With a wide range of budgeting apps available, managing personal finances has never been easier. In 2025, though, these apps will be smarter, more intuitive, and equipped with features customized to meet the financial needs of a wide range of consumers. Whatever your needs, there’s an app for you, whether you’re searching for a way to track daily expenses, save more successfully, or plan your long-term goals.
Without further ado, here are the 10 best budgeting apps for 2025 to help you make informed financial choices in the new year.
1. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
With YNAB, users can assign every dollar a job, encouraging proactive budgeting. As such, if you want to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and save for specific goals, this app is perfect for you.
Key Features:
- Zero-based budgeting ensures no money is left unassigned by allocating every dollar to a specific expense or savings category.
- Real-time synchronization between devices.
- Access to educational resources and budgeting workshops.
- Allows collaboration on financial planning among multiple users.
- Comprehensive spending reports and goal-tracking tools.
Best For: Individuals who are goal-oriented and families.
Cost: It costs $14.99 per month or $109 per year, although you can try it out for free for 34 days. Sharing a subscription with five others is also possible, so you’ll pay less. For a year, YNAB is free to college students.
App Store rating: 4.8
Google Play rating: 4.7
2. PocketGuard
With PocketGuard, you can calculate your disposable income by subtracting your bills, goals, and necessities from your income. For anyone who wants to avoid overspending, the “In My Pocket” feature is a game-changer.
Key Features:
- View and monitor all your accounts in one place, and manage your transactions and income automatically.
- Develop a plan to pay off your debts using avalanche or snowball methods.
- View a pie chart or graph of your spending and a list of your categories.
- Create hashtags for your transactions and view their reports.
- Stay up-to-date with real-time updates.
Best For: Those who want a quick overview of their finances without getting bogged down in spreadsheets.
Cost: The free version is no longer available. You pay $12.99 a month or $74.99 a year.
App Store rating: 4.6
Google Play rating: 3.8
3. Goodbudget
With Goodbudget, users can allocate funds into virtual envelopes for different spending categories, similar to traditional envelope budgeting. If you’re trying to budget together with your spouse or family, it’s perfect for you.
Key Features:
- It uses a time-tested method to allocate earnings into digital envelopes for different categories, including groceries, rent, and debt repayment.
- Budget sharing among multiple users.
- Keep track of your debt payoff progress while still saving money.
- It makes it easier to plan for significant expenses, such as vacations.
Best For: Couples and families managing shared expenses.
Cost: Goodbudget is free, and Goodbudget Premium is $10 per month or $80 per year.
App Store rating: 4.6
Google Play rating: 3.8
4. Honeydue
With Honeydue, you can manage shared expenses and communicate about money easily. Users can set spending limits and track joint and individual accounts with the app.
Key Features:
- Couples can see each other’s bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments to manage money together.
- Bill reminders for shared expenses.
- The ability to customize privacy settings for individual accounts.
- An in-app messaging feature to discuss finances within the app.
- A blog that offers financial advice on how to manage your finances together.
Best For: Couples who want to improve their financial transparency.
Cost: Free
App Store rating: 4.5
Google Play rating: 4.0
5. Simplifi by Quicken
Simplify offers powerful features and an easy-to-use interface. It allows users to track expenses, set savings goals, and manage investments without worrying about too many details.
Key Features:
- Customized spending plans.
- Stay on top of savings goals and manage savings accounts.
- Keep track of store refunds and spending.
- Updates on account balances in real-time.
- Investment tracking and net worth calculation.
Best For: Those looking to set up a detailed monthly financial plan.
Cost: You can pay $5.99/month or $47.88/year (starts with a 14-day free trial).
App Store rating: 4.3
Google Play rating: 4.4
6. Empower
Empower, formerly Personal Capital, is a wealth management tool, not merely a budgeting app. Although it offers budgeting features, its strength is in investment tracking and retirement planning.
Key Features:
- An app that helps you track both your spending and your wealth.
- Provides free investing tools such as retirement planners and investment check-up tools.
- Offers the Currency blog as a source of financial planning tips.
- Investors with over $100,000 can work with Empower’s financial advisors to develop an investment strategy tailored to their goals and situation.
Best For: Investors and those planning for retirement.
Cost: Free
App Store rating: 4.7
Google Play rating: 4.5
7. EveryDollar
EveryDollar is an app based on Dave Ramsey’s zero-based budgeting principles. It is simple and effective for tracking every dollar earned and spent.
Key Features:
- Simple, drag-and-drop interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Integration with Ramsey+ for additional resources.
- Syncs with bank accounts for seamless tracking.
- It can be shared with your spouse, and you’ll have access to the same information.
- Generates budget reports to help you see how your money habits align with your goals.
Best For: Zero-based budgeting proponents and Dave Ramsey followers.
Cost: You can download EveryDollar for free. The premium version can be tried for 14 days for free. But it costs $79.99 a year or $17.99 a month after the trial.
App Store rating: 4.7
Google Play rating: 4.2
8. Monarch
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform, Monarch’s website and app are easy to navigate. The platform presents information clearly and doesn’t feel cluttered. As a bonus, Monarch allows you to customize your dashboard so that you always see the information that matters most to you.
Key Features:
- Easily view your bank accounts, credit cards, investments, loans, and cryptocurrency accounts in a single location.
- Categorizes your finances automatically and provides insights.
- You will be notified in real time as you make transactions.
- You can track and budget alongside a financial expert or partner together.
Best For: Couples and families who have shared financial goals.
Cost: Monarch Money offers a free 7-day trial of its Premium Plan, followed by a $14.99 monthly fee or $99.99 annually.
App Store rating: 4.9
Google Play rating: 4.7
9. Rocket Money
This is an all-purpose budgeting app where users can identify sneaky subscriptions and negotiate bills on their behalf.
Key Features:
- Keeps track of subscriptions and recurring charges.
- Bill negotiation service (fee-based).
- The ability to automate savings.
- Displays your spending goals and how much you have spent in each category.
- Monitoring of credit scores and spending alerts.
Best For: Users interested in saving money through subscription and bill management.
Cost: A free basic version and a premium version cost $6–$12/month.
App Store rating: 4.4
Google Play rating: 4.6
10. Spendee
With Spendee’s easy-to-use interface, budgeting becomes less intimidating. Sharing wallets can be created for group expenses, making it ideal for roommates and traveling companions.
Key Features:
- Establish different budgets for various categories and wallets.
- An automatic categorization engine categorizes all new transactions for you.
- Customize wallets for specific events and share them with others.
- Record your cash expenses manually.
- Receive notifications when it is time to pay the bill or when you are exceeding your budget.
Best For: Visual learners and those who manage group finances.
Cost: All plans come with a 7-day free trial. It is free to download and use, but you must pay $2.99/month or $22.99/year for the Premium version.
App Store rating: 4.6
Google Play rating: 4.5
Choosing the Right Budgeting App
The following factors should be considered when selecting a budgeting app;
- Features. Does the app meet your specific needs, such as goal tracking and investment management?
- Ease of use. You should choose an app whose interface is intuitive to you.
- Cost. While free apps are plentiful, premium features might be worth the investment.
- Compatibility. Be sure the app can sync with your financial institutions and devices.
The Future of Budgeting Apps
With the advancement of technology, budgeting apps are becoming more personalized and integrated with artificial intelligence. You can expect to see features such as predictive analytics, real-time coaching, and enhanced data security in 2025.
With the right app, you can get control of your finances, reduce stress, and meet your financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or building a rainy day fund, there’s a budgeting app for you.
FAQs
What is a budgeting app?
Budgeting apps are software applications that help you track your expenses, income, and savings. Using them, you can categorize transactions, create budgets, and gain insight into your spending habits.
Why should I use a budgeting app?
A budgeting app can make the budgeting process easier, provide a clear overview of your finances, and identify areas of savings. It can also help you achieve your financial goals.
Are budgeting apps secure?
To protect your financial data, reputable budgeting apps use encryption. You should, however, research apps carefully and choose those with strong security features. It is also recommended that you look for features such as two-factor authentication.
Do I have to link my bank accounts?
Budgeting apps often require linking your bank account, credit card, and other financial accounts. Some apps offer manual entry options, but they are less convenient.
How much do budgeting apps cost?
Many budgeting apps offer free versions with basic features. Premium subscriptions, however. It offers advanced features like investment tracking, custom reporting, and financial planning.
Which budgeting app is right for me?
You should choose a budgeting app based on your own personal preferences and needs. When selecting a solution, it is important to consider features, cost, user interface, and device compatibility.
Image Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko; Pexels
