Two platforms often compared by growing companies. We implement both - here's what actually differentiates them.
The short version
Pigment is built for the modern finance team. Intuitive interface, fast implementation, native AI, designed for collaboration. Strong with SaaS companies, growth businesses, and teams that value UX. Customers include Figma, Gong, and Unilever.
Planful (formerly Host Analytics) comes from accounting and consolidation. Excel-like interface, statutory reporting built in, deep consolidation capabilities. Strong with traditional finance teams who need close, consolidation, and compliance.
These platforms have different DNA. Pigment started with planning and added consolidation. Planful started with consolidation and added planning. The origin shows in what each does best.
Feature comparison
| Pigment | Planful | |
|---|---|---|
| User interface | Modern, intuitive | Excel-like, familiar |
| Implementation time | 6-12 weeks typical | 8-16 weeks typical |
| Primary strength | Planning & collaboration | Consolidation & close |
| Financial consolidation | Available, growing | Core strength |
| Statutory reporting | Custom configuration | Out-of-the-box |
| Revenue modelling (SaaS) | Strong templates | Requires building |
| Market maturity | Younger, fast-growing | Established, proven |
| AI capabilities | Native agentic AI | Planful Predict |
AI capabilities
Both platforms include AI capabilities, though the approaches and maturity differ.
Native AI built from the ground up. Natural language queries create dashboards instantly. Auto-detection of significant metric changes. Full explainability - every AI action is visible and traceable. Feels integrated into daily workflow.
Machine learning for anomaly detection and automated insights. Signals flag unusual patterns during close and reporting. Focused on finance-specific use cases. Integrates into existing consolidation workflows rather than replacing them.
Pigment's AI feels more conversational and exploratory. Planful's is more targeted at specific accounting and finance workflows. Both are useful; neither should be the primary selection criterion.
When to choose
If your previous planning tool failed because people wouldn't use it, Pigment's interface changes the game. Finance teams genuinely enjoy using it. That's not marketing - G2 and Gartner ratings back it up.
ARR modelling, cohort analysis, churn forecasting. Pigment's templates for recurring revenue businesses are genuinely useful. Companies like Figma and Gong chose it partly for this reason.
Board meeting in 8 weeks? New PE owners want forecasts next month? Pigment implementations typically move faster. The platform's design philosophy prioritises time-to-value.
Cloud-native architecture, 30+ integrations, real-time collaboration. If you're building a modern finance function with modern tools, Pigment fits the pattern.
When to choose
Multi-entity consolidation with intercompany eliminations, currency translation, minority interest. Planful was built for this. If close and consolidation dominate your finance team's workload, it's a natural fit.
Same formulas, same cell references, same formatting logic. Planful's interface feels immediately familiar to accountants. Training investment is lower when concepts transfer directly.
GAAP, IFRS, local statutory requirements. Planful's reporting framework is designed around audit requirements and compliance workflows. This isn't an afterthought - it's core functionality.
Planful has years of deployments across thousands of customers. Proven workflows, established support, predictable behaviour. Some organisations prioritise this over newer alternatives.
The honest truth
New features every quarter means rapid improvement, but also change. Some enterprises find this unsettling. The platform today may differ from the platform in a year - exciting or concerning depending on your perspective.
The Excel-like interface is familiar but dated. Users outside finance often find it less intuitive than modern alternatives. If broad adoption across departments matters, this is a factor.
Planful has more established implementation partners. Pigment's ecosystem is smaller but growing. Both have capable partners; availability may vary by region.
Both integrate with major systems. Planful has more legacy ERP connectors. Pigment has more modern SaaS integrations. Check your specific tech stack requirements.
On pricing
Both platforms are priced competitively for their target markets. Neither is dramatically cheaper than the other for comparable scope.
Pigment's faster implementation can mean lower total project costs. Planful's template library can accelerate specific use cases. The math depends on what you're building.
Get specific quotes for your requirements. A focused FP&A deployment might favour one platform; add consolidation and statutory reporting and the equation shifts. Don't assume based on positioning.
Alternative paths
Sometimes the answer is neither Pigment nor Planful.
You need connected enterprise planning. If sales territory planning, supply chain optimisation, or workforce planning are priorities alongside finance, Anaplan might be the better fit - it's designed for cross-functional connected planning.
You have complex legacy requirements. Existing TM1 investments, complex allocation rules, extreme modelling requirements might point toward IBM Planning Analytics.
Your needs are simpler. Well-structured Excel workbooks, or simpler tools like Adaptive Insights, might be enough for smaller teams with straightforward requirements.
How to decide
Is this primarily about planning and forecasting, or about consolidation and close? The answer often points clearly to one platform.
Who needs to work in the platform daily? Traditional accountants may prefer Planful's familiarity. Modern FP&A teams often gravitate toward Pigment's interface.
Run proof of concepts with your actual data. See how each platform handles your specific reporting requirements, not just generic demos.
Ask vendors for references in your industry and at your scale. Their experience matters more than generic case studies.
Questions
We implement both platforms and can provide objective guidance based on your specific requirements. No sales pressure - just honest advice.