Head-to-head · Financial Modeling Software
Parallel vs Cast
Parallel leads on 0 checks, Cast on 2, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreParallel · 8.0/10
- Lowest starting priceCast · $15/mo
- Free planonly Cast
- Free trialonly Parallel
Parallel scores higher on our rubric for financial modeling software: 8.0 against 7.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #13 and #23.
Cast offers free plan; Parallel doesn't. Cast is cheaper to start at $15/user/mo against $100/user/mo.
Parallel is the better fit for investor-backed companies needing live models. Cast is the better fit for advanced scenario analysis at low cost.
- Parallel fits best
Investor-backed companies needing live models
- Cast fits best
Advanced scenario analysis at low cost
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Parallel 8.0/10 Visit ↗ | Cast 7.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| Ranking | #13 in Financial Modeling Software | #23 in Financial Modeling Software |
| Best for | Investor-backed companies needing live models | Advanced scenario analysis at low cost |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $100/mo | $15/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 15 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Parallel 4/6 · Cast 4/6 | ||
| Three-statement modeling | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Valuation models | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Scenario analysis | ✓ | ✓ |
| Excel add-in | Not checked yet | — |
| Accounting data import | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audit trail | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | web | web |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Parallel is financial planning software for startup founders, particularly seed-to-Series A SaaS companies with roughly 3 to 30 employees. It connects to QuickBooks Online or Puzzle and builds a live three-statement financial model from… Read the review → |
Cast is a browser-based financial modeling tool for private equity, credit, FP&A, corporate finance, and project finance teams. Its modeling toolkit covers time-series forecasts, covenant pass/fail checks with headroom, sensitivity grids,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Parallel — where it wins
- Builds live three-statement models from QuickBooks Online or Puzzle
- Combines runway, burn, headcount, revenue, and expense forecasting
- Supports scenarios, board sharing, and data room export
Where it doesn't
- Starts at $100 per month with annual billing
- Runs on the web rather than across multiple platforms
- Advanced controls and consolidation begin in higher tiers
Cast — where it wins
- Monte Carlo outputs include P10, P50, and P90 scenarios.
- Covenant checks show pass/fail status with headroom.
- Excel exports retain live formulas for continued modeling.
Where it doesn't
- The product is available on the web rather than as a desktop app.
- Free plans limit users to 3 saved models.
- Teams pricing is charged per seat each month.
- Parallel8.0/10 · 15-day trial
A live accounting-connected model for founders planning runway, headcount, and growth.
Visit ParallelFull verdict → - Cast7.0/10 · Free plan
Advanced scenario analysis, live data connectors, and audit trails from $0.
Visit CastFull verdict →
All financial modeling software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update