FeeSathi / Compare
FeeSathi vs a notebook, Excel, and full fee-management apps
There is no single right tool. This page is meant to help you pick - including when FeeSathi is not the right choice.
| Feature | Notebook | Excel sheet | Full fee-management apps | FeeSathi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Free tiers with limits; paid plans from Rs 299/month at the two vendors we checked in Sep 2026 (check each vendor) | Free during pilot (about Rs 149/month planned) |
| Time to start | None | Build your own sheet | Signup, often OTP and setup | 30 seconds, no signup |
| Shows every unpaid month | Only if you check carefully | If your sheet is set up for it | Yes | Yes, students who owe listed first |
| Part payments & old balances | Hard to track | Possible with formulas | Usually yes | Yes |
| WhatsApp reminder | Type it yourself | Type it yourself | Some send automatically (usually paid plans) | Pre-written, one tap - sent from your own WhatsApp |
| UPI details in reminder | Type it yourself | Type it yourself | Often payment links; some via a gateway with fees | Your UPI ID + exact amount + UPI link, 0% commission |
| Receipts | Handwritten | Manual | Some offer PDF receipts | One-tap WhatsApp receipt (no PDF) |
| Excel import / export | - | It is Excel | Varies | Import .xlsx/CSV; download a multi-sheet Excel file |
| Parent app / portal | - | - | Some offer one | Not offered - parents just get WhatsApp messages |
| Multiple staff logins | - | Shared file | Often on higher plans | Not offered - one private link |
| If you lose access | Lose the notebook | Lose the file | Password reset | No reset - save your link (WhatsApp/email buttons provided) |
Choose a notebook or Excel if...
You teach fewer than about 10 students in one batch (our rule of thumb, not a hard line) and you already remember to remind parents. Don't pay for software at that size.
Choose a full fee-management app if...
You need reminders sent automatically without you tapping anything, PDF receipts, a parent app, a payment gateway that marks payments paid for you, or several staff sharing one account. FeeSathi does not do these.
Choose FeeSathi if...
You want to see who owes you within 30 seconds of starting, send polite reminders from your own WhatsApp with your UPI ID, track part payments, and keep everything in an Excel file you own - without signing up for anything.
Feature descriptions of other tools are general and based on publicly listed features as of September 2026; check each vendor's site for current features and prices.