many users are looking for an alternative.
Enter GoEven, a modern, 100% free expense splitter that takes a different approach. Let's compare them head‑to‑head.
Pricing & Ads
Splitwise
- Free tier includes ads and a strict daily limit on how many expenses you can add (e.g., 3–4 per day).
- Pro tier (paid subscription) removes ads, unlocks currency conversion, and enables receipt scanning.
GoEven
- 100% Free. No ads, no paywalls, and no limits on how many expenses you can add.
- All premium features (multi‑currency, receipt uploads) are completely free.
Core Features
Expense Splitting & Debt Simplification
Both apps use a greedy min‑cash‑flow algorithm to simplify debts (e.g., if A owes B $10 and B owes C $10, A just pays C $10).
- Splitwise restricts this feature to some regions or paywalls it behind Splitwise Pro.
- GoEven includes Smart Debt Simplification for free for all users.
Group Chat
- Splitwise allows you to comment on individual expenses, but has no centralized chat. You'll still need a WhatsApp group to discuss the trip.
- GoEven features a built‑in live group chat. The chat thread and the expense ledger live side‑by‑side, so you never have to switch apps to discuss the bill.
Cross‑Context Settle Up
If you share a "House" group and a "Vacation" group with the same friend, you likely owe each other money in multiple places.
- Splitwise handles balances on a per‑group basis.
- GoEven introduces the "Settle All" feature, allowing you to view your consolidated global balance with a friend across all shared groups, and wipe it to zero with one tap.
Summary
If you don't mind paying a monthly subscription for an established app, Splitwise remains a powerful tool.
However, if you believe that a utility app for splitting bills shouldn't charge you a monthly fee just to log your own money, GoEven is the clear winner. With zero ads, built‑in chat, and totally free premium features, it's the modern way to stay even with your friends.