Best Budget Planner Apps for 2024: Review, Features, and Pricing

Do you want to take your finances to the next level and crush your money goals? If you’re nodding your head, then you need a budget planner app in your life. 

A budget planner app is like a personal finance coach that helps you track your income and spending, categorize your transactions, and plan your budget. With a budget planner app, you can see where your money is going, find ways to save or spend smarter, and set realistic and achievable goals for your money. Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a dream trip, invest for retirement, or simply live within your means, a budget planner app can help you get there.

But how do you know which budget planner app is the best for you? There are so many options out there, and they all claim to be the best. Well, don’t worry, because we’ve done the research for you. In this article, we will review some of the best budget planner apps for 2024 according to various sources and criteria. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of which budget planner app is right for you and how to use it effectively.

1. Mint

Mint is one of the most popular and well-known budget apps out there. It’s free to use and it lets you link all your financial accounts in one place. You can see how much money you have, how much you spend, and how much you save. Mint also helps you create a budget that works for you and alerts you when you’re about to go over it. Mint also has some cool features like bill negotiation, credit score check, net worth calculation, and personalized tips and advice.

Features

• Track your income and spending and see where your money is going
• Create a budget that suits your needs and goals and set limits for each category
• Get alerts when you’re close to overspending or when there are ways to save more money
• Negotiate your bills
• Check your credit score for free
• Calculate your net worth and see how it changes over time
• Get personalized insights and recommendations based on your financial situation and habits

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It’s free
• It’s easy to set up and use
• It syncs with many financial accounts and institutions
• It gives you a comprehensive view of your finances
• It provides helpful tools and tips for improving your financial health

Cons

• It may not support some smaller banks or credit unions
• It may have issues with syncing or updating some accounts
• It may show ads or promotions for other financial products or services
• It may not offer enough customization or flexibility for some users

Pricing

Mint is free to use. You don’t have to pay anything to use it.

User Reviews

Mint has very high ratings in both the App Store and Google Play. It has over 953,600 ratings in the App Store with an average of 4.4 stars out of 5. It has over 1.2 million ratings in Google Play with an average of 4.3 stars out of 5. Users love Mint for its convenience, simplicity, functionality, and security. Some users don’t like Mint because of technical issues, ads, or lack of features

2. YNAB

YNAB stands for You Need A Budget, and that’s exactly what this app helps you create. YNAB is based on the zero-based budgeting system, which means you give every dollar a job to do before you spend it. YNAB also helps you plan for your irregular or unexpected expenses, adjust your budget when things change, and get ahead of your bills by using last month’s income. YNAB also offers features such as loan calculator, goal tracking, spending and net worth reports, and online workshops.

Features

• Link your financial accounts and see all your financial information in one place
• Sync different devices to access your budget from anywhere
• Plan for your non-monthly or unexpected expenses by breaking them down into smaller monthly amounts
• Track goals and prioritize spending
• Calculate how much interest and time you can save by paying extra on your debt
• See your spending and net worth trends over time with colorful reports

Pros and Cons

What we liked about YNAB:

• It helps you be proactive and intentional with your money
• It syncs with many financial accounts and institutions
• It offers a comprehensive view of your finances
• It provides helpful tools and tips for improving your financial health
• It has a friendly and supportive community and customer service

What could be improved:

• It has a learning curve and may take some time to get used to
• It may not support some smaller banks or credit unions
• It may have issues with syncing or updating some accounts

Pricing

YNAB is not free to use. You can try it for 34 days for free, but after that you have to pay a subscription fee. You can choose to pay monthly or annually. The monthly fee is $14.99, while the annual fee is $99.99.

User Reviews

YNAB has high ratings in both the App Store and Google Play. It has over 40,000 ratings in the App Store with an average of 4.8 stars out of 5. It has over 13,500 ratings in Google Play with an average of 4.5 stars out of 5. Users love YNAB for its method, functionality, simplicity, and security. Some users don’t like YNAB because of technical issues, price, or lack of features.

3. Simplifi

Simplifi is a budget planner app that helps you manage your finances and stay on top of your spending. It’s designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, with a simple interface that makes it easy to track your expenses and set budgets.

Features

Simplifi comes with a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to manage their finances more effectively. Some of the key features include:

• Budget tracking: Simplifi makes it easy to set up and track your budgets, so you can see exactly where your money is going each month.
• Expense tracking: With Simplifi, you can easily track your expenses and see how much you’re spending on different categories like food, entertainment, and more.
• Bill reminders: Simplifi can help you stay on top of your bills by sending you reminders when they’re due.
• Customizable categories: You can customize the categories in Simplifi to match your spending habits and make it easier to track your expenses.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Simplifi:

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Customizable categories
• Bill reminders

Cons

• Limited features compared to other budgeting apps
• No investment tracking

Pricing

Simplifi offers a 30-day free trial, after which it costs $5.99 per month or $35.88 billed annually.

User Reviews

Simplifi has an average rating of 4.1 stars on the App Store, with users praising how it lets them prioritize their goals. 

4. Goodbuget

Goodbudget is a budget planner app that uses the envelope budgeting method to help you manage your finances. It’s designed to be simple and easy to use, with a focus on helping you stay on top of your spending.

Features

Goodbudget comes with a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to manage their finances more effectively. Some of the key features include:

• Envelope budgeting: Goodbudget uses the envelope budgeting method to help you manage your finances, which involves dividing your money into different categories and putting it into envelopes.
• Expense tracking: With Goodbudget, you can easily track your expenses and see how much you’re spending on different categories like food, entertainment, and more.
• Bill reminders: Goodbudget can help you stay on top of your bills by sending you reminders when they’re due.
• Customizable categories: You can customize the categories in Goodbudget to match your spending habits and make it easier to track your expenses.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Goodbudget:

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• Envelope budgeting method
• Bill reminders

Cons

• Limited features with the free plan
• No investment tracking

Pricing

Goodbudget offers a free version with limited features, as well as a paid version called Goodbudget Plus that costs $8 per month or $70 per year.

User Reviews

Goodbudget has an average rating of 4.7 stars on the App Store and 4.2 stars on Google Play, with users praising its simplicity and helpful features.

5. EveryDollar

EveryDollar is a budgeting software that was created by Dave Ramsey, a well-known financial expert and author. The app is designed to help you create and manage your budget, with a focus on the zero-based budgeting method.

Features

Some of the key features include:

• Zero-based budgeting: EveryDollar uses the zero-based budgeting method to help you manage your finances, which involves giving every dollar a job and making sure that your income minus your expenses equals zero.
• Expense tracking: With EveryDollar, you can easily track your expenses and see how much you’re spending on different categories like food, entertainment, and more.
• Customizable categories: You can customize the categories in EveryDollar to match your spending habits and make it easier to track your expenses.
• Baby Steps app: The paid version of EveryDollar (Ramsey +) comes with a Baby Steps app that helps you work through Dave Ramsey’s seven-step plan for getting out of debt and building wealth.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using EveryDollar:

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• Zero-based budgeting method
• Baby Steps app (paid version)

Cons

• No bill management features
• Free version requires manual transaction entry

Pricing

EveryDollar offers a free 14-day trial, as well as a paid version that costs $12.99 per month or $79.99 per year.

User Reviews

EveryDollar has an average rating of 4.7 stars on the App Store, with users praising its simplicity and helpful features.

6. Empower Personal Wealth

Empower Personal Wealth is a budgeting app that helps you manage your finances and reach your financial goals. The app is designed for high-net worth individuals, with a range of features that make it a great choice for people looking to take control of their finances.

Features

Empower Personal Wealth comes with a range of features that make it easy to manage your finances and stay on track with your financial goals. Some of the key features include:

• Budgeting tools: Empower Personal Wealth comes with a range of budgeting tools that make it easy to create and manage your budget, including automatic categorization of your expenses and the ability to set spending limits for different categories.
• Savings tools: Easily set savings goals and track your progress towards them.
• Investment tools: The app also comes with investment tools that make it easy to invest your money in stocks and other assets.
• Financial coaching: Empower Personal Wealth offers personalized coaching to help you reach your financial goals.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Empower Personal Wealth:

Pros

• Tax optimization strategies
• Range of budgeting, savings, and investment tools
• Personalized financial coaching

Cons

• Need a $100,000 account minimum
• Monthly fee is required for some features

Pricing

The app and website are free to use. You only have to pay for wealth management services or advisors.

Ratings/Reviews

Empower Personal Wealth has an average rating of 4.7 stars on the App Store, with users praising like the visualization features, and easy-to-understand views of the big picture.

7. PocketGuard

PocketGuard is a budgeting app that helps you keep track of your finances and stay on top of your spending. The app is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to take control of their finances.

Features

PocketGuard comes withs some of the key features:

• Alerts: get notifications whenever you get a fee.
• Savings tools: With PocketGuard, you can easily set savings goals and track your progress towards them.
• Suspicious spending alerts: Whenever there is an unusual transaction you’ll get notified.
• Credit score monitoring: PocketGuard offers credit score monitoring to help you keep track of your credit score and identify areas for improvement.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using PocketGuard:

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• Range of budgeting, savings, and bill tracking tools
• Credit score monitoring

Cons

• Customization limits with the free account
• Website can be challenging to navigate

Pricing

PocketGuard offers a free version with limited features, as well as a paid version called PocketGuard Plus that costs $7.99 per month or $34.99 per year.

User Reviews

PocketGuard has an average rating of 4.7 stars on the App Store and 4.3 stars on Google Play. detail-oriented users who want to monitor their spending habits, especially month over month will enjoy using the app.

8. Honeydue

Honeydue is a budgeting app that helps couples manage their finances together. The app is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a range of features that make it a great choice for couples looking to take control of their finances together.

Features

Honeydue comes with a range of features that make it easy to manage your finances and stay on track with your financial goals. Some of the key features include:

• Joint accounts: Honeydue allows you to link your accounts with your partner’s accounts, so you can see all your finances in one place.
• Budgeting tools: Easy to create and manage your budget, including automatic categorization of your expenses, monthly bill organizer, and the ability to set spending limits for different categories.
• Bill tracking: With Honeydue, you can easily keep track of your bills and avoid late fees.
• Chat feature: The app also comes with a chat feature that makes it easy to communicate with your partner about your finances.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Honeydue:

Pros

• Designed for couples
• Joint accounts make it easy to manage finances together
• Range of budgeting and bill tracking tools

Cons

• Limited online support
• No saving tools

Pricing

Honeydue is free to use. Although you will find in-app ads.

User Reviews

Honeydue has an average rating of 4.5 stars on the App Store with users praising its simplicity and helpful features. Many people like the chat feature, while others suggest improvements such as the ability to see individual totals and temporarily adjust bill amount.

9. Fudget

Fudget is a budgeting app that helps you keep track of your finances and stay on top of your spending. The app is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to take control of their finances.

Features

Fudget comes with a range of features that make it easy to manage your finances and stay on track with your financial goals. Some of the key features include:

• Simple interface: Fudget has a simple interface that makes it easy to create and manage your budget.
• Budgeting tools: The app comes with a range of budgeting tools that make it easy to create and manage your budget, including the ability to set spending limits for different categories, and a monthly calendar for tracking.
• No ads: Fudget is completely ad-free, so you can focus on managing your finances without any distractions.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using Fudget:

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• No ads
• Range of budgeting tools

Cons

• Missing accounts, and automatic transfer
• Can be time-consuming to use the app

Pricing

Fudget offers a free version, and the paid version called Fudget Premium costs $20 per year.

User Reviews

Fudget has an average rating of 4.8 stars on the App Store and 3.7 stars on Google Play. Users thought the Fudget app is a good basis for monthly planning and can be adapted as an excellent cash flow monitor and budget planner. They also said they would pay for a feature that allows expenses to be combined without affecting balances and line graphs of different categories of expenses over time.

Budget planners FAQs

What is the 70% rule to plan your budget?

The 70% rule It’s a simple method for creating a budget that allows you to live comfortably while also saving for your future. Basically, the rule says that you should allocate 70% of your income towards living expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities. 

The remaining 30% in your bank account can then be split between savings and discretionary spending, giving you the flexibility to enjoy life without risking your financial stability. 

What is the 50 30 20 budget rule?

The 50 30 20 budget rule is a financial guideline and budget planner method that can help you manage your money and reach your financial goals. 

Essentially, the rule suggests that you divide your after-tax income into three categories: 50% for necessities like housing, food, and transportation, 30% for discretionary spending like entertainment and hobbies, and the remaining 20% for saving and investing. 

While this budgeting rule isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it can provide a helpful starting point for creating a budget that works for you. 

Is YNAB or Mint better?

YNAB (You Need A Budget) is a budgeting app that helps you take control of your finances and reach your financial goals. The app is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to take control of their finances. Some of the key features of YNAB include:

• Budgeting tools: YNAB comes with a range of budgeting tools that make it easy to create and manage your budget, including automatic categorization of your expenses and the ability to set spending limits for different categories, managing a monthly budget and more.
• Savings tools: With YNAB, you can easily set savings goals and track your progress toward them.
• Debt tracking and payoff tools: The app also comes with debt payoff tools that make it easy to pay off your debt and stay on track with your financial goals.

Mint is a budgeting app that helps you keep track of your finances and stay on top of your spending. The app is designed to be simple and easy to use, with a range of features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to take control of their finances. Some of the key features of Mint include:

• Budgeting tools: Mint comes with a range of budgeting tools that make it easy to create and manage your budget, including automatic categorization of your expenses and the ability to set spending limits for different categories.
• Bill tracking: With Mint, you can easily keep track of your bills and avoid late fees.
• Credit score monitoring: The app also offers credit score monitoring to help you keep track of your credit score and identify areas for improvement.

In terms of pricing, YNAB costs $11.99 per month or $84 per year, while Mint is completely free.

Both apps have high ratings on the App Store and Google Play, so it really comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for an app that focuses on helping you save money and get out of debt, YNAB might be the better choice. If you’re looking for a free app that offers automatic categorization of expenses and credit score monitoring, Mint might be the better choice.

What does a budgeting app do?

A budgeting app tracks your monthly income, cash flow, and expenses, categorizes them, and gives you a clear picture of where your money is going each month. You can set savings goals, track progress, and get notifications when bills are due or when you go over budget. The best budgeting planners also allow you to link your accounts, so you can see all your financial activity in one place. 

How much do budgeting apps cost?

The good news is that there are plenty of options out there that are completely free. You don’t have to spend a dime to get your finances in order with some of the most popular budgeting apps. 

However, if you’re looking for more advanced features or personalized financial advice, some apps may come with a price tag. The cost of the best budget planners and apps can range from $2.99 to $15.99 per month, depending on the features and services included.