All Posts, Budgeting & Money Management
Top Personal Finance Apps: 6 Best Free Budgeting Apps for Smarter Spending
May
Hello, I’m breaking down the best free budgeting apps for beginners. These picks are perfect for anyone who wants to save more, spend less, and automate the process, all without dropping a dime.
If you’re like me, a computer engineer by trade and a frugal enthusiast by choice, you’re always hunting for tools that make your finances work smarter, not harder. I spend my days digging into tech and my nights exploring online income streams, from side hustles to content websites. Budgeting apps are my secret weapon for keeping my money in check while I build systems that run on autopilot. This blog is my space to share what I’ve learned with folks like you, who want financial freedom without the fluff.
I’ve tested a ton of budgeting software, and these stand out for their features, usability, and value. For each app, I’ll cover the key features, pros and cons, who it’s best for, and app store ratings. Plus, I’ve got a comparison table at the end to help you pick your winner. Let’s jump in!
1. EveryDollar Review
Key Features
EveryDollar uses zero-based budgeting, meaning every dollar you earn gets a job. The free version lets you manually add transactions and set up custom categories. It’s simple and perfect for getting started.
Pros
Super easy to use with a clean design.
Manual entry keeps you mindful of spending.
Ties into Dave Ramsey’s money philosophy.
Cons
No bank syncing in the free version.
Fewer features than the paid upgrade.
Ideal User Type
Great for beginners or anyone who likes hands-on control over their budget.
App Store Ratings
Apple App Store: 4.7 stars (71,500+ ratings)
Google Play Store: 4.4 stars (12,700+ ratings)
2. YNAB (You Need a Budget) Free Trial Review
Key Features
YNAB is a top personal finance app with a 34-day free trial (plus a free year for students). It syncs with your bank, tracks spending in real time, and gives you detailed reports to master your money.
Pros
Awesome for goal setting and deep budgeting.
Automatic bank syncing saves time.
Tons of learning resources to level up.
Cons
Costs $14.99/month or $109/year after the trial.
Might overwhelm newbies with its depth.
Ideal User Type
Perfect for serious budgeters ready to invest time (and maybe cash) in their finances.
App Store Ratings
Apple App Store: 4.8 stars (2,000+ ratings)
Google Play Store: 4.6 stars (2,300+ ratings)
Try YNAB’s free trial here (affiliate link).
3. Goodbudget Review
Key Features
Goodbudget brings the envelope system to your phone. You split your money into virtual envelopes for different categories. The free version gives you 10 envelopes and works for shared budgets.
Pros
Ideal for envelope budgeting fans.
Supports teamwork for couples or families.
Manual entry means full control.
Cons
Only 10 envelopes in the free plan.
No auto-sync with accounts.
Ideal User Type
Best for couples or anyone who loves the classic envelope method.
App Store Ratings
Apple App Store: 4.6 stars (12,900+ ratings)
Google Play Store: 3.7 stars (19,200+ ratings)
4. PocketGuard Review
Key Features
PocketGuard is a simple budgeting software that links to your accounts and shows how much “pocket money” you have left after bills. It’s all about keeping spending in check with minimal effort.
Pros
Auto-categorizes transactions for you.
Clear snapshot of available cash.
Highlights areas to save.
Cons
Free version lacks advanced tools.
Syncing can glitch sometimes.
Ideal User Type
Great for folks who want a fast, automated overview of their money.
App Store Ratings
Apple App Store: 4.6 stars (7,200+ ratings)
Google Play Store: 4.2 stars (2,300+ ratings)
5. Honeydue Review
Key Features
Honeydue is built for couples. Link your accounts, track shared expenses, and set limits together. You decide how much financial info to share with your partner.
Pros
Awesome for joint money management.
Flexible privacy options.
Tracks bills with reminders.
Cons
Not built for solo budgeters.
Some features need the paid plan.
Ideal User Type
Perfect for couples syncing up their finances.
App Store Ratings
Apple App Store: 4.5 stars (5,000+ ratings)
Google Play Store: 4.3 stars (1,800+ ratings)
6. Simplifi Review
Key Features
Simplifi offers a 30-day free trial and shines for household budgeting. It tracks spending, sets goals, and lets multiple users (like your spouse) join in.
Pros
Works for families or teams.
Custom reports and plans.
Syncs all your accounts.
Cons
Costs $5.99/month post-trial.
Can feel complex at first.
Ideal User Type
Best for households wanting a multi-user tool.
App Store Ratings
Apple App Store: 4.7 stars (1,500+ ratings)
Google Play Store: 4.5 stars (900+ ratings)
Check out Simplifi’s trial here (affiliate link).
Comparison Table: Top Free Budgeting Apps
App | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Ideal User Type | App Store Rating (iOS/Android) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EveryDollar | Zero-based, manual entry | Simple, beginner-friendly | No bank sync | Budgeting newbies | 4.7 / 4.4 |
YNAB | Detailed, bank sync | Powerful, educational | Paid after trial | Serious budgeters | 4.8 / 4.6 |
Goodbudget | Envelope system, shared | Great for couples | Limited envelopes | Couples, families | 4.6 / 3.7 |
PocketGuard | Auto-tracking | Easy, shows spare cash | Basic free version | Quick overview fans | 4.6 / 4.2 |
Honeydue | Couples-focused | Privacy options, bill tracking | Not for solo use | Couples | 4.5 / 4.3 |
Simplifi | Household budgeting | Multi-user, detailed | Paid after trial | Families | 4.7 / 4.5 |
Wrapping Up the Best Free Budgeting Apps
There you go, my top picks for the best free budgeting apps in 2025! Whether you’re new to budgeting or a pro looking for fresh app reviews, these tools can help you win at money without spending a cent. I’m all about finding systems that automate the boring stuff and free up time for what matters, like tweaking my latest content site or testing a new side hustle. Pick the app that vibes with your style and start building your financial freedom today. Got a favorite? Let me know, and happy saving!
Read more:
How to Budget on a Variable Income and Save $500 Every Month
