In today’s fast-paced digital world, managing personal finances has become easier than ever—thanks to smart budgeting apps. Whether you’re trying to track your expenses, build savings, pay off debt, or simply become more financially aware, there’s a budgeting app to help you take control of your money.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best budgeting apps in the USA in 2025, based on user reviews, features, and overall effectiveness.
1. Mint
Best For: Beginners & All-In-One Budgeting
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free
Overview:
Mint is one of the most popular budgeting apps in the U.S., offering a complete view of your finances. It automatically syncs with your bank accounts, credit cards, and bills to track spending and categorize expenses.
Top Features:
- Real-time tracking of income and expenses
- Bill reminders
- Credit score monitoring
- Goal setting and financial tips
Pros: Easy to use, fully automated
Cons: Ads can be distracting
2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best For: Serious Budgeters
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: $14.99/month or $99/year (Free trial available)
Overview:
YNAB uses a zero-based budgeting method—every dollar gets a job. It focuses on proactive budgeting and changing your relationship with money.
Top Features:
- Assign every dollar to a category
- Real-time tracking and sync
- Detailed reports and goal tracking
- Strong educational resources
Pros: Helps reduce overspending
Cons: Learning curve for beginners
3. EveryDollar
Best For: Simple Zero-Based Budgeting
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free basic plan, $12.99/month for premium
Overview:
Developed by Ramsey Solutions, EveryDollar is a straightforward budgeting app that follows the zero-based budgeting principle.
Top Features:
- Manual entry or automatic sync (Premium)
- Custom budgeting categories
- Baby Steps financial goals (Premium)
- Expense tracking and reminders
Pros: Easy interface, faith-based approach for some users
Cons: Auto-sync only in the paid version
4. PocketGuard
Best For: Preventing Overspending
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free basic plan, $7.99/month for PocketGuard Plus
Overview:
PocketGuard automatically connects to your financial accounts and shows how much disposable income you have after bills, goals, and necessities.
Top Features:
- “In My Pocket” feature to show spendable money
- Bill negotiation services
- Track subscriptions
- Custom categories with PocketGuard Plus
Pros: Excellent for managing daily spending
Cons: Limited customization in the free version
5. Goodbudget
Best For: Envelope Budgeting System
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free basic plan, $8/month or $70/year for Plus
Overview:
Goodbudget is a digital version of the envelope system where you allocate money to virtual envelopes for various categories.
Top Features:
- Syncs across devices (great for couples)
- Debt payoff and savings tracking
- Historical spending reports
- Manual entry (no bank sync)
Pros: Ideal for shared budgeting
Cons: Requires manual input
6. Monarch Money
Best For: Family Budgeting & Wealth Tracking
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: $14.99/month or $99/year
Overview:
Monarch Money is a newer, all-in-one personal finance app with a sleek design and powerful planning tools.
Top Features:
- Syncs with all financial accounts
- Net worth tracking
- Collaborative budgeting (great for couples/families)
- Investment tracking
Pros: Highly customizable
Cons: Paid-only, no free version
7. Empower (formerly Personal Capital)
Best For: Investment and Budget Tracking
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free
Overview:
Empower focuses on building long-term wealth and financial planning while also offering strong budgeting tools.
Top Features:
- Budget tracking and cash flow analysis
- Investment performance tracking
- Retirement planning tools
- Net worth dashboard
Pros: Great for high-income earners and investors
Cons: Less focused on daily budgeting
8. Zeta
Best For: Couples Budgeting
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free
Overview:
Zeta is a budgeting app designed specifically for couples—married or not. It allows joint tracking of bills, goals, and shared expenses.
Top Features:
- Track individual and shared accounts
- Automated bill splitting
- In-app messaging for finances
- Financial planning for milestones
Pros: Couple-friendly features
Cons: Still growing in features compared to older apps
9. Honeydue
Best For: Couples Who Want Visibility, Not Full Merging
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Overview:
Honeydue allows couples to see each other’s finances without fully combining them, promoting transparency and communication.
Top Features:
- Shared budget categories
- Bill reminders and due dates
- Emoji reactions for fun communication
- Optional bank account linking
Pros: Lighthearted approach to money
Cons: Not suitable for complex budgets
10. Spendee
Best For: Visual Budgeting & Global Users
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free basic plan, Premium from $2.99/month
Overview:
Spendee is a visually appealing app great for users who want colorful, easy-to-understand graphs and insights.
Top Features:
- Manual or automatic syncing
- Multi-currency support
- Shared wallets for group budgeting
- Expense and income categorization
Pros: Excellent visual insights
Cons: Limited features in free version
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best budgeting app depends on your financial goals, lifestyle, and how hands-on you want to be. For beginners, Mint or EveryDollar may be a great start. For those ready to commit to a structured approach, YNAB is hard to beat. Couples might prefer Zeta or Honeydue, while investors can benefit from Empower.