Feel like your money’s ghosting you? One minute it’s there, the next it’s vanished into a sea of lattes, late-night impulse buys, and subscriptions you forgot existed. If you want to take control without turning into a spreadsheet robot, these best budgeting apps are your new ride-or-dies.
We rounded up some of the smartest, slickest, and most useful money management apps to help you manage your spending, save painlessly, and maybe even sleep a little easier. Whether you want to see all your accounts in one place or just need a personal expense tracker that calls you out for ordering takeout again, we’ve got you covered.
Table of contents
1. Best for everyday budgeting: MoneyLion
If you’re looking for an all-in-one personal finance tracker that’s actually built for real life, MoneyLion is it. You can build a budget, monitor your credit, track spending across accounts, and even get access to perks like cashback and paycheck advances. Plus, it’s all wrapped in a sleek, user-friendly dashboard that doesn’t feel like a lecture from your accountant uncle.
| Cost: Free | iOS App rating: 4.8 |
| Links to accounts: Bank, credit, and investment accounts | Android App rating: 4.6 |
| Security features: 256-bit encryption, biometric logins, secure data storage |
2. Best for goal-getters: Rocket Money
Previously known as Truebill, Rocket Money is a true accountability partner in the crowd of personal finance apps. It tracks bills, spots sneaky subscriptions, and helps you cancel them with one tap. You can set goals, automate savings, and get a clear picture of your cash flow
| Cost: Free with optional premium (choose-your-price from $4–12/month) | iOS App rating: 4.5 |
| Links to accounts: Banks, credit cards, lenders | Android App rating: 4.7 |
| Security features: Plaid integration, bank-level encryption |
3. Best for zero-based budgeting: YNAB
You either love YNAB or you don’t understand it yet. It uses the zero-based method, where every dollar has a job (including going toward future-you’s vacation). If you want a no-nonsense, rules-based approach to budgeting, YNAB can seriously change your relationship with money… once you get past the learning curve.
| Cost: $14.99/month or $109/year | iOS App rating: 4.8 |
| Links to accounts: Major banks, credit cards | Android App rating: 4.7 |
| Security features: 256-bit encryption, no third-party data sharing |
4. Best for simplicity: Goodbudget
If connecting your bank account to an app gives you the ick, Goodbudget is a digital take on the old-school envelope system: no links required. You manually track income and spending into virtual “envelopes” for categories like rent, groceries, or, let’s be real, pizza.
| Cost: Free with paid plans at $10/month or $80/year | iOS App rating: 4.6 |
| Links to accounts: None (manual entry only) | Android App rating: 3.5 |
| Security features: Data encrypted and backed up in the cloud |
5. Best for investors: Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Empower goes beyond being just a personal expense tracker; it’s a full money manager for your budget and your net worth. It automatically tracks spending, savings, and investment performance in one dashboard. The budgeting tools are decent, but its true strength is giving you a big-picture view of your finances.
| Cost: $8 a month | iOS App rating: 4.8 |
| Links to accounts: Banks, brokerages, loans | Android App rating: 4.3 |
| Security features: AES-256 encryption, multi-factor authentication |
6. Best for couples: Honeydue
Want to avoid surprise Venmo requests from your partner? Honeydue lets couples track shared and individual expenses, split bills, and chat directly in the app. It’s ideal for roommates too, or any situation where “who paid for the groceries?” becomes a weekly debate.
| Cost: Free | iOS App rating: 4.5 |
| Links to accounts: Bank and credit card accounts | Android App rating: 4.2 |
| Security features: Bank-level encryption, no access to account credentials |
7. Best for visual budgeters: Monarch Money
A newer player with serious design chops, Monarch Money is a visual personal finance app that makes budgeting feel less like work. Customize categories, track net worth, plan goals, and even collaborate with a partner if you’re into that. It’s flexible and intuitive, and perfect for people who like more visual budgeting methods like cash stuffing (otherwise known as the envelope method).
| Cost: $14.99/month or $99/year (30-day trial) | iOS App rating: 4.9 |
| Links to accounts: 11,000+ financial institutions via Plaid | Android App rating: 4.7 |
| Security features: End-to-end encryption, Plaid secure linking |
How to choose the right budgeting app
Finding your perfect money management app match depends on your personality and your money habits. Some of us want to know where every penny goes. Others just want to stop overdrafting their checking account.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Consider your budgeting style and goals: Are you a set-it-and-forget-it type or a spreadsheet power user?
- Evaluate bank connectivity and security features: Especially if you’re linking multiple accounts or investment portfolios.
- Assess the user interface and ease of use: An app that feels clunky won’t stick.
- Review pricing and subscription models carefully: Some apps charge monthly, some offer freemium tiers, and some are worth every penny.
- Check customer support and educational resources: Bonus if they offer blog content or budgeting crash courses.
Pros and cons of budgeting apps
If you’re on the fence about trying a personal finance tracker, here’s the quick-and-dirty rundown:
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ They help you visualize spending habits so you can make smarter choices. | ❎ Free versions can be limited or push you toward paid features. |
| ✅ Many apps automate tracking, so you don’t have to manually enter every dollar. | ❎ Syncing issues or delayed transactions can make your data less accurate. |
| ✅ Some offer alerts and insights that keep you accountable in real time. | ❎ Some apps may over-categorize or mislabel spending, requiring manual corrections. |
Why Budgeting Apps Work (When You Actually Use Them)
Budgeting apps aren’t magic. But when used consistently, they can totally change how you manage money. You’re not just logging numbers; you’re training your brain to spend smarter and plan better. And with most of these apps offering real-time insights, alerts, and helpful tips, you get a money manager in your pocket, 24/7.
Budgeting is all about making the most out of every dollar. But what if you could actually see how your money moves every day?
See your own insights with MoneyLion. Try it free today.
FAQs
What is a budgeting app?
A budgeting app is a digital tool that helps you track your income, spending, savings, and financial goals, often in real time.
Do budgeting apps actually work?
Yes, especially when you use them regularly. They give you visibility into your finances and can help curb overspending.
Should you pay for a budgeting app?
Depends. Free apps offer solid basics, but paid apps may include premium features like investment tracking, custom reports, or live support.
Are budget apps secure?
Reputable apps use bank-level encryption, secure servers, and multi-factor authentication. Always check their privacy policy and security protocols.
What are good alternatives to budgeting apps?
Spreadsheets, bullet journals, printable budget planners, or even the classic envelope system if digital-first isn’t your vibe.
Our methodology
To determine our picks for the best budgeting apps, we analyzed pricing, security, account connectivity, user reviews, mobile app ratings, budgeting features, ease of use, and customer support. We also prioritized apps that help users track progress over time and accommodate different budgeting styles. While individual needs may vary, our top picks represent a strong mix of value, usability, and financial insight.
