Best Budgeting Apps for 2025

First, we looked at how easy each app feels in your hands. Next came features like spending alerts, goal tracking and bill reminders. We tested on both iOS and Android. Cost mattered too—free options versus paid plans. Lastly, we checked how each app keeps data under lock and key.

YNAB You Need A Budget

YNAB forces you to give every dollar a job. That zero-based method can feel strict, but many say it rewired their habits. Real-time syncing means your numbers update across devices. You'll get reports that show exactly where your money goes. The fee sits at about $100 a year after a trial, but fans argue the payoff outweighs the cost.

Goodbudget embraces the envelope system. You assign cash categories—groceries, gas, and even fun money. There's no automatic bank link; it's all manual entry. That extra swipe can make you pause before spending. Couples enjoy shared envelopes, though the free plan caps you at ten envelopes.

EveryDollar

Built by Ramsey Solutions, EveryDollar mirrors YNAB's zero-sum style but feels simpler. You drag and drop expenses into categories you set. The free plan covers basics; the premium adds bank syncing and quick support. For fans of a guiding voice, tying into Dave Ramsey's audio lessons adds a human touch.

If you want to know what you can safely spend, PocketGuard delivers. It links to your accounts, auto-sorts charges and highlights upcoming bills. A glance tells you “spendable” cash. The paid tier unlocks deeper category controls and higher security alerts.

Monarch Money

Monarch makes it easy to collaborate. You and a partner can watch budgets, bills and investment moves in one space. Graphs show your net worth over time. A subscription runs under $10 a month. Users praise the clean design and simple setup.

Rocket Money Formerly Truebill

Rocket Money zeroes in on subscriptions. It scans your statements, flags recurring charges and even negotiates lower cable or phone bills. You'll see your spending footprint at a glance. A modest monthly fee gives full access, or you can stick with the free version to track subscriptions only.

This one blends daily budgeting with investment analysis. You can eyeball your net worth, set retirement targets and watch cash flow over months. The interface is rich, but it can feel geared more toward wealth tracking than everyday expense logs. Best of all, it's free.

Mint

Mint remains a favorite for many who want a zero-cost tool. It links to most banks, categorizes transactions and reminds you of due dates. There's a credit score monitor tucked in. Occasionally, syncing hiccups appear, but for a free service, it covers the basics well.

Made for iOS only, Copilot excels in automatic categorization and refined spending charts. The layout feels modern and uncluttered. You'll pay around $70 a year, which might sting, but Apple-centric users appreciate how it fits into their device ecosystem.

HomeBank

If you like open-source and desktop software, HomeBank fits. There's no mobile companion. You import statements, tag expenses and generate detailed reports. It's free, supports multiple currencies and remains popular among users who value privacy over sync convenience.

YNAB and EveryDollar stand out for hands-on budgeters who want strict control. Mint and Empower suit those who prefer no-cost solutions with broad financial overviews. Monarch and Goodbudget shine for shared accounts, while Rocket Money and PocketGuard focus on subscription and spending clarity. Copilot appeals to Apple devotees and HomeBank to desktop purists.

Choosing the right app comes down to your style. If you crave structure, YNAB might push you in the right direction. For a lighter touch, PocketGuard or Mint can keep you on track without fuss. Whichever you pick, these tools free up mental space so you can worry less about finances and more about life.