We Tried 10 Budgeting Apps. These Are the Ones That Work.
Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like homework. The right app can do the math for you, spot hidden subscriptions, and help you save automatically without endless spreadsheets or guilt.
We tested today’s most popular budgeting apps to find the ones that actually make managing money easier, not harder.
| App | Starting Price | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best Overall
Zero-based budgeting system that helps you give every dollar a job. |
$14.99/month | Hands-on budgeters who like structure | Powerful methodology, excellent reports, long-term results | Steeper learning curve; subscription required |
|
Monarch Money
Best for Shared Finances
Modern design and deep customization with shared household tracking. |
$14.99/month | Families and partners managing shared budgets | Collaborative features, sleek design, strong insights | No free plan; full features behind paywall |
|
Rocket Money
Best for Bills & Subs
Tracks bills, finds recurring charges, and cancels unwanted subscriptions. |
Free–$12/month (pay-what-you-want) | Users who want passive tracking | Bill negotiation, credit reports, automated savings | Less control over manual budgeting |
|
Goodbudget
Best Free Option
Simple envelope-style app ideal for beginners and light users. |
Free (Plus plan $8/month) | Beginners who want simplicity | Easy to use, envelope categories, cross-device sync | Manual updates; limited automation |
|
Copilot
Best for Apple Users
Beautifully designed iOS app with smart categorization and insights. |
$12.99/month | iPhone users who value automation and design | Excellent UI, auto-categorization, powerful analytics | Apple-only; limited desktop support |
YNAB (You Need A Budget) Best Overall
Starting Price: $14.99/month
Best For: Hands-on budgeters
Pros: Strong system, great reporting, proven success
Cons: Takes time to learn; paid only
Monarch Money Best for Couples
Starting Price: $14.99/month
Best For: Shared or family budgets
Pros: Collaborative, clean design, deep customization
Cons: No free version
Rocket Money Best for Subscription Management
Starting Price: Free–$12/month
Best For: Passive tracking and saving
Pros: Auto-cancels bills, monitors credit, easy savings
Cons: Limited manual control
Editor’s Take: Even the best budgeting tool isn’t magic; it requires consistency. Start small, check in weekly, and choose an app that fits how you think about money, not how someone else does. You’ll learn more from habit than from any chart or notification.
The best budgeting app is the one you’ll actually open.
If you’re a planner, YNAB is unmatched for building discipline and long-term clarity.
Monarch Money is perfect for couples who want shared visibility, while Rocket Money automates savings and cancels bills quietly in the background.
If you’re just starting out, Goodbudget is a simple, no-pressure way to learn the basics for free.
The Basically.co Verified Standard
All picks featured in this comparison were independently researched and meet the Basically.co Verified Standard for accuracy, transparency, and usability.