Here’s how I got into budgeting apps: first I was using simple spreadsheets, then I realized that they were too complicated, so I started to dig deeper and discovered the 5 best budgeting apps.
It wasn’t easy for me to discover these 5 best budgeting apps, I tested a lot of apps and I have compiled the best ones for you and listed them below.
I share information about who these 5 budgeting apps are best for in our article.
“Before choosing an app, check out my guide on how to build a beginner budget that actually works.”
1. YNAB (You Need a Budget)
If you don’t have any knowledge and experience in budgeting yet, you should definitely try the YNAB app. It gives you a great step-by-step guide on what to do and what not to do. It’s a great app for beginners and users with long-term plans.
Why I like it:
It is one of the best budgeting apps you can get. Because YNAB is not only a budget tracking app, but also a budgeting philosophy. With this app, you won’t have even 1 dollar sitting idle: YNAB gives every dollar a job. This completely changes your money mindset and the way you look at money.
Key features:
The features of the YNAB app are really useful for budgeting beginners.
- Zero-based budgeting
- Target tracking
- Real-time synchronization between devices
- Training videos and workshops (a big bonus for beginners)
Pros
✅ Helps break the salary-to-salary cycle
✅ Great community and customer support
✅ A clear focus on why you are saving
Cons
❌ Takes some time to learn
❌ Costs $14.99 per month (but there is a 34-day free trial)
✅ Try YNAB Free for 34 Days. Start Your Free Trial Here
My experience:
At first it felt a bit intense and heavy. But after a week or two, I realized that I was more in control than ever before. I was very happy to start making progress towards my savings goals that I had ignored for years.
2. Mint (Now Part of Intuit Credit Karma)
The great thing about Mint is that it’s completely free. It connects all your accounts for free and keeps track of all your expenses. Of course, the ads can be a bit annoying.
Why I love it:
Why I like this app: Of course it’s free but the ads can be annoying. But it’s worth it, Mint is a great app for those who don’t want to pay anything to get started.
Key features:
- Automatic categorization of expenses
- Credit score monitoring
- Spending and budget insights
- Invoice tracking and reminders
Pros
✅ Completely free
✅ Easy to set up
✅ Great for basic budget awareness
Cons
❌ Ads can be annoying
❌ Budget customization is limited
❌ Support can be slow
My experience:
If you’re not ready for advanced knowledge of budgeting and just want to see where your money goes and experience simple math, Mint is for you. Mint is definitely the first app I recommend to my friends who don’t know about in-depth budgeting.
Note: Mint was discontinued in early 2024. If you’re looking for a similar free budgeting tool, check out Empower
3. Goodbudget
Nowadays, many things are managed digitally, and the Goodbudget app sounds like a good idea for those who like the envelope method.
He was very supportive when he tried to be very disciplined in budgeting. I put my money in categories and my mind is at ease.
Key features:
- Envelope-based budgeting
- Synchronization with a spouse or partner
- Web and mobile access
- Debt monitoring and savings targets
Pros
✅ Promotes conscious spending
✅ Free version available
✅ Great for couples or shared budgets
Cons
❌ No automatic bank synchronization (you enter transactions manually)
❌ Interface feels a bit old-fashioned
My experience:
Keeping track of every transaction manually may seem tedious at first. But it made me realize some of my unnecessary and unconscious spending. The best part is that if you are budgeting as a couple, it definitely encourages teamwork.
4. Monarch Money
Dear reader, my 4th budgeting practice proposal is next. Monarch Money has great features for the long term and customization. It is especially great for beginners.
Why I like it:
Monarch has a cleaner and more modern usage. It also has all the usual features: budgeting, net worth tracking, goal setting, but the interface is intuitive and powerful.
Key features:
- Links to bank accounts and credit cards
- Target tracking for debt repayment, savings, retirement
- Net worth and investment tracking
- Special categories and spending rules
Pros
✅ Beautiful interface
✅ Powerful long-term planning tools
✅ Collaborative budgeting (great for couples)
Cons
❌ Costs $99 per year (but there is a free trial version)
❌ Not so “hand-holding” for complete beginners
My experience:
If you can’t fit into other free budgeting apps Monarch will be a great choice for you. It’s worth paying a few bucks for if you feel like you’re ready to take budgeting to the next level. This way you’ll start making more strategic decisions.
Try Monarch Money Free for 7 Days
5. PocketGuard
PocketGuard is a great app for people who are always asking themselves how much they can really afford to spend. The main purpose of this app is to meticulously calculate your bills, savings goals and targets and tell you if you are “safe to spend”.
Key features:
- Links to all your financial accounts
- Automatic expense categorization
- “In My Pocket” feature to show current spending
- Invoice negotiation tool (PocketGuard Plus)
Pros
✅ Very user-friendly
✅ Great for people who easily overspend
✅ Free version covers the basics
Cons
❌ Some features require PocketGuard Plus ($7.99 per month)
❌ Less customizable compared to others
My experience:
Every weekend, I couldn’t stop myself from making impulse purchases, and PocketGuard solved that problem. It allowed me to check my pocket balance and make wise decisions without feeling trapped.
Side-by-Side Comparison
With the table below you will understand which application will be more efficient for you.
| App | Free Version | Best For | Learning Curve | Unique Feature |
| YNAB | No (34-day trial) | Habit building | Medium | Zero-based method |
| Mint | Yes | Quick overview | Low | Credit score + bills |
| Goodbudget | Yes | Manual control | Medium | Envelope system |
| Monarch | No (Free trial) | Planning ahead | Low-Medium | Goal/investment tracking |
| PocketGuard | Yes | Controlling spending | Low | “In My Pocket” balance |
Which One Should You Choose?
I’m going to be completely honest and give you advice based on my own experience.
If you are brand new and just want to get your feet wet, Mint or PocketGuard are great places to start. If you’re ready to get into a real habit of budgeting, YNAB is worth the learning curve. For something in the middle – with beauty and intelligence – Monarch hits the sweet spot.
And if you like the envelope method or budgeting with a partner, Goodbudget offers this classic approach in a digital way.
Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all. The truth is that the most important thing for saving and saving is to take the first step. Only in this way can you achieve success and freedom.
