Best budget apps help you track spending and save smarter. Discover 9 top-rated apps that make managing money easy and fun!
The 9 Best Budget Apps
Ever feel like your money disappears and you have no clue where it went? You’re not alone. Managing finances can feel like trying to hold water in your hands—messy and frustrating. But here’s the thing: with the right budgeting app, you can take control of your money. You won’t have to spend hours on numbers.
In this guide, we’re exploring 9 of the best budget apps. They are easy to use, affordable, and make managing money simple. Whether you’re saving for a big trip, trying to get out of debt, or just want to stop overspending on lattes, there’s a tool here for you.
Let’s dig in!
1. Mint – Best Overall Free Budget App
Why it stands out:
Mint is one of the OGs in budgeting apps—and for good reason.
What you get:
- Tracks all your accounts in one place (banks, credit cards, loans)
- Auto-categorizes your spending
- Alerts for overspending or upcoming bills
- Free credit score tracking
It’s ideal for anyone who wants a bird’s-eye view of their money without lifting a finger.
💸 Price: Free
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
2. YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Best for Hands-On Budgeters
Ever wonder where your money should go, not just where it went?
YNAB flips budgeting on its head with a unique rule-based system. It helps you assign every dollar a job.
Features include:
- Real-time syncing with bank accounts
- Goal setting and progress tracking
- Extensive educational content
It takes a little time to learn, but it’s crazy effective once you get it.
💸 Price: $14.99/month or $99/year (34-day free trial)
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
3. Goodbudget – Best for Envelope Budgeting
If you love the idea of old-school envelope budgeting (but hate carrying cash), Goodbudget brings it into the digital age.
Key perks:
- Divides your income into virtual envelopes
- Syncs across devices (perfect for couples!)
- Tracks debt repayment and savings goals
💸 Price: Free version available; Plus is $8/month or $70/year
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
4. PocketGuard – Best for Simplicity
Need something super simple that just tells you how much you can spend today? PocketGuard is your buddy.
Why it’s great:
- Links to your bank and cards
- Auto-detects recurring bills and subscriptions
- Shows “In My Pocket” money you can safely spend
Perfect for college students, busy professionals, or anyone who wants budgeting without the brain fog.
💸 Price: Free; PocketGuard Plus is $7.99/month or $79.99/year
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android
5. EveryDollar – Best for Dave Ramsey Fans
EveryDollar is backed by Dave Ramsey. It uses a zero-based budgeting method. This means every dollar has a job.
Features you’ll love:
- Monthly budgeting templates
- Easy drag-and-drop expense tracking
- Syncs bank accounts (with paid plan)
It’s perfect for those following the baby steps or the snowball method to pay off debt.
💸 Price: Free version; Premium is $17.99/month or $79.99/year
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
6. Zeta – Best for Couples
Talking about money with your partner can be tough. But Zeta makes it easier.
Why couples love it:
- Lets you manage shared and individual budgets
- Split expenses and track joint goals
- Built-in messaging for financial chats
Whether you’re married, engaged, or just living together, Zeta helps you budget as a team.
💸 Price: Free
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android
7. Honeydue – Best for Budgeting Together (Without Oversharing)
Honeydue is great for couples. You can choose what to share, keeping some things private.
Highlights:
- Bill reminders
- Shared calendar for financial planning
- In-app messaging
It’s a low-pressure way to stay on the same page with your partner.
💸 Price: Free
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android
8. Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) – Best for Subscription Tracking
Do you really need that streaming service you forgot about? Rocket Money says no.
Why it’s awesome:
- Finds and cancels unused subscriptions
- Negotiates bills for you (like cable or internet)
- Tracks spending and credit
It’s like having a money assistant in your pocket.
💸 Price: Free basic version; Premium starts at $3–12/month (you choose)
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
9. Empower – Best for Investing While Budgeting
Empower helps you budget smarter and grow your wealth.
What it offers:
- Tracks spending and net worth
- Investment tracking and retirement tools
- Personalized financial planning
It’s perfect for anyone wanting to see their financial future—not just a monthly snapshot.
💸 Price: Free; Financial advisor access for paid plan
📱 Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
🧾 Comparison Table: Quick Glance at Budget Apps
📊 Table: Budget App Features at a Glance
| Feature | Mint | YNAB | Rocket Money | Zeta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Reminders | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Subscription Tracking | 🚫 | 🚫 | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Couples Budgeting | 🚫 | 🚫 | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Auto-Categorization | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank Syncing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
📱 Table: Mobile Friendliness and Platforms
| App | iOS | Android | Web Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| YNAB | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Goodbudget | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PocketGuard | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rocket Money | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Final Thoughts: Which Budget App Is Right for You?
Choosing the best budget app depends on how you like to manage your money.
- Want full control? Go for YNAB.
- Need something hands-off? Try Mint or Rocket Money.
- Budgeting with your partner? Zeta or Honeydue are great picks.
- Just want to stop overspending? PocketGuard will keep you in check.
The most important thing? Just start. The sooner you begin tracking your spending, the faster you’ll hit your financial goals.
🙋♀️ FAQs: Best Budget Apps
1. What’s the easiest budget app for beginners?
Mint is a great place to start. It’s free, links to all your accounts, and does most of the work for you.
2. Are budget apps safe to use?
Yes—most use bank-grade encryption and read-only access, so your money stays secure.
3. Can I use a budget app with my spouse?
Definitely! Apps like Zeta and Honeydue are built for couples.
4. Do budget apps actually help you save money?
Absolutely. Seeing where your money goes helps you spend less and save more—even if it’s just by cutting out that sneaky $20 subscription.
5. Are free budgeting apps good enough?
For many people, yes! Apps like Mint and PocketGuard offer tons of features without the price tag.
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