Best Bill Splitting App
App Comparison
| Feature | Loot | Splitwise | Settle Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| iMessage integration | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Friends don't need the app | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Receipt scanning (OCR) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Itemized splitting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple Pay settlement | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Group balance tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free (no premium tier) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Setup time | 14 sec | ~2 min | ~2 min |
App Breakdown
Loot is built as an iMessage app, meaning it works inside any group conversation. Scan a receipt, assign items, and settle with Apple Pay — all without anyone leaving the chat. It's the only app where your friends genuinely don't need to download anything.
Splitwise is the most established option and works well for tracking long-term balances between roommates or travel groups. However, it requires every participant to create an account and install the app, which creates friction in casual groups.
Settle Up is a solid free option for basic expense tracking. It lacks receipt scanning and Apple Pay integration, and friends still need to download the app to participate in the group.
The Verdict
If you want the simplest, fastest bill splitting experience, Loot wins. It works where your conversations already happen — inside iMessage. No downloads, no accounts, no friction.