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 $9/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
CSV import from your sheet
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.
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?
- Yes. Export students as CSV from Google Sheets and import into OBRI. 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 ~$9/mo CRM. OBRI also starts free for up to 3 students.
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