Top 10 Anaplan Alternatives: Best EPM Software Compared

The enterprise planning software market has a problem: everyone claims to be the best Anaplan alternative, yet most comparisons barely scratch the surface. After watching too many teams make expensive mistakes based on shallow vendor comparisons, we decided to do something different. Read More

List of Top 10 Anaplan Alternatives

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Pros & Cons
Pros

Combines BI, planning, and predictive analytics in one platform

Joule AI assistant for natural language queries

Seamless integration with SAP S/4HANA and other SAP products

Over 100 prebuilt best-practice content packages
Cons

Best value when integrated with the SAP ecosystem

Can be overwhelming for smaller organizations

Implementation complexity requires expertise
Why You'll Love It

SAP Analytics Cloud brings the power of enterprise planning to organizations of every size with AI at its core. The Joule AI assistant lets anyone ask business questions in plain English. You can just type in "show me average revenue by region for Q3" and Joule delivers instant visualizations and insights that drive better decisions.
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The 2025 updates brought impressive new capabilities to SAP Analytics Cloud. The Joule AI assistant transformed how non-technical managers interacted with financial data. Department heads could ask questions in everyday language and get instant dashboards without bothering the teams.

The seamless planning integration with SAP Datasphere, launched in 2025, also addresses a major pain point. Previously, moving data between systems required complex ETL processes. Now, you can store planning models data directly in Datasphere. Thus, it reduces redundancy and enables real-time reporting across the organization.

However, SAC's true power emerges within the SAP ecosystem. If you're not running SAP ERP or planning to adopt other SAP products, the value proposition decreases significantly. The platform can integrate with non-SAP systems, but you can’t leverage its full potential. Implementation also requires SAP expertise—not something most mid-market teams have in-house.

For organizations already invested in SAP or planning major ERP transformations, SAP Analytics Cloud represents a natural evolution in the top Anaplan alternatives list. It unifies planning, reporting, and analytics in ways that justify its enterprise pricing. For SAP shops seeking comprehensive performance management, few alternatives match its integration depth and analytical capabilities.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Powered by proven IBM TM1 OLAP engine

AI-enhanced forecasting with Watson integration

Impressive performance with large datasets

Reputable brand name of IBM Inc
Cons

A complex setup for advanced features requires expertise

Interface is less modern than newer cloud-native platforms

Product innovation has slowed in recent years
Why You'll Love It

IBM Planning Analytics brings artificial intelligence and decades of proven TM1 technology together in a solution that scales from startups to global enterprises. The in-memory processing delivers real-time insights, no matter how large your dataset. If you need a solution that can handle massive complexity without breaking a sweat, this is it.
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Our research into IBM Planning Analytics examined enterprise implementations requiring substantial data processing capabilities. The TM1 engine's performance with complex data structures receives consistent praise in user reviews. Performance benchmarks show significant speed advantages over legacy systems, particularly for organizations operating at scale.

Excel integration emerged as crucial for user adoption in the implementations we studied through case analysis. The system allows analysts to access Planning Analytics directly from Excel. The Planning Analytics Workspace provides modern web interfaces for dashboard-based interactions. Thus, offering flexibility for different user preferences according to product documentation.

Watson AI capabilities automate time-consuming analytical processes. The system detects forecast data anomalies and flags unusual patterns for review. AI-generated variance explanations help stakeholders understand financial results without requiring deep expertise.

However, our research identified slower product innovation compared to newer alternatives to Anaplan. While IBM continues supporting and enhancing Planning Analytics, the feature release pace doesn't match cloud-native competitors. Interface design, though functional, appears less polished than tools built specifically for cloud deployment, based on user interface evaluations we conducted.

Implementation complexity is another consideration. Setting up advanced features like complex allocations or automated workflows requires either internal TM1 expertise or IBM consultants. The initial learning curve for administrators is steep, though end-users find the Excel interface familiar enough.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Seamless integration with other Workday products

AI and machine learning are embedded for forecasting

Unlimited scenario modeling capabilities

Average implementation time of 4.5 months
Cons

Mobile app functionality is limited compared to the web version

Can be overkill for smaller organizations

Requires the Workday ecosystem for maximum value
Why You'll Love It

Workday Adaptive Planning brings Silicon Valley innovation to financial planning. With AI embedded at its core through Workday Illuminate, it delivers forecasting accuracy and planning agility that helps you stay ahead of market changes. The platform's unlimited scenario analysis means you can test every possible business outcome without worrying about system limitations or performance degradation.
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The platform's ability to model complex revenue scenarios was admirable in Workday. Integration capabilities emerged as a key differentiator in our analysis. Organizations using Workday HCM or financial management products report seamless connectivity, eliminating manual data transfers.

Even without the broader Workday ecosystem, pre-built connectors for SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and NetSuite facilitate straightforward integration according to the implementation documentation.

The interface receives consistent praise in user feedback for feeling modern and intuitive compared to legacy EPM tools. Teams report building driver-based models without extensive training. The Excel integration enables work in familiar environments while maintaining database connectivity. Collaborative planning features allow department-level input with finance oversight, addressing a common pain point in traditional top-down planning approaches.

Our research also suggests the solution delivers maximum value within the broader Workday ecosystem. For organizations seeking similar softwares like Anaplan, Adaptive Planning justifies its premium market position.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Fast implementation (typically weeks, not months)

Excel-like interface reduces learning curve

More affordable options compared to other Anaplan alternatives

Real-time data integration with ERP systems
Cons

Newer player compared to established alternatives

Limited on-premise deployment options

May lack some advanced features of enterprise tools

Smaller user community than legacy platforms
Why You'll Love It

Limelight hits that sweet spot between power and simplicity. The platform is built specifically for mid-market companies that have outgrown spreadsheets but don't need the complexity of enterprise giants. Their AI-powered anomaly detection instantly flags unusual trends in your data, letting you focus on strategy instead of hunting for errors.
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Through our research into Limelight, we found it consistently praised for rapid adoption. Organizations mentioned getting operational within days rather than weeks. The platform's direct integration with major ERP, CRM and HRIS systems eliminates the manual data transfer headaches that plague many organizations.

The analytical engine (released in early 2024) caught our attention during research. It empowers teams to build custom models independently, reducing IT dependency significantly. The scenario planning functionality proves particularly valuable during quarterly forecasting cycles, with multiple users reporting the ability to model unlimited revenue outcomes without performance degradation.

Implementation costs don't balloon unexpectedly, unlike some enterprise tools, where professional services can triple the total cost of ownership. Based on our analysis of user reviews and comparison with other Anaplan competitors, Limelight delivers strong value for mid-sized companies seeking powerful capabilities without enterprise-level complexity.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Seamless two-way sync with Excel and Google Sheets

Quick onboarding with a familiar spreadsheet interface

Real-time collaboration features

Strong customer support team
Cons

Performance can slow with many large spreadsheets

Limited customization for complex enterprise needs

Manual steps required for data transfer between cubes

Best suited for teams under 10 users
Why You'll Love It

Cube is the bridge between the spreadsheets you know and the centralized planning platform you need. It doesn't ask you to abandon Excel. Instead, it supercharges it with automation, version control, and real-time data updates. For teams that live and breathe spreadsheets but need better collaboration and governance, Cube makes the transition painless.
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The setup process consistently rates as smooth across reviews. Organizations report connecting accounting systems like QuickBooks and ERPs like NetSuite within hours. The Excel add-in integration receives particular praise for maintaining familiar workflows while adding centralized control.

According to case studies, collaboration features shine during budget cycles. Multiple team members can work simultaneously on different sections with automatic version control. This eliminates the notorious "Budget_Final_v5_REALLY_FINAL.xlsx" problem that plagues spreadsheet-based planning. The audit trail functionality tracks every change, providing transparency that manual processes can't match.

However, there are some performance concerns as organizations scale. Multiple user reviews mention noticeable lag when managing 30+ active spreadsheets. The platform appears optimized for lean finance teams. Based on our analysis of alternatives to Anaplan, Cube serves small to mid-sized businesses making their first transition from manual consolidation, particularly those committed to maintaining Excel-centric workflows.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Native Microsoft Excel integration maintains familiarity

AI-powered Vena Copilot for Microsoft Teams

Robust workflow automation and approval processes

Pre-configured templates accelerate deployment
Cons

Can be complex for smaller organizations

Higher implementation costs than mid-market tools

Requires significant setup and configuration time
Why You'll Love It

Vena is Microsoft's best friend in the EPM world. If your organization runs on the Microsoft ecosystem (and most of them do), Vena's native integration with Excel, Teams, and Azure creates a seamless planning experience. The newly launched Vena Copilot for Teams brings AI-powered insights directly into your daily workflows, making financial intelligence accessible to everyone in the organization.
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The Microsoft ecosystem integration consistently emerges as the platform's standout advantage. Organizations already operating in Excel and Teams report minimal change management challenges since Vena extends rather than replaces familiar tools.

Implementation timelines we researched typically span three months. The Vena Planning Agent, launched in late 2025, generated significant buzz in user communities. What distinguishes Vena among renowned alternatives to Anaplan (based on our research) is its philosophy of enhancing Excel rather than replacing it.

Finance teams maintain their preferred tools while gaining centralized data management, version control, and audit capabilities. The AI features in Vena Copilot provide intelligent anomaly detection and forecasting suggestions that multiple users credit with uncovering hidden opportunities.

The tradeoff involves complexity and investment. Implementation requires careful planning and technical expertise. The custom pricing model means budgeting can be challenging without detailed quotes. However, for mid-market to enterprise organizations deeply invested in Microsoft technologies, our research suggests Vena offers capabilities similar to enterprise tools with superior Excel integration and user adoption rates.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Comprehensive end-to-end platform

AI-driven insights and automation features

Scales well for growing organizations

Strong consolidation capabilities
Cons

Steep learning curve for new users

Can experience performance issues with large datasets

Custom reporting sometimes requires technical expertise
Why You'll Love It

Planful delivers enterprise-grade planning capabilities with an interface that won't make your head spin. Recognized as a Challenger in Gartner's Magic Quadrant, it brings together budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and reporting in one platform. The AI-enhanced features help surface insights automatically. So, your team spends less time crunching numbers and more time on strategic analysis.
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Through our evaluation of Planful as one of the top Anaplan alternatives, its comprehensive feature coverage is consistently highlighted. The platform handles everything from operational budgeting to multi-entity consolidations. Workflow automation receives frequent praise by the masses. Users report significant time savings from automated approval chains and task reminders.

The scenario planning capabilities emerge as a standout feature in the case studies we examined. Organizations model various revenue assumptions, cost structures, and resource plans with instant financial statement impacts. Performance remains strong even with millions of data points.

However, we found consistent learning curve concerns. Feedbacks suggest new team members need approximately two weeks of hands-on practice. Implementation timelines we reviewed averaged four months for full deployment. Some technically-oriented users mentioned in reviews that ad-hoc reporting flexibility could be improved.

Pros & Cons
Pros

100% native Excel platform maintains existing workflows

Genius AI assistant for automated insights and analysis

Integrates with 200+ data sources automatically

Fast implementation
Cons

Performance degrades with numerous large spreadsheets

Steep learning curve despite Excel familiarity

Permission management is complex and time-intensive
Why You'll Love It

Datarails doesn't ask you to leave Excel behind. Instead, it turns your spreadsheets into an enterprise-grade EPM platform. If your teams are heavily dependent on Excel, Datarails offers the perfect new ground. The platform's Genius AI assistant automatically generates summaries, insights, and analyses from your data, bringing artificial intelligence to your existing workflows.
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Our research into Datarails revealed a solution strongly appealing to Excel-dependent organizations. The Flex add-in installs directly in Excel. This allows analysts to maintain familiar environments while gaining centralized data management.

Automated consolidation capabilities receive strong praise in user testimonials. Organizations connect ERP tools, CRM tools, and banking systems with automated daily data pulls. The AI assistant generates variance analysis summaries in plain language. It highlights key budget deviation drivers without requiring manual spreadsheet analysis.

However, the research uncovered performance limitations at scale. Users might experience significant slowdowns when managing numerous active spreadsheets. This can also lead to longer file opening times and frustrating data refresh delays. Permission management complexity also surfaced consistently in feedback. Users report spending considerable time configuring access controls across different users and sheets. Organizations should anticipate potential performance constraints as data volume increases.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Highly flexible and scalable for various industries

Prophix One Plus handles complex planning scenarios

Excellent customer support and responsive service

OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) for multidimensional data analysis
Cons

Advanced features require technical expertise

Limited advanced analytics compared to some competitors

Initial implementation can be time-consuming

Learning resources could be more comprehensive
Why You'll Love It

Prophix strikes an impressive balance between power and usability. Designed specifically for growing teams, it offers enterprise-level capabilities without the overwhelming complexity of tools like Anaplan. The recently launched Prophix One Plus leverages cutting-edge cloud computing services and advanced database technology to help you work faster and plan smarter, with performance that scales as your business grows.
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Prophix’s flexibility consistently emerges as a key strength. Many organizations report the ability to structure budget hierarchies according to their specific needs rather than software constraints. OLAP capabilities enable multidimensional analysis by program, department, funding source, or custom dimensions according to the user documentation we reviewed.

Workflow automation receives frequent praise in our research. Case studies document budget cycle reductions from eight weeks to under four weeks through automated submission, review, and approval processes. System-generated notifications keep stakeholders on track without manual follow-up. The recently launched Prophix One Plus leverages advanced cloud computing for enhanced performance and scalability.

Reporting capabilities stand out in our analysis of alternatives to Anaplan. The drag-and-drop report builder enables non-technical users to create sophisticated financial reports independently. Direct Excel integration maintains database connectivity while allowing additional analysis, addressing the broken link problems common in spreadsheet-based reporting.

Pros & Cons
Pros

Excel-like interface with a powerful OLAP engine

JedoxAI provides explainable forecasts and insights

Over 50 pre-built connectors for data integration

Flexible deployment options (cloud or on-premise)
Cons

Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud solutions

Steep learning curve for advanced features

Some users report complexity in managing subsets and variables

Documentation for advanced features can be limited
Why You'll Love It

Jedox is the ultimate adaptability machine. With its powerful in-memory database and Excel-like interface, it lets you model any scenario, integrate data from any source, and build cross-organizational plans that actually work. The new JedoxAI capabilities bring multi-agent intelligence to your planning, delivering explainable forecasts and continuously refined strategies that help you make decisions with confidence.
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Jedox's strength lies in its modeling flexibility. You could build exactly the planning structure you need without forcing compromises to fit the software's limitations.

The Excel add-in proved invaluable. Most of their planning team were Excel power users who initially resisted moving to new software. Jedox let them continue working in Excel while connecting to the centralized database, which eased the transition considerably. They could build complex financial models using familiar Excel functions, but with the governance and data integrity of an enterprise platform.

The JedoxAI features, while still evolving, showed promise. The system could identify patterns in sales data and suggest forecast adjustments based on historical trends. The explainable AI approach meant teams could understand why the system made certain recommendations, building trust in the AI-generated insights.

However, we encountered challenges with the learning curve. While the basic interface is intuitive for Excel users, leveraging advanced features like complex ETL processes or sophisticated calculations requires significant training. Some users found the administrative interface less user-friendly than modern cloud-native platforms.

Jedox works particularly well for companies with strong Excel expertise who need advanced analytical capabilities and aren't afraid of a more technical implementation.

For businesses considering the best Anaplan alternatives with powerful modeling engines and that don't mind investing time in learning the platform, Jedox offers impressive flexibility and analytical depth that few competitors match.

Also Read: 26 Best Employee Management Software of 2025

How to Select the Best Anaplan Alternatives

Choosing financial planning software shouldn't feel like betting on racehorses based on names alone. Yet that's exactly what happens when organizations pick platforms based on brand recognition or feature checklists divorced from operational reality. Our research into hundreds of implementations revealed that successful selections follow a pattern—they start with brutal honesty about current capabilities, not aspirational visions of the future.

1. Assess Your Excel Dependency

Be realistic about your team's Excel attachment. If your analysts would rather quit than abandon spreadsheets, fighting that battle isn't worth it. Tools like Datarails, Cube, and Jedox embrace Excel rather than replace it. Conversely, if Excel has become your biggest bottleneck with version control nightmares and broken formulas, platforms like Limelight or Planful offer clean breaks with modern interfaces.

2. Match Complexity to Capacity

The most sophisticated platform becomes worthless if your team can't implement it. Our research shows mid-market organizations consistently overestimate their internal technical capabilities. If you lack dedicated IT resources or EPM specialists, enterprise-grade tools like SAP Analytics Cloud or IBM Planning Analytics will likely languish half-implemented. Mid-market solutions like Prophix or Vena deliver powerful capabilities without requiring a team of consultants on speed dial.

3. Consider Your Ecosystem

Your existing technology stack matters more than vendors admit. Organizations running SAP ERP systems gain tremendous value from SAP Analytics Cloud that non-SAP shops never realize. Similarly, Workday Adaptive Planning shines within the Workday ecosystem but loses luster outside it. Vena's Microsoft integration creates seamless experiences for Microsoft-centric organizations. Fighting against your existing infrastructure rarely ends well.

4. Evaluate Implementation Realism

Vendor-quoted implementation timelines bear little resemblance to reality, according to our case study analysis. Budget at least 50% more time than promised. Solutions claiming "weeks, not months" for deployment often mean weeks until first login, not weeks until productive use. Review actual customer implementation stories, not vendor success narratives. Look for red flags like vague timelines, heavy consulting requirements, or a lack of self-service capabilities.

5. Calculate Total Cost Beyond Subscription

That attractive monthly subscription price masks the real investment. Our pricing research revealed implementation costs often exceed first-year subscription fees. Factor in data migration, integration development, customization, training, and ongoing support. Some platforms require expensive annual maintenance or charge separately for critical features. Request detailed total cost of ownership projections covering three years, not just year one.

Explore: Anaplan Review

6. Test With Your Actual Data

Demos using clean vendor data reveal nothing about real-world performance. Insist on proof-of-concept pilots using your actual messy data with its quirks, gaps, and inconsistencies. How does the system handle your chart of accounts structure? Can it accommodate your planning hierarchy? Does it integrate smoothly with your specific ERP version? These technical realities determine success far more than polished demos.

7. Prioritize Adoption Over Features

The best feature set means nothing if your team won't use it. Our research into failed implementations consistently identified user adoption as the primary failure point, not technical capabilities. Involve actual end-users in evaluation—not just IT or other leadership. The CFO might love sophisticated modeling capabilities that line-level budget managers find incomprehensible. Choose tools your team will actually adopt over tools that look impressive in board presentations.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right financial planning platform isn't about choosing the most popular tool or the one with the longest feature list. It's about understanding your organization's specific needs, technical capabilities, and growth trajectory.

The key is being honest about where you are today and realistic about where you're headed. The best Anaplan alternative is the one that meets your current needs while providing room to grow, not the one with the most impressive demo or the longest list of Fortune 500 customers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Anaplan alternatives for mid-sized companies?

Limelight, Planful, and Prophix consistently rank as top Anaplan alternatives for mid-market organizations. These platforms offer enterprise-grade capabilities without overwhelming complexity. Pricing starts between $1,250-$1,400 monthly, with faster implementation timelines than enterprise tools, making them ideal for growing businesses.
Which Anaplan competitors work best with Excel?

Datarails, Cube, Vena, and Jedox are excellent alternatives to Anaplan for Excel-dependent teams. These softwares like Anaplan enhance spreadsheet workflows rather than replacing them. They maintain familiar interfaces while adding centralized data management, version control, and automated consolidation capabilities finance teams need.
How much do Anaplan alternatives typically cost?

Best Anaplan alternatives range from $150-$2,000+ monthly, depending on features and scale. Mid-market solutions like Limelight start at $1,400/month, while enterprise platforms like Workday Adaptive Planning and SAP Analytics Cloud require custom quotes. Implementation costs often match or exceed first-year subscription fees.
What's the average implementation time for Anaplan competitors?

Implementation timelines for similar softwares like Anaplan vary significantly. Mid-market tools like Limelight and Cube deploy in weeks to three months. Enterprise alternatives like Planful or SAP Analytics Cloud typically require four to six months. Complex multi-entity implementations may extend beyond six months depending on customization requirements.
Can small businesses use these Anaplan alternatives effectively?

Yes, several best softwares like Anaplan suit smaller organizations. Cube and Prophix work well for teams under 20 users. IBM Planning Analytics starts at $150/month, making it accessible. However, small businesses should carefully evaluate whether they need full EPM platforms or simpler budgeting tools first.

WRITTEN BY

Arpit Dubey

Content Writer

Arpit is a dreamer, wanderer, and tech nerd who loves to jot down tech musings and updates. With a knack for crafting compelling narratives, Arpit has a sharp specialization in everything: from Predictive Analytics to Game Development, along with artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, IoT, and let’s not forget SaaS, healthcare, and more. Arpit crafts content that’s as strategic as it is compelling. With a Logician's mind, he is always chasing sunrises and tech advancements while secretly preparing for the robot uprising.