Can I migrate my spreadsheet?

Export your list as CSV for your own checklist. In OBRI, add students manually or invite by email — Settings → Import (bulk CSV) is not available yet. Many tutors complete migration in one session.

Is OBRI worth paying for if Sheets is free?

One hour saved per month on admin usually exceeds a ~$6.99/mo CRM. OBRI also starts free for up to 3 students.

Can I import my Google Sheet into OBRI?

Export your list as CSV for your own checklist. In OBRI, add students manually or invite by email — Settings → Import (bulk CSV) is not available yet. Clean it up first so each row is a single student with their key details.

Is OBRI free like a spreadsheet?

It is free for up to 3 students, then a flat monthly fee. For tiny rosters the cost is the same as a sheet — zero — but with reminders and a portal.

Head-to-head comparison

OBRI vs Google Sheets — When Spreadsheets Stop Scaling

Sheets work until they do not: wrong balances, double bookings, lost homework. Compare OBRI — tutor CRM that replaces fragile formulas.

Best for: Tutors with 6+ students tired of maintaining payment spreadsheets and calendar chaos.

In short

Most tutors switch between 6–10 active students — when payment mistakes and scheduling friction exceed the benefit of "free" software.

OBRI

Free up to 3 students. Paid from $6.99/mo.

Google Sheets

Free. Your time maintaining formulas is the hidden cost.

FeatureOBRIGoogle Sheets

Automatic payment balance per studentManual formulas

Recurring lesson scheduleSeparate Calendar

Homework portal (not chat threads)

Parent/student login

Lesson notes historyDIY rows

Manual student setup (CSV as checklist)

Custom spreadsheet flexibilityStructured CRM

Zero subscription cost

Error-proof payment tracking

Mobile-friendly student portal

Why tutors switch from Google Sheets to OBRI

A wrong SUM formula cost you a real payment dispute.
You update three tools (Sheets, Calendar, Telegram) for one lesson.
Homework feedback is buried in chats, not on the student record.
Sunday "table maintenance" replaced actual lesson prep.

The bottom line

A spreadsheet is free, flexible, and familiar — and for one to three students it is genuinely fine. The problem starts as you grow: formulas break, there is no student portal, no automatic reminders, no homework workflow, and reconciling who paid becomes a weekly chore.

OBRI is a spreadsheet that grew up into a real system: the same data, but with a schedule, payment tracking, a homework portal, and student portal access built in. It is also free up to 3 students, so the upgrade costs nothing until you actually need scale. If you like the control of a sheet but are tired of maintaining it, this is the natural next step.

How to switch from Google Sheets in 4 steps

1Tidy your spreadsheet so each row is one student with name, contact, and rate.
2Create a free OBRI account and add students manually (or invite by email). Use your exported CSV as a checklist — bulk Settings → Import is not available yet.
3Set up recurring lessons and switch payment tracking from manual cells to per-student.
4Share portal links with students and parents, then retire the spreadsheet.

Who should choose what

Choose OBRI if

Tutors who have outgrown a spreadsheet and want reminders, a portal, and payment tracking without manual upkeep.

Stick with Google Sheets if

Tutors with one to three students who want zero cost and total manual control and do not need a portal.

Quick answers

When should a tutor leave Google Sheets?: Most tutors switch between 6–10 active students — when payment mistakes and scheduling friction exceed the benefit of "free" software.
Can I migrate my spreadsheet?: Export your list as CSV for your own checklist. In OBRI, add students manually or invite by email — Settings → Import (bulk CSV) is not available yet. Many tutors complete migration in one session.
Is OBRI worth paying for if Sheets is free?: One hour saved per month on admin usually exceeds a ~$6.99/mo CRM. OBRI also starts free for up to 3 students.
Can I import my Google Sheet into OBRI?: Export your list as CSV for your own checklist. In OBRI, add students manually or invite by email — Settings → Import (bulk CSV) is not available yet. Clean it up first so each row is a single student with their key details.
Is OBRI free like a spreadsheet?: It is free for up to 3 students, then a flat monthly fee. For tiny rosters the cost is the same as a sheet — zero — but with reminders and a portal.

Helpful resources for tutors

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