Pralana alternative
Retirology vs. Pralana
Pralana has a loyal following among detail-oriented planners: an exhaustive model available as an Excel workbook (Gold) or a web app (Online). Retirology aims for much of the same depth in a guided desktop app you buy once.
Updated October 2026
The short version
| Retirology | Pralana | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19+ once; every update free | Gold: $129 first year, then $99/year (from Oct 2026). Online: annual subscription |
| 10 years of use | $19–$65 total | About $1,020 |
| Where it runs | Desktop app — macOS, Windows, Linux | Gold: Microsoft Excel. Online: web app |
| Analyses | Deterministic, Monte Carlo (normal + historical), stress tests | Deterministic, Monte Carlo and historical |
| Roth conversions | Ladder modes incl. ACA-cap fill; per-conversion 5-year clock | Controlled by tax bracket, IRMAA or LTCG bracket |
| ACA subsidies | Yes | Yes |
| State taxes | All 50 states + DC, 2026 retirement exclusions by age | Detailed federal and state taxes |
| Learning curve | Two-minute setup wizard; plain-English explainers | Extensive manual; built for power users |
Pralana details are from its website and October 2026 subscription announcement. Check pralanaretirementcalculator.com for current terms.
Where Retirology is different
- Still a one-time purchase. $19+ once, with every future version free.
- No spreadsheet required. A native app with a setup wizard, charts, a cash-flow diagram and explanations in plain English.
- Optimize my plan. Instead of hand-tuning settings, let the app test combinations of Roth ladder, ACA target and SEPP and show the after-tax result of each change.
- Private by design. Like Gold, your data stays on your computer — without needing Excel.
When Pralana is the better choice
- You want to control every assumption and are happy to learn a large model.
- You live in Excel and want to inspect or extend the formulas.
Common questions
How much does Pralana cost now?
Pralana announced that from October 1, 2026, Pralana Gold is sold as an annual subscription: $129 for the first year for new customers, then $99 a year. Pralana Online is sold as an annual subscription too. Check Pralana's site for current terms.
Do I need Excel for Retirology?
No. Retirology is a standalone app for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Is Retirology as detailed as Pralana?
Pralana exposes more knobs. Retirology covers the main US retirement-tax moves — Roth ladders, ACA subsidies, SEPP, Rule of 55, IRMAA, all 51 state tax codes, survivor years — with guided defaults and plain-English explanations, and an optimizer to try combinations for you.