Pilot vs Paymo
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Pilot
Pilot is a managed accounting service that combines software with a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your books each month. Built for startups and small businesses that want accounting done for them.
Paymo
Paymo is a project management and time tracking tool built for freelancers and small agencies. It combines task management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling in one platform.
Pros
- ✓Fully managed bookkeeping service
- ✓Dedicated finance experts included
- ✓Built specifically for startups
- ✓Integrates with common startup tools
- ✓Good for venture-backed companies
Cons
- ✗More expensive than DIY software
- ✗Less control over day-to-day bookkeeping
- ✗Not suited for businesses wanting to manage their own books
- ✗US-focused
Pros
- ✓Built-in time tracking and invoicing
- ✓Good resource scheduling
- ✓Ideal for client-facing work
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Clean interface
Cons
- ✗Not suited for large enterprise teams
- ✗Limited automation
- ✗Smaller integration ecosystem
- ✗Reporting less robust than competitors
Pilot vs Paymo: Side by Side
| Factor | Pilot | Paymo |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Best For | Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software | Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Pilot Features
- ✓Bookkeeping
- ✓tax preparation
- ✓financial reporting
- ✓dedicated bookkeeper
- ✓cash flow management
- ✓integrations
Paymo Features
- ✓Project management
- ✓time tracking
- ✓invoicing
- ✓expense tracking
- ✓team collaboration
- ✓client portal
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Best For
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Best For
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing
Also Consider
If neither Pilot nor Paymo is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pilot and Paymo?
Pilot is best for startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Paymo is best for freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
Which is better, Pilot or Paymo?
Choose Pilot if startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than diy software. Choose Paymo if freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing.
How much does Pilot cost?
Visit Pilot website for current pricing.
How much does Paymo cost?
Visit Paymo website for current pricing.
Who should use Pilot?
Startups and small businesses wanting fully managed bookkeeping with a dedicated team rather than DIY software
Who should use Paymo?
Freelancers and small agencies needing project management combined with time tracking and client invoicing