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Stride vs Excel mileage log
Stride tracks drives on your phone with GPS. An Excel IRS log is quieter, export-ready, and free once you own the file. For 2026’s split rates, pick based on trip volume — not branding.
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Side-by-side
| Stride | Excel / Sheets log | |
|---|---|---|
| Capture | Mobile GPS + classify trips | Manual entry or CSV import |
| Extras | Often bundles tax / deduction nudges (plan-dependent) | Only what you build — mileage, rates, purpose |
| 2026 split rates | Confirm the app applied Jan–Jun vs Jul–Dec correctly | Date-aware rows you control |
| Export | Reports / CSV (feature tiers) | Native spreadsheet columns |
| Cost | Freemium · affiliate placeholder | Free / one-time template |
| Best if | High trip volume; phone-first | Low–medium miles; Excel already open |
When Stride wins
- You forget to log drives unless the phone reminds you
- You like one app that also nudges estimated taxes or write-offs
- Client sites and errands stack up every week
When Excel wins
- You want columns that match how you hand a CPA a mileage worksheet
- 2026’s mid-year rate change — date-aware sheets beat a single cents cell
- You do not want another login or freemium upsell for a quiet year of miles
Hybrid that works
Capture in Stride if GPS helps, then paste monthly totals into a spreadsheet that applies the correct 2026 rate by date. Related: MileIQ vs Excel, Everlance vs spreadsheet, 2026 rate explainer.
Free 2026 IRS mileage log (Yellowcell)
Yellowcell’s free mileage log is built for 2026 rates. Pair it with the invoice + expense kit if you want billing and write-offs in one workbook — soft alternative when you do not need Stride’s full app stack.