Splitwise was once the undisputed king of expense splitting apps. It was the go-to for college students, roommates, travel groups, and even couples managing their finances. I still remember the first time I used Splitwise on a trip to Goa with my friends. We split everything – food, transport, even the cost of that ridiculous beach hat I never wore again. It was seamless, simple, and absolutely free.
But lately, something has changed. And not in a good way. Splitwise is slowly locking down its core features behind a paywall, making it more frustrating for free users. I’ve been patient, I’ve adapted, but today was the final straw – a 3-expense limit per day?!
What’s Happening with Splitwise?
The Search Feature is Gone (Unless You Pay)
A few months ago, Splitwise made a move that ruffled some feathers – limiting the search feature to Pro users. At first, I thought, “Alright, I can manage without it.” But the more expenses piled up, the harder it became to track past transactions. Imagine needing to find that one Uber ride you split three months ago – good luck scrolling endlessly.
Now, a Hard Limit on Free Expenses Per Day
Today, things escalated. Splitwise has now limited free users to adding only 3 expenses per day.
- Whether it’s in a group or an individual expense, the moment you hit 3 transactions, you’re out of luck.
- Want to add more? Time to upgrade to Pro.
- If you’re someone who shares multiple expenses daily (like rent, utilities, groceries, dining out, etc.), this limit makes Splitwise practically useless.
Why This Change is a Dealbreaker
Let’s get real for a second. Most of us aren’t against paying for good services. But the problem here is how Splitwise is handling this transition.
- They’re restricting core features that were always free.
- The alternatives (Pro) aren’t worth the price for casual users.
- They didn’t warn users properly – these changes just hit out of nowhere.
I’m not the only one upset. Reddit is buzzing with complaints. Twitter is full of frustrated users. And frankly, if this keeps up, Splitwise will lose its loyal user base to better alternatives.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Splitwise?
PhonePe & Google Pay (Free & Simple)
If you’re in India, the best alternative is right in your pocket – PhonePe and Google Pay’s Group Feature.
Pros:
- Free to use with no expense limits.
- Simple group tracking for shared bills.
- Works well for people already using UPI payments.
Cons:
- Not as detailed as Splitwise.
- No debt simplification feature.
Tricount – A Direct Splitwise Competitor
If you want a direct Splitwise alternative, Tricount is a solid pick.
Pros:
- Free version allows unlimited transactions.
- Easy-to-use interface similar to Splitwise.
- Great for travel and group expenses.
Cons:
- Some advanced features require premium.
- No in-app payments.
Settle Up – Another Great Free Option
Pros:
- No restrictions on the number of expenses.
- Syncs across devices.
- Works without an account.
Cons:
- Lacks some automation features.
- Ads in the free version.
Splittr – Perfect for Travelers
Pros:
- Works offline.
- No need for everyone to sign up.
- Supports multiple currencies (perfect for international trips).
Cons:
- Only available on mobile.
- Limited integration with payment apps.
How to Move Your Expenses from Splitwise to Alternatives
If you’re fed up with Splitwise’s limitations, here’s a step-by-step guide to migrating to a new app:
Export Your Splitwise Data
- Open Splitwise on your browser.
- Go to Account Settings → Export as CSV.
- Download your full expense report.
Choose Your New App
Pick one from our top alternatives based on your needs.
Import or Manually Add Expenses
Some apps allow CSV imports (like Tricount), while others require manual input. If needed, take a day to set up your new expense tracker properly.
Inform Your Group
Send a message to your expense-sharing circle and let them know about the switch. It’s best to get everyone on board at the same time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people think Splitwise is useless without Pro?
Many users feel that Splitwise has limited its free version by restricting features like currency conversion, expense search, and advanced charts, making it less convenient without a Pro subscription.
What are the best alternatives to Splitwise?
Some popular alternatives include Tricount, Settle Up, Tab, and Venmo, which offer similar expense-sharing features, sometimes with better free-tier options.
Is Splitwise Pro worth paying for?
Splitwise Pro offers perks like receipt scanning, custom categories, and an ad-free experience, but for casual users, the free version might now feel too restrictive to justify the cost.
Can I still use Splitwise effectively without paying for Pro?
While basic expense tracking is available for free, the lack of advanced features like automatic group simplification and currency conversion makes it harder for international users or frequent bill splitters.
What’s the main reason users are looking for Splitwise alternatives?
Many users are frustrated that features once free are now locked behind a paywall, making them seek alternatives that offer more flexibility without extra charges.
Conclusion
Splitwise has long been a go-to app for splitting bills, but with many essential features now locked behind a Pro subscription, its free version feels increasingly limited. Users who relied on features like expense search, currency conversion, and group simplification may find it frustrating to continue using the app without upgrading.
While Splitwise Pro offers premium perks, not everyone wants to pay for what was once free. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives like Tricount, Settle Up, and Tab, which provide similar or even better features at no cost.
