Side by side

FIRECalc vs ProjectionLab

Both stand on retirement planning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

FIRECalc

Free plan Web

FIRECalc offers a range of retirement spending and portfolio scenarios framed by historical market outcomes. Its results are not forecasts, and it does not cover taxes or account synchronization.

Visit FIRECalc

ProjectionLab covers a wide range of personal planning scenarios, with a separate Pro plan for advisors and coaches. Its lack of direct account linking and formal mobile app are worth weighing before choosing it.

Visit ProjectionLab

The facts

	FIRECalc	ProjectionLab
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Web	Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Premium: $129 a year
Plans published	1	3
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	firecalc.com	projectionlab.com
On retirement planning software	#9 of 26	#5 of 26

FIRECalc: what it does well

Tests plans against historical market data beginning in 1871.
Includes Social Security and pension inputs.
Offers several spending approaches and portfolio choices.
Supports future dates, contributions, and lump-sum changes.
Financial entries are not stored, according to FIRECalc.

What to know first

Historical analysis cannot predict future investment returns.
It does not provide tax planning.
Account synchronization is not available.

ProjectionLab: what it does well

Models cash flow, taxes, investments, and estate outcomes.
Includes Monte Carlo simulations and historical backtesting.
International planning includes tax presets and account types.
Planning does not require bank or brokerage connections.

What to know first

No direct financial account linking.
No formal mobile app; mobile access is through a web app.
Premium costs $129 per year; Pro costs $549 per year.

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