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Head-to-head · Gradebook Software

SimpleGradebook vs GradingPal

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score SimpleGradebook #5 in Gradebook Software 8.8/10 Free plan · paid from 3 Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features SimpleGradebook site
GradingPal #8 in Gradebook Software 8.0/10 Free plan · paid from $14/mo (annual) Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit GradingPal

SimpleGradebook leads on 1 check, GradingPal on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSimpleGradebook · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSimpleGradebook · 4 of 4

SimpleGradebook scores higher on our rubric for gradebook software: 8.8 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.

SimpleGradebook offers parent/student portal; GradingPal doesn't publish it. On mobile app coverage, SimpleGradebook gives you Both where GradingPal offers None.

SimpleGradebook is the better fit for budget-conscious teachers and small schools. GradingPal is the better fit for teachers automating complex assessment feedback.

  • SimpleGradebook fits best

    Budget-conscious teachers and small schools

  • GradingPal fits best

    Teachers automating complex assessment feedback

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Side by side

Feature SimpleGradebook 8.8/10 Visit ↗ GradingPal 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.0
Ranking #5 in Gradebook Software #8 in Gradebook Software
Best for Budget-conscious teachers and small schools Teachers automating complex assessment feedback
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Email Email, Community, Docs
Compliance 2FA GDPR
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SimpleGradebook 4/4 · GradingPal 3/4
Progress reports ✓ ✓
Parent/student portal ✓ (best) Not published
Standards-based grading ✓ ✓
Data import/export ✓ ✓
Specs
Student limit Not published Not published
Grading models Mixed Mixed
Mobile app coverage Both None
Our review
Pros
  • Free plan covers basic gradebook functions with no donation required
  • Includes rubrics, reports, attendance, messaging and parent access
  • Supports web, iOS and Android access for students and parents
  • Supports essays, quizzes, handwritten work, media, presentations, and art
  • Configurable feedback by style, tone, length, and language
  • Google Classroom workflows plus standards and file exports
Cons
  • Third-party integration coverage may not suit ecosystem-heavy schools
  • Teacher and administrator mobile functionality is not the focus of the app listings
  • Single Teacher Pro pricing is listed as 40 without a per-student unit
  • The product is web-only
  • The gradebook is optional rather than the central experience
  • Lite limits usage to 250 submissions per month
Our verdict

SimpleGradebook is an online gradebook for teachers, students, parents and administrators. It covers class creation, assignment grading, grade calculations, report cards, progress reporting, attendance, messaging, rubrics and performance…

Read the review →

GradingPal is a web-based AI grading product for K–12 educators and schools. Teachers provide assignments and rubrics, review suggested scores and explanations, edit feedback, and release approved results to students. It covers writing,…

Read the review →
  1. SimpleGradebookGradebook Software 8.8Free plan · paid from 3
  2. GradingPalGradebook Software 8.0Free plan · paid from $14/mo (annual)

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SimpleGradebook — where it wins

    • Free plan covers basic gradebook functions with no donation required
    • Includes rubrics, reports, attendance, messaging and parent access
    • Supports web, iOS and Android access for students and parents

    Where it doesn't

    • Third-party integration coverage may not suit ecosystem-heavy schools
    • Teacher and administrator mobile functionality is not the focus of the app listings
    • Single Teacher Pro pricing is listed as 40 without a per-student unit

  • GradingPal — where it wins

    • Supports essays, quizzes, handwritten work, media, presentations, and art
    • Configurable feedback by style, tone, length, and language
    • Google Classroom workflows plus standards and file exports

    Where it doesn't

    • The product is web-only
    • The gradebook is optional rather than the central experience
    • Lite limits usage to 250 submissions per month
  • SimpleGradebook8.8/10 · Free plan · paid from 3

    A low-cost gradebook with core grading, reporting, attendance and family access.

    SimpleGradebook siteFull verdict →
  • GradingPal8.0/10 · Free plan · paid from $14/mo (annual)

    A flexible AI grading workspace with an optional standards gradebook and Google Classroom workflows.

    Visit GradingPalFull verdict →

More comparisons

All gradebook software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026