kitio.aiPilot vs Keeper
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Keeper has the lower starting price: about $17 a month, against $99 for Pilot.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Tax preparation
- Fractional CFO services
- Burn and runway reports
- QuickBooks and NetSuite support
- AI deduction finder
- Automatic expense tracking
- Federal and state filing
- Tax pro review
- Quarterly tax payments
- Late and amended returns
| Feature | Pilot | Keeper |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Bookkeeping, tax and CFO services for startups, backed by AI | AI bookkeeping and tax filing for freelancers with tax pro review |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free trial |
| Starting price | $99/mo | $199/yr |
| Free plan | No | No, 14-day trial |
| Made by | Pilot | Keeper Tax |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Keeper has the lower starting price: about $17 a month, against $99 for Pilot.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Essentials
$99/mo
- Up to $100K monthly expenses
- AI-run cash-basis bookkeeping
- Year-end package for tax preparer
Core
Contact sales
- Billed annually
- Dedicated US-based bookkeeper
- Cash or accrual-basis books
- Reports by the 10th business day
Custom
Custom
- Complex business structures
- Full accounts payable
- Payroll administration
3 plans
Standard
$199/yr
- Year-round bookkeeping
- AI deduction categorization
- Tax filing signed by a pro
Premium
$399/yr
- Quarterly tax payments
- Expert guidance
- Late returns up to 5 years
Business
$1199/yr
- For S-Corps and partnerships
- Year-round bookkeeping
- Business tax filing
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pilot
- Real accountants review the books
- Covers tax and CFO needs
- Good startup reporting
- Costlier than software alone
- Less control over daily entries
- Prices rise with spend
Keeper
- Returns reviewed by a tax professional
- Handles S-Corps and rental property
- Bookkeeping and filing in one place
- US taxes only
- Main plans billed yearly
- Business plan costs $1,199 a year
Which one should you choose?
Choose Pilot if you want:
- Real accountants review the books
- Covers tax and CFO needs
- Good startup reporting
Watch out: costlier than software alone.
Choose Keeper if you want:
- Returns reviewed by a tax professional
- Handles S-Corps and rental property
- Bookkeeping and filing in one place
Watch out: us taxes only.
Pilot vs Keeper FAQ
What is the difference between Pilot and Keeper?
Pilot: Bookkeeping, tax and CFO services for startups, backed by AI. Keeper: AI bookkeeping and tax filing for freelancers with tax pro review. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Pilot or Keeper cheaper?
Keeper has the lower starting price: about $17 a month, against $99 for Pilot.
Do Pilot and Keeper have free plans?
Pilot: No. Keeper: No, 14-day trial.
Who makes Pilot?
Pilot is made by Pilot, based in United States.
Who makes Keeper?
Keeper is made by Keeper Tax, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Pilot or Keeper?
Choose Pilot if you value real accountants review the books and covers tax and cfo needs. Choose Keeper if you value returns reviewed by a tax professional and handles s-corps and rental property.