Looking for the best budgeting app in the U.S.? Discover top budgeting tools like YNAB, Mint, and more—compare features, pricing, and benefits to find the perfect money management app.
Here’s a full breakdown of the best budgeting apps, tailored for different needs — whether you're a beginner, a freelancer, managing a family budget, or trying to get out of debt. Each app has unique features, pricing, and strengths, so you can find what works best for you.1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best For: Serious budgeting & debt payoff
Features:
- Zero-based budgeting system (every dollar is assigned a job).
- Syncs with bank accounts for real-time tracking.
- Goals and reports to help pay off debt and build savings.
- Great educational content and community support.
Pros:
- Highly effective for long-term control.
- Helps you break paycheck-to-paycheck cycles.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve.
- No free plan.
Cost:
- Free 34-day trial
- $14.99/month or $99/year
ynab.com
2. Mint (by Intuit)
Best For: Free, all-in-one tracking
Features:
- Automatically tracks your income, spending, and bills.
- Credit score monitoring.
- Alerts for unusual spending or fees.
- Budgeting tools and bill reminders.
Pros:
- Completely free.
- Easy to use.
- Good for people who want everything in one dashboard.
Cons:
- Ads and product suggestions can be annoying.
- Budgeting features aren’t as in-depth as YNAB.
Cost:
Free (ad-supported)
mint.intuit.com
3. Monarch Money
Best For: Couples or households
Features:
- Full financial dashboard: budgeting, investments, and net worth.
- Joint access for partners (great for shared budgets).
- Subscription tracking and financial goals.
- Manual and automatic syncing.
Pros:
- Gorgeous UI and customizable features.
- Secure and ad-free.
Cons:
- No free plan.
- Less well-known, newer than Mint/YNAB.
Cost:
- 7-day free trial
- $14.99/month or $99/year
monarchmoney.com
4. Goodbudget
Best For: Envelope budgeting (manual control)
Features:
- Envelope system (digital version of cash-stuffing).
- Sync across multiple devices.
- Good for couples managing budgets together.
Pros:
- Hands-on budgeting helps you stay mindful of spending.
- Great for those who like full control and don’t want automatic syncing.
Cons:
- Manual input unless you upgrade.
- Fewer automated features.
Cost:
- Free version available
- $8/month or $70/year for premium
goodbudget.com
5. EveryDollar (by Ramsey Solutions)
Best For: Dave Ramsey followers or zero-based budgeting fans
Features:
- Based on the zero-based budgeting method.
- Manual version is free.
- Connect bank accounts with premium.
Pros:
- Simple and fast to set up.
- Works well for those following the baby steps plan (debt snowball, etc.).
Cons:
- Limited features in free version.
- No investment or credit tracking.
Cost:
- Free basic version
- $17.99/month or $79.99/year with Ramsey+ (includes full access)
everydollar.com
6. PocketGuard
Best For: Quick daily budgeting
Features:
- Shows how much money you have “in your pocket” after expenses and bills.
- Tracks subscriptions, spending, and income.
- Alerts to help lower bills or avoid overspending.
Pros:
- Great for beginners or those who want fast, automatic tracking.
- Simple and intuitive design.
Cons:
- Limited customization.
- Not ideal for complex financial planning.
Cost:
- Free basic version
- $7.99/month or $79.99/year for PocketGuard Plus
pocketguard.com
Which One Should You Choose?
| App | Best For | Free Plan | Syncs with Bank | Zero-Based Budgeting | Investments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YNAB | Deep control & debt payoff |  (Trial) |  | | |
| Mint | Free tracking & alerts | | | | |
| Monarch | Couples/family budgeting | (Trial) | | | |
| Goodbudget | Manual budgeters & envelope fans | | (manual input) | | |
| EveryDollar | Dave Ramsey followers | | (paid only) | | |
| PocketGuard | Daily spenders, simplicity seekers | | | | |