Splitwise vs. Tab - What is The Difference?

Last Updated Jun 4, 2025

Splitwise offers comprehensive expense tracking with features like bill splitting, payment reminders, and multi-currency support, ideal for roommates and group trips. Tab simplifies IOU management with a user-friendly interface focused on quick debt tracking and settlement; discover which app best suits your financial sharing needs in this article.

Table of Comparison

Feature Splitwise Tab
Purpose Expense tracking and bill splitting Group expense management and payment tracking
User Interface Simple, user-friendly, intuitive Clean, modern, easy navigation
Platform iOS, Android, Web iOS, Android, Web
Expense Types Shared bills, IOUs, recurring expenses Shared bills, group expenses, repayments
Currency Support Multi-currency with automatic conversion Multi-currency support
Payment Integration Limited; manual payments tracking Integrated payment options for easier settlements
Reporting & Analytics Basic summary and debts report Detailed expense reports and analytics
Cost Free with premium subscription Free with optional premium features
Best For Casual users handling shared expenses Users needing integrated payments and detailed tracking

Introduction to Bill-Splitting Apps

Bill-splitting apps like Splitwise, Tab, and Splitting Bill provide streamlined solutions for managing shared expenses, simplifying the process of tracking and settling balances among friends, roommates, or colleagues. Splitwise stands out with its comprehensive features for group expense tracking and debt simplification, while Tab offers intuitive bill scanning and quick payment options. Your choice depends on the specific functionality you need for hassle-free expense sharing and accurate bill division.

What is Splitwise?

Splitwise is a popular app designed to simplify expense sharing by tracking and managing group payments efficiently. It allows users to record shared expenses, split bills, and settle debts with friends or roommates through an intuitive interface. Splitwise integrates with payment platforms, making it easier to balance payments without confusion or disputes.

What is Tab?

Tab is a mobile app designed to simplify group expense tracking by allowing users to easily split bills and manage shared costs in real time. Unlike Splitwise, which offers comprehensive expense management with detailed reporting and recurring payments, Tab emphasizes quick and intuitive bill splitting in social settings such as restaurants or trips. Its user-friendly interface enables users to create, update, and settle shared expenses instantly, making it ideal for casual and immediate group cost sharing.

User Interface and Experience Comparison

Splitwise offers a clean, intuitive interface with straightforward navigation, making it easy for users to add expenses and track balances efficiently. Tab emphasizes a minimalist design but may require more steps to manage shared bills, potentially slowing your workflow. Splitting Bill features a visually engaging layout but can feel cluttered, impacting overall user experience compared to the streamlined functionality of Splitwise.

Core Features: Splitwise vs Tab

Splitwise offers easy bill tracking, expense categorization, and multi-currency support, making it ideal for groups managing shared costs over time. Tab emphasizes instant bill splitting with quick payments and real-time expense updates, suitable for immediate cost sharing among friends. You can choose based on whether you prioritize detailed expense management with Splitwise or fast, on-the-spot bill splitting with Tab.

Payment Integration and Methods

Splitwise offers seamless payment integration with platforms like PayPal and Venmo, allowing you to settle balances directly within the app. Tab provides multiple payment methods, including credit card and bank transfers, enhancing flexibility for group expenses. Splitting Bill emphasizes simplicity with basic payment options but lacks the extensive integration features found in Splitwise and Tab.

Cross-Platform Availability

Splitwise excels in cross-platform availability with dedicated apps for iOS, Android, and a robust web version, ensuring seamless expense tracking across devices. Tab offers a user-friendly mobile app primarily for Android and iOS, but lacks a comprehensive web interface, which may limit accessibility on desktop platforms. Splitting Bill is more limited, often functioning as a web tool with fewer app integrations, making Splitwise the superior choice for You if consistent access on multiple devices is a priority.

Privacy and Data Security

Splitwise encrypts user data both in transit and at rest, ensuring robust privacy controls with options for anonymous payments and limited data sharing. Tab prioritizes end-to-end encryption, minimizing data stored on its servers to enhance user confidentiality and reduce breach risks. Splitting Bill utilizes secure cloud storage with multi-factor authentication, focusing on user consent for data access and strict adherence to GDPR guidelines.

Pricing and Subscription Models

Splitwise offers a free tier with basic expense tracking, while its premium plan costs $3 per month, unlocking features like receipt scanning and currency conversion. Tab provides a one-time purchase option starting at $4.99, focusing on bill splitting without a subscription, making it cost-effective for occasional users. Splitting Bill apps often follow a freemium model with in-app purchases, but pricing varies, so users should evaluate features versus subscription fees before committing.

Which App is Best for You?

Splitwise offers comprehensive expense tracking and group management, ideal for roommates or frequent travelers, while Tab excels in simplifying restaurant bill splits with real-time updates and easy tip calculations. Splitting Bill provides a straightforward interface for quick, one-time expense divisions but lacks advanced features found in the other two apps. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize detailed tracking and ongoing shared expenses (Splitwise), quick restaurant bill splits (Tab), or simple, occasional bill divisions (Splitting Bill).

Splitwise vs. Tab - What is The Difference?

Infographic: Splitwise vs Tab



About the author. DT Wilson is an acclaimed author and expert in relationship dynamics, best known for the insightful book Guide to All Things Relationship.

Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about Splitwise vs Tab are subject to change from time to time.

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