Managing money has never been more important—or more digital. In 2025, the best budgeting apps are not just digital notebooks that track spending. They’re full-featured financial tools that connect to your accounts, automate categorization, track investments, and even help couples align their money goals. Nerd Wallet’s editorial team evaluated dozens of apps based on features, user experience, and customer reviews. After in-depth testing, we’ve narrowed down the top budgeting apps to consider this year, whether you want a simple expense tracker, a household budgeting tool, or a powerful wealth dashboard.
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Below, we break down the best budgeting apps for individuals, couples, and investors. At the end, you’ll also find highlights from real users on Reddit—because sometimes the best insight comes from those in the trenches of daily money management.
Monarch Money: Best for Customized Budgeting
Monarch Money has quickly become a favorite among users seeking flexible yet powerful budgeting options. Its standout strength lies in customization: you can design a budget that works for your lifestyle, whether you’re budgeting solo or with a partner. In fact, Monarch allows you to add a household member at no extra cost—making it ideal for couples managing joint finances.
Key Features
- Syncs bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments.
- Two budgeting methods: Flex budgeting (grouping into fixed, recurring, and flexible expenses) or Category budgeting (traditional category limits).
- Tools for tracking net worth, monitoring investments, and scheduling bill reminders.
- Collaboration features, including shared savings goals and tagging expenses.
Why we like it: Monarch’s flexibility makes it approachable for beginners while still offering depth for advanced users. Its collaboration tools also set it apart for households managing shared money.
Potential drawbacks: Monarch is a paid app, and while users say the features justify the cost, it may not appeal to those seeking a completely free tool.
YNAB (You Need A Budget): Best for Zero-Based Budgeting
YNAB is one of the most talked-about apps for a reason. It’s not just a tracker—it’s a budgeting philosophy. The app uses zero-based budgeting, where every dollar you earn is assigned a job, whether it’s paying bills, saving, or tackling debt. This intentional approach helps users shift from passively recording expenses to actively directing their money.
Key Features
- Zero-based budgeting system for hands-on planning.
- Syncing with checking, savings, credit cards, and loans (or manual entry).
- Loan payoff simulator.
- YNAB Together: allows up to five people to share a subscription—great for families or partners.
- Extensive educational resources to guide new users.
Why we like it: YNAB transforms how people think about money by encouraging proactive choices. It’s particularly useful for those who want structure and accountability.
Potential drawbacks: The learning curve is steep compared with other apps, and it’s not free. But many users say the payoff in financial control is worth it.
Empower Personal Dashboard: Best for Wealth and Spending Tracking
While Empower is often thought of as an investment management tool, its free Personal Dashboard offers robust features for budgeters who also want to track net worth and long-term wealth.
Key Features
- Connects with checking, savings, credit cards, retirement accounts, mortgages, and loans.
- Net worth and portfolio tracking.
- Spending snapshot with customizable categories.
- Accessible on phone, tablet, and desktop.
- Ability to share a dashboard with up to five people, each with individual logins.
Why we like it: Empower provides a big-picture look at both spending and investments. If you’re serious about wealth building, it’s one of the strongest free tools available.
Potential drawbacks: The budgeting side is less detailed than Monarch or YNAB. If you want granular expense planning, you may find Empower too investment-focused.
Pocket Guard: Best for a Quick Budget Snapshot
Pocket Guard takes the stress out of budgeting by focusing on one key question: “How much do I have left to spend?” After linking your accounts and inputting bills and savings goals, the app shows what’s safe to spend while keeping obligations covered.
Key Features
- Zero-based budgeting framework.
- “In My Pocket” feature shows leftover spending money after expenses and savings.
- Customizable categories (bulk editing available in premium version).
- Net worth tracking, savings goals, and debt payoff planning.
- Subscription cancelation tool to cut unwanted costs.
Why we like it: Pocket Guard simplifies budgeting for people who want clarity without micromanaging every dollar.
Potential drawbacks: The free version limits category customizations, which may frustrate advanced users.
Honey due: Best for Couples Budgeting Together
Money can be a tricky subject for couples, but Honey due aims to make joint budgeting less stressful. It allows partners to share as much—or as little—financial data as they want while collaborating on expenses and goals.
Key Features
- Sync bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments.
- Automatic expense categorization with options for custom categories.
- Shared monthly spending limits with real-time alerts.
- Bill reminders and an in-app chat feature (with emojis, because money talk doesn’t always need to be serious).
Why we like it: Honey due balances transparency with privacy. Couples can decide how much detail to share, making it a good fit for both fully joint and partially separate finances.
Potential drawbacks: Honey due’s features are more focused on shared budgeting than individual wealth tracking, so solo users may find other apps more powerful.
Every Dollar: Best for Simple Zero-Based Budgeting
Created by Ramsey Solutions, Every Dollar is another app rooted in zero-based budgeting. Unlike YNAB, it’s lighter and simpler—great for those who want structure without a steep learning curve.
Key Features
- Free version: manual entry of income and expenses.
- Paid version: account syncing, automated transaction import, and custom reports.
- Personalized recommendations based on spending habits.
Why we like it: Every Dollar is straightforward and designed to encourage accountability. It’s especially appealing to fans of Dave Ramsey’s debt-free philosophy.
Potential drawbacks: The free version requires a lot of manual entry, which may deter users accustomed to automation.
What Reddit Users Say About Budget Apps
To balance expert reviews, we checked Reddit communities for real user feedback. Posts were analyzed anonymously with AI assistance. Here’s what stood out:
- Usability matters most: The “best” app is the one you’ll consistently use, even if it has fewer features.
- You get what you pay for: Many users note that free apps are limited, while paid apps offer better customization and automation.
- Monarch is a Mint replacement: With Mint discontinued, many users recommend Monarch as the closest alternative.
- YNAB is widely praised: It’s considered one of the most effective tools, though its cost is a sticking point.
- Copilot gets buzz: Apple users mention Copilot frequently as an intuitive option, though it’s iOS-only.
- Spreadsheets remain popular: Google Sheets and Excel are often cited as free, flexible alternatives for those willing to DIY.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What features should I look for in a 2025 budgeting app?
Top-tier apps in 2025 offer more than basic expense tracking—they provide account syncing (bank, credit cards, loans, investments), net-worth insights, goal setting, bill reminders, and even AI-driven suggestions. Tools like AI chatbots (e.g., Cleo) are becoming increasingly popular for guidance and personalization
Will AI tools like chatbots replace traditional budgeting apps?
AI-powered financial tools, such as Cleo, offer conversational guidance, spending analysis, and personalized advice geared toward financial planning. However, they’re still evolving—with concerns about accuracy, ethics, and the absence of fiduciary responsibility. Experts recommend using AI tools as a supplement, not a replacement for traditional strategies or professional advice
Are any popular apps shutting down I should be aware of?
Yes—Moneyhub, previously popular for budget tracking, is set to close on August 14, 2026. Existing users must log in every 90 days to maintain access during the 18-month wind-down. Alternatives to consider include Snoop, Monzo, and Emma
Are budgeting apps safe to use?
Yes, most budgeting apps use bank-level encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your data. However, it’s important to choose reputable apps and check their privacy policies to see how they handle your financial information.
Do budgeting apps work offline?
Some apps like EveryDollar (free version) or spreadsheet-based tools such as Tiller can work offline if you prefer manual entry. However, most modern apps rely on internet connections to sync bank accounts and update transactions in real time.
Which apps are best for people with irregular income?
If you’re a freelancer or gig worker, apps that allow flexible adjustments—like YNAB (with its zero-based budgeting) or Monarch (with customizable views)—work best. They help plan for months when income is lower by prioritizing essential categories.
Can couples use separate accounts but still budget together?
Yes. Apps like Honey due and Monarch let you connect multiple accounts but still control how much you share. This makes them perfect for couples who want transparency without fully merging finances.
Conclusion
Budgeting apps in 2025 are far more than digital ledgers—they’re personal finance companions designed to help you stay on top of bills, manage savings goals, reduce debt, and even track long-term wealth. Whether you prefer the structure of zero-based budgeting with YNAB or Every Dollar, the flexibility of Monarch Money, or the wealth insights of Empower, the right tool depends on your lifestyle and financial goals.
What matters most is consistency. The best app is the one you’ll actually use every day—whether it’s a feature-packed paid option or a simple free tool like Honey due or Good budget. Paired with mindful habits, these apps can help you make smarter choices, reduce stress about money, and build lasting financial confidence in 2025 and beyond.