Finding the right AP automation software or best accounts payable software for your business isn’t easy. Many options exist, and today’s AI gold rush means new options pop up daily. That’s why looking to mature industry mainstays tends to be a safer bet than gambling your company’s compliance and cash flow on an upstart that could fold faster than you can say “net 30.”
That’s why many companies, ranging from big businesses to independent sole proprietors, rely on BILL (previously known as Bill.com). The company offers many standard tools you’ve come to expect from your AP automation platform, and its 2006 founding means that it’s withstood the test of time and multiple market cycles.
But is BILL right for your business? Though many of the best AP automation solutions have comparable features, the devil is in the details – and understanding the nuance between BILL alternatives is key to ensuring you’re making the best decision for your firm.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of alternatives to Bill.com to help guide your decision-making process and make the most informed choice possible.
Nanonets
Nanonets is a powerful platform enabled by advanced artificial intelligence that offers a range of business and accounting automation solutions. While AP automation is one of many services Nanonets offers, it tends to be a top service pick among its customers and clients.
Nanonets’ AP automation solution is called Flow, and Flow fulfills two core AP automation functions:
- Flow helps users manage supplier communications within a centralized and secure ecosystem while instantly processing invoices, establishing control mechanisms, offering insight and analytics into spending trends, and helping manage financial flow to their closure within a single platform.
- Flow lets users scan and approve invoices instantly, no matter their origin, and offers global payment options for free – critical in today’s interconnected economy.
Ultimately, Flow and Nanonets can help 10x your team’s productivity by letting them focus on the big things rather than drowning in the details.
Nanonets vs. Bill.com Comparison
Nanonets and Bill.com both provide comprehensive Accounts Payable automation, but Nanonets stands out from BILL and Bill.com competitors with its instant learning AI for data extraction and a broader range of ERP integrations. Bill.com, on the other hand, is renowned for its robust payment processing and broad (but entry-level) AP and AR capabilities.
Nanonets Top Features
- Instant Learning AI: Nanonets’ AI rapidly extracts data from documents without prior training and improves over time based on user feedback, making the process highly efficient and adaptable.
- Extensive ERP Integrations: It supports integrations with major ERP systems like QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, Sage, Salesforce, etc., offering a broad compatibility range.
- User Experience: Known for its world-class, intuitive, and effortless user interface, Nanonets makes navigation and task execution simpler for users.
Best-Fit Companies for Nanonets
Nanonets is particularly well-suited for companies that handle a high volume of diverse document types and require rapid, adaptable AI-driven data extraction without the need for extensive pre-training. Businesses with a need for seamless integration across a wide range of ERP systems will find Nanonets especially beneficial. The platform’s intuitive user interface makes it ideal for teams looking for a user-friendly experience without compromising on advanced features. This includes small to medium-sized businesses, as well as departments within larger organizations that deal with complex, document-heavy processes and seek to automate and streamline their accounts payable and other document-related workflows.
Price Comparison
Compared to BILL, Nanonets’ pricing is streamlined and less confusing. Users can expect to choose one of three tiers, depending on preference, size, and business needs:
- Starter ($49 monthly per user OR $199 monthly for 5+ users): This tier lets users process as many as 30 invoices monthly, establish vendor relationships and workflows, sync with standard ERPs like QuickBooks, and offer payments via bank transfer or credit card. This tier allows up to ten users. It’s best for individuals or those trying the platform out before committing.
- Pro ($69 monthly per user OR $499 monthly for 10+ users): The Pro plan lets users process up to 150 invoices monthly, offers the same benefits as the prior tier, and allows up to 30 users access.
- Plus ($99 monthly per user; Nanonets also offers custom pricing for enterprise clients): This tier includes everything in the Pro plan, with expanded invoice processing to 500 monthly, and adds custom integrations and API responses, a dedicated account manager, custom data retention, multiple licensing options, and personalized team training opportunities.
Tipalti
Tipalti’s core offering focuses on global payment efficiency; to that end, Tipalti lets users pay vendors, affiliate marketers, influencers, and suppliers across nearly 200 countries and 120 currencies. Six available payment methods also ease cross-border burdens while its rules-based algorithm proactively prevents payment errors that can become costly if left unchecked. Tipalti also streamlines tax management and compliance by leveraging tax information automation through KPMG-approved backend mechanisms.
Tipalti vs. Bill.com Comparison
Tipalti offers a more extensive global payment system and advanced supplier management features in a matchup between Bill.com vs. Tipalti. While both offer accounts payable automation, Tipalti’s emphasis on global payment capabilities and supplier onboarding and management are key differentiators.
Tipalti Top Features
Global Payment System: Tipalti supports payments in 196 countries and 120 currencies, offering multiple payment methods. This includes features like regulatory screening to prevent fraud and provide payment transparency to suppliers.
Supplier Management: Tipalti’s supplier management module is comprehensive, offering an onboarding self-service portal, unique vendor ID assignment, tax form selection, and a rules engine for error prevention.
Automated Accounts Payable Workflow: This feature includes optical character recognition (OCR) for invoice scanning, machine learning for invoice data prediction, and automated routing emails for approval processes.
Best-Fit Companies for Tipalti
Tipalti is best suited for mid-sized to large businesses that manage a high volume of global payments and complex supplier networks. Companies that require a robust, automated accounts payable solution with advanced features like multi-entity payables, tax compliance, and supplier management will find Tipalti’s offerings particularly beneficial. Its global payment capabilities make it ideal for businesses with international operations or those needing to process payments in multiple currencies. The platform is also well-suited for organizations seeking to streamline their accounts payable workflows and reduce manual processes with automation and machine learning.
Price Comparison
Tipalti tailors its pricing structure to your needs. All user tiers start at $129 monthly, but advanced offerings scale features alongside pricing. You’ll need to work with Tipalti’s account managers to determine your specific needs and how that drives your ultimate pricing structure, making it slightly more opaque than BILL’s.
Stampli
Stampli is a modular AP automation platform that effortlessly syncs with over 70 ERPs, including QuickBooks, Sage, Oracle, and Workday. This makes Stampli ideal for companies interested in integrating AP automation within their existing ecosystem with minimal disruption or need to adapt to the platform.
Stampli’s onboarding processes, likewise, are streamlined to ensure minimal disruption to your ongoing operations and can be fully deployed within a matter of days.
Stampli vs. Bill.com Comparison
Bill.com and Stampli both offer robust AP automation solutions, but Stampli is particularly notable for its seamless integration capabilities, intuitive dashboard, and the Stampli Card feature. Bill.com, on the other hand, offers a range of plans with different features and has a broader range of integrations compared to Stampli.
Stampli Top Features
AP Automation: Stampli’s core feature is Accounts Payable Automation, which automates tasks like invoice processing, payments, and reconciliation, reducing manual processes and improving efficiency.
Stampli Card: A corporate credit card integrated with Stampli’s system, allowing businesses to pay invoices quickly and securely, and manage expenses and company credit cards effectively.
Intuitive Dashboard and Full Visibility: Stampli offers a user-friendly dashboard with full visibility into invoice status and metrics, improving control and oversight over the accounts payable process.
Best-Fit Companies for Stampli
Stampli is ideal for businesses ranging from small to large enterprises, particularly those in industries such as commercial real estate, healthcare, telecommunications, construction, and non-profits. The platform is beneficial for companies looking for a more streamlined, efficient AP process with enhanced visibility and control over invoice lifecycle. Organizations that value easy implementation and seamless integration with existing ERP and accounting software will find Stampli’s offerings align well with their needs. Moreover, companies that prioritize easy coordination and communication between vendors and employees for payment approvals will appreciate Stampli’s collaborative and user-friendly interface.
Price Comparison
Stampli’s pricing structure is wholly tailored to your specific needs; to that end, compared to BILL’s pricing, you’ll need to speak with an account manager to determine your total cost. This makes comparing BILL vs. Stampli difficult from a pricing perspective, though its features include instantaneous customer response periods and comprehensive guided onboarding, ensuring your experience is as bespoke as its pricing.
Spendesk
Spendesk focuses on eliminating burdensome manual entry requirements in standard AP functions by letting users manage purchase orders and invoicing digitally with automated workflow approvals and OCR integration, so offline invoicing is easily integrated within its digital landscape.
Spendesk also targets data enthusiasts with a comprehensive suite of analytics and business intelligence tools to let your team drill down into your financial details and get a granular view of your overall spending to use resources better.
Spendesk vs. Bill.com Comparison
Spendesk and Bill.com both offer powerful financial management tools, but Spendesk emphasizes real-time spend tracking and control, with a focus on expense management and reporting. Bill.com, on the other hand, is more focused on accounts payable and receivable automation, making it more suitable for businesses looking for comprehensive invoice and payment processing solutions.
Spendesk Top Features
Expense Management: Spendesk provides a robust expense management system, offering real-time tracking, digital invoice management, and automated expense reimbursements.
Spend Control: A central spend control dashboard allows businesses to manage and control company spending, set spending limits, and add pre-payment approvals.
Comprehensive Financial Insights: Spendesk offers advanced reporting and analytics features, providing real-time data on spend patterns, expense categories, and budget variances for informed decision-making.
Best-Fit Companies for Spendesk
Spendesk is ideally suited for small to medium-sized businesses and larger organizations that require real-time spend tracking and control across various departments. Companies that handle a high volume of expense reimbursements and need to manage subscription payments will benefit significantly from Spendesk’s features. Its intuitive user interface and detailed reporting capabilities make it a great choice for businesses looking to streamline expense management processes and gain deeper financial insights for strategic decision-making.
Price Comparison
Unlike BILL, Spendesk’s pricing is opaque, and you’ll need to work with their account management team to determine your needs best and develop a customized quote suited to your size and operational requirements.
Quickbooks Online
QuickBooks Online tends to be the “go-to” name in AP automation across a wide field of BILL competitors, mostly by virtue of its size and overall brand penetration across a range of finance and accounting functions. But don’t let its size and maturity fool you – QuickBooks Online is an adaptive platform suited for a range of business types, from individual freelancers or online retailers to local small businesses and enterprise clients alike. Users tend to select QuickBooks Online when they’re developing an accounting system from scratch and want a one-stop shop for all their needs.
Quickbooks Online vs. Bill.com Comparison
QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive accounting solution with a broader range of features beyond accounts payable automation, such as inventory management and project profitability tracking, making it suitable for a wider range of business accounting needs. Bill.com, on the other hand, is more focused on accounts payable and receivable processes, with strong capabilities in payment processing and financial transactions management.
Quickbooks Online Top Features
Comprehensive Accounting Capabilities: QuickBooks Online offers a wide range of accounting features, including tracking income and expenses, organizing receipts, sending and tracking invoices, and connecting business bank accounts.
Inventory Management: The software provides inventory tracking, including managing products, cost of goods, and creating purchase orders.
Project Profitability Tracking: QuickBooks Online has tools for tracking project profitability, including labor costs, payroll, and expenses.
Best-Fit Companies for Quickbooks Online
QuickBooks Online is well-suited for a wide range of businesses, including those in specialized industries such as farming, law, real estate, trucking, and e-commerce. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require a comprehensive accounting solution beyond just accounts payable and receivable. Its customizable nature makes it adaptable to various business needs, from basic bookkeeping to more complex financial management tasks. This versatility makes QuickBooks Online a preferred choice for businesses looking for an all-in-one accounting software solution.
Price Comparison
QuickBooks Online has one of the most transparent pricing structures among all AP automation platforms; what you see is what you get, and there’s no guessing or estimating custom quotes when shopping for accounting solutions. By comparison, though BILL’s first few tiers are clearly priced, anything beyond the basics requires a custom quote. QuickBooks Online offers four tiers. All of the below pricing includes a 50% discount for the first three months of use. QuickBooks also offers a free 30-day trial to test the platform before committing.
- Simple Start ($15 monthly): A very basic plan with limited functionality, Simple Start allows one user access to build basic business reports within a single sales channel.
- Essentials ($30 monthly per user OR $499 monthly for 10+ users): Three users can generate more detailed reports along three sales channels, execute multi-currency transactions, manage bills (including autopay options), and enter billed time.
- Plus ($45 monthly): Five users can access the complete suite of accounting and inventory reports and get the same benefits from the Essentials package plus financial planning tools, inventory management solutions, and one month of assisted bookkeeping.
- Advanced ($100 monthly): The top tier includes everything in the Plus package for up to 25 users. It also offers automated accounting workflows, Excel integration for business intelligence reporting, batch invoicing, and a few more niche features best serving large or enterprise clients.
AvidXchange
AvidXchange targets that sweet spot that mostly goes underserved – companies larger than a sole proprietorship or local businesses that can’t keep up with accounting requirements on their own but are too small for enterprise-level solutions that cost more than they’re worth compared to their utility.
To that end, AvidXchange offers basic financial and accounting functions, including vendor payment management, directly integrated into existing ERPs. Since middle-market firms tend not to have robust accounting departments, AvidXchange also offers robust onboarding and ongoing, responsive customer support to help clients get started.
AvidXchange vs. Bill.com Comparison
AvidXchange and Bill.com both offer robust accounts payable automation solutions, but AvidXchange is particularly strong in its integration capabilities with various accounting systems and its comprehensive invoice processing and workflow management. Bill.com, on the other hand, focuses more on providing an easy-to-use platform and is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses, offering more transparent pricing and a mobile app for iOS and Android.
AvidXchange Top Features
Automated Bill Payment System: AvidXchange automates the entire bill payment process, streamlining workflow and improving efficiency.
Integration with Accounting Software: AvidXchange seamlessly integrates with various accounting systems like NetSuite, providing users with a comprehensive and connected experience.
Invoice Processing and Workflow Capability: The platform excels in invoice processing and offers robust workflow capabilities, aiding in effective invoice management and automation.
Best-Fit Companies for AvidXchange
AvidXchange excels in serving mid-sized companies operating in complex, highly regulated industries such as real estate and healthcare. Specifically, it is tailored for businesses seeking an automated bill payment system that seamlessly integrates with their existing accounting systems, such as QuickBooks and SAP. AvidXchange’s strength lies in streamlining Accounts Payable (AP) processes and enabling paperless invoice processing, making it an optimal choice for companies with a monthly invoice volume exceeding 1,000. For businesses in need of not just efficiency but also rigorous compliance standards in their financial operations, AvidXchange emerges as the ideal solution.
Price Comparison
Looking at the pricing structure in a Bill.com vs. AvidXchange lineup, one is more transparent and easy to understand than the other. Specifically, you’ll need to contact AvidXchange to determine your exact price – making it difficult to shop around and compare multiple options quickly.
Melio
Melio has somewhat of a “small town” emphasis as it lets businesses streamline their AP operations with a focus on bank-to-bank transfers, card payments, and even check payments for local vendors who aren’t equipped to handle anything else. True to form, Melio also works with vendors who don’t have an active account with the company, helping reduce friction between your local supplier and AP department.
Melio vs. Bill.com Comparison
Melio and Bill.com are both efficient in handling accounts payable processes, but Melio stands out with its flexibility in payment methods, including the use of credit cards for business bills and batch payments. Bill.com, on the other hand, offers a broader range of features for accounts receivable and payable and has more affordable fees for international wire transfers compared to Melio.
Melio Top Features
Payment Flexibility and Batch Payments: Melio offers flexibility in payment methods, including credit cards, and the ability to combine and split payments. It also supports batch payments, enabling multiple payments to various vendors simultaneously.
Automated Bill Capture and Invoice Management: Automatic bill capture AI extracts necessary information from invoices for easy payment processing, and vendors can directly send invoices to Melio’s Pay Inbox.
International Payments and Expedited Processing Options: Melio supports international payments to over 80 countries and offers instant transfer and expedited check delivery options for quicker payment processing.
Best-Fit Companies for Melio
Melio is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses that require a straightforward, flexible solution for managing their accounts payable. Its features like credit card payments, batch payments, and expedited processing options make it a good fit for businesses that prioritize ease and speed in their payment processes. Additionally, companies engaged in international transactions will benefit from Melio’s support for payments to over 80 countries, although they should consider the higher transaction fees for these services.
Price Comparison
Melio’s pricing is unique from BILL’s in that, rather than tier-based pricing that drives feature accessibility, all users leverage the same features but pay fees for specific services. On the free side, Melio offers:
- Unlimited users
- Software synchronization and approval workflow management
- Bill capture, including offline OCR integration
- Payment and bill management, including tracking
- Data export to third-party platforms
- Custom payment requests
- ACH bank transfers
If you need additional features, here’s how Melio manages them:
- Mailed checks: the first two each month are free; $1.50 for each thereafter
- Card payments: 2.9% of the total
- Instant transfer: 1.5% of the total, up to $50
- Same-day ACH transfer: 1% of the total, up to $30
- Check within three business days: $20
- International payments in USD: $20 flat fee for bank transfer or card; card payments incur an additional 2.9% fee
Buyer’s Guide: BILL vs Nanonets
Intro to Nanonets
Nanonets, at the forefront of AI-driven workflow automation, is transforming the business landscape with its advanced workflow automation product. Distinguished by its Instant Learning AI, which requires no initial training and quickly adapts to user feedback, Nanonets delivers a streamlined and intuitive experience. Its capacity for rapid deployment and accelerated market readiness is further enhanced by seamless integration with leading ERP systems, including QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, Sage, and Salesforce. As a pioneering AI company, Nanonets embeds artificial intelligence into every facet of its operations, promising its clients not just a product but an experience that heralds the future of business process automation. This approach positions Nanonets as a reliable and innovative partner for businesses seeking to embrace the full potential of AI-enhanced efficiency and decision-making.
How does Nanonets stack up as a Bill.com Competitor?
Nanonets and Bill.com are both effective in automating accounts payable processes, but Nanonets stands out with its AI-driven data extraction that requires no initial training and learns from user interactions, as well as its extensive ERP integration capabilities. Bill.com, conversely, is more established in providing a broad set of features for both accounts payable and receivable, with a focus on ease of use and efficient payment processing.
Nanonets is the best choice for you if…
Nanonets is particularly well-suited for businesses that prioritize advanced AI capabilities for handling a diverse and high volume of documents, require seamless integration with a variety of ERP systems, and value user-friendly interfaces for efficient workflow management in accounts payable automation.
- High-Volume Document Handling: Ideal for businesses that process a large volume of diverse invoices and financial documents. Nanonets’ Instant Learning AI excels in extracting data from various document formats without prior training, making it a superior choice for companies with high variability in their document types and sources.
- Rapid Implementation in Diverse ERP Environments: Companies using a wide range of ERP systems, such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Xero, Sage, or Salesforce, will benefit from Nanonets’ comprehensive ERP integrations. This capability makes it a better fit for businesses that require seamless and versatile integration across multiple accounting platforms.
- Adaptive AI Learning in Complex Scenarios: Businesses facing evolving document formats or data extraction requirements would find Nanonets more advantageous. The platform’s AI adapts and improves continually based on user feedback, offering greater long-term efficiency in dynamic business environments where document types and formats frequently change.
- Enhanced User Experience for All Business Sizes: Nanonets’ user-friendly interface is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses or teams that lack specialized training in financial software. Its intuitive design ensures ease of adoption and reduces the learning curve, making it a preferred choice for organizations prioritizing ease of use without compromising on advanced features.
- Efficient Workflow Management for AP Automation: Companies looking for a robust solution to automate their accounts payable workflows, especially those dealing with complex approval processes and needing accurate GL coding and 3-way matching, would find Nanonets more effective. Its AI-driven approach streamlines these processes, offering a higher degree of precision and efficiency compared to Bill.com’s more generalized feature set.
What are the key considerations teams should make when looking at Bill.com competitors?
You’ll need to determine if your company’s size is best suited to BILL’s features. Generally, larger businesses tend to outgrow BILL rapidly and are better served by enterprise-focused platforms that tailor the experience to your needs. You’ll also need to consider how often you manage cross-border payments, your integration requirements, and how robust a vendor onboarding process you anticipate. These and similar business-specific details will drive your decision between BILL and Bill.com alternatives.
Why did Bill.com rebrand the company name to BILL?
Bill.com rebranded to BILL to better reflect the company’s streamlined ethos to enable a smooth experience for bill issuers and payers alike.
What should users consider when comparing Bill.com vs. Tipalti?
If you need advanced features like custom fields, tax compliance and management, fee-splitting, and similar functions, Tipalti offers a wider range of options. However, if your needs are simple and don’t need the extra frills, BILL is more affordable at the cost of reduced optimization.
What should users consider when comparing Bill.com vs. Concur?
BILL is a simpler solution with faster onboarding and better product evolution cycles than Concur, though Concur tends to have more responsive support if you need to tailor your AP automation experience to your business.
What should users consider when comparing Bill.com vs. Melio?
If you’re working on a budget or don’t need advanced features, Melio’s fee-based pricing is preferable to BILL’s monthly payment tiers. However, if your business does more than basic accounting management and payment protocols, you might find yourself limited by Melio’s overall functionality.
What should users consider when comparing Bill.com vs. Ramp?
Ramp offers many of the same features as BILL but includes corporate card and spend management processes to help larger businesses manage expenses and overall spend. If that isn’t necessary for your company, though, BILL’s basic features come at a lower cost – and BILL offers a free trial, whereas Ramp does not.
What should users consider when comparing Bill.com vs. Airbase?
Airbase’s comprehensive spend management features outpace BILL’s basic AP automation focus and include mobile app functionality for remote employees or businesses with extensive travel requirements. However, Airbase targets a larger clientele, and smaller businesses may find many of its core offerings unnecessary.
What should users consider when comparing Bill.com vs. AvidXchange?
AvidXchange has an inherent small business and local focus that includes check payments and non-user vendor integration, making it ideal for small business owners to pay local vendors. However, its functionality is limited for cross-border payments and overall digital integration compared to BILL.
Summary
Picking the best AP automation platform is like picking a hammer – many of the different types may get the job done, but only one is the best fit for masonry work, for example, or from prying a nail loose. Likewise, most AP automation solutions can fit your business needs – but, in many cases, picking one at random will ensure you’re either missing key benefits or paying too much for unneeded and unused features.
BILL is a popular platform that’s popular among smaller online retailers, freelancers, and similar digital-centric small businesses. But, though you may be able to adapt BILL to your needs with a little creative integration, you may ultimately spend more time than you’re saving if you try to fit a square peg into a round hole. To best determine the Bill.com alternative or platform for you, ensure you have a solid understanding of your needs before exploring options, and don’t be afraid to reach out to platform providers and account managers before pulling the trigger.
