Airbase vs Brex: Which Is The Top Pick in 2025?

One key drawback of Airbase is the inability to duplicate a request for purchase orders and virtual cards when a request is denied, forcing users to start the process from scratch. For Brex, the lack of physical checks can be a significant drawback for businesses that still rely on them for certain transactions.

Rho offers a more efficient solution by combining AP automation and banking products with advanced software to streamline financial processes.

Many businesses look to Airbase and Brex for their financial management needs. However, choosing the right solution can be a complex task.

In this article, we’ll review what each solution offers and how they compare to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, we'll also explore Rho as a third option worth considering.

Airbase Overview

Airbase operates in the procure-to-pay, AP automation, and finance solutions category. Its main value proposition lies in providing visibility, control, and compliance through AI-powered, touchless AP and expense reporting. The platform is tailored for CEOs, CFOs, VPs of Finance, controllers, accounting managers, budget owners, and employees.

Airbase Features

Some of the key features of Airbase include:

Guided Procurement: Automates intake with a guided buying process, ensuring compliance and control with no-code routing.
Accounts Payable Automation: Makes AP a touchless experience, syncing all vendor and payment details to your ERP.
Expense Management: Simplifies expense reporting and global reimbursements with AI-based OCR and generative AI.
Corporate Cards: Provides a versatile card program that secures pre-approvals and flows purchase details to your ERP.

Airbase Pricing

Airbase offers subscription tiers tailored to different business sizes and needs:

Enterprise: Full platform experience, advanced features, custom pricing.
Premium: All primary modules, advanced integrations, custom pricing.
Standard: Guided Procurement, AP Automation, custom pricing.

The prices for each tier are not publicly listed.

Drawbacks To Airbase

General user reviews of Airbase highlight its efficiency in expense management but also point out some areas for improvement.

"Airbase simplifies expense reports, but the approval process can be cumbersome and slow." - Maddy D.
"The platform is generally user-friendly, though receipt management could be more intuitive." - Alison P.

For more detailed reviews, visit Airbase Reviews on G2.

Brex Overview

Brex operates as a financial technology platform, offering modern finance software solutions. Their main value proposition is to help businesses spend smarter through AI-powered automation and optimization of financial operations. Brex primarily serves startups, mid-size companies, and enterprises, providing tailored solutions for each segment.

Brex Features

Some of the key features of Brex include:

Corporate Cards: Issue local currency cards with custom limits, embedded policies, and cash back.
Expense Management: Manage every type of spend and payment method, and automate expense reporting globally.
Travel Management: Book and manage travel with unbiased inventory and 24/7 agent support.
Bill Pay: Automate the entire global accounts payable process, from invoice to payment to reconciliation.

Brex Pricing

Brex offers a range of pricing plans tailored to different business needs.

Essentials: $0 per user per month, includes global card acceptance, AI-powered custom rules, up to two entities, accounting integrations, local currency wires, travel booking, real-time reporting, Brex API access, bill pay, and reimbursements.
Premium: $12 per user per month, includes all Essentials features plus multiple customizable expense policies, dynamic expense review chains, AI-powered compliance audit detection, advanced approvals, multi-entity support, customizable ERP and HRIS integrations, VAT documentation, group travel, advanced travel rules, and live budgets.
Enterprise: Custom pricing, includes all Premium features plus unlimited US or global entities, local card issuance, collections, reimbursements, policies, local language support, named account manager, admin center, and fully customizable implementation services.
Smart Card: Custom pricing, includes global cards accepted worldwide, local-currency cards in 50+ countries, merchant card controls, and custom approvals.

Drawbacks To Brex

Brex is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and robust features, though some users have noted integration issues.

"Brex has been one of the most user-friendly platforms I have ever used and I am in Brex daily." - Amanda H.
"We've had some integration issues with Sage which has caused us to do some manual work instead of being able to upload transactions directly into Sage." - Amanda H.

For more detailed reviews, visit Brex Reviews on G2.

What to Know Before Picking Airbase or Brex

Looking at the reviews as a whole, businesses using Airbase often struggle with receipt management and approval workflows. Users have also pointed out difficulties in navigating the platform, especially in field conditions, and issues with the mobile app's performance.

For Brex, common limitations include integration issues, particularly with Sage, and the lack of physical checks. Users have also noted that the platform can become complicated with new functionalities, and there is a need for more customizable reporting and analytics tools.

Why Rho Is a Better Alternative

At Rho, we understand the challenges businesses face with platforms like Airbase and Brex. Our solution addresses common pain points such as integration issues, cumbersome approval processes, and limited customization. We offer a seamless, user-friendly experience designed to streamline financial operations and enhance overall efficiency.

Rho Features

Rho Platinum: Our corporate credit card offers up to 2% cashback¹, helping businesses save money on every purchase, a feature not commonly found in Airbase or Brex.
Expense Management: We eliminate the need for traditional expense reports by capturing every receipt automatically, reducing administrative burden and streamlining the process for employees.
AP Automation: Pay hundreds of vendors in minutes with zero platform fees, addressing the high fee structures that can be a pain point with other platforms.
Rho Treasury: Safeguard idle cash and earn competitive yields, maximizing returns on your business's cash reserves, a feature that adds significant value compared to standard banking solutions.
Integrations: Our platform integrates directly with accounting, HR, and T&E software, ensuring seamless financial operations and reducing the manual work often required with other systems.
24/7 Private Banking Support: We provide dedicated customer support around the clock, offering peace of mind and immediate assistance whenever you need it, unlike the limited support hours of some competitors.

Rho Pricing

We offer a straightforward and transparent pricing structure that sets us apart from competitors like Airbase and Brex. Our pricing is simple, with many essential services available at no cost, making it easier for businesses to manage their finances without worrying about hidden fees.

Same-Day ACH fees: $0 - No charge for same-day ACH transactions.
Wire fees: $0 - No charge for wire transfers, with some exceptions for international wires.
Monthly plans: $0 - No monthly subscription fees for accessing our services.
Support fees: $0 - No fees for customer support.
Subscription fees: $0 - No subscription fees for using our platform.
Checking account minimum fees: $0 - No minimum balance fees for checking accounts.
Connected, in-platform capabilities: $0 - No fees for using AP, Expense, and Accounting Automation features.
Per-user fees: $0 - No fees per user for accessing the platform.
Foreign currency transfer: 1% - A 1% fee on foreign currency transfers.

You can find all the details about our pricing here.

Why Users Love Rho

We’re proud of what we do, but we think our customers say it best. Take a look at why they prefer Rho over other options.

"Rho is everything a corporate card program should be - And it's free to the users and employers!" - Pete S.
"From day one, using Rho has been simple and straightforward." - Kevin K.
"Rho is a great product for companies! Easy to use, great customer support, and convenient for logging expenses and company reimbursements." - Jaden A.

Want a firsthand look at Rho? You can request a free demo here.

Which Platform Is Right for Your Business?

Each platform—Airbase, Brex, and Rho—has its strengths, catering to different business needs. Airbase excels in AP automation and expense management, while Brex offers robust corporate cards and travel management features.

This is where Rho comes in. We provide a seamless, user-friendly experience with zero platform fees, up to 2% cashback¹ on our corporate cards, and 24/7 private banking support. Our transparent pricing and comprehensive integrations make us a superior choice for businesses seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Make the Smarter Choice with Rho Today

Curious to see what Rho can do for you? Discover how our platform can streamline your financial operations. Get started with Rho today.

Rho is a fintech company, not a bank or an FDIC-insured depository institution. Checking account and card services provided by Webster Bank N.A., member FDIC. Savings account services provided by American Deposit Management Co. and its partner banks. International and foreign currency payments services are provided by Wise US Inc. FDIC deposit insurance coverage is available only to protect you against the failure of an FDIC-insured bank that holds your deposits and subject to FDIC limitations and requirements. It does not protect you against the failure of Rho or other third party. Products and services offered through the Rho platform are subject to approval.

The Rho Corporate Cards are issued by Webster Bank N.A., member FDIC pursuant to a license from Mastercard, subject to approval.

Investment management and advisory services provided by RBB Treasury LLC dba Rho Treasury, an SEC-registered investment adviser and subsidiary of Rho. Rho Treasury investments are not deposits or other obligations of Webster Bank N.A., or American Deposit Management Co.’s partner banks, are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed and may lose value. Investment products involve risk, including the possible loss of the principal invested, and past performance does not future results. Treasury and custodial services provided through Apex Clearing Corp. and Interactive Brokers LLC, registered broker dealers and members FINRA/SIPC.

¹Up to 2% cashback; terms and conditions apply. See eligibility and complete Rho Cashback Rewards Program terms and conditions here.

This content is for informational purposes only. It doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of Rho and should not be construed as legal, tax, benefits, financial, accounting, or other advice. If you need specific advice for your business, please consult with an expert, as rules and regulations change regularly.