10 Best Apps to Split Expenses With Friends (2025)
Looking for the best apps to split expenses with friends without arguments? This niche-first guide helps you pick the right tool for trips, roommates, couples, subscriptions, restaurants, and offline travel—so you settle up faster with fewer headaches.
How we chose these bill‑splitting apps
- Purpose-fit: Built for travel, roommates, couples, subscriptions, restaurants, or clubs.
- Multi-currency & offline: Handles exchange rates and works when roaming.
- Itemized splitting: Per‑item, tax, tip, and unequal shares.
- Recurring automation: Reminders, recurring bills, and exports.
- Payment integrations: Works with bank transfer, Venmo/Cash App/PayPal where available.
- Privacy controls: Guest links, no‑account modes, and minimal data collection.
- Transparent pricing: Free, freemium, or reasonable paid tiers (flagged below).
Quick comparison snapshot
| App | Best for | Platforms | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splitwise | Roommates & long‑term IOUs | iOS, Android, Web | Freemium (Pro available) |
| Tricount | Trips & multi‑currency | iOS, Android, Web | Freemium (Plus available) |
| Splittr | Offline travel & itemized splits | iOS | Paid |
| Settle Up | Travel & small groups (offline‑friendly) | iOS, Android, Web | Freemium |
| Honeydue | Couples’ shared bills & budgets | iOS, Android | Free (banking optional) |
| Zeta | Couples’ shared banking & goals | iOS, Android, Web | Free (banking optional) |
| Spliiit | Subscription cost sharing | Web | Paid (service fee) |
| Billr | Itemized restaurant splitting | iOS | Paid |
| CoBudget | Clubs & community funds | Web | Paid/varies |
| Google Sheets (DIY) | Privacy-first tracking | Web, Mobile | Free |
Travel & multi‑currency trips
Trips mix different payers, currencies, and sometimes limited connectivity. Choose a travel‑first app that supports multi-currency expense split and offline entry.
Tricount
Why it fits: Create a “tricount,” add expenses fast, invite by link, and log in multiple currencies. Great for weekend and longer trips.
- Trip‑first UX with easy invite links
- Multi‑currency entries with base currency
- Clear settle‑up summary
- Debt simplification less advanced for very large/long trips
Platforms & price: iOS, Android, Web; freemium.
Quick start
- Create a new tricount; set base currency.
- Share the invite link; guests can join quickly.
- Log expenses as you go; mark payer and beneficiaries. Use the final summary to settle.
Splittr
Why it fits: Offline‑first with strong multi‑currency support. Great when roaming data is expensive or unavailable.
- Works fully offline
- Supports multiple currencies and itemized entries
- No account required for simple trips
- iOS‑focused; paid app
Platforms & price: iOS; paid (one‑time).
Quick start
- Create a trip; set base currency.
- Add expenses in any currency; Splittr converts to base.
- Export CSV/PDF at the end; settle via your preferred payment method.
Settle Up
Why it fits: Simple group setup, solid offline behavior, clear balances.
- Offline‑friendly and cross‑platform
- Supports multiple currencies
- Fewer advanced features than Splitwise
Platforms & price: iOS, Android, Web; freemium.
Example: On a four‑person city break, enter each cab, museum ticket, and meal when it happens. Tap Settle at the end; everyone sees exact balances in seconds.
Roommates & long‑term shared living
For recurring rent, utilities, and shared groceries, you need an app that handles recurring bills, reminders, and long‑running IOUs.
Splitwise
Why it fits: The standard for ongoing IOUs. Set up a “Home” group, schedule recurring costs, and let debt simplification reduce paybacks over time.
- Debt simplification and recurring expenses
- Attachments, notes, and exports
- Works across iOS, Android, and Web
- Some payment integrations are region‑specific
- Pro features are paid
Quick start
- Create a “Roommates” group; add members.
- Add recurring rent, internet, and utilities.
- On the 1st of each month, tap Settle up and pay via your usual method.
Bank/fintech built‑ins (Monzo, Revolut, etc.)
Why it fits: If everyone uses the same bank app, native split‑bill and shared pot features can eliminate IOUs entirely.
- Pros: Instant internal transfers, fewer manual entries.
- Cons: All roommates must use the same platform; features vary by region.
Quick start
- Set up a shared pot or joint space.
- Use Split bill on each charge or fund the pot monthly.
- Auto‑settle within the app.
Privacy‑first alternative: A simple Google Sheets template with monthly reconciliation keeps full control and transparency.
Couples
Couples need shared context for bills and goals, sometimes with optional joint banking—more than a basic split‑bill app.
Honeydue
Why it fits: Link accounts (optional), track bills, categorize spending, and chat about purchases right in the app.
- Pros: Couples‑first design, bill reminders, built‑in chat.
- Cons: Not built for group trips or large groups.
Zeta
Why it fits: Couples money manager with categories, shared goals, and optional joint banking to simplify shared expenses.
- Pros: Shared views, budgets, and goals; joint account optional.
- Cons: Banking features vary by region; onboarding may be longer.
Lightweight option: Use Splitwise for casual IOUs (groceries, household items) and settle weekly.
Subscription splits
Spliiit
Why it fits: Built for subscription sharing: add a service, invite the group, set shares, automate collection/reminders.
- Pros: Automates monthly requests and tracking.
- Cons: Service fees; regional availability; always check each service’s terms of use.
Quick start
- Add the subscription and monthly cost.
- Invite members; assign shares.
- Let the platform handle monthly reminders and collection.
Alternative: Use a Splitwise “Subscriptions” group with a recurring expense (manual but free), or pay from a shared card and track in a spreadsheet.
Itemized restaurant & receipt splitting
For dining out, you often need an itemized bill splitter to allocate individual items plus tip and tax fairly.
Billr (and similar itemize apps)
Why it fits: Enter items line by line, assign to diners, then split tax and tip. Quick at the table.
- Pros: Fast itemized splits; handles tip and tax.
- Cons: iOS‑only; paid; app maintenance/availability can vary.
Splitwise itemize
Why it fits: If your group already uses Splitwise, add a dinner, choose “split by shares,” and itemize to assign dishes, then add tax/tip.
- Pros: Familiar app and transparent item assignment.
- Cons: Slightly slower than dedicated receipt scanners.
Time‑saver: Let one person pay, itemize later, then settle exact amounts—no need to hold the table.
Offline & low‑connectivity trips
When service is weak, choose an offline split bill app and set it up before you go.
- Splittr and Settle Up both allow offline entries and sync when back online. Export CSV/PDF for local settling.
Privacy / no‑account & minimal data sharing
- Splittr: Works offline and doesn’t require everyone to create an account for simple trips.
- Tricount: Shareable links let guests participate without heavy setup.
- DIY spreadsheets: Full control, no logins—use Google Sheets or a local file.
Trade‑off: Fewer automation features; more manual exports and reminders.
Community funds & clubs
CoBudget (and similar collective tools)
Why it fits: Pool money, create proposals, and allocate funds transparently with member voting.
- Pros: Transparency and governance features (proposals, voting).
- Cons: Onboarding time; pricing varies by plan.
Splitwise + Stripe/PayPal
Why it fits: Track who paid for what in Splitwise, then collect via a payment processor.
- Pros: Familiar interface; clear balances.
- Cons: Collection occurs elsewhere; payment processor fees may apply.
How to choose the right bill‑splitting app
- Is this a one‑off event or ongoing?
- How many people and platforms (iOS/Android/Web)?
- Do you need multi‑currency or offline?
- Prefer automation (recurring, reminders) or manual control?
- Any privacy concerns with bank linking?
- How will you actually pay—bank transfer, Venmo/Cash App/PayPal, or in‑app collection?
Quick picks:
- Travel (multi‑currency): Tricount or Splittr; add Settle Up for mixed devices.
- Roommates (recurring bills): Splitwise; consider a shared bank if everyone uses the same one.
- Couples: Honeydue or Zeta; use Splitwise for light IOUs.
- Subscriptions: Spliiit (automation) or Splitwise recurring (manual).
- Restaurants: Billr for speed; Splitwise itemize if you already use it.
- Privacy/offline: Splittr or Tricount with guest links; DIY Sheets for full control.
Step‑by‑step mini guides
1) 7‑day Europe trip for 5 people (Tricount)
- Create “Europe 7‑day” tricount; set EUR as base currency.
- Enable multi‑currency; log expenses in the currency paid.
- Use notes like “Airbnb (5 nights)” or “Museum (Anna + Ben).”
- Day 6: Remind everyone to add missing items. Day 7: tap Settle.
- Pay via bank/Venmo/PayPal; export a PDF/CSV for records.
2) Roommates track monthly bills (Splitwise)
- Create a “Roommates 2025” group; add members.
- Add recurring rent, internet, and utilities (equal or by share).
- Attach bill photos; set reminders near due dates.
- On the 1st, review and tap Settle up; export a quarterly summary.
3) Split subscriptions among 3 friends (Spliiit or Splitwise)
Spliiit (automated): Add the subscription, invite two friends, assign shares, and let Spliiit collect monthly.
Splitwise (manual): Create a “Subscriptions” group; add a recurring expense on the billing date; settle monthly.
Security, privacy & money transfer notes
- What these apps track: Names, emails/phones, and expense details. Some offer bank linking for features like auto‑tracking or in‑app settlement.
- If you link accounts: Prefer official, tokenized bank connections; enable two‑factor authentication (2FA/MFA) where possible.
- Payment app balances may not be FDIC‑insured: Consider moving funds to insured accounts after settling.
- Export records: Keep receipts and exports—useful for disputes, reimbursements, or tax recordkeeping.
- Currency conversions: Travel apps convert to a base currency using a rate on entry; note exact rates in the expense if precision matters.
References: CFPB on P2P payment apps · FTC: Peer‑to‑peer payment apps · FDIC: Deposit insurance basics · CISA: Multi‑Factor Authentication · ISO 4217 currency codes · IRS: Recordkeeping · NIST Digital Identity Guidelines
Common pitfalls & best practices
Pitfalls
- Waiting until the end to add expenses (people forget).
- Letting small amounts pile up until someone is frustrated.
- Vague ground rules on tips, tax, or shared items.
- Forgetting to tap “Settle up” and close the loop.
Best practices
- Add expenses in real time; attach receipts for large items.
- Agree on equal vs. itemized splits up front; decide tip/tax rules.
- For roommates, schedule recurring entries and settle on a fixed date.
- Rotate the main payer at restaurants to simplify card charges.
- Export a summary before you archive a group or delete an app.
FAQ
Which app is best for a small group trip with spotty Wi‑Fi?
Splittr or Settle Up. Both handle offline entries and sync later.
How do apps handle currency conversions?
Travel apps let you enter the currency paid and convert to a base currency using a snapshot or selected rate. Note the exact rate in the expense if precision matters.
Can these apps force payment?
No. Most track IOUs and send reminders. You pay via bank transfer or payment apps; in‑app processors may be available in some regions (fees can apply).
What if someone leaves mid‑trip?
Close their balance at the point they leave: add final expenses, check the balance, and settle before they go. Exclude them from later expenses.
Do we all have to install the same app?
For the smoothest experience, yes. If not, look for guest links or web versions (Tricount, Settle Up). Splittr is strong for iOS with offline use.
Sources
Quick cheat sheet
- Trips & multi‑currency: Tricount or Splittr (Settle Up as cross‑platform backup)
- Roommates: Splitwise; consider a shared bank if you all use the same one
- Couples: Honeydue or Zeta
- Subscriptions: Spliiit
- Restaurants: Billr or Splitwise itemize
- Privacy/offline: Splittr, Settle Up, or a DIY Google Sheet
Methodology & updates
- Hands‑on testing across iOS/Android/Web where available.
- Evaluated for reliability, offline behavior, multi‑currency, itemization, recurring features, exports, and privacy controls.
- Pricing/features verified in app or on official sites at last update; they can change—confirm in your region before committing.
- We do not accept compensation to change ratings. If an article is sponsored, it will be clearly labeled.
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